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June 21, 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. COUNTY CONNECTIONS
3. SAFETY SENTRY
4. CRITTER CHRONICLES
5. NOTES FROM THE FIELD
6. HARBOR HAPPENINGS
7. RECORDER RECORD
8. REGISTRAR REGISTER
9. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT
10. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR
11. 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
Veronica Yniguez:
Policy Advisor
Ruth Strachan:
Office Manager
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| BOARD BULLETIN BOARD |
2013-2018 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
The Board approved submission of the Orange County 2013 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) for continued eligibility for local assistance funding from the EDA.
Every five years, the Orange County Workforce Investment Board (OCWIB) develops the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), which provides information on Orange County’s economic environment along with potential plans for developing and growing the economy.
Since the previous CEDS in 2008, the County has experienced permanent shifts in economic and social trends as a result of the recent Great Recession.
This report adopts a special focus on the County’s Red-Zone areas (geographic locations within the County experiencing high unemployment and substantially lower levels of income relative to the rest of the County) in order to recommend economic development projects.
Overall, the 2013-2018 CEDS provides local, regional and statewide stakeholders with the necessary tools to ensure that Orange County grows and eventually sustains itself as a competitive regional and national economic leader.
For more information, please click here.
Orange County 5-Year Strategic Local Workforce Plan
The Board approved submission of the Orange County 5-Year Strategic Local Workforce Plan to the California State Workforce Investment Board (State Board) and the California State Economic Development Department (EDD) for continued eligibility for local Workforce Investment Act funding from the State Board and EDD.
The State mandates a 5-year Strategic Local Workforce Plan be submitted by all Local Workforces Investment Boards. The 5-Year Plan is developed by the Orange County Workforce Investment Board (OCWIB) in the context of and informed by existing OCWIB strategies; the Orange County Workforce Indicators Report Analysis; information from the Orange County Community Indicators Report; the Orange County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS); and regional networks of stakeholders through community input forums led by OCWIB that include businesses, education, and community leaders.
The 5-Year Plan is a forward thinking, aspirational strategic plan and serves as the target at which OCWIB's goals and action steps are aimed.
For more information, please click here.
Senior Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Program
The Board approved Agreements with Horizon Cross Cultural Center, Age Well Senior Services, Inc. and Abrazar, Inc. for continued implementation of the Senior Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (SNEMT) Program.
The SNEMT Program benefits thousands of Orange County's older adults by providing non-emergency medical transportation to clients who have no other reasonable means of transportation. As of February 2013, there were 9,037 participants enrolled in the program.
Funding for the program in FY 2013-14 is from Tobacco Settlement Revenues, Measure M2, and Federal New Freedom funds allocated among three Service Areas in the amount of $4,265,165. It is estimated that approximately 142,000 trips will be provided with FY 2013-14 funding.
For more information, please click here.
Mental Health Services Act Plan Update
The Board approved the FY 2013-14 Update to the County’s Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Plan. The Plan provides funding, personnel, and other resources in support of County mental health programs. The goal of these programs is to reduce the long-term adverse impact of untreated serious mental illness and emotional disturbance through expanded use of successful, innovative, and evidence-based practices.
Components of MHSA include Community Services and Supports, Workforce Education and Training, Capital Facilities and Technology, Prevention and Early Intervention, and Innovation.
The Plan was developed through an extensive community planning process, with input from many diverse stakeholders. Orange County has received MHSA funding since 2005. This funding has been used to provide approximately 100 new programs that enhance the mental health wellness of our community.
Approval of the Plan will allow programs and services to continue at current funding levels, as well as implement eight new Innovations Projects. The eight new Innovations Projects are subject to approval of the Statewide MHSA Oversight and Accountability Commission. The total amount of funding approved is approximately $104,000.
To view the FY 2013-14 MHSA Plan Update, please click here.
