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November 16, 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. AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
4. COUNTY CONNECTIONS
5. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS
6. HEALTH HERALD
7. HARBOR HAPPENINGS
8. NOTES FROM THE FIELD
9. CRITTER CHRONICLES
10. HOLIDAY HELPER
11. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR
12. 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 |
Election Results
Now that most of the ballots and provisional ballots have been counted, I can provide a report on the November 6 General Election.
Congratulations to all those who were successfully elected to office! I offer my deep gratitude for each candidate who put their name before the voters. Our democratic system is dependent on citizens who are willing to serve and offer voters a choice. Win or lose, a candidate contributes just by running a spirited campaign.
Below is a list of those who were elected to serve on City Councils in the Fifth District (“i” denotes an incumbent):
- Aliso Viejo – Ross Chun; Bill Phillips (i); Mike Munzing
- Dana Point – Scott Schoeffel (i); Carlos Olvera
- Irvine Mayor – Steven Choi
- Irvine Council – Beth Krom (i); Christina Shea
- Laguna Beach – Bob Whalen; Steve Dicterow
- Laguna Hills – Andrew Blount; Dore Gilbert
- Laguna Niguel – Laurie Davies; Jerry Slusiewicz; Jerry McCloskey
- Laguna Woods – Cynthia Conners (i); Milton Robbins (i); Noel Hath
- Lake Forest – Adam Nick; Dwight Robinson
- Mission Viejo – Frank Ury (i); Cathy Schlicht (i)
- Rancho Santa Margarita – Tony Beall (i); Carol Gamble (i); Brad McGirr
- San Clemente – Chris Hamm; Bob Baker (i)
- San Juan Capistrano – Roy Byrnes; Sam Allevato (i)
To see the results of other local elections, please click here.
I wish each of the victors all the best as they work to lead their respective cities in the years ahead. I also encourage all voters to recognize that their responsibility does not end on Election Day. As a citizen in our representative democracy, you have a responsibility to continue to make your views known to your elected officials and communicate your thoughts on the issues of the day.
I look forward to hearing from you.
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| BOARD BULLETIN BOARD |
Strategic Planning Session
There was not a regular Board of Supervisors meeting this week. However, the Board, in conjunction with Department staff and the independently elected officers, conducted a strategic planning session to set future goals and priorities for the coming years.
Topics included leadership development, employee training, community outreach, and policy development. This was a great opportunity for the elected policy makers to interact and dialogue with those charged with implementing the Board’s policies. As we move forward, we will continue to refine the comments and discussions in depth when the new CEO is appointed.
The meeting was open to the public and I will keep you informed as we move forward with implementing some of the ideas brought forward at the planning session.
IT Contract
The Board met on Tuesday at a special meeting to select two vendors to enter into negotiations with to manage the County’s IT system. The RFP included two separate scopes of work.
Scope 1 included Data Center Operations, Service Desk, Desktop Support and Applications Services.
Scope 2 included Countywide Voice and Data Network. Scope 2 proposes to transform the County from its current end-of-life voice system with separate data network lines to a converged voice and data network infrastructure with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) capabilities.
The Board selected SAIC as the primary vendor and HP as the alternate vendor to enter into negotiations for Scope 1 services, and also selected Xerox as the primary vendor and Verizon as the alternate vendor to enter into negotiations for Scope 2 services.
Negotiations have already begun, and it is anticipated that a final agreement will be brought to the Board for approval early next year.
For more information, please click here.
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| AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES |
John Wayne Airport Travel Tips for the Thanksgiving Holiday
In anticipation of one of the most heavily traveled holiday periods, John Wayne Airport (JWA) offers travel tips to help passengers prepare for a safe and enjoyable holiday.
Passengers traveling through JWA between Friday, November 16 and Monday, November 26 will experience higher-than-normal passenger traffic due to the Thanksgiving holiday. The busiest travel days are expected to be Wednesday, November 21 and Sunday, November 25.
For more information, please click here.
