March 14, 2014 |
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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. HEADLINE NEWS
2. BOARD BULLETIN BOARD
3. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
4. SAFETY SENTRY
5. HEALTH HERALD
6. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS
7. SENIOR SENTINEL
8. HARBOR HAPPENINGS
9. NOTES FROM THE FIELD
10. RECORDER RECORD
11. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT
12. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR
13. 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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| HEADLINE NEWS |
7th Annual South County Senior Summit: RSVP NOW!
As only a few seats remain, older adults and their caretakers are urged to RSVP NOW for my seventh annual South County Senior Summit, being held Friday, March 21 in Laguna Woods Village, Clubhouse 3. Once again joining me in presenting this enormously popular annual event is the Orange County Office on Aging, Laguna Woods Village, and Age Well Senior Services.
The theme of the 2014 Senior Summit is “Are You Prepared to Age-In-Place?”
The event will begin at 8:00 AM with a complimentary continental breakfast for all attendees. While at the Summit, guests will be treated to an array of vendor booths, featuring a wealth of information and free giveaways. In addition, audience members will have great opportunities to win fabulous prizes during the program, as well as receive a complimentary lunch at the conclusion of the event.
The speaker presentations will begin at 9:00 AM, including a special video tribute during the program in honor of the 50th anniversary of Laguna Woods Village. At the end of the program, the speaker presentations will be followed by a Question & Answer session with our expert panel.
I’m pleased to report that joining us from Washington, DC as one of our keynote speakers will be Nora Dowd Eisenhower, Assistant Director of the Office of Financial Protection for Older Americans, a division of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The Office for Older Americans is dedicated to helping older consumers make sound financial decisions, protect their assets, and avoid financial abuse.
Back by popular demand, joining us will also be Dr. Laura Mosqueda, Associate Dean of Family Medicine, University of California, Irvine, where she holds the Ronald W. Reagan Endowed Chair in Geriatrics. Dr. Mosqueda is co-director of the UC Irvine Center of Excellence on Elder Abuse and Neglect, founded as the first forensic center on elder abuse in the nation.
As always, the South County Senior Summit is an excellent opportunity for older adults to become better acquainted with the many programs and services available to them through the County of Orange. This year’s Senior Summit is sure to be the best yet and seating is limited; so don’t delay, reserve your place NOW!
To RSVP, please call the Orange County Office on Aging at (800) 510-2020. For more information, please click here.
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| BOARD BULLETIN BOARD |
Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors
The Board of Supervisors held its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, March 11 at 9:30 AM in the Hall of Administration Board Hearing Room. To view the March 11 Board Agenda, 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. To view the 2014 Board meeting schedule, please click here.
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| TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION |
TCA CEO Resigns
The Transportation Corridor Agencies’ (TCA) Boards of Directors (Foothill/Eastern and San Joaquin Hills) voted to accept the resignation and approve a settlement agreement from its CEO, Neil Peterson.
After much analysis and discussion, I supported the settlement agreement to uphold my fiduciary responsibility to the bondholders who financed the construction of The Toll Roads, the development community that supports the agency through impact fees assessed by TCA, and our customers who pay the tolls.
Had the settlement agreement not been approved, I believe TCA could have been pulled into prolonged and expensive litigation, which could have had a negative financial impact on the stability of not only the agency but also the investors of and those that utilize The Toll Roads.
The TCA Boards also approved the appointment of Michael Kraman as Acting CEO until an Interim CEO is appointed or a permanent replacement has been found.
For more information, please click here.
Orange County: On The Move
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has issued its latest edition of “Orange County: On The Move.” To view the OCTA e-newsletter, please click here.
Reminder: Metrolink Track Work this Weekend
This weekend, Saturday and Sunday, March 15 & 16, there will be scheduled bridge and track work that will limit service on Metrolink's Orange County and Inland Empire-Orange County lines.
- Trains will not operate past the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Metrolink Station.