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| COUNTY CONNECTIONS |
Six County Programs Receive NACo Achievement Awards
Six County of Orange programs were selected to receive a 2013 Achievement Award by the National Association of Counties (NACo). The Orange County programs to receive Achievement Awards are:
Child Support Services Leadership Development Program: Child Support Services created its Leadership Development Program to provide professional development tools and resources to staff for workforce development and succession planning.
Family Centered Services Community Resource Initiative: Child Support Services implemented this model to link customers to community resources to help resolve issues that may prevent parents from paying their child support obligation and from being an active part of their children’s lives.
Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks Activity Guide: To communicate to the public about the land and the recreation opportunities available, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy worked with OC Parks to create an expansive activity guide to not only the activities in the OC Parks open space, but a guide to all of the activities in the historic Irvine Ranch. From 2010 to 2011, participation in these programs increased by 66%.
OC Animal Care License Collection Process: In May of 2011, OC Animal Care sent an automated file of delinquent licenses to the Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector for follow-up and collection. This file represented the first time that OC Animal Care had proactively attempted to collect on a large group of expired dog licenses. As a result, there has not only been an increase of 7% in licensing compliance rates, but also a 10% reduction in the number of dogs impounded.
OC Public Libraries’ Book Talk Blog: OC Public Libraries’ Book Talk is a readers’ advisory blog written and maintained by OC Public Libraries’ staff. The purpose of this blog is to extend the Readers’ Advisory service provided in the branches. More than a critical review, Book Talk’s task is to help patrons find books they want to read in an online environment.
Vegetation/Hazard Reduction Accounting Database: OC Public Works sends annual notices to all affected property owners in the unincorporated areas instructing them to remove weeds and combustible vegetation identified as a public nuisance. If removal is not accomplished by a specified date, the County or contracted crews will abate these properties. The Vegetation Hazard Reduction Application was created in order to greatly increase the efficiency of related data processing.
For more information, please click here. To learn more about the NACo Achievement Awards program, please click here.
Emergency Medical Care Committee Appointee Sought
My office is currently accepting resumes from individuals interested in serving as my Fifth District representative on the Orange County Emergency Medical Care Committee (EMCC).
The EMCC is an advisory committee to the Board of Supervisors and the Health Care Agency Emergency Medical Services Department. It is comprised of 17 categorical members, five of which are Board of Supervisors’ representatives.
The EMCC meets at least quarterly for 1-2 hours. Typical agenda items include annual Ambulance Rate recommendations to Board, endorsement of EMS program polices, endorsement of EMS facility designations (Emergency Receiving, Cardiac, Stroke) and other related matters.
If you are interested, please forward your resume and contact information to Sabrina Noah at Sabrina.Noah@ocgov.com.
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| SAFETY SENTRY |
DUI Enforcement Operations in South County
Deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s DUI Task Force will deploy this weekend to stop and arrest alcohol and drug-impaired drivers in the Department’s ongoing traffic safety campaign.
DUI Saturation Patrols will deploy beginning Friday June 21, at 7:00 PM until Saturday, June 22 at 3:00 AM in the cities of Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel. These patrols will be targeting areas with high frequencies of DUI collisions and/or arrests.
For more information, please click here.
Laguna Beach Pedestrian Safety Day June 26
On Wednesday, June 26, Laguna Beach Officers will be conducting a Pedestrian Safety Day to bring awareness to pedestrians crossing busier roadways during all times of day.
Police officers often respond to incidents where an errant motorist has either failed to see a pedestrian or a pedestrian entered a crosswalk without pausing to see if the roadway was clear. As such, decoy Police Department employees will be dressed in street clothing and looking for both types of violators as they cross various intersections along Coast Highway, Laguna Canyon Road and Glenneyre Street.
For more information, please click here.
CHP Start Smart Class in South County
The California Highway Patrol's (CHP) Start Smart program is a FREE driver safety education class which targets new and future licensed teenage drivers between ages 15 – 20 and their parents/guardians.
On Wednesday, June 26, CHP officers will discuss traffic collision avoidance techniques, collision causing factors, driver/parent responsibilities, and seatbelt usage. The CHP Start Smart Class will be held at Cox Communications, Rio Grande Room, 29947 Avenida de las Banderas, Rancho Santa Margarita, 92688.
