Header image with Photo of Supervisor Pat Bates. Followed by office information
August 3, 2012

Pat Bates's Picture

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. TAX COLLECTOR COLLECTIBLES

5. HEALTH HERALD

6. SAFETY SENTRY

7. HARBOR HAPPENINGS

8. NOTES FROM THE FIELD

9. LIBRARY LESSONS & SESSIONS

10. CRITTER CHRONICLES

11. LAW LIBRARY

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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Volume 6 Issue 30
BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

Lower Newport Bay Dredging Project Approved

The Board approved an agreement with the City of Newport Beach for maintenance dredging of Lower Newport Bay. This project will enhance navigation in Newport Harbor and benefit all harbor users.

The City of Newport Beach awarded a dredging contract to R.E. Staite Engineering for high priority dredging areas in the Bay. To augment the existing work being done, the County has contracted for areas under County control to be simultaneously dredged. The County anticipates this will cost approximately $640,000, which is a significant savings compared to the cost of an exclusive County-only dredging contract.

For more information, please click here.

New Location for Wild Rivers Water Park Approved

The Board approved a lease agreement between OC Public Works and Wild Rivers Irvine, LLC for the establishment of a Wild Rivers waterpark on 17 acres of the County's El Toro 100-acre parcel.

The lease agreement will last 25 years, with a mutual option to extend the term for two 10-year option terms, for a total possible term of 45 years. The long awaited return of the Wild Rivers waterpark will result in significant recreational and economic benefit for Orange County and is expected to open in summer 2014.

For more information on this exciting development, please click here.

Annual Approval of Mello-Roos

The Board approved the levying of Community Facilities District (CFD) Mello-Roos rates, as required by California Government Code. This authorizes the Treasurer Tax Collector’s office to include the Mello-Roos charge on property tax bills being sent out in the coming months.

For more information, please click here and here. To read my recent editorial on this issue, please click here.

COUNTY CONNECTIONS

OC Veterans Advisory Council Strategic Planning Session

On July 19, the Orange County Veterans Advisory Council (OCVAC) met with County staff from the Veterans Service Office (VSO), Community Investment Division, Health Care Agency, and the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Senior Citizens Advisory Council (SCAC) for a strategic planning session. Also in attendance were representatives of the Board offices, including a member of my staff.

The OCVAC Strategic Planning Session, which was held at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base, included presentations by the Deputy Secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs, OC Community Services Director Karen Roper, and the SCAC Chair, after which the group turned its focus to a strategic planning/goal-setting discussion.

The discussion yielded many ideas for charting a course to maximize resources to better serve our County’s outstanding veterans. Goals and priorities, along with some short-term and long-term action plans, were set in the broad categories of Communication, Education, Employment, Financial, Health Care, Housing, Legal, OCVAC Internal, and Personal.

In addition to a summary of OCVAC’s goals, a PowerPoint presentation was also provided, which outlined the challenges that our veterans in Orange County face. Among the top priorities listed by the OCVAC members was the need to access information on the resources and services available to our veterans of Orange County.

In response to that need, at our July 24 Board of Supervisors meeting, I gave a directive to all County of Orange department heads to provide a list of all resources, programs and services within their respective departments, and all subdivisions therein, that give priority or are specific to veterans and/or their dependents.

I’m pleased to report that upon compiling the information, OC Community Services staff will create a comprehensive County of Orange Veterans Resources Directory and will recommend to the Board an appropriate methodology to disseminate this important and much needed information for our valued veterans in Orange County.

For information on the Orange County Veterans Advisory Council, please click here.

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

Closure of I-5 Southbound Off-Ramp at Alicia Parkway

Caltrans will close the I-5 southbound off-ramp at Alicia Parkway from 11:59 PM, Friday, August 3 through 5:00 AM, Monday, August 6. For more information, please click here and here.

$ Millions Headed to Cities for Street Improvements

Cities will see an influx of dollars to improve their streets and roads, following the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors’ approval of funding for 54 projects last week.

Every Orange County city and the County will receive a share of $21 million for improvements that are expected to be under construction by the middle of next year. The projects range from street rehabilitation to pavement repair to a bicycle trail reconstruction.

35 Orange County agencies submitted applications for the funds, which are available through a grant program, as part of the Proposition 1B bond that provides nearly $20 billion for transportation improvements throughout the state.

The funds require dollar-for-dollar matching funds that must be provided through a local transportation sales tax, such as Orange County's Measure M. Of the 87 applications that were submitted, 54 projects were approved by OCTA for funding. The projects need final approval from the state.

