Header image with Photo of Supervisor Pat Bates. Followed by office information
July 3, 2013

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. BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

2. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

3. SAFETY SENTRY

4. CRITTER CHRONICLES

5. HARBOR HAPPENINGS

6. AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES

7. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS

8. NOTES FROM THE FIELD

9. NOTES LIBRARY LIBRETTO

10. REGISTRAR REGISTER

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

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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Volume 7 Issue 26
BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

No Board Meeting This Week

Due to the Fourth of July holiday, there was not a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Supervisors this week. To view the Board meeting schedule for 2013, please click here.

Our next Board meeting will be held Tuesday, July 16. 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.

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

OC Fair Express

From July 12 through Aug. 11, the OC Fair Express will provide nonstop, direct service to the OC Fair from nine park-and-ride lots in Orange County.

For $2 each way, fairgoers may enjoy stress-free bus service that will run hourly from approximately 2:30 p.m. to midnight on Friday and from 9:30 a.m. to midnight on Saturday and Sunday.

Riders also will receive a coupon for $3 admission to the fair, a savings of $8 off the regular ticket price.

Riders may board the OC Fair Express at the following locations:
  1. Fullerton Park and Ride, 3000 W. Orangethorpe Ave. in Fullerton
  2. The Depot at Santa Ana, 1000 E. Santa Ana Blvd. in Santa Ana
  3. Goldenwest Transportation Center, 7301 Center Ave. in Huntington Beach
  4. Anaheim Canyon Metrolink Station, 1039 N. Pacificenter Drive in Anaheim
  5. The Village at Orange, 1500 E. Village Way in Orange
  6. Newport Transportation Center, 1550 Avocado Ave. in Newport Beach
  7. Laguna Hills Transportation Center, 24282 Calle de los Caballeros in Laguna Hills
  8. Irvine Metrolink Station, 15215 Barranca Parkway in Irvine
  9. Junipero Serra Park and Ride, Corner of 1-5 Freeway and Junipero Serra Road in San Juan Capistrano
The OC Fair Express is made possible in part by a $342,000 grant provided by the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC). MSRC provides subsidies for cleaner transportation alternatives.

For more information about the OC Fair Express, please click here.

Enjoy a Metrolink Weekend Getaway

The public can experience the ease and comfort of riding Metrolink by participating in a new promotional campaign that includes four free weekend getaways to great destinations near the Orange County and Los Angeles County Metrolink stations.

Beginning July 7, participants can enter the contest by watching a short video about each getaway location and filling out a survey that follows.

Drawings will occur every other Friday starting July 19. Contest winners will be notified online via social media. Winners will be given overnight accommodations, two meals and Metrolink tickets to San Juan Capistrano, Anaheim, Los Angeles / Old Town Pasadena and San Clemente.

Residents of Orange County deserve a weekend getaway even if they don’t win one. OCTA has partnered with many of great destinations to bring discounts just by showing a Metrolink ticket. Patrons arrive relaxed without having to deal with traffic and parking, and best of all, the Metrolink Weekend Day Pass is only $10.

The four weekend getaways include:

San Juan Capistrano (drawing will occur July 19)
  • Overnight accommodations at Residence Inn by Marriott
  • Mission San Juan Capistrano tickets
  • Breakfast or lunch at Mission Grill
  • Dinner at Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot
  • Metrolink tickets

Anaheim (drawing will occur Aug. 2)
  • Overnight accommodations at Tropicana Inn & Suites
  • Disneyland Resorts Park Hopper tickets
  • Breakfast at IHOP
  • Dinner at Tony Roma's
  • Metrolink tickets
  • Anaheim Resort Transportation tickets

Old Town Pasadena (drawing will occur Aug. 16)
  • Overnight accommodations at the Courtyard by Marriott
  • Norton Simon Museum tickets
  • Breakfast at Russell's
  • Dinner at La Grande Orange Café
  • Metrolink tickets
  • LA Metro tickets

San Clemente (drawing will occur Aug. 30)
  • Overnight accommodations at Always Inn San Clemente
  • Casa Romantica tickets
  • Breakfast at Mimosa Café
  • Dinner at Carbonara Trattoria
  • Metrolink tickets
Metrolink riders will be offered discounts to these venues with their tickets from July 19 to Aug. 30.

