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August 16, 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. SAFETY SENTRY
4. CRITTER CHRONICLES
5. RECORDER RECORD
6. NOTES FROM THE FIELD
7. HARBOR HAPPENINGS
8. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT
9. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR
10. 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
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| BOARD BULLETIN BOARD |
Vegetation Clearing for La Pata Ave Gap Closure Project
The Board awarded a contract to Natures Image, Inc. to provide vegetation clearing services in conjunction with and within the project limits of the La Pata Avenue Gap Closure Project.
This type of work typically would be included in the construction contract, but in order to avoid habitat impacts on sensitive species, such as Raptors, Least Bell's Vireo, and Coastal California Gnatcatchers during their nesting season, the County is required to perform the work during their non-nesting season (October through December). This will allow the birds time to establish new habitat outside the project area.
Advertisement for competitive bids for the construction contract for the La Pata Avenue Gap Closure Project is scheduled for August 20. Given the time required for bidding and awarding the construction contract, it is likely that the Notice to Proceed would not be issued to the awarded Contractor until December 2013.
By awarding this contract for vegetation clearing services in advance of the construction contract, the County will avoid delays for construction to begin.
For more information, please click here.
Construction Management for La Pata Ave Gap Closure
The Board selected Hill International, Inc. to provide Architect-Engineer (AE) Support Services for the Construction Management of the La Pata Avenue Gap Closure Project.
Based on combined scoring from written proposals and oral interviews, Hill International ranked the highest among five firms that responded to the Request for Proposals.
In accordance with state and federal law, as an AE procurement, price is not an evaluation criterion. The highest-ranked firm, Hill International, will now be requested to submit a cost proposal and negotiate a final agreement with the County. Should negotiations fail with the highest-ranked firm, a cost proposal will be solicited from the second-ranked firm, Parsons Transportation Group.
The design for the La Pata Avenue Gap Closure Project is complete and award of a construction contract is anticipated by the end of 2013.
For more information, please click here.
DA’s Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Annual Report
The Board approved the 2012-13 Annual Report from the District Attorney’s (DA) Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Unit. Investigators with the DA’s office have been successful in prosecuting cases involving foreclosure fraud, rental fraud and financial elder abuse through fraudulent recorded changes in title. Additionally, the DA’s office has been proactive in the community by providing outreach and informing civic groups on what to watch out for.
For more information, please click here. To contact the Real Estate Fraud Hotline, please call 714-374-0850 or click here.
Diversion of Candy Wrappers for Charity Program
Working with the Sheriff’s Department and staff at Theo Lacy Jail, the Board approved an expansion of the jail’s sustainability program. This program allows inmates to sort through the solid waste generated at the jail, such as aluminum, cardboard and clothing, which results in revenue for the County.
It was discovered that company called TerraCycle has a national recycling program system for products once thought to be non-recyclable, such as candy wrappers, which will now be included in Theo Lacy’s recycle program.
TerraCycle provides two cents for every wrapper collected; however, the program is only open for non-profits and charities at this time, and those participating must be qualified by the company. Fortunately, one school in Orange County is qualified by Terra Cycle – Carden Conservancy of Huntington Beach.
This is a win-win for the County and sends a positive message that recycling is not only good for the environment; it can also help the community. For more information, please click here.
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| TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION |
OC Bridge Bash: Full I-405 Shutdown THIS Weekend!
The southbound I-405 connector to the eastbound SR-22 freeway has been reconstructed in order to make room for the new carpool connector. Once construction on the new connector is complete, the old connector must be demolished.
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 this weekend, August 17 and 18. The closure will take place from 9:00 PM Saturday, August 17 to approximately 5:00 PM Sunday, August 18. The following roadways will be closed during that time:
- Northbound I-405 freeway will be closed at Valley View St.
- Southbound I-405 freeway will be closed between the I-605 freeway junction to the eastbound SR-22 connector (near Valley View Street)
- 7th St. / Eastbound SR-22 will be closed at southbound I-405 freeway junction.
For more information, including a closure map and suggested detours, please click here.
