April 4, 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. BOARD BULLETIN BOARD
2. SOUTH COUNTY NEWS
3. TAX COLLECTOR COLLECTIBLES
4. HEALTH HERALD
5. SAFETY SENTRY
6. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
7. AIRPORT ARRIVALS
8. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS
9. NOTE FROM THE FIELD
10. LIBRARY LIBRETTO
11. RECORDER RECORD
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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| BOARD BULLETIN BOARD |
Remove and Replace Pedestrian Access Ramps Project
The Board approved plans and specifications to replace the pedestrian access ramps in Dana Point Harbor, adjacent to the Dana West Yacht Club. The project will include removing and replacing three pedestrian access ramps, one wood and two concrete, and replacing them to meet requirements with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The project is currently going out to bid and scheduled to begin within the next two months. Replacing these access ramps to comply with mandated ADA regulations will help to better serve the community and Dana Point Harbor visitors.
For more information, please click here.
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| SOUTH COUNTY NEWS |
Transportation Relief Coming to South County
OC Public Works broke ground today on the La Pata Extension Project. The project will increase Orange County’s regional mobility by providing a north-south alternative to Interstate 5 and eliminating the existing gap between Ortega Highway to the north and Avenida Vista Hermosa to the south.
The La Pata Extension Project is the most significant County roadway improvement remaining in South County. Breaking ground on this project fulfills a vision I have pursued passionately, and I am pleased to see construction get underway.
The La Pata Gap Connector (Initial Phase) will add four new travel lanes and extend the existing La Pata Avenue from just south of Vista Montana to the intersection of Calle Saluda.
The La Pata Widening (Subsequent Phase) will widen the existing La Pata Avenue with one additional travel lane in each direction between Ortega Highway and just south of Vista Montana.
The Camino Del Rio Extension (Subsequent Phase) will extend the existing roadway from its current terminus to the newly extended La Pata Avenue.
The project’s improvements will also accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists by constructing streetlights, raised medians, bike lanes and sidewalks.
For more information, please click here.
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| TAX COLLECTOR COLLECTIBLES |
Property Tax Payment Deadline is Thursday, April 10
The Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector (TTC) reminds us that the second installment of property taxes was due February 1 and if not paid by Thursday, April 10, a 10% delinquency penalty plus a $23.00 fee will be added to the amount due.
Payments by Mail
Please note that if you are making payment by mail, the envelope must have a United States Post Office (“USPS”) postmark on or before April 10 to avoid the late penalty and fee. If you plan on mailing your payment on or near the delinquency date, please obtain a hand cancellation or Certificate of Mailing from the USPS, as the USPS may not postmark all mail on the date received.
In addition, the USPS may not postmark all mail, such as mail containing postage purchased online through stamps.com or “forever” stamps. If a postmark is not on a payment envelope, then the date the TTC receives the payment will be used to determine whether a late penalty will be applied. Please see important information regarding postmarks and the types of mail that are not postmarked on the TTC website at ocgov.com/postmarks.
Do not take a chance on your payment being late and make sure to mail it early!
Payments by eCheck (no cost)
In order to avoid a possible costly late penalty by sending a check through the mail, the TTC encourages you to “Go Green Electronically” and choose the ease and convenience of paying your bill electronically from the TTC’s secure website at ocgov.com/octaxbill.
Just key in either your parcel number (APN) or property address in the appropriate field, select the bill you want to pay and click on “Pay by eCheck” (no cost) after reviewing your bill, input your account information and submit your payment. You will receive a confirmation email that is the same as a receipt.
Make sure you complete the process and receive a confirmation number and/or email!
Payments using on-line banking
If you pay using your bank’s or another online payment site, please make sure the payee is the County of Orange. Please put your parcel number in as the account number exactly as it is on your property tax bill (e.g. 123-123-12) to ensure proper and timely credit to your account.