RSVP by June 24 to coxcacommunity@cox.com. For more information, please click here.
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| CRITTER CHRONICLES |
A Heartwarming Story about Prison Pups
Jasmine, a four year old Golden Retriever, is a graduate from the Pups and Wards (PAW) prison dog training program that teaches vocational and life skills to juvenile wards at correctional facilities. Jasmine’s story is a truly heartwarming and inspiring success story at OC Animal Care about second chances. She was rescued from the County shelter by an OC Animal Care volunteer, who recruits dogs to train for the PAW program.
In April 2012, when Jasmine finished her ten weeks of training at the correctional facility, she was adopted by a woman and her 10-year-old son, who suffers from cerebral palsy. Jasmine is now a significant part of their family, helping out both of them in more ways than they could have imagined. The story will appear in the July issue of “Dog Fancy” magazine on pages 26 and 44.
To view the featured article on Dogchannel.com, please click here.
Forever Friends For Free Event a Success
Last Saturday’s Forever Friends For Free event was a booming success, as OC Animal Care adopted out a total of 137 animals, including 73 dogs, 55 cats, and 9 birds, bunnies and other small pets!
We are very grateful to The Angels Baseball Foundation, Paws for a Cause, and all the volunteers, staff, adopters and everyone else who came to support this worthwhile event!
July is Pet Tag Awareness Month at OC Animal Care
Only 6% of the 29,000 animals impounded at OC Animal Care in 2012 had some form of identification, such as a pet license, microchip, or name tag. Also in 2012, 61% of animals with a form of ID were returned to their owners versus only 8% of animals without identification.
OC Animal Care wants to help protect your pet! A license, microchip, or tag could be your pet's ticket home! Please visit their booth near the shelter entrance every Saturday in July to receive your free tag!
For more information, please click here.
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| NOTES FROM THE FIELD |
Arundo Removal from Aliso Creek at Aliso & Wood Canyons
OC Parks is currently working to remove approximately 25 acres of invasive Arundo vegetation and other invasive species from the riparian areas along a 3.7 mile section of Aliso Creek in Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park.
The project started in the fall of 2012, and so far, more than 60% of the giant cane (Arundo donax) has been removed from the Wilderness Park. OC Parks, in conjunction with OC Watersheds, Orange County Transportation Authority, Orange County Conservation Corps, Laguna Canyon Foundation, and other state and federal agencies, are working to complete this project by the end of December, 2013.
The tall, bamboo-like stalks of giant cane crowd out native species, such as oaks, sycamores, and willows that provide habitat for wildlife. The giant cane plant, used to make reeds for wind instruments, has taken over the waterways throughout the state, including Aliso Creek.
Soaking up three times more water than native plants and cutting off water to surrounding plants, Arundo quickly spreads through watercourses as chunks of the plant break off and wash downstream. Those pieces then sprout in whatever soil they can find.
To clear the invasive plants, workers using chainsaws and special tools cut the growth down to about 6 inches before treating remaining stumps and roots with a low-toxicity herbicide to prevent regrowth. The cut reeds are carefully broken down in a chipper so they won't re-sprout downstream. Native varieties, better suited to the environment, are then planted.
The Orange County Conservation Corps (OCCC) is the primary labor force on this project. The Anaheim-based nonprofit group provides employment programs for 18 to 25-year-olds at risk of turning to gangs, drugs or crime by providing a chance to earn a living and gain work experience. Because OCCC brings its own funding to the table, its labor is also cost-effective.
The goal of the removal project is to restore native habitat along critical portions of Aliso Creek that have become substantially degraded. This will provide significant benefits to regionally important biological resources. A restored creek will allow native plants and animals to repopulate the area.
Without invasive overgrowth, trails and views of the creek will be clearer, native plants will present less of a fire hazard and promote better water quality. This project will also help increase community awareness of the overall health of the park and its natural riparian habitat.
For more information, please click here and here. To view photos, please click here.