Take Metrolink to the San Clemente Ocean Festival

The San Clemente Ocean Festival will take place July 20 and 21. Take Metrolink to the San Clemente Pier Station for a fun-filled day of activities. Watch top California lifesavers compete in the Open Ocean Paddle, see the Surf Race to Victory for stand up paddlers, and enjoy sand sculpting competitions and the ever-popular Great Rubber Duck Race. To kick off the event, OCTA will give away 50 free Metrolink tickets at the Fullerton station July 20.

For more information, please click here.

Take Metrolink to the OC Fair

Looking for something to do this summer? Why not visit the OC Fair and use public transportation to get there? Take Metrolink to the Anaheim Canyon, Santa Ana or Irvine station and connect with OCTA's OC Fair Express, which provides direct bus service to the OC Fair. Just show your valid Metrolink ticket for a FREE ride to the OC Fair. The non-stop bus will drop you off in front of the OC Fair's yellow gate. Taking the OC Fair Express, admission to the fair is only $3!

For more information, please click here.

Attention Metro and Metrolink Users!

As of June 19, Metrolink users now need proof of a paid fare to go through the red and purple line turnstiles at Union Station. If you are a Metro patron you can buy a TAP card then load your fare onto the card before you ride. You can then tap it on the turnstile to deduct your fare before boarding the train.

For more information, please click here, here and here.

As of July 1, Metrolink also began instituting a system wide 5% average fare increase. For more information, please click here.

SAFETY SENTRY

Law Enforcement DUI Task Force Deployment July 4

This Fourth of July, law enforcement throughout Orange County are stepping up enforcement efforts as part of the ongoing DUI Task Force, joining thousands of agencies statewide in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement crackdown to catch and arrest impaired drivers who put themselves and others at risk.

The deputies and officers of the task force will be out in full force this Fourth of July holiday weekend, showing zero tolerance for impaired drivers. The Orange County DUI Task Force will be cracking down on drug and alcohol impaired driving, deploying officers to DUI/driver’s license checkpoints, and DUI saturation patrols. The CHP will be deploying all available officers onto freeways and county roads for its Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP).

The DUI Task Force recommends these simple tips for a safe Fourth of July:
  • Plan a safe way home before the fun begins.
  • Before drinking, designate a sober driver.
  • If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
  • If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to report it - Call 911!
  • And remember, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
For more information, please click here and here.

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.

CRITTER CHRONICLES

Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe this 4th of July Holiday

The following are some important tips to make the coming 4th of July holiday a pleasant one for you and your pets:
  • Keep pets inside. The best situation for your pet is to be at home with you. If your holiday plans take you elsewhere, it is best to leave your pet inside the house. Sometimes frightened animals will try to seek refuge from noise and confusion by chewing through ropes, jumping fences or running away. Keeping them indoors will assure that they won't get lost. It is a good idea to leave a radio or TV set on to drown out the load firework noises.
  • If you have an animal that is nervous or predisposed to stress, you might want to consult with your veterinarian about having tranquilizers on hand during the July 4th holiday. The vet will prescribe according to weight, age and condition of the pet. It is important to consult a veterinarian because tranquilizers can overdose or become toxic when combined with other medications, flea collars or sprays.
  • Make sure your pets are wearing proper ID tags with at least two phone numbers listed on them on the outside and a registered microchip on the inside.
  • Don't leave pets outside, even in a fenced yard, anytime when fireworks are being set off in the neighborhood.
  • More pets are lost around the 4th of July than at any other time of year. If your pet gets lost, begin a search immediately.
For more information, please click here.

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.

HARBOR HAPPENINGS

Dana Point Harbor: Fourth of July Parking Program

Please be advised that Marina parking lot gate attendants will be on duty July 4–7. There will be limited employee parking in the Harbor all four days, beginning July 4. Parking for Catalina Express passengers will be moved to the Nordhavn lot and the Embarcadero one-acre lot.

On July 4 only, complimentary shuttle service will be provided by the City of Dana Point between Dana Hills High School and the corner of Dana Point Harbor Drive and Golden Lantern from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Employees are encouraged to park at Dana Hills High School and take advantage of the Harbor Shuttles.