The TTC recommends making your payment at least seven business days before the due date to allow ample time for payment to be received by April 10. Payments not received from your provider by the Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector by April 10 will be charged the delinquent penalty of 10% plus a $23.00 late fee. In addition, payments made to incorrect or incomplete APNs may be rejected and incur the late penalty and fee.
Payment of more than one parcel
If you are paying for more than one parcel, use the TTC’s online cart function so that you only have to put in your bank, credit, or debit card information once.
If you have any questions, please e-mail the TTC at ttcinfo@ttc.ocgov.com or call (714) 834-3411 from 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM, Monday – Friday.
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| HEALTH HERALD |
Measles Outbreak in Orange County
As reported in my newsletter last week, Orange County has 21 confirmed cases of measles in 2014, the most reported by any county in California. The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) expects the measles outbreak will continue to spread and reminds the public that the best way to prevent the measles is by getting vaccinated.
Five of the 21 cases have been children, none of them immunized. Five have been healthcare workers who became ill after exposure to measles cases.
HCA will take every precaution to prevent outbreaks in health care facilities, schools and daycare facilities. Unimmunized children, school/daycare staff, and healthcare workers who are exposed to the measles will be instructed to stay home for up to 21 days after exposure.
Anyone suspecting they have measles should CALL their medical provider BEFORE arriving at the medical office to avoid exposing others to the measles virus.
For more information, please click here, here, here and here.
Protect yourself and family from measles:
- Children should receive their first MMR vaccine at 12-15 months of age. The second dose of MMR is given at 4 to 6 years of age before going to school.
- Vaccinating children, adolescents and adults is the best way to protect infants who are too young to receive the MMR vaccine.
- Vaccinations are very safe. The benefits far outweigh any risks. Side effects are usually mild, such as soreness where the shot was given.
To learn more about measles, please visit the Health Care Agency or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites. To view a CBS Evening News report on the measles outbreak, please click here.
Firearm-Related Injury and Death in Orange County
A new study by the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) examines the prevalence and circumstances around firearm-related incidents in Orange County between 2009 and 2011. During this period, there were 1,292 firearm-related incidents, resulting in the death of 439 persons and non-fatal injuries to 853 residents.
Lethal firearm incidents were most often associated with suicides. While the overall rate of firearm-related death in Orange County is lower than neighboring counties and the state, the incidence of suicide deaths in Orange County that involved the use of a firearm has increased 5.3% during this time period compared to the previous time period of 2006-08.
Two major goals of the Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) effort funded through the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA or Prop 63) are to understand the risk factors for suicide and implementing preventive measures. PEI programs are aimed at reducing multiple risk factors and promoting well-being in order to prevent the mental health problems that can lead to self-harm. Through these and other efforts it is HCA’s hope that we can eliminate such preventable deaths and suffering.
To view the report titled “Firearm-Related Injury and Death in Orange County – 2009-2011”, please click here. For information on suicide prevention, please click here. For Behavioral Health Services Information and Referral Line, please click here or call 855-OC-Links (625-4657). For more information, please click here.
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| SAFETY SENTRY |
Distracted Driving Crackdown
As part of April’s “Distracted Driving Awareness Month” campaign, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is joining more than 200 other local law enforcement agencies and the California Highway Patrol in a month-long “zero tolerance” enforcement campaign to curb those texting or using hand-held cell phones while driving.
Deputies will be on alert throughout the month for people who break the cell phone laws and place themselves and others in danger. Special high visibility enforcement operations to cite cell phone violators will take place on April 3, 8, 17, and 22.
For more information, please click here.
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| TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION |
All Aboard the Angels Express!
Come join the Orange County Transportation Authority for an Angels Express Fan Friday celebration at the Irvine Metrolink Station on Friday, April 11 at 5:00 PM. Be one of the first 100 people and take the Angels Express for FREE! Enjoy FREE food and live music. For more information, please click here.
