Header image with Photo of Supervisor Pat Bates. Followed by office information
July 12, 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. AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES

4. SAFETY SENTRY

5. CRITTER CHRONICLES

6. NOTES FROM THE FIELD

7. HARBOR HAPPENINGS

8. RECORDER RECORD

9. REGISTRAR REGISTER

10. ASSESSOR ASSESSMENT

11. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

12. 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 27
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

Anaheim Rapid Connection Project

On Monday, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors approved in a vote of 9-3 the completion of Anaheim’s alternatives analysis and adoption of the City’s local preferred alternative, an at-grade modern streetcar known as the Anaheim Rapid Connection (ARC). The action allows the City to move forward and complete the draft environmental documents.

In addition, OCTA staff will work with the City to ensure that development of the ARC project is compatible with the proposed Santa Ana/Garden Grove Fixed-Guideway project. The cost remains a significant issue for future discussion. The high cost of the project remains a concern for Board members, including me, so OCTA staff has been directed to work with Anaheim staff to find ways to reduce the cost of the City’s proposed project.

OC Fair Express

Through August 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.

Take Metrolink to the OC Fair

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.

AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES

John Wayne Airport Ticketless Parking System

JWA's ticketless parking system is very easy and environmentally friendly! Passengers can park at any parking location without a parking ticket by using the convenient ticketless parking option.

When entering any parking facility, simply insert a valid credit card into the entry column's yellow slot – no ticket will be issued and no charges will be incurred at entry time. Upon exiting the parking structure, proceed to any Express Exit Lane and insert the same credit card used upon entry for calculation of parking fees and payment. A printed receipt will be issued.

This ticketless method eliminates having to keep track of a parking ticket while away on travel, reduces wait time at exit, and eliminates waste from disposal of the paper parking ticket.

The ticketless parking system is available at all four of JWA's terminal-close parking structures. Parking Structures A1 and A2 are located adjacent to and directly across from Terminal A (Alaska, American, Delta and WestJet). Parking Structures B2 and C are closest to Terminal B (Interjet-ticketing only, United and US Airways) and Terminal C (AirTran, Frontier, Interjet-baggage claim only and Southwest).

All terminal parking is accessible from the Departure (upper) Level only.

SAFETY SENTRY

Passing of K9's Roan and Mona

The Orange County Sheriff's Department and K-9 unit is saddened to announce the loss of two of the Department’s first Reserve Canine’s – “Roan” and “Mona”.

Canine Roan was born in Holland in July 2000 and joined the department in 2002 and was assigned to Reserve Lieutenant Scott Klappenback. Canine Mona was born in the Czech Republic and also joined the department with Reserve Sergeant Jim Wharrie in 2002.

Jim and Scott were the first two Level-1 reserves to join the Sheriff’s Patrol Division with their canine partners. They started what has been a very successful 11-year relationship with the Department and the Communities they serve.

Canines Roan and Mona were trained in narcotics detection and both had long and successful careers. Both canine teams helped bridge the gap with many in patrol who were leery of the new reserve’s deputies and their dogs. They proved what an asset a highly trained and qualified team can provide in the area of narcotics detection.

Scott and Roan were one of the first to work “Highway Interdiction” for the department. During his tenure with the interdiction program, Roan was responsible for locating hundreds of pounds of narcotics and nearly a million dollars of cash seizures.

Canine Mona worked with Jim Wharrie primarily in a patrol function in the City of Lake Forest. Mona assisted with hundreds of searches in both vehicles and structures for deputies in South County.

Both of these Reserves Deputies generously donate their time and tireless energy to the Sheriff’s Department and they are to be commended for their dedication. Canines Mona and Roan will be sorely missed by their canine buddies and the countless Deputies/Officers they assisted over the years!

Canine Mona passed away March 19; and Canine Roan passed away June 30. For more information, please click here.

CRITTER CHRONICLES

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.

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Third Annual OC Parks Wilderness Celebration

Families can discover Orange County's only National Natural Landmark together during the Third Annual OC Parks Wilderness Celebration in Black Star Canyon. The event takes place Saturday, July 13, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will introduce children and adults alike to the wide open spaces right here in Orange County with all kinds of family activities.

From meeting local live animals to games and activities or taking an easy walk along the majestic Red Rocks, families can learn about nature while having fun. The Wilderness Celebration is geared toward connecting people to this local natural resource. Even those who have never hiked in the wilderness before can participate with the help of OC Parks staff and Irvine Ranch Conservancy docents.

The FREE annual event commemorates the gift of 20,000 acres of open space to the County of Orange, as the land is part of nearly 40,000 acres of the former Irvine Ranch that have been designated as both a National and California Natural Landmark for its rare biological and geological features.