Boater cargo courtesy golf cart shuttles will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis to boaters with valid boater ID. Pick-up will be at Dana Point Harbor Drive & Island Way (the bridge) at the red curb on eastbound Dana Point Harbor Drive (will be indicated by a sign), and will drop off as close as possible to the boater’s gangway gate area. The carts will operate from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Shuttles will provide transportation within the Harbor along designated shuttle route with the following stops:
  • Ocean Institute
  • Baby Beach
  • Dana West Yacht Club
  • Dana Point Yacht Club
  • Aventura Sailing
  • Mariners Village
  • Golden Lantern Lawn - just past the Brig Restaurant
  • Little Doheny Beach
All services are subject to program changes based upon conditions and the event. For more information, please click here.

Community Notice: Free Fishing Days

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) invites anglers to celebrate summer by fishing for FREE this Saturday, July 6. This is the first of two “Free Fishing Days” in 2013, when people can try their hand at fishing without having to buy a sport fishing license. All fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and stream closures will remain in effect.

CDFW offers two Free Fishing Days each year – usually around the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekend – when it’s legal to fish without a sport fishing license. This year, Free Fishing Days are set for the Saturdays following Independence Day and Labor Day (July 6 and Sept. 7).

Please note that on the Sept. 7 Free Fishing Day, ocean fishermen must have an abalone report card in their possession when rock picking or diving for abalone, but no fishing license is required (the abalone season is closed during the month of July).

Anglers should check the rules and regulations here for the waters they plan to fish, as wardens will be on duty to enforce them. For more information on Free Fishing Days, please click here and here.

AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES

John Wayne Airport: Fourth of July Travel Tips

John Wayne Airport (JWA) anticipates a busier-than-normal travel period during the Fourth of July holiday through Sunday, July 7. Passengers are reminded that fireworks are prohibited and should be left at home.

Visitors to JWA during this holiday period should be aware of ongoing construction activities around the Riley Terminal, exercise caution when navigating Airport roadways and follow posted speed limits.

Travel Tips for Passengers and Visitors:
  • Arrive 90 minutes to two-hours before the flight departure time to find parking, check luggage and go through the security checkpoint. Passengers who are members of TSA Pre✔™ can expedite the screening process in Terminal A.
  • Drivers picking up passengers at the Airport are encouraged to utilize 2-hour parking spaces, located on the lower level of Parking Structures A1, B2 and C, as some portions of the white curb are closed due to construction.

Parking Options at JWA:
  • Curbside Valet Parking for $30 per day, located on the departure level between Terminals A and B, or in front of Terminal C.
  • Parking Structures A1, A2, B2 and C are located adjacent to and directly across from the Riley Terminal at a rate of $20 per day and $2 per hour with the first 15 minutes being free for those dropping off and picking up passengers.
  • Off-site Main Street Parking Lot located at 1512 Main St., Irvine for $14 per day with free shuttle service to/from the Terminal every 15 minutes.
  • For parking availability call 949.252.5200 or for directions to JWA, please click here.
For the latest travel tips and security requirements, please click here.

Airline News

With summer come changes to air service at John Wayne Airport. AirTran Airways, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines, has added an additional flight to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Through August 9, the seasonal flight will be the second daily to San Jose del Cabo Airport nonstop from John Wayne Airport.

WestJet ended its seasonal service to Calgary, Alberta, Canada at the end of October 2012, and announced it will not be re-activating this service. WestJet's current schedule includes a daily nonstop from Vancouver, British Columbia to Orange County.

To view all of JWA's nonstop routes, please click here.