John Wayne Airport: A Year of Success
This week marks the one-year anniversary of the opening of the John Wayne Airport (JWA) Terminal C and Parking Structure C to the traveling public. The two facilities were the cornerstones of a $543 million Airport Improvement Program, which brought six new bridged aircraft gates, two new commuter terminals, more security checkpoints, dozens of new dining and shopping options, and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, allowing JWA to support international flights from Mexico.
New federal inspection facilities built as part of the Terminal C construction made possible the first-ever nonstop service between Orange County and Mexico. AirTran inaugurated flights to Cabo San Lucas and Mexico City in June 2012, and Interjet began service to Guadalajara and Mexico City in October 2012.
Within the last eighteen months, JWA has also added service to Calgary, Houston Hobby, Mammoth Lakes, and Vancouver. The Airport offers travelers more than 20 nonstop destinations from Orange County.
The new service to Mexico, along with growth in overall air service, has resulted in higher overall passenger levels in 2012 as compared to 2011. Passenger levels have risen each month since April 2012, and the Airport expects to report an increase of nearly 7% for October 2012 when compared to last year.
With the opening of Terminal C, JWA passengers were presented with significantly more variety in dining and shopping choices. Not only are there all new choices in Terminal C, but major improvements were made to concessions in Terminals A and B that include both local and national brands, such as the Anaheim Ducks Breakaway Bar and Grill, California Pizza Kitchen, CNBC News, Ruby's Diner, Starbucks and Sunglass Hut.
Travelers who want a great meal, glass of wine, or the latest retail items can visit one of more than 30 fresh and modern dining and shopping options throughout the Thomas F. Riley Terminal.
Since completion of Terminal C and Parking Structure C, JWA and its partners have received several national and local awards for its engineering, construction and communications efforts. Most recently, the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) awarded first place to JWA for Overall Concessions Program in a medium-sized airport, and the American Society of Civil Engineers-Los Angeles Section named JWA's Improvement Program the Outstanding Government Civil Engineering Project.
JWA is pleased that passengers have responded so positively to the new Terminal C. The Airport continues to make improvements to its facilities to ensure a world-class experience for Orange County travelers.
To stay informed, please visit www.ocair.com or follow JWA at facebook.com/johnwayneairport or at twitter.com/johnwayneair. To view JWA's Welcome Video, featuring all Orange County's Airport has to offer the traveling public, please click here. For more information, please click here.
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| COUNTY CONNECTIONS |
Orange County Superior Court Seeks Grand Jury Applicants
Orange County residents who want to make a difference in their community are encouraged to submit an application to serve on the 2013-2014 Orange County Grand Jury. The one-year term begins July 1, 2013.
The 19 members of the Grand Jury are empowered to perform civil oversight of local government by reviewing and evaluating county and city agencies, schools, and special districts within Orange County. They attend tours and briefings to increase their knowledge of the workings of county agencies to help them assess potential problems. The Grand Jury also considers evidence for possible indictment of individuals in felony cases.
For requirements to serve on the Grand Jury and more information, please click here.
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| ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS |
NRC Cancels Meeting Scheduled for November 16
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) public meeting with Southern California Edison (SCE) scheduled for Nov. 16 at the Doubletree Guest Suites in Doheny Beach has been canceled and will be rescheduled. No new date for the meeting has been announced at this time.
SONGS Community Open House
The San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) will host a community open house Tuesday, November 27, from 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM at the San Clemente Community Center. The open house is FREE and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. The address is 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente.
The event is designed to engage the community, respond to inquiries about the plant, and educate residents about nuclear energy. There will be information booths and exhibits staffed by SONGS subject matter experts focusing on various areas of the plant, including emergency planning, steam generators, radiation, and community partnerships. Children can enjoy a crafts table and an environmental booth.
For more information, please click here.
Orange County Coastal Coalition: Disaster Preparedness
Please join me Thursday, November 29 at the Newport Beach Library at 9:00 AM for the Orange County Coastal Coalition “Disaster Preparedness” meeting. Presenting will be Donna Boston, Emergency Manager with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department; and Matt Brisbois, Community Emergency Response Team Manager with the Newport Beach Fire Department. The presentations will be followed by a question and answer session.