Some of the nominated projects include:
  • A pavement rehabilitation project in San Juan Capistrano for which the city will receive $318,000 to complete the $636,000 project.
  • The Jamboree Road rehabilitation between Chapman Avenue and South City Limits in Orange. The grant will give the city $1,035,045 to be matched for a total project cost of $2,070,090.
  • The Sunkist Street improvements from Cerritos Avenue to Tryon Avenue in Anaheim. The city will receive $834,095 for the project and match that for a total project cost of $1,668.190.
Transit System Study Pilot Projects Get Green Light

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors is moving forward with four pilot projects, as part of the agency’s Transit System Study recommendations. The study originated in December 2011 and was conducted in order to find better ways to operate and provide transit services throughout the county. The goal of the study was to find ways to make the transit system more cost effective and efficient and to ensure long-term sustainability.

The improvements slated to be implemented are:

  • Modifications to existing routes 70 and 90 to improve service connections. Start date: October 2012
  • Faster local service on Harbor Boulevard with underlying local service in place. Start date: June 2013
  • Express service on SR-73 between the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station and the Irvine Business Complex/ South Coast Metro areas. Start date: October 2013
  • Express service on SR-22 between the Santa Ana train station and City of Long Beach. Start date: February 2014
$1.2 Million for Improved ACCESS Paratransit Services

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) this week awarded the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) $1.2 million to improve ACCESS paratransit operations throughout Orange County.

Federal funds will allow OCTA to replace 17 buses used as part of ACCESS. The new buses will improve efficiency of the service and reduce operating costs by allowing more passengers to be transported per trip. The 24-foot buses can carry up to five wheelchair passengers at a time, as opposed to the current buses that accommodate two wheelchair passengers.

OCTA’s ACCESS service provides more than 1 million annual trips. The competitive grant award was part of the DOT’s Bus Livability and State of Good Repair program, which provided $787 million to agencies across the nation to modernize and improve buses and transit facilities.

In addition to replacing part of the ACCESS bus fleet, OCTA opened the doors this year to a new indoor, simulated transit facility used to determine passenger eligibility for the paratransit service.

One of only four nationwide, the transit simulator facility includes a 40-foot OCTA bus, sidewalks, wheelchair-accessible curbs, crosswalk and operating traffic signals to fully replicate a bus stop.

Prior to the opening of the facility, passengers were taken outdoors to test their ability to navigate uneven surfaces and curbs, but did not board a bus. Evaluators can now test a passenger’s ability to navigate a variety of different surfaces, board a bus and pay the fare, all within a controlled environment.

TAX COLLECTOR COLLECTIBLES

Secured Property Value Notices Mailed

Last week, the Office of the Assessor completed mailing over 850,000 Secured Property Value notices for the 2012-13 fiscal year. These notices are sent to all property owners to indicate the value as of the January 1 lien date, as well as any exemptions listed for the property.

The value on the notices will be the basis for calculating secured property taxes due for this fiscal year. The Office of the Treasurer-Tax Collector will mail secured tax bills in late October. As soon as they start mailing the secured tax bills, they will also be available online.

If you disagree with the value listed on the notice, you can file an application for a changed assessment (assessment appeal) with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors. All applications must be filed between by September 17. For more information, please call the Clerk of the Board at (714) 834-2331 ext. 1 or click here.

As property tax bills are mailed after the above September deadline, you must file your appeal prior to getting the tax bill in order for your appeal to be valid. Even if you file an appeal, you are required to pay your property taxes on time to avoid incurring any late penalties.

If you have any questions about the value of your property, please contact the Assessor at (714) 834-2727 or click here. If you have questions about the appeal process, please contact the Clerk of the Board. If you have any questions for the Office of the Treasurer-Tax Collector, please e-mail ttcinfo@ttc.ocgov.com or call a customer service representative at (714) 834-3411 from 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM.

For more information, please click here.

HEALTH HERALD

Pertussis Vaccinations Required For All 7th Graders

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) encourages parents to put vaccinations at the top of their back-to-school list. All students entering 7th grade need proof of an adolescent whooping cough booster immunization (called “Tdap”) for school entry. Parents should know that, unlike last year, there will not be a grace period.

The Tdap booster protects and prevents the spread of pertussis (whooping cough), a dangerous disease that was at epidemic levels in 2010 in California. In 2012, a majority of US States (but not California) are experiencing increased pertussis activity or outbreaks.

Vaccine is widely available from medical providers, including community clinics throughout Orange County. Individuals that do not have medical insurance covering the vaccination or who are unable to obtain the vaccination from their healthcare provider may obtain vaccine free of charge from the Health Care Agency’s Immunization Clinic, located at 1725 W. 17th Street in Santa Ana, on the following dates and times:
  • Every Thursday through September 20, 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (closed for lunch)
  • Saturday, August 25, 8:00 AM – noon
  • Tuesday, August 28, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
For more information, please call the Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448 or click here and here.

