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May 17, 2013 |
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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. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
3. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS
4. NOTES FROM THE FIELD
5. CRITTER CHRONICLES
6. SAFETY SENTRY
7. SENIOR SENTINEL
8. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT
9. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR
10. FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP
OUR STAFF...
Don Hughes:
Chief of Staff
Kristen Thornton:
Deputy Chief of Staff
Sabrina Ross:
Deputy Chief of Staff
Sergio Prince:
Policy Advisor
Erik Weigand:
Policy Advisor
Emily Osterberg:
Policy Advisor
Ruth Strachan:
Office Manager
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| BOARD BULLETIN BOARD |
IT Sourcing Contract
The Board approved the contract with Science Applications International Corporation, known as SAIC, for the provision of Information Technology Services. The County began an RFP process for new IT sources in February 2010.
SAIC will be providing “Scope 1” services under a managed services contract, which includes supporting the County’s computer desktop, a help desk, and operation of the County’s data center. The County’s existing provider, Xerox, will be working with SAIC to complete a 120-day transition.
The second component of the County’s IT infrastructure “Scope 2” services, including our voice and data network services, will be brought to the Board mid-summer for approval once contract negotiations are complete.
For more information, please click here.
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| TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION |
OCTA FY 2013-14 Budget Workshop
On Monday, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) staff provided a review the Fiscal Year 2013-14 Budget in a workshop setting. The Public Hearing on the Budget will be held June 10 at OCTA Headquarters. The final OCTA Fiscal Year 2013-14 Budget will be voted on by the OCTA Board at our June 24 meeting.
To view the Power Point Presentation from the workshop, please click here.
91 Express Lanes Debt Restructuring
In December 2010, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) privately placed $100 million in Series B Bonds for the 91 Express Lanes with the Orange County Investment Pool. The $100 million private placement is subject to a mandatory tender on August 15 and the bonds must be remarketed.
Over the past several months, OCTA staff has been evaluating various alternatives related to the restructuring of the 91 Express Lanes Debt Program. In addition, OCTA has $55 million in outstanding Series A bonds. Taking advantage of the favorable market and securing a lower fixed interest rate, the OCTA Board voted to refund both Series A and Series B bonds with fixed-rate debt prior to the mandatory tender date.
The estimated cost of issuance expenses for the 91 Express Lanes debt issuance will total approximately $500,000. In addition to these costs, the projected underwriting fees for a combined Series A and Series B refinancing transaction are estimated at approximately $375,000.
To view the full staff report and Power Point Presentation, click here.
Transit System Study Implementation Status Report
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) completed the Transit System Study in 2011. The study presented route-by-route recommendations for consideration over a ten-year period. The study also recommended pilot projects to test new service concepts.
On Monday, the OCTA Board was provided an overview of the planning for the new services and an update on the implementation of the first new service on Harbor Boulevard. To view the report, please click here.
Joint Powers Agreement for LOSSAN Rail Corridor
For nearly two years, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has worked collaboratively with the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo Corridor (LOSSAN) Rail Agency members to develop a process to transfer administrative responsibility for state-supported Pacific Surfliner intercity passenger rail service from the California Department of Transportation to a new, locally governed joint powers authority. Senate Bill 1225, which authorizes such a transition, was signed into law in September 2012.
In November 2012, the OCTA Board of Directors approved the 2013 Amendment to the Joint Powers Agreement, which updated the existing agreement to incorporate the additional authority granted under Senate Bill 1225.
On Monday, the OCTA Board approved additional amendments to the Joint Powers Agreement which were requested by member agencies. Once the amended Agreement is adopted by all LOSSAN member agencies, the new LOSSAN joint powers authority will be established.
The Joint Powers Board was established to provide better coordination of train schedules and stations stops for our rail commuters.
San Juan Capistrano Selects Design for Retaining Walls
As part of the $275 million improvement project on Interstate 5 from Avenida Pico and San Juan Creek Road, a new retaining wall along Camino Capistrano south of Stonehill Drive is proposed.