- There will be no bus service or alternate transportation provided to or from Oceanside or San Clemente.
- No Metrolink trains will provide service to or from the Oceanside or the San Clemente stations either.
For more information, please click here.
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| SAFETY SENTRY |
DUI Enforcement Operations in South County this Weekend
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department DUI Task Force will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint Friday, March 14 in the city of Mission Viejo between the hours of 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
Deputies will be contacting drivers passing through the checkpoint for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. Deputies will also check drivers for proper licensing and will strive to delay motorists only momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.
Additionally, officers from the Laguna Beach Police Department will be deploying this weekend to stop and arrest alcohol and drug-impaired drivers in the Department’s ongoing traffic safety campaign. DUI Saturation Patrols will deploy Saturday March 15 between 6:00 PM and 3:00 AM in areas with high frequencies of DUI collisions and/or arrests.
For more information, please click here and here.
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| HEALTH HERALD |
Electronic Cigarettes: The New ‘E-Diction’
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is hosting the following FREE public presentations in South County on “Electronic Cigarettes – The New ‘E-Diction’”:
- Wednesday, March 19 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Laguna Hills Community Center.
- Tuesday, March 25 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Lake Forest City Hall.
Drug liaison deputies, professionals from Orange County Health Care Agency and the Orange County Department of Education, as well as Community Outreach groups, will be presenting information on electronic cigarettes and vapor pens. The presentation will cover topics such as types of e-cigs, how they work, their prevalence in local schools and communities, health concerns, prevention tips, and law enforcement’s approach.
The presentations are intended for adults only. For more information, please click here and here.
Seven Confirmed Measles Cases in Orange County
The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) has confirmed seven cases of measles in Orange County in 2014, which is consistent with an increase seen throughout California. The most recent cases spent time in public locations in Orange County while contagious, several of which were in South County.
Potential exposure locations and times include:
- St. Joseph Heritage Healthcare Medical Office, 4300 Rose Drive, Suite D, Yorba Linda
- Monday, March 3, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
- Friday, March 7, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
- Panda Express, 27602 Antonio Pkwy, Ste G3, Ladera Ranch – (949) 365-0291
- Tuesday, March 4, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Friends Christian Elementary School, 5151 Lakeview Avenue, Yorba Linda
- Wednesday, March 5, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
- Robinson Ranch School, 21400 Lindsay Drive, Trabuco Canyon
- Thursday, March 6, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Placentia Linda Hospital Emergency Department, 1301 North Rose, Yorba Linda
- Saturday, March 8, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
- Kids Doc, 27800 Medical Center Road, Mission Viejo
- Sunday, March 9, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
- Mission Hospital, Mission Viejo, Emergency Department, 27700 Medical Center Rd, Mission Viejo
- Sunday, March 9, 9:50 AM to 3:45 PM
- Monday, March 10, 11:25 AM – 12:30 PM
- Mission Hospital, Mission Viejo, CHOC Pediatric Medical Surgical Department, 27700 Medical Center Rd, Mission Viejo
- Monday, March 10, 11:25 AM to Tuesday, March 11, 4:30 PM
Staff at HCA has been working with these locations to contact people who may have had a prolonged exposure to a person infected with measles. The risk of developing infection after brief encounters with persons with measles is low but, as a precaution, people who were in these locations around the same time as the individual with measles should:
- Review their vaccination history if they have not previously had the measles. People who have not had measles or the measles vaccine are at higher risk after exposure and should talk with a health care provider about receiving MMR vaccination.
- Monitor themselves for illness with fever and/or an unexplained rash from 7 days to 21 days after their exposure (the time period when symptoms may develop). If symptoms develop, contact a health care provider immediately.
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes. Measles spreads very easily by air and direct contact with an infected person. Measles is contagious from approximately four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appears.
Measles is a rare disease in the United States and in regions of the world where vaccination coverage is high. Maintaining high vaccination rates is vital to preventing outbreaks of disease in our community.