Atypical Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

Atypical Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases associated with Coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6) have been reported in California since late last year and CVA6 has now been detected in Orange County. Increased HFMD activity has also been anecdotally reported.

HFMD mainly affects children 5 years of age and under, and outbreaks usually occur during the summer and fall months. For more information, please click here.

SAFETY SENTRY

Learn the ABC's of Pool Safety

With summer in full swing, most families are hanging out by the pool or at the ocean. Sadly, Orange County had nine drownings in July and 12 in June. That number should be at zero.

According to the Orange County Fire Authority, California leads the nation in drowning accidents. These needless tragedies are the leading cause of accidental injury and death in children under the age of five. Drowning prevention and water safety should be practiced on a year-round basis, with special emphasis during the summer months.

For a list of water safety tips, please click here.

OCFA: On the Frontline

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) has released the latest edition of their On the Frontline newsletter. To view the OCFA newsletter, please click here.

HARBOR HAPPENINGS

Dana Point Shipyard Receives Clean Marina Certification

In keeping with Dana Point Harbor’s tradition of being a leader in environmental achievements, Dana Point Shipyard is the first facility in Southern California to receive the California Clean Maritime Facility Certification. This certification is based on meeting numerous environmental requirements, various high-compliance standards, best management practices, and passing a facility verification inspection.

The recent certification of the Shipyard joins the other Dana Point Harbor certifications received to date and reflects the County’s commitment to a clean and healthy environment for Dana Point Harbor and its boaters. For more information, please click here.

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 Friday, August 10. For more information, please click here and here.

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Passes for OC Parks and County Beaches Now Half Price

All OC Parks 2012 annual parking passes are now available at half price. Each year, the annual passes are discounted beginning August 1.

OC Parks annual passes and decals allow for convenient access to your favorite regional and wilderness parks, as well as all County beach parks. Enjoy a day of hiking, mountain biking, exploring, surfing, or rest and relaxation in nature with simple pre-paid parking at all locations.

For more information, please click here, here and here.

LIBRARY LESSONS & SESSIONS

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.

Laguna Niguel Library Grand Re-Opening

You are cordially invited to attend the celebration of the re-opening of the Laguna Niguel Library, taking place Sunday, August 19 at 12:00 noon. Tour the expanded and beautifully improved library while enjoying refreshments and entertainment for all ages. To view the invitation, please click here.

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.

LAW LIBRARY

Summer Youth Education Conference

Orange County high school students will have the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look next week at what it’s like to be a prosecutor, police detective, and judge during the 13th Annual Summer Youth Education Conference. This weeklong program will begin Monday, August 6 at 8:30 AM and will include over 35 hours of hands-on activities, culminating in a mock trial and a graduation ceremony Friday, August 10.

The Summer Youth Education Conference gives students interested in law enforcement a better understanding of the criminal justice system. Students will have an opportunity to visit numerous government agencies and network with criminal justice professionals. This year, 25 students from thirteen school districts throughout Orange County were selected to participate.

Participants will visit the Santa Ana Police Department, U.S. Courthouse, Orange County Sheriff’s Training Facility, Orange County Crime Laboratory, and Coroner’s office. Educational workshops will be presented by police officers, OCDA investigators, prosecutors, community agencies, and other criminal justice professionals.

Applications for the program will be accepted March 1 through April 15, 2013, from students who exhibit an interest in learning about the legal and criminal justice system. Those interested in applying for the 2013 conference can visit the Orange County District Attorney’s website and select “Summer Youth Education Conference” under “Education and Resources.”

The program is open to Orange County high school students between 16 and 18 years old. For more information, please click here.

FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

South County City Recognized for Performance Management

The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) has recognized the City of San Clemente for its performance management efforts with a Certificate of Achievement from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Center for Performance Measurement™ (CPM).

The Center encourages the use of performance information in a positive, continuous-learning environment to foster organizational cultures that deliver results that matter. ICMA advances professional local government worldwide and its certificate program recognizes the principles of performance management.

San Clemente is among just five jurisdictions receiving the honor this year. For more information, please click here.

SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

Rancho Santa Margarita: Final Summer Concerts

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita invites you to enjoy the final two FREE concerts of fantastic musical performances this summer on August 5 and 12 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 pm in Central Park. For more information, please click here.

San Clemente: Fiesta Street Festival

The San Clemente Fiesta Street Festival features fun and activities for the whole family on Sunday, August 12 from 9:00 AM until 7:00 PM on Avenida Del Mar in beautiful San Clemente. For more information, please click here and here.

FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP

In addition to my many meetings, briefings, and other supervisorial activities, I also:
  • Participated in the Orange County Mental Health Board Community Outreach Meeting in Mission Viejo.
  • Delivered a County Update at a meeting of The Kiwanis Club of Lake Forest.
  • Adjourned the Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of Mark Fisher of San Clemente.
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.

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