Header image with Photo of Supervisor Pat Bates. Followed by office information
November 21, 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. PAT’S PERSPECTIVE

2. BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

3. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

4. AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES

5. COUNTY CONNECTIONS

6. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS

7. HARBOR HAPPENINGS

8. CRITTER CHRONICLES

9. HOLIDAY HELPER

10. HEALTH HERALD

11. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

12. SOUNTY 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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Volume 6 Issue 46
PAT’S PERSPECTIVE

A Thanksgiving Message

Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday, one in which we acknowledge that our blessings of life, liberty and happiness are gifts from a higher power, not gifts granted by men or government.

Prior to our nation’s founding, it was very rare for a government or sovereign power to respect the rights of each individual. As a result, America has a rich tradition of giving prayer and thanks to God for the uncommon privilege of living in a country rooted in freedom.

In 1789, President Washington issued a proclamation, creating the first national day of thanksgiving designated by the new United States Government. In 1863, President Lincoln commenced the annual tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving Day at the end of November.

Since that proclamation was issued over 200 years ago, our nation has continued to enjoy the blessings cited by Washington. As you enjoy your holiday with family and friends, please keep in mind the words of Washington’s first proclamation:

For His kind care and protection of the people of this country,

For the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have enjoyed,

For the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness,

For the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And may we also unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him --

To pardon our national and other transgressions,

To enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually,

To render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed,

To protect and guide all nations and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord,

To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science,

And generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!
BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

2013 Legislative Platform

The Board approved the 2013 Legislative Platform. The Platform provides direction to County staff and the County’s legislative advocates. It is a statement describing what the County is attempting to achieve through the legislative process in both Sacramento and Washington, DC.

At my request, an item was included in the platform to allow a homeowners’ association to contract with a County or City for ongoing law enforcement services. A large homeowners association in the unincorporated area of the Fifth District has expressed interest in contracting with local law enforcement; however, to allow this, a legislative change is needed.

To read the entire platform, please click here.

First Quarter Budget Report

The Board approved the First Quarter Budget Report. The Quarterly Budget Report provides an overview of the current status of revenues, expenditures, Net County Cost (NCC), total budgeted positions, and various departmental issues requiring recommended changes to the County's budget.

Among the actions taken in the Report was Board approval to increase Proposition 172 funding for the Sheriff and District Attorney to continue the Gang Reduction Intervention Program (GRIP).

GRIP was previously funded by revenue from the State. Unfortunately, the State funding has been eliminated. As GRIP has proven to be a successful program for combating gangs and reducing gang associated crimes, at this time the Board felt it necessary to continue to provide funding.

For more information, please click here.

Anti-Gang Grant

The Board approved accepting an additional $10,000 for the Regional Anti-Gang Intelligence Led Policing Grant Program, bringing the new total for the grant to $90,000.

The funding is designed to support the Community-Based Information System, which provides for law enforcement and criminal justice participants to share information and access community prevention and intervention services related to reducing gang and youth violence.

For more information, please click here.

John Wayne Airport Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Services

The Board approved an agreement with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) services at John Wayne Airport. The term of the agreement is December 1, 2012 through November 30, 2017.

The current agreement, set to expire November 30, 2012, is for seven personnel on duty per day for a total of 21 firefighters assigned to John Wayne Airport. The new agreement reflects a reduction of staffing to six personnel on duty per day for a total of 18 firefighters.

The proposed ARFF program includes six personnel, including one Captain, two engineers and three firefighters, utilizing a Rapid Intervention Vehicle, Oshkosh T-3000, Oshkosh Striker 3000, a crane, tug and foam trailer.

The savings from the reduction in staffing is estimated to be about $600,000 per year or about $3 million for the term of the agreement. Even with the reduction, John Wayne Airport will still exceed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for ARFF services by 100% and will meet the minimum requirements for an airport the size of LAX.

On November 15, the OCFA Executive Committee voted unanimously in support of this agreement.

For more information, please click here.

Youth Job Development Programs

The Board approved an amendment to Workforce Investment Act Youth Agreement contracts with the City of La Habra, Orange County Pacific Island Community Alliance, and the Orange County Conservation Corps.

These programs provide employment and training services for Orange County youth, ages 14 to 21, who are seeking to expand their future employment opportunities through internships, leadership development, or skills education.

For more information, please click here.