For more information, please click here. To learn more about measles, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Orange County Health Care Agency.
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| ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS |
Community Invited to Obtain Information about SONGS
I was recently invited by Southern California Edison (SCE) to serve on the Community Engagement Panel (CEP) to encourage public dialogue on the San Onofre Nuclear Plant (SONGS) decommissioning.
The panel is comprised of members from all impacted jurisdictions and serves as a conduit of information between the plant owners and the public, and will foster public education and involvement during the decommissioning of the plant.
The first meeting of the CEP will be held on Tuesday, March 25 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the San Clemente Community Center located at 100 N. Calle Seville in San Clemente. The public is invited to attend. A meeting agenda will be prepared by SCE prior to the meeting and the City of San Clemente will post this on its website.
SCE has established a Community Engagement page at www.songscommunity.com. For more information, please click here.
Orange County Coastal Coalition
Please join me Thursday, March 27 for the Orange County Coastal Coalition meeting, which I am pleased to Chair. The meeting will be in the City of Newport Beach Public Library, 1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach.
Presenting will be:
- Phil Cruver, Catalina Sea Ranch – Shellfish Initiative Emphasizing Sustainable Aquaculture
- Dr. Jeff Armstrong and Dr. Sam Choi, Orange County Sanitation District – Disinfection Processes Degrading Marine Invertebrates
Question and Answer sessions will follow each presentation. For more information, please click here and here.
2014 Eco Challenge Poster Contest
Orange County youngsters have the opportunity to participate in the 2014 Eco Challenge poster contest presented by the County of Orange, Discovery Science Center, and Angels Baseball for the chance to be an Honorary Bat Kid at a 2014 Angels baseball game.
For more information, please click here and here.
Southern California Gas Company Calls for Conservation
Southern California Gas Company is encouraging conservation because of a potential shortage of natural gas throughout the Southern California service territory. At this time, there is no immediate threat of curtailment; however, the following conservation steps are encouraged:
- Lower your thermostat by three to five degrees (health permitting).
- Limit use of non-essential gas appliances such as fireplaces and spas.
- Reduce your water heating usage – use less hot water, turn down the water heater thermostat or insulate your water heater.
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| SENIOR SENTINEL |
YANA (You Are Not Alone) Program
If you are a senior living alone in Laguna Niguel, or have parents or friends who live alone in the City, you need to know about the YANA (You are Not Alone) Program.
The YANA program is designed for Laguna Niguel residents to provide a measure of security and well-being for those who primarily live alone.
This FREE program consists of Police Services senior volunteers checking on the welfare of those residents who have requested it. Participants in the program can choose from having the volunteers either come to their residences or contact them by phone.
The visits and calls usually take place two days each week. If the participant does not answer the door or call, his or her emergency contact person will be contacted to check on the participant’s welfare. A deputy sheriff may also be called upon for assistance during these instances.
The YANA program does not provide certain services, such as taking the participant to the doctor’s office, running errands or administering medications.
For additional information about this program, please contact Laguna Niguel Police Services at (949) 362-4307.
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| HARBOR HAPPENINGS |
Dana Point Harbor: Boater Advisories
2014 Dana Outrigger Ocean Challenge
The Dana Point Outrigger Canoe Club will be hosting the “2014 Dana Outrigger Ocean Challenge” on Saturday, March 15 from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Approximately 200 outrigger canoes, stand up paddle boards and surf skis will be participating. Participates will be launching from Baby Beach and the launch ramp. Please use caution in the areas of the participants.
Courses start off of Dana Point Breakwater, heading up toward the Dana Point Marine Life Refuge. For more information, please click here here and here.
Dana Point Harbor Fuel Dock Closing for Repairs
The Dana Point Harbor Fuel Dock will be closed for scheduled maintenance and upgrades starting Monday, March 17. The work is estimated to last 3 to 5 days.