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and Caltrans officials worked closely with the city to determine a design that would be acceptable to the community. Recently, the San Juan Capistrano City Council voted 5-0 in favor of a Mission-inspired design for a retaining wall in their City. To view the proposed design, click here.
For more information on the project, please click here.
Ride Metrolink to San Juan Capistrano
With Caltans' I-5/Ortega Highway Interchange Improvement Project underway, Metrolink offers a convenient way to visit San Juan Capistrano. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has partnered with local businesses to offer discounts for train riders at some of the city's most popular destinations.
For more information and a list of available discounts, please click here.
In addition, to promote service to San Juan Capistrano, Metrolink will host a kick-off event at the Santa Ana Station (1000 E. Santa Ana Blvd) on Saturday, June 8 at 8:30 a.m. The FREE event will feature refreshments, live music and prizes like free Metrolink tickets. After the event, catch the train and ride to San Juan Capistrano for a fun-filled day.
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| COUNTY CONNECTIONS |
Statement on Grand Jury Report
The Board of Supervisors had already taken several significant steps to address the concerns identified in the Grand Jury report titled “The Culture of Harassment: Change on the Horizon,” well in advance of its May 8 release.
The following actions were implemented pursuant to the Performance Audit report initiated at the direction of the Board of Supervisors in 2012:
- Establishment of a Countywide Investigations and Compliance Oversight Committee (August 2012)
- Approval of additional resources and positions for the District Attorney’s Special Prosecutions/Special Assignments Unit (September 2012)
- Revision of the County’s EEO policy (October 2012)
- Recentralization of Human Resources (Effective December 2012)
- Plans for EEO training for all County staff (to be completed by October 2013)
- Hiring of a new County EEO manager (February 2013)
- Development of an action plan specific to OC Public Works (November 2012)
- Provision of training on “Preventing Workplace Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation” to over 250 OC Public Works Managers (April 2013)
For more information, please click here.
County Hosts 2013-2014 Budget Workshop
Community members are encouraged to attend the Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Budget Workshop on Friday, May 24 to learn about the County's budget process and anticipated issues. The Budget Workshop will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Hall of Administration, Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd, First Floor, Santa Ana 92701.
For more information, please click here.
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| ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS |
Orange County Coastal Coalition
Please join me Thursday, May 23 for the Orange County Coastal Coalition meeting. The meeting will be at Newport Beach Public Library, 1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach.
Ms. Jenna Voss from OC Watersheds, County of Orange, will be making a presentation on the County’s Trash and Debris Management Efforts; and Ms. Kim Buss from OC Watersheds, County of Orange, will be giving a presentation presenting on the County’s Adopt a Channel Program. Both presentations will be followed by a Question and Answer session.
For more information, please click here.
Dry Times Underscore Value of Water
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) recently announced that the final survey of the season showed historic dry conditions in the Sierra Mountain snowpack, with water content at just 17 percent of normal.
This survey indicates this winter was one of the driest on record. In fact, DWR estimates it will be able to deliver only 35 percent of water this year to water agencies that have requested supplies from the State Water Project, which delivers water from the Sierras and northern California all the way to south Orange County.
South County is largely dependent on imported water from the State Water Project and the Colorado River. For more information, please click here.
OC Waste & Recycling Holds Eco Challenge Poster Contest
Through Friday, May 24, Orange County children can participate in a special Eco Challenge poster contest presented by OC Waste & Recycling, the Discovery Science Center, and Angels Baseball for the chance to be an Honorary Bat Kid at a 2013 Angels baseball game.
Just choose your favorite topic below and make a poster to showcase your ideas and creativity around that theme.
- Recycling – Design a poster showing how you make an effort to recycle in your everyday life.
- Reusing Materials – Design a poster showing how various household items can be re-used in new and different ways.
- Reducing Waste – Design a poster showing how you can reduce waste; what kind of choices can you make in your daily life to ensure you are only using what you need?
- A Greener Future – Design a poster around the idea of what Earth would look like if we were more environmentally conscious.