John Wayne Airport Construction Update

While John Wayne Airport's (JWA) new Terminal C and Parking Structure C opened to the public over 18 months ago, the Airport is still making improvements to ensure our facilities remain top-notch and of the highest quality. Most of the construction projects are taking place behind the scenes, but you might notice a few new updates at JWA:
  • New numbered column wraps with color coordinated terminal locations have been installed on the terminal roadway. Visitors to the Airport will be able to direct vehicles picking up passengers on the lower roadway to a specific location, for example "blue column, number 12," which would correspond to the mid-Terminal B arrivals area.
  • Construction on refurbishing and repaving portions of the airport perimeter road has begun. As part of repairing the 20+ year old airport service road, a new fence will be installed along the northwest corner of the airfield.
  • Construction of JWA's new Maintenance Building will begin this summer as well, on the design/build project located on west side of the airfield, north of the control tower.
  • A newly constructed Animal Relief Area can be found on the Arrival (lower) Level outside of Terminal C near the entrance to Parking Structure C. Another Animal Relief Area is located on the Arrival (lower) Level outside of Terminal A near the entrance to Parking Structure A1. Owners are asked to clean up after their animals, using the waste disposal bags and receptacle provided.
  • Construction has begun on a new Airport concession. Brookstone and XpresSpa, located across from Gate 10, are slated to open later this summer, completing the build out of the JWA Concessions Program.
For more information on these, and other Airport projects, please click here.

ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS

Public Meeting on Open Burning (Beach Fire Pits) July 12

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has scheduled a public consultation meeting to present and solicit information and suggestions from the public regarding Proposed Amended Rule 444 – Open Burning. This Rule amendment is related to open burning at beach areas.

The meeting is scheduled for 9:00 AM July 12 in the auditorium of SCAQMD headquarters, 21865 Coply Dr., Diamond Bar. Interested persons may attend and submit oral or written statements at the Board Hearing. 25 copies of all written materials must be submitted to the Clerk of the Board. Those wishing to submit written comments for review prior to the public hearing must submit such comments to the Clerk of the Board at 21865 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765 or cob@aqmd.gov.

For more information, please click here.

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park Improvements Planned

At our June 25 meeting, the Board approved a $675,000 grant from the State Coastal Conservancy for improvements at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park’s main staging area, including construction of new trails, parking and circulation improvements, native landscaping, signage and visitor amenities, and planning and design of new visitor-serving and educational buildings.

Grant funded improvements will be completed by early 2015. The timeline for construction of the building improvements is unknown, as financing has yet to be obtained for the buildings.

The County is partnering with Orange Coast Watershed & Education Center (NGO) to seek financing for the education center component. The visitor center would provide a place for visitors to obtain park information, way-finding and public restrooms. Laguna Canyon Foundation is another OC Parks partner that assists with stewardship volunteer projects in the park.

Planned improvements are consistent with public access and recreation enhancements contained in the Resource Management Plan for Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, approved by the Board in 2009.

To view an illustrative concept plan and a copy of the grant agreement, please click here and here.

Doheny Update

The Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association (DSBIA) has issued their latest edition of DOHENY UPDATE to better inform the public about events and conditions in the State Park.

To view the DSBIA July newsletter, please click here.

LIBRARY LIBRETTO

Summer Reading Program

Children and teens are invited to visit their local OC Public Libraries branch to register for the FREE Summer Reading Program, which runs through Saturday, August 3.

During the summer OC Public Libraries conducts a FREE Summer Reading Program for children and teens of all ages. The program is designed to maintain reading skills during the summer by keeping children excited about reading.

For more information, please click here and here.

REGISTRAR REGISTER

Voter Outreach Summer

As summer heats up, the Orange County Registrar of Voters’ (ROV) award winning voter outreach continues throughout the County. The ROV has teamed up again with Verizon Wireless and Live Nation. Catch them through October 4 at these Live Nation shows at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine:
  • July 20 - Matchbox Twenty
  • July 27 - John Mayer
  • September 14 - Rascal Flatts
  • October 4 - Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson
They'll also be at other community and neighborhood events throughout Orange County, including the Dana Point Food and Wine Festival and the Dana Point Summer Concert Series. Stop by their booth to learn about elections, volunteer for an election, or just say hello!

For more information, please click here.

FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

South County Patch Editor Named Journalist of the Year

During the 1984 World Series in San Diego, Fred Roggin and Martin Henderson stood in the same media lounge meal line and discussed the San Diego Padres and Detroit Tigers.

Recently, nearly three decades removed from Jack Murphy Stadium, they were alongside each other once again at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. NBC4 sports anchor Roggin had just received the Joseph M. Quinn Award for lifetime achievement and distinction, and Henderson had just been named Online Journalist of the Year.

