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November 9, 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. PAT’S PERSPECTIVE
2. BOARD BULLETIN BOARD
3. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
4. AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
5. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS
6. NOTES FROM THE FIELD
7. RECORDER RECORDS
8. LIBRARY LESSONS & SESSIONS
9. CRITTER CHRONICLES
10. HARBOR HAPPENINGS
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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| PAT’S PERSPECTIVE |
Honoring our Veterans
Sunday, November 11, is Veterans Day.
Originally, November 11 was designated “Armistice Day” to honor those who fought in World War I (the First World War ended November 11, 1918). In 1954, Congress changed the name to Veterans Day to recognize all American veterans.
It is very fitting that we honor our veterans shortly after Election Day, as it is our veterans who sacrificed to ensure that we remain a country that is able to have elections.
Sometimes our elections turn out the way we want and other times they are disappointing. No matter the outcome, it is a testament to our American system and the veterans who fought for that system that our elections occur peacefully, fairly, and freely.
Elections and a free society are rare in human history. As such, our way of life is dependent upon having brave men and women who are willing to risk their lives in its defense.
Please take some time this weekend to honor our veterans and show your gratitude for the freedoms they help protect.
Wishing a happy Veterans Day to all those who served!
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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, November 20. 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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| TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION |
OCTA Public Member
At a Special Board meeting held today, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors voted to reappoint Gregory T. Winterbottom to one of two Public Member seats on the Board. His term will commence January 12, 2013.
Amendment to Measure M2 Investment Plan
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors held a public hearing on and approved an amendment within the freeway mode of the Measure M2 Transportation Investment Plan.
The proposed amendment to the Measure M2 Transportation Investment Plan is to address the $709 million needed in escalated dollars on the I-405 Widening Project (Project K).
The amendment would utilize project cost savings on SR-91 Improvement Project (Project J) by allocating $709 million, a portion of the $847 million in savings currently allocated to Project J, to Project K. This action will still maintain a balance of M2 funding of over $139 million for future SR-91 improvements beyond funding needed for projects identified.
On October 9, 2012, the proposed amendment was approved unanimously by the Measure M Taxpayers Oversight Committee.
Metrolink’s Holiday Toy Express
In December, Metrolink’s Holiday Toy Express will be bringing festive fun and collecting new toys for needy children as it travels through Orange County cities.
Each year, a Metrolink train lit with more than 50,000 colorful lights takes Santa and Mrs. Claus to Metrolink stations, greeting people participating in the Spark of Love Toy Drive.
Orange County firefighters will be collecting donations of unwrapped new toys and sports equipment at the stations for children of less fortunate families in the community.
The train will be making stops at Orange County Metrolink stations on the following dates and locations:
Saturday, Dec. 8
- 7:45 PM at San Clemente North Beach
Saturday, Dec. 15
- 5:00 PM at Irvine
- 5:45 PM at Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo
- 6:45 PM at San Juan Capistrano
- 7:45 PM at Tustin
Sunday, Dec. 16
- 5:00 PM at Santa Ana
- 5:45 PM at Orange
- 6:30 PM at Anaheim
- 7:15 PM at Fullerton
Saturday, Dec. 22
Outgoing TCA Board Members
At Thursday’s Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Board of Directors meetings, we honored members of the Board who will not be returning next year.
The Foothill Eastern TCA Board honored Director Jim Dahl of San Clemente, Director Jerry Amante of Tustin, and Director Carolyn Caveche of Orange.
The San Joaquin Hills Board honored Director Jim Dahl of San Clemente and Director Joe Lautenschleger of Laguna Hills. Director Lautenschleger had served for over 20 years on TCA and Jim Dahl had served for 15 years.
I thank all of these individuals for their efforts to improve mobility throughout our County.
The Toll Roads VIEWSLETTER
The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) has released its November edition of The Toll Roads VIEWSLETTER. To view the TCA publication, please click here.
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| AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES |
Transportation Security Administration Pre✓™ Program
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) plans to implement the Pre✓™ Program at John Wayne Airport beginning December 2012.
The Pre✓™ Program is part of TSA’s broader effort to implement risk-based security concepts that enhance security by focusing efforts on travelers considered high-risk and about whom the agency knows less.
U.S. citizens who are members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) “Trusted Traveler” programs, such as Global Entry, and certain frequent flyers are eligible to participate in the Pre✓™ Program. Initially, the Pre✓™ Program will be available only at the Terminal A Checkpoint.
Participation in the program allows members to receive expedited screening benefits during domestic travel, which may include:
- Being able to leave shoes, light outerwear and belt on.
- Keeping a laptop in its case.
- Leaving 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry-on.
A description of the Pre✓™ Program can be found at www.tsa.gov. Details about CBP’s Trusted Travelers programs and instructions on how to enroll in Global Entry can be found at www.globalentry.gov.
JWA Adds Convenient Services for Online and Mobile Users
John Wayne Airport (JWA) this week launched an updated version of its mobile website and a new live flight tracker service that can be accessed on the Airport homepage or mobile site. The updated mobile website includes a more user-friendly interface and the flight tracker allows users to look up the flight status information for airlines flying to or from John Wayne Airport.
For more information, please click here.
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| ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS |
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Public Meeting
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will hold a public meeting Friday, November 16 to discuss Southern California Edison’s (SCE) response to the NRC confirmatory action letter concerning actions required to be taken to address steam generator tube degradation at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS).