For your convenience, the Fuel Dock will stay open Sunday, March 16 until 7:00 PM. For more information, please click here or contact the Dana Point Harbor Fuel Dock at (949) 496-6113.
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| NOTES FROM THE FIELD |
Extended Park Hours
As a result of Daylight Saving Time, OC Parks’ spring/summer operating schedule for regional parks is now 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. That includes Carbon Canyon, Clark, Craig, Mason, Mile Square and Yorba regional parks. Irvine and Laguna Niguel regional parks open at 6:00 AM and will close at 9:00 PM.
Santiago Oaks, Peters Canyon and O’Neill regional parks operate on wilderness park hours, as do the outlying trails around Irvine Regional Park. Wilderness parks are open at 7:00 AM and close at sunset year round. OC Parks’ wilderness parks are: Aliso and Wood Canyons, Caspers, Laguna Coast, Limestone Canyon and Whiting Ranch, and Riley wilderness parks, as well as Talbert and Upper Newport Bay nature preserves.
Hours for OC Parks’ beaches vary, but are generally between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Salt Creek Beach opens at 5:00 AM and will close at 12:00 midnight. Thousand Steps Beach opens at 6:00 AM and will close at 9:00 PM.
OC Parks facilities will remain on these operating hours until November 2. For more information, please click here.
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| RECORDER RECORD |
South County Branch Office Celebrates 8 Years of Service
More than 211,900 customers have taken advantage of the Clerk-Recorder Department’s South County Branch Office since opening eight years ago at the Laguna Hills Civic Center, according to Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen.
Since opening February 27, 2006, the branch office has issued 36,113 marriage licenses, performed 13,503 civil marriage ceremonies, issued 191,729 copies of vital records, and filed 32,209 fictitious business name statements. The office has also recorded more than 38,570 real property documents.
The South County Branch Office was opened to provide residents in South County with accessible and convenient services close to them. This eliminated the need to drive to the department’s main office in Santa Ana to obtain important documents and services.
The South County Branch Office is located in the Laguna Hills Civic Center at 24031 El Toro Road. For more information, please click here.
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| FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT |
Students Receive Awards in Statewide PTA Art Contest
Three South County students won awards in the California State PTA Reflections art contest. Jiselle Burdett, from Malcom Elementary School and Scott Garreton from Reilly Elementary School received Awards of Merit for their entries. Jiselle Burdett won the award in the Primary Music category and Scott Garreton in the Special Artist Dance Choreography competition.
In addition, Tavan Cerda Ofogh, a student at Las Flores Middle School, will have his entry in the Special Artist Photography category on display at the State PTA Convention in Los Angeles from May 7 to May 10.
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| SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR |
Aliso Viejo: Aquatic Center Open House, Movie Night
The Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center will host a special Open House and Family Movie Night on Friday, March 14. The event is from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Aliso Viejo Conference Center, next to the Aquatic Center at 31 Santa Barbara. For more information, please click here.
San Juan Capistrano: Swallows Day Parade
The 56th annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Fair will take place in downtown San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, March 22, beginning at 11:00 AM. The Swallows Day Parade is the nation's largest non-motorized parade. For more information, please click here.
Laguna Hills: South County Governance Visioning Process
Join the South Orange County Economic Coalition for an update from Orange County Local Agency Commission (LAFCO) Executive Officer Carolyn Emery. Learn about current LAFCO innovative projects, including an introduction to the "South Orange County Governance Visioning Process." The meeting takes place Friday, March 28 from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM at the Orange County Association of Realtors, 25552 La Paz Road, Laguna Hills. For more information, please click here and 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 Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors meeting.
- Participated in the first public outreach event for the La Pata Extension Project.
- Provided the welcome comments at the South Orange County Economic Coalition’s “South County's Got Talent” event.
- Participated in the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) meeting.
- Adjourned the Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of Dr. Alison Clarke-Stewart of Laguna Beach.
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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