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| HARBOR HAPPENINGS |
Boater Advisory: Shoal Buoys Coming
Additional Shoal Buoys will soon be placed in Dana Point Harbor due to the growth of the sandy shoal on the west breakwater. The Shoal now extends farther to the east (toward the Harbor Entrance) from the position that we have become accustomed to seeing it in. Boaters should use caution when transiting the outer channel in the proximity of the Shoal and give it a wide berth due to its expansion.
For more information, please click here.
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| RECORDER RECORD |
Clerk-Recorder Plans Special Saturday Hours June 22
The public is encouraged to take advantage of special Saturday hours available at the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department on Saturday, June 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana and the department’s branch offices in Laguna Hills and Fullerton.
The Old County Courthouse will be offering marriage licenses, civil wedding ceremonies and passport application services only. Copies of property records and birth, death and marriage certificates will be available at the Laguna Hills and Fullerton branch offices, as well as obtaining marriage licenses and performing civil wedding ceremonies.
The special Saturday hours will make it easier for families and those who work during the week to obtain services usually offered just on weekdays. FREE parking will be available at all three locations.
For more information, please click here and here.
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| REGISTRAR REGISTER |
Orange County Election Academy
In 2010, the Registrar of Voters (ROV) launched the Orange County Election Academy, an 8-session long academic program designed to teach participants about elections in Orange County. This award winning, one-of-a-kind elections education program is open to the public at no cost. The comprehensive curriculum is particularly beneficial to those individuals interested in voting, running for office, and the elections process in general.
The ROV is currently accepting applications for the 2013 session, which is scheduled to begin Wednesday, October 2, 2013. The program will be conducted at the ROV office in Santa Ana. The curriculum will encompass all election management functions, including candidate filing, campaign finance, ballot creation, communications and more.
The Election Academy is designed to leave a lasting impact on those who participate in the unique, hands-on program. Applications are due by September 6, 2013.
To learn more about the Orange County Election Academy, including dates and times, and to complete an application for the program, please click here. For more information, please click here.
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| FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT |
South County Surfers Represent U.S. at World Championship
Three South County students are representing the United States at the International Surf Association's World Junior Championship in Nicaragua. They are Kevin Schulz and Tia Blanco from San Clemente High School; and Lulu Erkeneff from Dana Hills High School. The competition began June 8 and ends Sunday, July 16.
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| SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR |
Aliso Viejo: Library Summer Celebration
The Friends of the Aliso Viejo Library's FREE Summer Celebration will take place Saturday, June 22 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the outdoor area of the library at 1 Journey Drive. For more information about this fun-filled family event, please click here.
Lake Forest: Summer Concert Series
Kina Grannis returns to the Lake Forest Summer Concert Series on Sunday, June 23 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Pittsford Park, 21701 Pittsford Dr., with Season 9 American Idol finalist Didi Benami opening the show.
Dana Point: Doheny Surf Festival
Head down to Doheny State Park on June 29 & 30 for the 2nd annual Doheny Surf Festival, featuring Surfer Village vendors and educational booths, water events and demonstrations, great food and drinks and plenty of music! For more information, please click here.
Rancho Santa Margarita: Summer Camps
This summer, your child can “become” a pop star, explore the wonders of animation, conduct experiments in the Mad Scientists’ Laboratory or design jewelry, as more than 50 summer camps are open for registration at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center. For more information, please click here and here.
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| FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP |
In addition to my many meetings, briefings, and other supervisorial activities, I also:
- Attended the OCGOP’s 14th Annual Flag Day Salute event.
- Participated in an Antonio Parkway Widening Project Tour.
- Met with Laguna Niguel city officials to discuss potential uses for the County’s former South County Courthouse site.
- Met with Office on Aging staff to discuss the 2014 South County Senior Summit.
- Participated in a WTS-OC reception in honor of OCTA Board Members.
- Adjourned the Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of Robert Wingard of Rancho Santa Margarita.
My office also:
- Attended the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event in Laguna Woods.
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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