|
August 9, 2013 |
|
|
|
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. HEALTH HERALD
5. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS
6. NOTES FROM THE FIELD
7. HARBOR HAPPENINGS
8. CRITTER CHRONICLES
9. COUNTY CONNECTIONS
10. RECORDER RECORD
11. TAX COLLECTOR COLLECTIBLES
12. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT
13. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR
14. FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP
OUR STAFF...
Don Hughes:
Chief of Staff
Kristen Camuglia:
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
Click here to subscribe.
Click here to unsubscribe
|
|
| BOARD BULLETIN BOARD |
No Board Meeting This Week
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, August 13. 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 |
Ortega Highway Bridge Demolition
Caltrans crews successfully demolished the south half of the Ortega Highway Bridge last weekend, as part of the l-5/Ortega Highway Interchange Improvement Project. All work was conducted between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Friday night and Saturday night.
Everything went according to plan and the freeway was reopened 30 minutes ahead of schedule Sunday morning. The north half of the bridge will be demolished in approximately one year.
For more information, please click here.
Scheduled I-405 Bridge Demolition & Freeway Closure
As reported in my newsletter last week, crews recently completed a major traffic switch to open the new southbound I-405 / eastbound SR-22 connector. The new connector opened to motorists July 29, marking a major milestone for the WCC project team.
Now that the new connector is open, the old southbound I-405 / eastbound SR-22 connector bridge will be demolished the weekend of August 17 & 18, requiring a 20-hour full closure of the I-405 freeway.
The southbound I-405 connector to the eastbound SR-22 freeway has been reconstructed to make room for the new carpool connector. Once construction on the new connector is complete, the old connector must be demolished.
In order to demolish the old structure, portions of the eastbound SR-22, northbound I-405 and southbound I-405 freeways will be closed approximately 20 hours, from 9:00 p.m. Saturday, August 17 to approximately 5:00 p.m. Sunday, August 18.
For all the details about specific closures and recommended detours, please click here.
OC Fair Express Update
This past weekend was the fourth and second to last weekend of the OC Fair Express. Ridership was up nearly 20 percent when compared to the fourth weekend last year. There were 13,972 boardings versus 11,810 during the fourth weekend last year.
Total ridership is up 21.5 percent, with 45,021 boardings compared to 37,040 to date last year. With one weekend left in the OC Fair Express season, we should easily exceed last year's record total of 46,356 boardings.
Get Great Discounts with Metrolink!
Take Metrolink to San Juan Capistrano and discover (or rediscover) Orange County's oldest community! Show your Metrolink ticket to get great discounts around the historic downtown, at entertainment venues, shopping and dining, all conveniently located within walking distance from the station!
For more information, click here.
|
| SAFETY SENTRY |
OCIAC Recognized as National Model
As reported in my newsletter last week, the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center and the Orange County Department of Education have launched the School Assessment Project, a united effort to collect information from every school in Orange County to ensure the safety of all students. The data being collected includes school emergency plans, evacuation routes, maps, and other details that will be provided to first responders during school emergency situations.
A Congressional report released July 26 identified the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center (OCIAC) as a national model for fusion centers due to the strong relationship that exists between law enforcement and fire services.
A fusion center is a collaborative effort of two or more agencies that provide resources, expertise, and information to the center with the goal of maximizing their ability to detect, prevent, investigate, and respond to criminal and terrorist activity. Fusion centers communicate, cooperate, and coordinate with each other and with the federal government.
OCIAC is a fusion center formed in 2007 on the foundation established by the Orange County Sheriff's Department’s Terrorism Early Warning Group, which operated from 2001 to 2007. Direct responsibility for the overall policy and direction of OCIAC rests with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in close coordination with the Orange County Chiefs and Sheriffs Association.
The mission of OCIAC is to provide an integrated, multi-disciplined, information and intelligence sharing network to collect, analyze, and disseminate information on all criminal risks and safety threats to law enforcement, fire, health, private sector and public sector stakeholders in a timely manner in order to protect the residents, visitors, and critical infrastructure of Orange County.
The Majority Staff Report on the National Network of Infusion Centers was submitted by Congressman Michael T. McCaul, Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security and Congressman Peter T. King, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism & Intelligence.
For more information, please click here.
|
| HEALTH HERALD |
First Human West Nile Virus Case of 2013 in OC
A Cypress female in her sixties has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) infection, becoming the County’s first human WNV infection in 2013. This is the 15th human case of WNV reported in California. The woman was admitted to the hospital in July with symptoms of West Nile Virus, and is now at home recovering.
In 2012, there were 48 reported human infections of West Nile Virus and two WNV related deaths reported in Orange County. West Nile Virus is endemic in Orange County, recurring every year during the summer months and continuing into the fall. The best way to avoid West Nile Virus infection is to take precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites.
For more information, please click here.
Birth Outcomes in Orange County
A new report from the Health Care Agency (HCA) finds that Orange County has lower prevalence rates for six important measures. The goal of the report was to look at indicators over time, both geographically and demographically.