I-5 HOV Improvement Project Construction Management
The Interstate 5 (I-5) high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) improvement project in South County between Avenida Pico and San Juan Creek Road will add one HOV lane in each direction on I-5 and is part of Project C in the Measure M2 freeway program.
The Project is being developed as three separate design and construction projects with the following project limits:
- Segment 1 from south of the Avenida Pico interchange to south of the Avenida Vista Hermosa interchange (0.7 mile)
- Segment 2 from south of the Avenida Vista Hermosa interchange to south of Pacific Coast Highway (2.5 miles)
- Segment 3 from south of PCH to south of San Juan Creek Road (2.5 miles)
Project Segments 2 and 3 will also construct auxiliary lanes at the Avenida Vista Hermosa and Camino de Estrella interchanges, provide additional lanes on the northbound on-ramps and southbound off-ramp at the Avenida Vista Hermosa interchange, widen the southbound off-ramp at the Camino de Estrella interchange, and widen the southbound on-ramp from PCH.
While Segment 1 is in the final design and right-of-way acquisition phase, Segments 2 and 3 are ready to move forward, with Segment 3 scheduled to be advertised for construction bids this month and Segment 2 scheduled to be advertised later this year.
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors approved Caltrop Corporation and Hill International, Inc., as the firms to provide construction management support services for Segment 2 and Segment 3, respectively. Each firm ranked highest in scoring for their respective segments.
As the construction manager, each firm will augment Caltrans staff with structural, roadway and electrical inspection, construction staking, office engineering, materials testing, claims support services, and provide a field office to house construction staff for their respective segments.
In accordance with state and federal law, as an architectural and engineering (A&E) procurement, price is not an evaluation criterion. The firms will now be requested to submit cost proposals and negotiate final agreements with OCTA.
Interstate 405 Improvement Project Update
At the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors meeting, OCTA staff presented information related to the Interstate 405 Improvement Project’s progress in relation to the results, public outreach efforts, and public comments received to date for the supplemental draft environmental impact report/environmental impact statement.
To view the PowerPoint presentation, please click here.
Toll Road Switchable Transponders Now Available
The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) now has switchable transponders available for all FasTrak® customers. TCA is the first to offer the switchable transponders with a cost-effective replaceable battery.
A switchable transponder is necessary to get the discount on qualifying carpools on the I-10 and I-110 Metro ExpressLanes in Los Angeles. To accommodate the needs of drivers throughout the region, TCA created a more cost-effective switchable transponder by adding a replaceable battery. The switchable transponders can be used on any toll road, lane and bridge in California.
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| SAFETY SENTRY |
Orange County DUI Task Force to Target Drunk Drivers
Now through Labor Day, sheriff, police and CHP officials will be out in force as part of the annual nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown on drunk driving. The crackdown in Orange County will run from August 16 through September 2.
The effective nationwide drunk driving crackdown will include high-visibility enforcement, high-profile events, and will be supported by national paid advertising, creating a comprehensive campaign to curb drunk driving in August and through the Labor Day holiday weekend.
The DUI Task Force will be aggressively looking for drunk drivers during the crackdown and will arrest anyone caught driving drunk. Plans are in place for DUI/driver’s license checkpoints, a multi-agency strike team, roving DUI saturation patrols, DUI warrant/probation sweep, and DUI court stings targeting suspended drivers who were ordered by the judge not to drive.
The schedule of enforcement operations includes a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint Friday, August 16 in the City of San Juan Capistrano. Additional checkpoints include the cities of Laguna Beach and Irvine, with dates yet to be determined.
For more information, please click here and here.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| NOTES FROM THE FIELD |
Aliso Creek Outlet Maintenance at Aliso Beach
OC Parks rangers check the condition of the Aliso Creek outlet as part of daily routine maintenance at Aliso Beach, along with trash, restroom cleaning, etc. If a berm has formed, they will determine if some minor shoveling will be successful to open the creek. OC Parks has found that these minor shoveling events help keep the creek flowing straight.
If it is left for too long, more intensive labor is required with heavy equipment and a larger crew to move around the sand. More frequent minor tweaks have helped by reducing the number of larger maintenance events, thereby saving time and money. It is estimated that shoveling occurs 3 times per week, at most.