Lake Forest Successor Agency Oversight Board Appointment

The Board approved my nomination Mr. Seth Kaufman to fill a vacancy on the Lake Forest Successor Agency Oversight Board. This appointment will allow the Oversight Board to continue the dissolution process of the former Lake Forest Redevelopment Agency without further interruption. I commend Mr. Kaufman for his commitment to public service.

Angels Baseball Foundation Supports OC Animal Care

On August 17, OC Animal Care staff and volunteers participated in the Angels Baseball Foundation’s fifth annual “Angels for Animals” event. The event raised money for local animal shelters and organizations, as well as promoted shelter adoption and responsible pet ownership.

To that end, the Board accepted of a donation of $12,216 from the Angels Baseball Foundation. This donation will assist OC Animal Care in feeding, sheltering, and caring for more than 30,000 animals rescued by the shelter each year.

For more information, please click here.

Romance Writers of America Support READ/OC

The Romance Writers of America, Inc. held their annual conference in Anaheim from July 22 through July 28. As a result of their 2012 Literacy Autographing Event, the Board accepted a donation of $11,141.38 from the Romance Writers of America, Inc. to support OC Public Libraries’ Adult Literacy Services program, READ/OC.

READ/OC is a program designed to provide basic reading and writing skills to adults through volunteer tutors. READ/OC is currently providing training and support to 363 tutors, who are tutoring at the 33 County library branches and community facilities.

For more information, please click here.
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

Measure M2 Quarterly Progress Report

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors recently received an update on the progress of the M2 Transportation Investment Plan for the period between July and September 2012. The report included the status of Measure M2 freeway projects, such as the SR-57 northbound widening project, which is approximately 55 percent complete.

Other highlights from the quarter include:
  • Preparation of the environmental document to widen I-405 between I-605 and Euclid Street.
  • Continued progress on the OC Bridges program, which is to building seven grade separations along the Orangethorpe Corridor to separate car traffic from trains.
  • Development and completion of the M2020 Plan that outlines the expedited M2 projects and programs.
 To view the report, please click here.

New Board Members to Join OCTA

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) will welcome 10 new members to the Board of Directors in the next two months to succeed the current Board members, as their terms come to a close. The City Selection Committee of Orange County, a coalition of Orange County mayors, appointed the new members at its meeting last Tuesday.

The new directors will be sworn into OCTA’s 17-member board over the next two months and will join the five county supervisors and two public members appointed by the OCTA Board. The Board of Directors also includes the Caltrans director from Orange County as a non-governing 18th member.

As representatives from cities in each of the five supervisorial districts, the new directors will provide local leadership in development and implementation of Orange County transportation programs.

The appointed members are:
  • First District – Garden Grove Councilman Steve Jones and Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido
  • Second District – Huntington Beach Councilman Matt Harper and Seal Beach Mayor Pro Tem Gary Miller
  • Third District – Irvine Councilman Jeff Lalloway and Tustin Mayor Pro Tem Al Murray
  • Fourth District – Anaheim Councilwoman Gail Eastman and La Habra Mayor Tim Shaw
  • Fifth District – San Clemente Councilwoman Lori Donchak and Mission Viejo Mayor Frank Ury
OCTA CEO Will Kempton Announces Retirement

Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) CEO Will Kempton announced last Thursday that he is retiring from the agency.

Kempton, who has led OCTA since August 2009, has accepted the position of executive director for Transportation California, a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to advocacy and education in the field of transportation. Kempton's last day at OCTA will be February 28, 2013.

I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation to Mr. Kempton for his dedicated service to the agency. He was especially helpful to me when I chaired the OCTA Board of Directors in 2010. I wish him continued success in all future endeavors.
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.

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, passengers traveling through JWA will experience higher-than-normal passenger traffic through Monday, November 26, with the busiest travel days expected Wednesday, November 21 and Sunday, November 25.

For more information, please click here.
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.
ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS

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.

NRC to Hold Public Meeting November 30

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will hold a public meeting Friday, Nov. 30 to discuss Southern California Edison’s (SCE) response to the NRC confirmatory action letter concerning actions required to address steam generator tube degradation at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS).

The meeting will be held at the Hills Hotel, 25205 La Paz Road, Laguna Hills, 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. Parking is complimentary.

