Header image with Photo of Supervisor Pat Bates. Followed by office information
October 11, 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. SOUTH COUNTY NEWS

4. SAFETY SENTRY

5. HEALTH HERALD

6. HARBOR HAPPENINGS

7. AIRPORT ARRIVALS

8. CRITTER CHRONICLES

9. RECORDER RECORD

10. REGISTRAR REGISTER

11. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

12. FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP

OUR STAFF...

Don Hughes:
Chief of Staff

Kristen Camuglia:
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 40
BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

SB 1022 Funding for Musick Facility

The Board authorized the Sheriff-Coroner’s office to submit a Request for Proposal to the Board of State and Community Corrections for $80 million in Senate Bill 1022 funding. SB 1022 became law in 2012 and authorized state lease-revenue bond financing for the acquisition, design and construction of program and treatment space for adult local criminal justice facilities.

SB 1022 specifically states that the money must be spent on efforts to reduce inmate recidivism and help inmates successfully transition back into society. These efforts include:
  • Drug/alcohol treatment and rehabilitation
  • Job training
  • High school equivalency training
  • Work with community based organizations and behavioral science programs
The Sheriff’s Department determined the James A. Musick facility, on the border of Irvine and Lake Forest, ideally fits the profile of such a place to initiate these programs.

Should Orange County receive the $80 million in funding, no more than 384 beds will be added to the project. This addition continues the agreement made with the City of Lake Forest, which caps the number of low level inmate beds allowed at the site at 3,100.

Currently, the Musick facility holds a capacity of 1,768 low level inmates. Adding 384 additional low level inmates will uphold the agreement made with Lake Forest and will continue our commitment with our neighboring communities.

For more information, please click here.

OCFA’s Ambulance Request for Proposals Process

The Fire Chief of the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) addressed the Board of Supervisors regarding OCFA’s Ambulance Request for Proposals (RFP) process.

The Board and the Orange County Emergency Medical Services Agency (OCEMS) were recently made aware of an email communication sent from OCFA to current exclusive operating ambulance providers for areas managed by OCFA, inviting only those providers to a pre-RFP outreach meeting.

OCEMS is the governmental regulatory agency responsible for ensuring competitive RFP processes for ambulances bidding on antitrust protected ambulance zones. As such, the Board voted to approve that OCEMS require the following actions be taken by OCFA to ensure and maintain the integrity of all future exclusive operating zone ambulance RFP proposals:
  1. All electronic communications to OCFA concerning ambulance RFPs are to be forwarded to OCEMS upon receipt.
  2. OCEMS is to be included in distribution of all RFP related electronic communications sent by OCFA.
  3. All written RFP related correspondence sent by OCFA is to include OCEMS in distribution.
  4. OCEMS is to be included in all meeting notifications regarding the RFP process.
  5. OCEMS is to be notified of any written, verbal, or electronic complaints received by OCFA concerning the ambulance RFP process.
Moving forward, any failure to adhere to these stipulations regarding future RFP proposals will result in a determination that the process is noncompetitive.
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

Public Hearing on I-5 Project Environmental Document

The Orange County Transportation Authority and Caltrans hosted a public hearing Wed., Sept. 25 in Mission Viejo regarding proposed plans to enhance the I-5 Freeway between the San Joaquin Hills Toll Road (SR-73) and El Toro Road.

The improvements to the I-5 will reduce congestion and enhance traffic flow in the area. Currently, 342,000 motorists travel the segment daily, and projected traffic volumes are expected to increase 35 percent by 2030.

The public hearing is tied to a draft initial study and environmental assessment report recently released for public review. The document outlines potential impacts to the project area and covers various topics, including air quality, noise, resources, water quality, and the natural environment.

More than 80 residents and stakeholders attended the meeting to learn about the project, review the report, and ask questions about the proposed alternatives.

Alternatives include adding one or two general purpose lanes in each direction. There is also a “no build” alternative. Build alternatives include major improvements to the La Paz and Avery interchanges.

The feedback received from residents and stakeholders will help determine which of three project alternatives to implement in future phases.