They were among more than 90 winners at the 55th Annual Southern California Journalism Awards and Centennial Celebration, presented by the Los Angeles Press Club. Ten press clubs from around the nation judged this year’s record number of entries.

Henderson, the local editor for Rancho Santa Margarita Patch and Lake Forest Patch, earned high marks from judges, who selected him over other outstanding candidates, including a former Pulitzer Prize winner, as the standard for work on the Internet in 2012.

In the presentation, judges said of Henderson: “As media outlets continue to trim their news staffs and the survivors are expected to do more, Henderson demonstrates versatility and skill in his role as editor of the Rancho Santa Margarita Patch. His entry included excellent examples of news writing, video and photography, covering a wide variety of topics from sports and consumer reports to hard hitting political and court reporting, all optimized for delivery on the Web. His work serves as a model for the future of journalism on the Internet.”

For more information, please click here.

South County Performers Win Big at County Awards Gala

South County student performers won big at the 10th annual Orange County Cappies Gala held in Anaheim recently. Tesoro High School was the big winner, taking home seven awards. The South Orange County School of the Arts (SOCSA) at Dana Hills High School received four awards.

Winners include:
  • Orchestra - Tesoro, "Legally Blonde"
  • Ensemble in a Musical - Delta Nus, Tesoro, "Legally Blonde"
  • Featured Actor in a Play - Alec Backhus, San Juan Hills High School, "Candide"
  • Featured Actress in a Musical - Annalecia Wittwer, SOCSA at Dana Hills, "Side Show"
  • Featured Actor in a Musical - David Shadman, Tesoro, "Legally Blonde"
  • Female Dancer - Alex McDermott, SOCSA at Dana Hills, "Slide Show"
  • Comic Actress in a Musical - Erin Theodorakis, Tesoro, "Legally Blonde"
  • Song - "Who Will Love Me as I Am?" SOCSA at Dana Hills, "Side Show"
  • Musical - "Legally Blonde," Tesoro
  • Junior Critic - Allie Graydon, Tesoro
  • Senior Critic - Gwen Thomas, SOCSA at Dana Hills
  • Critics Team - Tesoro
SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

Aliso Viejo: July 4th Celebration with Fireworks

The Aliso Viejo Community Association will host its annual July 4th Celebration with Fireworks on Thursday, July 4, 2013 at Grand Park from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM. For more information, please click here and here.

Dana Point: 4th of July Fireworks Display

Don’t miss one of South County’s best aerial fireworks displays in the City of Dana Point! Gather family and friends, tune to KSBR 88.5FM, look toward the skies over Doheny State Beach and experience this patriotic extravaganza. For more information, please click here.

Laguna Beach: Fourth of July Activities

The City of Laguna Beach’s fireworks show will originate from Monument Point at Heisler Park. The City’s fireworks show will begin at 9:00 PM. City trolleys will operate under a modified schedule and will run from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM. For more information, please click here.

Laguna Hills: Fourth of July Celebration

Celebrate America’s birthday at the City of Laguna Hills’ annual Fourth of July celebration! This FREE community event will be held at 25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. Festivities begin at 4:00 PM, with fireworks at 9:10 PM. For more information, please click here.

Mission Viejo: 4th of July Street Faire & Fireworks

Make your plans to celebrate our nation’s independence at the annual 4th of July Street Faire and Fireworks Spectacular, hosted by the Mission Viejo Activities Committee, on Olympiad Road between Marguerite Parkway and Melinda Road from noon to 9:00 PM. For more information, please click here.

San Juan Capistrano: July 4th Celebration

Don’t miss the City’s spectacular 4th of July celebration at the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park at 25925 Camino Del Avion. Festivities begin at 3:00 PM and a band will perform live on stage at 6:00 PM. The evening culminates with a spectacular choreographed fireworks show. For more information, please click here.

San Clemente: Independence Day Celebration

On July 4, the City of San Clemente will host an Independence Day celebration for the community, as the City continues its annual tradition of presenting a spectacular fireworks display from the Municipal Pier at 9:00 PM. For more information, please click here.

FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP

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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