The public is invited to observe this meeting and will have an opportunity to communicate with the NRC after the business portion, but before the meeting is adjourned. There is a 400 seat limit at the facility, so the public is encouraged to view the meeting via a webcast at http://video.nrc.gov. A “listen only” teleconference is also offered at (888) 913-9973, enter passcode 9941895 to enter the meeting.

For more information, please click here.
HARBOR HAPPENINGS

Dana Point Harbor: Road Closure Advisory

Dana Point Police Services will be implementing the following road closures for the Turkey Trot races on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22:

12:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Dana Point Harbor Drive from Golden Lantern to Casitas Place.

5:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Southbound Golden Lantern from Lantern Bay Drive to Dana Point Harbor Drive.
  • This closure should not impact access into the Harbor
  • Limited access for vendors and gym members
 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM
Dana Point Harbor Drive from Golden Lantern to PCH (eastbound). This closure will impact access to:
  • Puerto Place
  • The Embarcadero Marina/Launch Ramp Area
  • Mariner’s Village and Dana Wharf Parking Lots
  • Doheny State Beach
6:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Dana Point Harbor Drive from Island Way to the Ocean Institute. This closure will impact access to:
  • The Marina Inn
  • The Dana Point Harbor OC Sailing & Events Center
  • The Ocean Institute
  • Nordhavn
  • The OC Dana Point Harbor Office and DP Harbor Patrol Office
  • All yacht club and marina parking lots
  • Limited, escorted access to and from the island MAY be available after 11:00 AM
Anyone planning to visit Dana Point Harbor on Thanksgiving Day between 6:30 AM and 12:00 PM should plan their trip accordingly and allow extra time to arrive at their destination.

For more information, please click here.

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.
CRITTER CHRONICLES

Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Pets

‘Tis the season for friends, family and holiday feasts, but also for possible distress for our animal companions. Pets won’t be so thankful if they munch on undercooked turkey or a pet-unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink.

To view some safety tips for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too, please click here.
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.
HEALTH HERALD

Orange County Reports Season's First Influenza Case

The Orange County Health Care Agency has confirmed the first case of influenza, signaling that flu season is officially here. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated. Anyone who has not already received flu vaccination should get it now before flu season peaks.

Flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months of age and older, and is especially important for infants, young children, pregnant women, adults over 50, and for those with chronic medical conditions. Close contacts and caregivers of these high risk people should also get vaccinated.

Flu vaccine is available from health care providers, clinics, and pharmacies throughout the Orange County. The most current local information, including vaccination locations, is available 24/7 at www.ochealthinfo.com/flu or by calling the Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

For more information, including important everyday steps to help stop the spread of germs, please click here.
FIFTH DISTRICT SPOLIGHT

Bergeson Elementary School Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Bergeson Elementary School in Laguna Niguel recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with an appearance by the woman for which it was named and a community event that welcomed students, parents and teachers, both past and present.

By all accounts, the star of the evening was none other than former California State Senator and Secretary of Education Marian Bergeson, who many of you might recall is also a former Orange County Supervisor for the Fifth District.

In addition, Principal Barbara Scholl welcomed Capistrano Unified School District Board President Dr. Gary Pritchard, Trustee Anna Bryson and Superintendent Joe Farley.

To view a slideshow of the festivities, please click here.

South County Girl Female Scholar-Athlete of the Week

Madison Huffman, a senior on the defending CIF-SS Division 1 and Division 1 state champion San Clemente High School girls cross country team, was recently named the Orange County Register's Female Scholar-Athlete of the Week.

Along with a full slate of International baccalaureate and Advanced Placement classes, as well as a 4.35 GPA, Madison is also a member of the National Honor Society, Interact Club and National Charity League.

For more information, please click here.
SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

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 on November 21 & 22. For 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.

Laguna Beach: 22nd Annual Winter Fantasy

The 2012 Winter Fantasy in Laguna Beach will feature fine art and craft from over 170 exhibitors on weekends through December 9 at the Sawdust Art Festival grounds. For more information, please click here.

Mission Viejo: Winter Leisure Time

The City of Mission Viejo’s winter Leisure Time publication is now available online, offering detailed information about upcoming special events and exciting programs and classes that span the next few months, including holiday events like Santa’s Arrival and Celebration on November 25 and the 40th annual Holiday Home Lighting Contest and Santa Paws on December 8. For more information, please click here and here.
FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP

My staff and I wish you and yours a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Please note that County offices will be closed November 22 and 23 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday and will reopen Monday, November 26.

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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