To learn more about the project, please click here.
SOUTH COUNTY NEWS

Sixth Annual South County Disaster Preparedness Expo

As we’ve learned all too well, wildfires, earthquakes and floods are ever present threats in Southern California. As such, I’m pleased to host my 6th annual South County Disaster Preparedness Expo on Saturday, October 19 at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, in Mission Viejo.

The South County Disaster Preparedness Expo is being held in conjunction with the City of Mission Viejo’s “Walk Against Drugs” and will take place from 8:30 AM to 1:00 pm.

We can’t predict when a disaster will strike, but we can certainly prepare for one. I urge you and your family to attend the 6th annual South County Disaster Preparedness Expo.

Get prepared! Learn how! For more information, click here.
SAFETY SENTRY

South County Community Alert Siren Test

Community Alert sirens will be heard Wednesday, October 16, in the Cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. Residents will hear a long steady siren sound three times between 10:00 a.m. and noon. The sirens will be sounded for about three minutes each time.

You do not need to take action. This is only a test. DO NOT CALL 911. This is an annual Federal requirement for San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). During a real emergency, the sirens would alert you to turn on your radio or television for instructions.

The City will also activate AlertOC, the mass notification system, on Monday, October 14, advising residents and businesses of the Wednesday, October 16 siren test. It is important that residents and businesses know that this is only a test and there is no actual emergency.

For more information, please click here.

Drug Awareness Summit in Laguna Niguel

What parents don't know could result in tragedy! On Wednesday, October 16, please attend a FREE Drug Awareness Summit titled “Drugs Don’t Discriminate” from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Laguna Niguel City Council Chambers to learn about the different types of drugs available and the dangers facing our youth today, as well as what to look for, the signs of drug abuse, and available treatments.

For more information, please click here.

Get Ready to ShakeOut 10/17 at 10:17 AM

At 10:17 AM Thursday, October 17, County employees will join over nine million residents statewide who will drop, cover and hold on during the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill.

The drill centers on the ShakeOut Earthquake Scenario, a realistic portrayal of what could happen in a major earthquake on the southern end of the San Andreas Fault. Created by more than 300 experts led by Dr. Lucy Jones of the U.S. Geological Survey, the scenario outlines a hypothetical 7.8 magnitude earthquake originating near the Salton Sea, which would have the potential to cause major devastation to the entire region.

The Great ShakeOut has been designed to inspire participants to get ready for big earthquakes and to prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes. Outside of the workplace, individuals can make the most of the exercise by taking the opportunity to prepare their homes and families for emergencies.

For more information, please click here.
HEALTH HERALD

Ocean Water Protection Program: Rain Advisory in Effect

The Environmental Health Division of the Health Care Agency advises swimmers that levels of bacteria can significantly rise in ocean and bay waters, close to storm drains and the outlets of creeks and rivers during and after rainstorms.

The elevated bacterial levels in the coastal ocean waters may continue for a period of at least 3 days depending upon the intensity of the rain and volume of the runoff. Swimmers should avoid Orange County coastal waters during this time, and beach users should avoid contact with any runoff on the beach.

Storm drains, creeks and rivers carry floodwaters and urban runoff to the ocean. Urban runoff may include fertilizers, road oils, animal wastes, and litter. During and after rain events, discharges may contain large amounts of bacteria from a variety of sources, such as animal wastes and decomposing vegetation.

Sewage is not normally present in storm runoff, since the sewer system is separate from the storm drain system. In the event of a sewage spill, the Environmental Health Division will quarantine the affected ocean or bay water area.

To report a sewage spill, please call (714) 433-6419. For information regarding Orange County ocean, bay or harbor postings and closures, please call (714) 433-6400 or click here.

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day: Commit to Speak

Tuesday, October 15, marks National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, which helps promote testing and early diagnosis of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The 2013 theme is “Commit to Speak”/“Comprométete a Hablar”.

There are 6,876 individuals reported to be living with HIV in Orange County, with over 300 people being diagnosed with HIV each year.

In 2012, 42.5% of people who were diagnosed with AIDS in Orange County did not know they had HIV. Many of these people had been to a medical setting, such as an emergency room, a community health center, or their doctor, but were not tested for HIV. There are an estimated 1,509 people living in Orange County who have HIV and don’t know it, many of whom will develop AIDS before realizing they are HIV infected.