The day will begin with trails opening at 8:00 a.m. and kids' activities kicking-off at 9:30 a.m. Trails will be open to hikers and bikers until 1:00 p.m. Participants should note that for the safety of pets and preservation of local wildlife, dogs are not allowed in the Irvine Ranch Open Space at any time.

For more information, please click here and here.

HARBOR HAPPENINGS

Community Notice: Operation Baby Lift

On Saturday, July 13 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Torch 1975, Inc., a nonprofit organization to “Serve & Support America’s Veterans”, will hold its tribute and reenactment of the original Operation Baby Lift. The event will be held in Dana Point Harbor (west of the Island Way Bridge, seaward of Dana Point Harbor Drive).

Operation Baby Lift was the name given to the mass evacuation of orphans from South Vietnam at the end of the Vietnam War (1975). President Gerald R. Ford, in a humanitarian act, authorized a $2 million fund and announced that the U.S. Government would begin evacuating Asian-American orphans from Saigon on a series of 30 planned flights.

During this time, there could be some minor traffic congestion proximate to the intersection of Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive. For more information, please click here and here.

RECORDER RECORD

Positive Response Leads to More Saturday Hours

Responding to customer requests for more weekend hours, the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department will open on Saturday, July 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at offices in Santa Ana, Fullerton and Laguna Hills.

Department offices at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana, as well as branch offices in Laguna Hills and Fullerton, will be open to provide greater convenience for customers unable to conduct business during regular weekday hours. As with the department’s two highly popular Saturday openings in June, parking will be FREE at all locations.

For more information, please click 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.

ASSESSOR ASSESSMENT

2013-14 Local Assessment Roll of Values

The Orange County Assessor has delivered the 2013-14 Local Assessment Roll of Values that includes all locally assessable property in Orange County. The total net taxable value on the Roll is over $442.8 billion, up 3.36% or $14.3 billion more than last year (FY 2012-13).

Each of Orange County’s 34 cities had a year-to-year increase in net taxable value for the first time in six years. It is important to emphasize that the Assessment Roll of Values reflects property values as of January 1, 2013.

For more information, please click here and here.

SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

Laguna Niguel: Summer Concert Series

Take advantage of the FREE and always popular Laguna Niguel Summer Concert Series. Enjoy a Bon Jovi tribute Friday, July 12 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at Crown Valley Community Park Amphitheater. For more information, please click here.

Dana Point: Summer Concerts in the Park

The City of Dana Point has kicked-off its Summer Concerts in the Park. Enjoy an Elvis tribute Sunday, July 14 at Lantern Bay Park. The opening act kicks-off at 3:00 PM. For more information, please click here.

Rancho Santa Margarita: Summer Concerts

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita will present FREE fantastic musical performances this summer. Enjoy an Eagles tribute Sunday, July 14 beginning at 6:00 PM in Central Park. For more information, please click here and here.

Aliso Viejo: Walk With Us

If you are looking for a great way to get fit, make new friends and enjoy the outdoors, make plans to participate in Aliso Viejo’s summer "Walk with Us" program, taking place from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM on July 15, 22 & 29. For more information, please click here.

San Juan Capistrano: Summer Nites Concert

Be sure to attend the next San Juan Summer Nites Concert on Wednesday, July 17, featuring Pop Rock band “BuB.” The FREE concert is held at Historic Town Center Park and starts at 6:00 PM. For more information, please click here.

San Clemente: Ocean Festival

The San Clemente Ocean Festival is celebrating “The Greatest Show on Surf!” Come join the fun Saturday & Sunday, July 20 & 21 at the San Clemente Pier. For more information, please click here and here.

Mission Viejo: Pacific Symphony Summer Concert Series

Pacific Symphony offers something for everyone Saturday, July 27, beginning at 4:00 p.m. at "The Village Green" at Oso Viejo Community Park in Mission Viejo, as light pop, classical tunes and patriotic music will be featured. For more information, please click here.

Lake Forest: Pacific Symphony Summer Concert Series

Pacific Symphony returns to South County on Sunday, July 28, as light pop, classical tunes and patriotic music will be featured at Pittsford Park in Lake Forest, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with pre-concert entertainment and a Musical Playground for Children. For more information, please click here.

Laguna Beach: Art Festival Season

Laguna Beach’s world famous summer art festival season runs daily through September 1. For information on the Festival of Arts / Pageant of the Masters, please click here. For information on the Sawdust Art Festival, please click here. For information on Art-A-Fair, please click here.

FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP

In addition to my many meetings, briefings, and other supervisorial activities, I also:
  • Attended a reception and tour of the new Rancho Mission Viejo Sendero development.
My office also:
  • Attended the Mental Health Board Study Committee Planning Meeting.
  • Received a briefing from the Social Services Agency on the Affordable Care Act Implementation for Orange County.
  • Welcomed the new board members of the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce at the Annual Installation Dinner.
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.

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