Many compliments have been received from the local residents on this practice.
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| HARBOR HAPPENINGS |
OC Dana Point Harbor Seeks Coastal Clean-Up Volunteers
OC Dana Point Harbor is seeking volunteers for California Coastal Clean-Up Day on Saturday, September 21. A unique aspect of the clean-up effort at OC Dana Point Harbor is an Underwater Clean-Up, and open water-certified divers are invited to volunteer and participate.
For more information, please click here.
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| FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT |
Habitat for Heroes and Foundations for Families™
I recently met with representatives of Habitat for Humanity of Orange County to discuss their Habitat for Heroes and Foundations for Families™ program.
Habitat for Heroes and Foundations for Families™ was the first of its kind for Habitat for Humanity. It arose out of a vision in 2004 that would put veterans, active military and local families together in a mutually supportive community.
The ground-breaking concept for this 27-home development resulted from the collaboration between Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, the City of San Juan Capistrano, local churches and organizations, and dedicated volunteers. Habitat OC envisioned 14 of the 27 homes specifically for veterans, military, and surviving families of fallen heroes.
Working side by side, new homeowners were able to create enduring friendships, share life experiences, and begin building better, brighter futures for their families. The result is a thriving community, where neighbors look out for each other and kids can play safely outside together because someone is always looking out for them.
For more information, please click here and here. To view photos of the Habitat for Heroes and Foundations for Families project completed in San Juan Capistrano, please click here.
Laguna Beach Lifeguards Take First Place
The 2013 California Surf Lifesaving Association Regional Lifeguard Competition was held July 27 in Newport Beach. The City of Laguna Beach Marine Safety Department was represented by twenty athletes, consisting of four women and sixteen men. Fifteen Lifeguard agencies took part in the competition.
Laguna Beach finished in first place in its division, outscoring the fourth place team, Newport Beach, two to one. Highlights included Ally McCormick leading the team in points earned; Mitchell Spezzaferri taking first place overall in the men’s run/swim/run; and Cameron Zuziak taking first place overall in the men’s 2k run.
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| SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR |
San Clemente: Playground Grand Opening
The City of San Clemente is gearing up to officially open the newest playground in town at one of its oldest City parks, Max Berg Plaza Park, located at 1100 Calle Puente. The community is invited to the grand opening Saturday, August 17 at 10:00 AM. For more information, please click here.
Lake Forest: Rock N' Roll Summer Party
Lake Forest is celebrating summer 2013 with a Rock N' Roll Party on Sunday, August 18, featuring legendary "Greaser" Bowzer. This special concert from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Pittsford Park (21701 Pittsford Dr.) will open with a tribute to Neil Diamond, featuring "Hot August Night."
Aliso Viejo: Summer Concert
Join the Aliso Viejo Community Association on Sunday, August 18 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM for a summer concert, featuring Platinum Rockstars (70s/80s) at Grand Park/Town Center Amphitheater. For more information, please click here.
Laguna Niguel: Summer Concert Series
The City of Laguna Niguel invites you to enjoy its Summer Concerts in the Park series, featuring Tommy Tassi & The Authentics (50s/60s Rock ‘n Roll) on Friday, August 23 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Crown Valley Community Park Amphitheater. FREE shuttle service available. For more information, please click here.
Dana Point: Summer Concerts in the Park
The City of Dana Point invites you to enjoy its Summer Concerts in the Park, featuring Garrat Wilkin & The Parrot Heads (Jimmy Buffet tribute) on Sunday, August 18 at Sea Terrace Park. The opening act kicks-off at 3:00 PM. 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.
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| FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP |
In addition to my many meetings, briefings, and other supervisorial activities, I also:
- Participated in the annual Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) Strategic Planning Session.
- Attended with my staff a farewell lunch for my Deputy Chief of Staff, Sabrina Noah, who is moving to Baton Rouge, LA.
- Adjourned the Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of Frank Luigi Flores of Newport Beach.
My office also:
- Toured the Orangewood Children and Family Center.
- Toured the Tustin Family Campus.
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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