Bring or mail your entry to Discovery Science Center by May 24, as five lucky winners from each of Orange County’s five Supervisorial Districts will be awarded the status of Honorary Bat Kid during an Angels home game in 2013.
For more information, please click here and here.
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| NOTES FROM THE FIELD |
Dr. Sue and Her Arthropod Zoo
Join OC Parks and the Laguna Canyon Foundation on Saturday, June 1 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for a special Weekend at the Nix Nature Center, featuring Dr. Sue and Her Arthropod Zoo. Dr. Sue Van Vorhis Key, PhD. has a zoo full of amazing live insects and arthropods. This amazing event will be fun for the entire family. Space is limited.
For more information or to register for this event, please click here.
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| CRITTER CHRONICLES |
Animals for Armed Forces Adoption Event
OC Animal Care and the Animals for Armed Forces Foundation® would like to honor and say thank you to our dedicated service men and women by providing FREE adoptions* during their Animals for Armed Forces adoption event Saturday, May 25.
The adoption discount applies to current, former/retired and/or immediate family members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard.
Please bring your photo ID and one of the following to receive the adoption discount:
- A copy of your Military ID
- A copy of your DD-214 and Driver’s License
- A copy of your NGB Form 22
For questions regarding identification, please call (714) 796-6428. For more information about the event, please call (714) 916-5400 or click here and here.
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| SAFETY SENTRY |
OCFA: On The Front Line
The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) has released its latest issue of “On The Front Line.” To view the newest edition of the OCFA newsletter, please click here.
Citizen's Academy Applications Available
As reported in my newsletter last week, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is offering its first countywide Citizen’s Academy. Class #1 will begin July 2.
To learn more and/or download the application, please click here.
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| SENIOR SENTINEL |
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) occurs every year around the world on June 15. It is a day that we honor and remember the victims and survivors of elder abuse and pledge ourselves anew to the cause of elder justice in the U.S.
This year, the Ageless Alliance national theme for WEAAD is “Make a Difference with your Heart, Hands, Voice and Mind.” Each of us can make a difference for older adults this WEAAD by using our hearts, hands, voices and minds to get involved and take action.
There are also lots of simple things that individuals can do to commemorate the day and the cause. For a few ideas to start you off, please click here.
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| FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT |
South County Teacher Named County's Best
A marine ecology and biology instructor who helps students restore abalone and coaches award-winning science teams has been named one of five 2013 Orange County Teachers of the Year.
Dana Hills High School teacher Randy Hudson recently received notification of the honor from the Orange County Superintendent of Schools during a surprise announcement in front of his second period Marine Ecology students.
For more information, please click here.
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| SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR |
San Juan Capistrano: Marine Car Wash
The City of San Juan Capistrano will host a car wash Saturday, May 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to benefit the City's adopted 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment. For more information, please click here and here.
Rancho Santa Margarita: Safety Fair for Families
Join the Orange County Sheriff's Department and community organizations in Rancho Santa Margarita to help families develop good safety habits that will last a lifetime. Learn about safety for the Internet, biking, water, fire, child seats, and self-defense on May 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at RSM Central Park. For more information, please click here.
Laguna Hills: Memorial Day Half Marathon
Memorial Day, May 27, marks the 15th annual City of Laguna Hills Memorial Day Half Marathon, 5k, and 10K, honoring the United States Marine Corps Dark Horse Battalion. This favorite Memorial Day running event takes place in the beautiful South County cities of Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Woods, and Laguna Niguel. 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:
- Hosted my 3rd annual South County Job Fair in the City of Mission Viejo. To view a photo, please click here.
- Attended the 94th birthday celebration for renowned Orange County war hero and beloved Laguna Woods community leader Ward Payne.
- Adjourned the Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of Dean H. Forsgren of San Juan Capistrano.
My office also:
- Attended the Saddleback Valley Unified School District’s 2013 Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony to provide certificates of recognition and proclamations to this year’s honorees.
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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