October 18, 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. SOUTH COUNTY NEWS
3. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
4. COUNTY CONNECTIONS
5. RECORDER RECORD
6. REGISTRAR REGISTER
7. NOTES FROM THE FIELD
8. AIRPORT ARRIVALS
9. CRITTER CHRONICLES
10. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT
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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| 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, October 22. 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.
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| 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.
South County Mixed-Use Real Estate Renaissance
South County is in the middle of a quiet mixed-use real estate renaissance. Indeed, several high profile and exceptional projects are moving ahead in earnest and will soon bring the jobs, tax benefit and quality of life enhancements the region so desperately needs.
Please join the South Orange County Economic Coalition on Friday, October 25 from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM at Aliso Viejo Country Club to hear from city leaders of the following projects:
- Dana Point Town Center (under construction)
- Laguna Niguel Gateway Specific Plan (under construction)
- Chiquita Ridge in Rancho Santa Margarita (in planning)
Speakers include:
- Carlos Olvera, Council Member, Dana Point
- Jennifer Cervantes, City Manager, Rancho Santa Margarita
- Rod Foster, City Manager, Laguna Niguel
- Daniel Fox, Community Development Dir., Laguna Niguel
Admission is FREE. Light refreshments provided. For more information, please click here.
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| TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION |
Refinancing Transportation Corridor Agencies
The Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency (F/ETCA) Board of Directors, which manages and operates the 133, 241 and 261 Toll Roads in Orange County, approved refinancing the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA).
The proposed refinancing allows TCA to take advantage of historically low interest rates to lower its debt payments and will provide some of the following financial benefits:
- Provide greater latitude in setting toll rates to reflect economic conditions, traffic patterns and usage.
- Preserve credit ratings.
- Reduce the cost of annual debt service significantly.
- Create a flexible financing structure that can be used to pay down debt early or fund additional capital projects, such as the 241/91 Connector and other improvements to the state highway system.
The $2.4 billion refinance plan will extend the debt from 2040 to 2053 by replacing existing bonds with new, lower interest rate bonds and lower annual payments.
The difference in payments is expected to result in positive present value savings because of lower interest rates and the new lower debt payment schedule, which equate to lower required toll rate increases, resulting in more people using The Toll Roads. This provides the opportunity to pay off all debt sooner, as well as improved regional mobility and less congestion.
Overall, the refinancing strengthens the agency's financial situation by providing flexibility to manage toll rates and economic cycles and improving cash flow.
Additional Funding for OC Bridges Program Approved
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors last week approved an additional $33.5 million to fund the OC Bridges program. The State Proposition 1B Public Transportation Modernization, Improvement and Service Enhancement Account will cover approximately $15.8 million in funds, and Measure M2 will cover the remaining $17.6 million.
The OC Bridges program is creating underpasses and overpasses to eliminate railroad crossings where cars get stuck waiting for trains to pass in North Orange County along the Orangethorpe corridor in the cities of Anaheim, Fullerton and Placentia. More than 70 freight trains travel through this stretch on a daily basis and the number of trains is expected to increase to more than 135 each day by 2030. The seven projects will decrease delays in traffic, improve safety, and increase mobility.
The estimated project cost is $623.7 million. The projects are expected to be completed by 2016.
Update on Motorist Services Activities
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors was presented the annual report for Motorist Services for the 2012-13 fiscal year.
The Motorist Services program aims to assist motorist, reduce traffic congestion, give information on highway conditions, provide funding for removing abandoned vehicles and manage taxicab enforcement.
Program services include call box systems, Freeway Service Patrol, southern California 511 travelers' information system, the service authority for abandoned vehicles, and the Orange County Taxicab Administration Program.
Program activities and accomplishments for the year include:
- FSP assisted 64,851 motorist with disabled vehicles
- The FSP program recorded 1,300 customer comments, 99 percent of the comments were from callers satisfied with the service
- The 511 voice response team received 298,859 monthly calls, a 15 percent increase from last year
- Abandoned vehicle reports decreased by 27 percent
- The Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies operated 637 call boxes, a 10 percent decrease from last year.