The meeting will be held at the Doubletree Guest Suites, Doheny Beach, 34402 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and will include a presentation by SCE on the unexpected tube wear, the corrective actions taken to address the cause, and the basis for continued safe operation of Unit 2.
The public is invited to attend this meeting and will have an opportunity to communicate with the NRC after the business portion, before the meeting is adjourned. As there is a 350 seat limit, the public is also encouraged to participate via webcast at http://video.nrc.gov.
A “listen only” teleconference is also offered at 1-888-913-9973. Enter passcode 9941895 to enter the meeting.
For more information, please click here and here.
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| NOTES FROM THE FIELD |
Aliso Creek Restoration Project
The Aliso Creek Restoration Project is currently underway, as hundreds of acres of Arundo and other invasive species are being removed from Aliso Creek. The habitat restoration on Aliso Creek could not be accomplished without the hard work and dedication of many agencies, including OC Parks, OC Watershed, Orange County Conservation Corps, the Orange County Transportation Authority, and Laguna Canyon Foundation.
To view a short video, explaining the restoration work and showing the Orange County Conservation Corps in action, please click here.
OC Parks Honors Veterans
Veterans and current service members and their families can enjoy nine County regional parks for FREE on Veterans Day – Sunday, Nov. 11.
The parks available for FREE parking that day are: Carbon Canyon, Clark, Craig, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Mason, Mile Square, Santiago Oaks and Yorba regional parks. These OC Parks regional parks will offer FREE parking that day to support and honor those who have served our country and armed forces.
For more information, please click here and here.
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| RECORDER RECORDS |
October Marks Busiest Recording Month in Seven Years
93,298 property documents were recorded at the Orange County Clerk-Recorder
Department in October – a monthly figure not seen since October 2005. The recordings reflect a surge in mortgage refinances across Orange County.
For more information, please click here.
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| LIBRARY LESSONS & SESSIONS |
Laguna Niguel Library eReader Open House
Learn how to download library books for FREE! Laguna Niguel Library will hold an eReader Open House on Thursday, November 15 from 8:30AM to 10:30 AM.
Got an eReader device? Bring it! Want one? Try ours first! For more information, please click here and here.
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| CRITTER CHRONICLES |
Meet Your Mature Match
Fall in love at OC Animal Care’s 4th annual “Meet Your Mature Match” event Saturday, November 17 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. If you’re looking for an older companion to add to your family, then this is the event for you. Also, all adopters will receive a FREE pet tag and other goodies!
For more information, please click here.
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| HARBOR HAPPENINGS |
Boater Registration Open for 2012 Boat Parade of Lights
All boaters are invited to participate in the 2012 Boat Parade of Lights in Dana Point Harbor taking place December 7, 8, 14 and 15. The theme for this year’s Boat Parade is “Lights, Camera, Action - A Hollywood Holiday”.
To enter your boat, please fill out an entry form and return it to the Dana Point Harbor Association no later than December 5. For more information on the 2012 Boat Parade of Lights, including details for the Pre-Parade Skippers’ Party/Meeting, or to download an entry form, please click here and here.
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| FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT |
South County High School Sports Teams Shine
Defending state champion San Clemente High School girls’ cross-country team won the South Coast League title for the first time. Tesoro High School senior Emily Scharmann won the league individual title.
The Dana Hills High School boys’ cross-country team won the league title for the 20th time under the direction of Coach Tom Butler, who has led the team for 40 years.
Dana Hills High School also won the boys’ water polo South Coast League title, while Tesoro High School won the Sea View League crown.
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| SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR |
San Clemente: Veterans Day Commemoration
The community and all Veterans and their families are invited to commemorate Veterans Day in San Clemente on Saturday, November 10 at noon at the Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi located in the Pier Bowl. Following the ceremony at Park Semper Fi, join retired and active duty Marines and their families for the United States Marine Corps’ 237th Birthday Cake Cutting Ceremony from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Dorothy Visser Senior Center. For more information, please click here.
Dana Point: Veteran's Day Memorial Service
The Dana Point Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 & Ladies Auxiliary and the City of Dana Point proudly recognize all veterans for their service and sacrifices at Strands Vista Park at 10:00 AM, Sunday, November 11. For more information, please click here.
Lake Forest: Veteran's Day Program
The City of Lake Forest invites you to the annual Veteran's Day Program at El Toro Memorial Park on Sunday, November 11 at 11:00 AM. The program includes featured speaker William Mattingly (Retired Captain, Naval Intelligence USNR), vocalist John Huntington, and a historical military display by Ziggy Wilczynski. For more information, please call (949) 951-8244.
Mission Viejo: Veterans Day Ceremony
The City of Mission Viejo will recognize local veterans in a moving ceremony Sunday, November 11. The annual Veterans Day ceremony is at 2:00 PM at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, in Mission Viejo.
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:
- Met with OC Community Services Director Karen Roper to discuss senior programs in South County.
- Attended the Marine Corps Installations West - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Officers' Birthday Ball in honor of the 237th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
- Chaired the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Environmental Oversight Committee meeting.
- Attended the OC Forum to hear a post-election debriefing from Dan Schnur, Director of the USC Unruh Institute of Politics.
My office also:
- Presented a proclamation in honor of retiring Santa Margarita Water District Board Member Bill Lawson.
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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