Overall, Orange County compares well on all birth outcome indicators relative to the U.S. and California. Orange County has lower prevalence rates for six of the seven Healthy People 2020 goals, including pre-term birth, low birth weight, births to teens, prenatal care, breastfeeding initiation and infant mortality.
In addition, utilizing a composite measure to compare birth outcomes, every
Orange County city ranked above the Healthy People 2020 goals as well as California and national averages.
As described in the report, pronounced disparities exist across different race/ethnic groups and across different cities in the County. HCA and local healthcare providers will continue to collaborate to serve areas of need and reduce disparities in order to improve birth outcomes.
To view the full report, “Orange County Geographic Health Profile: Birth Indicators (2000-2010),” please click here. For more information, please click here and here.
|
| ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS |
Eco Challenge Recycling Event Comes to Angel Stadium
OC Waste & Recycling has partnered with Goodwill of OC to host a special recycling event at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Saturday, August 10 from 8:00 AM to noon.
The first 300 cars to drop off three bags of gently used clothing, working and non-working electronics, or documents to shred will receive two free tickets to an Angels Baseball game this year! In addition, all cars will receive a free child admission coupon to Discovery Science Center to check out the Eco Challenge exhibit.
For more information, please click here.
Poseidon Seawater Desalination Project Update
Orange County’s eleven-member Sacramento legislative delegation last week submitted a letter to the California Coastal Commission urging approval of the Coastal Development Permit for the Poseidon Seawater Desalination Project in Huntington Beach.
The exceptional show of unanimous, bipartisan support comes as the Coastal Commission prepares to consider the last permit necessary for the project, which would generate 50 million gallons of drinking water daily.
The letter also comes about a week after the Orange County Water District Board of Directors voted unanimously to study the feasibility of purchasing up to the full capacity of drinking water that will be produced by the proposed Huntington Beach Seawater Desalination Project.
To view the text of the letter, please click here.
|
| NOTES FROM THE FIELD |
OC Fire Watch: An Opportunity to Volunteer
OC Fire Watch is a team of dedicated volunteers, devoted to standing watch over Orange County wilderness parks and open lands during hazardous fire weather and Red Flag Alerts and Warnings. These volunteers receive basic training in fire behavior, observation methods and techniques, map reading, and fire response systems.
OC Fire Watch volunteers individually staff one of many pre-designated stationary post assignments, highly visible to the public, and provide another set of eyes to watch for signs of developing wild fires. They also greet the public enjoying the vast open lands and spaces of OC Parks, and educate them on the dangers of and how to prevent destructive wildfires.
OC Parks owns and manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange, as part of OC Community Resources. The OC Fire Watch Program is administered through the OC Parks Adopt-A-Park Program.
The geographical areas covered by the program include Orange County Wilderness and Regional Parks identified as having the most risk for wildfires. These parks include Aliso and Wood Canyons, Caspers, Laguna Coast, O’Neill, Riley, Limestone Canyon and Whiting Ranch, as well as Irvine, Peters, Yorba, and Carbon Canyon.
For more information on becoming an OC Fire Watch volunteer, please click here.
2013 Annual Parking Passes Now 50% Off
OC Parks is now pleased to offer 2013 annual parking passes for 50% off of the full price. Spend the rest of the year in the outdoors with family and friends at a discounted rate.
OC Parks annual parking passes and decals allow convenient parking at your favorite regional and wilderness parks, as well as all County beach parks. Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, exploring, surfing, or rest and relaxation in nature with simple pre-paid parking at all locations.
An OC Parks parking pass makes for the perfect gift for the outdoor and adventurous friends and family members in your life. Annual parking passes and decals are available for purchase at an OC Parks facility near you.
For more information, please click here and here.
|
| HARBOR HAPPENINGS |
Boater Notice: Whitey Harrison Classic Canoe Race
The Whitey Harrison Classic Canoe Race will take place in Dana Point Harbor on Saturday, August 10. The races begin at 6:00 AM and run through 4:00 PM.
The start-finish line will be located outside the Harbor entrance and the Race will proceed to Laguna Beach then back towards Doheny State Beach. All boaters should exercise caution if operating near the race area.
For more information, please click here and here.
|
| CRITTER CHRONICLES |
San Juan Capistrano Dog Park Grand Opening
Dr. Joe Cortese Dog Park, named after a beloved local veterinarian, is a 2.5-acre site in the San Juan Capistrano’s Northwest Open Space, located at 30291 Camino Capistrano. The park is a result of a 1990 voter approved Open Space Bond effort.
The dog park welcomes small and large dogs and features picnic tables, benches, and an access ramp for people with disabilities. The area will include drinking fountains for both people and pooches.
The ribbon cutting will take place Saturday, August 17 at 10:00 AM. The event runs until 1:00 PM and will include exhibit booths, demonstrations, goodie bags for dogs, dog photos for purchase, and hot dogs! All dogs must be on leash for the ribbon cutting and event activities.
For more information, please click here and here.
|
| COUNTY CONNECTIONS |
Camp To Belong
On August 5, NBC Nightly News featured Orange County’s Camp To Belong on the station’s “Making a Difference” section of the news. To view this heartwarming segment, please click here.