In 2012, Latinos composed 34% of the Orange County population; however, they accounted for 51% of people who were diagnosed with AIDS and did not know they had HIV. Because one in five individuals are estimated to have HIV and be unaware of it, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that individuals between 13 and 65 get an HIV test at least once in their life time and those at high risk of infection get a test once a year as part of routine care.

If you have never had an HIV test, please ask your medical provider for one. For testing sites and information about HIV services in Orange County, please call (714) 834-8711 or click here. For more information, please click here.
HARBOR HAPPENINGS

Boating Advisory: Preparing Your Vessel for Winter Season

Winter season is approaching and soon we will be experiencing its effects in Dana Point Harbor. Remember, it is easier to get your vessel ready for stormy weather before the wet and stormy weather hits.

Preparations boaters should be considering include:
  • Clear your vessel’s scuppers
  • Check all lines, and secure halyards
  • Securely fasten covers
  • Check automatic bilge pumps
  • Inspect and consider closing through-hull valves not related to your bilge pump systems, as related hose failures that occur can allow significant amounts of seawater into your vessel
  • Sailboat owners should secure mainsails and main covers; and for those with roller-furling headsails, please secure them so that they will remain undamaged during high-wind events
  • Batten down all hatches
When a storm does occur, marina staff will be diligent in monitoring vessels to the best of their ability and provide assistance as they are able; but with over 2,000 vessels in the water, they cannot be on all of the docks at all times. Please be sure to provide any needed updates to your contact information to your marina office.

For more information, please click here.
AIRPORT ARRIVALS

OC Students Invited to Enter Aviation Art Contest

John Wayne Airport's 24th annual Student Art Contest is now underway. All OC public and private school students in grades K-12 are encouraged to submit artwork inspired by this year's theme: "Flying Saves Lives." Entries should be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 5.

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

Meet Your Mature Match

Come to the Meet Your Mature Match adoption event hosted by OC Animal Care on Saturday, October 26 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM for FREE adoptions on pets ages 4 and older! The free adoption does not include microchip and license.

For more information, please click here.

Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

Halloween is a favorite for many children and adults, but it can also be frightening and even dangerous for animals. With a little caution and common sense, Halloween can be a fun time for kids and pets alike.

For tips to help keep our furry friends safe and sound this Halloween season, please click here.
RECORDER RECORD

More Saturday Hours Planned by Clerk-Recorder

Appointments are being taken for marriage licenses and ceremonies, as well as passport services, for Saturday Oct. 19 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, when the offices of the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department will open for its fifth Saturday of the year.

The Old County Courthouse will be open Oct. 19 for marriage licenses, civil wedding ceremonies and passport applications, as well as property research. Property and vital record copies, as well as marriage services, will be available at the Laguna Hills and Fullerton branch offices. Free parking will be available at all three locations.

Additional Saturday hours are being planned one weekend per month through December.

For more information, please click here.
REGISTRAR REGISTER

New Voting System Survey

In planning for the modernization of Orange County’s voting system, the Registrar of Voters (ROV) is seeking public input to assess current and future needs of voters. Your feedback will ultimately assist the ROV in shaping the future of voting in Orange County.

To take the survey, please click here.
SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

Aliso Viejo: Founder's Day Celebration

The public is invited to meet one of Orange County's founding families - the Moulton family - and learn about the history of Aliso Viejo during the City's Founder's Day celebration on Saturday, October 12 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the 7-acre City ranch, located at 100 Park Ave. For more information, please click here.

Rancho Santa Margarita: Artisan Guitar Ensemble

Classical music lovers and those who enjoy beautiful melodies and harmonies are invited to a FREE acoustic guitar concert Friday, October 25 at 7:00 PM at Rancho Santa Margarita Library. For more information, please click here.
FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP

In addition to my many meetings, briefings, and other supervisorial activities, I also:
  • Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Nordhavn Yachts/Pacific Asian Enterprises Headquarters in Dana Point Harbor.
  • Attended the Woman’s Sage “Family Matters” event to receive an award for government/public service and making a difference in the quality of life for Orange County families. For more information, please click here.
  • Adjourned the Board of supervisors meeting in memory of Rev. K. Dean Echols of Aliso Viejo.

 My office also:
  • Attended a meeting of the Orange County Library Advisory Board.

 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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