For more information, please click here. To take a survey to help us better plan future Coastal Coalition meetings, please click here.
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| HEALTH HERALD |
High Body Mass Index Doubles Risk of Gestational Diabetes
A new study by the Orange County Health Care Agency found that pregnant women in Orange County with a pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher are twice as likely to develop gestational diabetes (GDM) compared to women with lower BMIs.
While incidence of GDM has approximately doubled to 7.2% over the past decade for all women in Orange County, Asian women in particular have increased the most and have the highest incidence at 10%. Hispanic women had the second highest rate at 7.6%, followed by 5.4% of non-Hispanic whites and 6.0% of African Americans.
GDM, the most common prenatal complication in Orange County, is associated with overweight and obesity. Early prenatal care and a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a healthy body weight can prevent or lessen the severity.
To view the full report titled “Mothers with a Higher Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index are at Increased Risk for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus,” please click here.
For more information, please click here.
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| HARBOR HAPPENINGS |
Boating Advisory: Prepare Your Vessel for the Winter Season
The Winter Season is approaching and soon we will be experiencing its effects in Dana Point Harbor. When a storm does occur, Marina staff will be diligent in monitoring vessels to the best of their ability and will provide assistance as they are able to; but with over 2,000 vessels in the water, they cannot be on all of the docks at all times.
Please be sure to provide current contact information to your marina office. Remember, it is easier to get your vessel ready for stormy weather before the wet and stormy weather hits. For more information, please click here.
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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| NOTES FROM THE FIELD |
Earlier Sunsets Bring Earlier Closing Times to OC Parks
The clocks fell back earlier this month, marking the end of daylight saving time and OC Parks’ spring-summer operating schedule. Wilderness parks close at sunset and most regional parks close at 6:00 PM for the fall and winter.
For more information on current fall-winter hours at OC Parks, please click here.
Celebrate the Holiday Season with OC Parks
Spend this holiday season in the outdoor winter wonderland of OC Parks, as November and December welcome a full calendar of festive events and programs for families and friends to enjoy together.
For more information, please click 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. In addition, all adopters will receive a FREE pet tag and other goodies!
For more information, please click here.
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| HOLIDAY HELPER |
Assisting the Needy this Holiday Season
Adding one more gift to your shopping list can make holiday dreams come true for a needy child or teen, an impoverished senior citizen or a low-income family.
For volunteer and donor opportunities available this holiday season, please click here.
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| SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR |
Laguna Beach: 22nd Annual Winter Fantasy
The 2012 Winter Fantasy in Laguna Beach will feature the fine art and craft of over 170 exhibitors four weekends from November 17 through December 9 on the Sawdust Art Festival grounds. For more information, please click here.
Dana Point: 35th Annual Turkey Trot
Don’t miss the 35th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 22! Recognized as one of America’s best Thanksgiving Day runs, the 2012 Turkey Trot will also include a 2-day Health & Wellness Expo (Nov. 21 & 22). For early registration or more information, please click here.
San Juan Capistrano: Harvest Festival
Bring the family for a day full of fun and games at the Harvest Festival at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano, November 23-25, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily. The park is located at 30753 La Pata. Admission is FREE. For more information, please click here.
San Clemente: Puttin’ on the Glitz
The City of San Clemente invites you to bring the whole family to Puttin’ on the Glitz for an evening of holiday cheer and enchantment on Saturday, November 24 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. 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:
- Participated in a tribute event for Laguna Niguel Mayor Paul Glaab.
- Participated in the Board of Supervisors and Department Head Strategic Planning Workshop.
- Provided a County Update at a meeting of the Rotary Club of San Clemente.
- Attended the Laguna Niguel Military Support Committee’s Veterans Day Celebration honoring Pearl Harbor survivors.
- Attended the annual San Clemente Exchange Club awards banquet to present certificates of recognition to the San Clemente Police Services Deputy and Sheriff’s Volunteer of the Year and the Career Firefighter and Fire Employee of the Year assigned to San Clemente. To see the 2013 award recipients and for more information, please click here.
My office also:
- Attended a meeting of the South Orange County Association of Mayors.
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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