Orange County’s Camp To Belong was also the subject of an article August 5 in The Orange County Register. To view the article, please click here.
Camp To Belong (CTB) is a one-week summer camp for children who have been or are involved with foster care/adoption. According to CTB’s website, the organization has been “actively reuniting brothers and sisters who are placed in separate foster, adoptive or kinship homes through Summer Camp Programs and year-round events since 1995.”
The group’s primary goal “is to provide a sense of belonging to youth as individuals, and as siblings, giving them opportunities to share childhood memories together and among other youth in the same situation.”
Children who are or have been involved with the Orange County Social Services Agency and the Juvenile Court have attended this camp for the past several years and unanimously report that they enjoy the wonderful opportunities and experiences they are able to share with their siblings at Camp To Belong.
For more information, please click here.
OC Planning Commission to Hold Public Hearing
The County of Orange Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding County Zoning Code Amendment CA 11-02 on Wednesday, August 14 at 333 West Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana (on the First Floor) at 1:30 PM.
The meeting will discuss emergency shelters, affordable housing, supportive housing, transitional housing, and reasonable accommodation. The County welcomes all persons to present their views at this meeting.
For more information, please click here and here.
|
| RECORDER RECORD |
Clerk Services Made Easier for Busy Workers and Families
Special weekend hours for the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department will again be available Saturday, Aug. 24 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 August date will be the third monthly Saturday opening of all offices by Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. Department employees issued a record 171 marriage licenses July 27 and performed 107 civil wedding ceremonies, compared to 144 licenses and just 53 ceremonies on June 22.
As the special Saturday openings have surged in popularity, especially with families and those who work during the week, additional Saturday hours are being planned once a month through the end of the year. Check www.ocrecorder.com for exact dates and times. FREE parking will be available at all three locations.
For more information, please click here and here.
|
| TAX COLLECTOR COLLECTIBLES |
Treasurer-Tax Collector Mails Unsecured Property Tax Bills
The Treasurer-Tax Collector's office last week began mailing approximately 125,000 Unsecured Property Tax Bills. The last day to make your payment on time will be September 3. Payments must be received or postmarked on or before this date to avoid a 10% late penalty plus a delinquent collection charge of $75.
For more information, please click here.
|
| FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT |
South County Students Win Business Plan Contest
Concluding the 2nd annual Teen Entrepreneur Academy (TEA) hosted by Concordia University in Irvine, Rafi Caro and Michael Karahalios, juniors at San Clemente High School, were awarded a $1,000 business plan competition grand prize for their innovative concept and entrepreneurial drive.
For six days in July, Concordia University's Teen Entrepreneur Academy played host to 80 business-minded students from around the world, to guide them in the basics of cultivating and developing their own small businesses. Students from dozens of local high schools spent six days living and working on campus and venturing out on field trips to visit local companies. At the end of the week of classes, presentations and outings, the inspired students presented plans for their future enterprises in a "Fish Bowl" Business Plan Competition.
This year's winning concept from Caro and Karahalios, still in an incubator stage, is an app for infatuated young fans looking to connect online with their favorite up-and-coming artists or entertainers. The app, which targets girls between the ages of 9 and 16 years old, will give fans access to bidding on and purchasing memorabilia, as social media follows and activities with any beloved artist with whom they hope to interact.
For more information, please click here.
|
| SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR |
Laguna Niguel: Summer Concert Series
The City of Laguna Niguel invites you to enjoy its Summer Concerts in the Park, featuring contemporary Hawaiian band Hapa on Friday, August 9 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Crown Valley Community Park Amphitheater. FREE shuttle service available for every concert. For more information, please click here.
San Juan Capistrano: Two-Step Under the Stars
This community event will be held Saturday, Aug. 10 on the grass at the City-owned Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at San Juan Capistrano. The evening will start at 5:00 PM with dance lessons; and a night of dining, dancing and gaming kicks-off at 6:00 PM. For more information, please click here and here.
Dana Point: Summer Concerts in the Park
The City of Dana Point invites you to enjoy its Summer Concerts in the Park, featuring AbbaFab (tribute to Abba) with the Wonderelle’s on Sunday, August 11 at Sea Terrace Park. The opening act kicks-off at 3:00 PM. For more information, please click here.
San Clemente: 60th Annual Fiesta Street Festival
The 60th Annual San Clemente Fiesta Street Festival is set for Sunday, August 11. The Fiesta Street Festival starts at 9:00 a.m. and concludes at 7:00 p.m. on Ave. Del Mar in beautiful San Clemente. 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:
- Presented a County Update at a meeting of the Niguel Shores Men’s Club in Dana Point.
- Attend Age Well Senior Services’ Donor Recognition & Board Installation event, at which the County was recognized for its continued support to the Meals on Wheels program.
- Attended separate Washington, D.C. briefings presented by Congressman Darrell Issa and Congressman Kevin McCarthy, respectively.
- Met with National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Orange County Chapter President Laura Neubauer to discuss NAWBO programs for young women entrepreneurs.
My office also:
- Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the grand opening of KIA of Irvine.
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.
Follow me on Facebook! |
| |
|