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| COUNTY CONNECTIONS |
Orange County Workforce Indicators Report
The Orange County Workforce Investment Board is pleased to present the 2013-2014 Orange County Workforce Indicators Report. This report highlights the fundamental accomplishments achieved by Orange County’s employers and workers, the education and workforce training system, as well as the challenges California must address to develop a skilled workforce for the 21st century economy.
For more information, please click here.
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| 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.
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| REGISTRAR REGISTER |
What it takes to Count: Inside an Orange County Election
This emotionally charged documentary, set in Orange County, explores the hectic world of elections and how they are planned and carried out. The result is a startling look at how extreme scrutiny has changed the face of elections in the United States and how complex they have become.
The viewer is presented a wide array of facts and information in a thoughtful and compelling way. Often humorous, frequently emotional and always fascinating, this is the ultimate portrait of what it takes to count every vote.
The election staff in Orange County is both passionate and dedicated. This documentary is an account of their journey as they prepare for a major election. “What it takes to Count: Inside an Orange County Election” accomplishes what all great documentaries should, as it leaves the viewer surprised, involved and inspired.
For more information, please click here.
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| NOTES FROM THE FIELD |
Acorn Day Returns to O’Neill Regional Park
Get back to nature with family fun for all at Acorn Day, being held Saturday, October 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at O’Neill Regional Park in Trabuco Canyon. There will be ranger-led hikes and interpretive activities, as well as crafts, games, tree planting and much, much more!
Live animals will be on exhibit at booths presented by the Orange County Bird of Prey Center, Monarchs Forever and SoCal Bluebird Club. Presentations will be going on throughout the day, including storytelling and a puppet show!
For more information, please click here.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT |
South County Has Some of Best Football in America
High school football fans in Orange County have known something for a long time, and a prep sports website has confirmed it. The football here is among the best in the nation. That's particularly true in South County, where schools from the Trinity and South Coast leagues play.
Maxpreps has named the Trinity League the second-toughest league in the nation and ranked the South Coast League 18th.
The toughest league was from New Jersey, the Big North United, which includes Ramsey (NJ) Don Bosco Tech, a school that was beaten by South Coast League favorite Mission Viejo earlier this season.
The Trinity League, which includes Santa Margarita Catholic, came in at No. 2.
South Coast League teams heading into the first week of league play were rated 18th and included Mission Viejo, Tesoro, Trabuco Hills, El Toro and San Clemente.
The strength is reflected in the Orange County Top 10 poll, where seven of the 10 teams are from the Trinity or South Coast leagues, and an eighth, Corona del Mar, is also from South County.
For more information, please click here.
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| SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR |
Aliso Viejo: Fall Harvest
Don't miss the Aliso Viejo Community Association's Fall Harvest from 10:00 AM to noon on Saturday, October 19 at Grand Park. The costume parade begins at 10:30 AM. For more information, please click here.
San Juan Capistrano: 2C Ranch Dedication Ceremony
The 2C Ranch is part of a 102-acre open space acquisition made by the City of San Juan Capistrano in 2008. The dedication ceremony will be Saturday October 19 at 10:00 AM. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, please click here and here.
Laguna Niguel: Haunted Trails
Watch for Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel & Gretel, Rapunzel and other characters that will haunt each and every visitor at Laguna Niguel’s Haunted Trails at Crown Valley Community Park from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, October 24–26. This is a very scary event and not recommended for children under 8 years of age. For more information, please click here.
Dana Point: Halloween Spooktacular & Moonlight Movie
All activities at this on-scary, family fun event Friday, October 25 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM in Lantern Bay Park are FREE and geared for children. 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.
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| FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP |
In addition to my many meetings, briefings, and other supervisorial activities, I also:
- Participated in a Drug Awareness Summit in Laguna Niguel. More on this in next week’s newsletter.
- Met with Emergency Medical Services to receive a briefing on the County’s advanced life support ambulance policies.
- Toured the new Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital, which will officially open and receive patients this December.
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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