Funded by the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Committee, the Angels Express helps take cars off the road by providing safe, convenient public transportation directly to the stadium in Anaheim. Fans save money on parking and gas and enjoy a great evening at the ballpark while leaving their cars behind.
Last year, Angels Express trains had more than 34,000 boardings. To learn more about the Angels Express, please click here.
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| AIRPORT ARRIVALS |
JWA Direct
John Wayne Airport (JWA) has released the latest issue of JWA Direct. To view the Airport’s e-newsletter, please click here.
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| ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS |
Orange County Coastal Coalition
The Orange County Coastal Coalition, which I am pleased to Chair, provides an opportunity to learn about and collaborate on current topics affecting not only our coastal cities, but those inland as well. As such, our March 27 meeting provided a forum to hear from:
- Mr. Phil Cruver – President and CEO of Catalina Sea Ranch
- Mr. Ron Coss – Environmental Laboratory and Ocean Monitoring Manager for Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD)
- Dr. Jeff Armstrong – Environmental Supervisor of the Orange County Sanitation District’s ocean monitoring program
- Dr. Sam Choi – Principal Microbiologist at OCSD
Mr. Cruver discussed Catalina Sea Ranch’s offshore Mari culture monitoring program for aquaculture shellfish farming and restoration. Catalina Sea Ranch's business strategy is in line with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s aim to create jobs, provide highly nutritional food, and improve the marine environment by putting more shellfish back in U.S. waters.
Cruver’s goal is to reduce the nation’s $10-billion seafood deficit by cultivating and promoting a brand of shellfish that would appeal to the growing green market of environmentally conscious consumers seeking to eat locally produced seafood.
California regulators approved development of the first shellfish farm in federal waters off Southern California that could produce about 2.6 million pounds of Mediterranean mussels a year. The California Coastal Commission agreed unanimously to allow Catalina Sea Ranch to cultivate the bivalves in a 100-acre underwater plot nearly 10 miles off Long Beach.
Offshore shellfish farms are showing higher growth rates, better meat yields, and heavier production compared to inshore farms. Deeper waters also can provide a constant food supply, less affected by tides than farms closer to land. In addition, the shellfish would mature while suspended in deep water and swift currents, avoiding infestation by parasites found in shallow bays and estuaries.
Company scientists will regularly conduct state-required tests of site waters for purity and bacteria. Tissue analysis of shellfish for chemicals and toxic metals will also be conducted before any are sold for human consumption.
For more information, please click here.
Mr. Coss, Dr. Jeff Armstrong, and Dr. Sam Choi discussed Orange County Sanitation District’s (OCSD) disinfection processes and the environmental impact. A large percentage of the local economies in southern California rely on beach use and its associated recreational activities, which are highly dependent upon water quality conditions.
OCSD’s ocean monitoring program (OMP) has contributed substantially to the understanding of water quality and environmental conditions along the beaches and in the area adjacent to the submarine outfall. The OMP has generated a large data set that provides a broad understanding of both natural and anthropogenic processes that affect coastal oceanography and marine biology. These data are analyzed, interpreted, and reported annually.
OCSD’s mission is to safely collect, process, recycle, and dispose of treated wastewater while protecting human health and the environment in accordance with federal, state, and; local laws and regulations. These objectives are achieved through extensive industrial pre-treatment (source control), a combination of primary, advanced primary and secondary treatment processes; bio solids management, and water reuse programs.
OCSD began disinfecting the treated wastewater using chlorine to reduce fecal indicator bacteria levels in 2002. OCSD’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit does not specify compliance limits for bacteria in the treatment plants or the final effluent, but it does contain receiving water limits for bacteria the apply within 3 miles of the shore. OCSD meets these limits.
Distinguishing the effects of the OCSD’s discharge from those of natural and other human influences is difficult. The complexities of the environmental setting and related difficulties in assigning a cause or source to a pollution event are the reasons for OCSD’s extensive monitoring program. The goal of OCSD’s ocean monitoring program is to provide as understanding of the effects of its wastewater discharge on beneficial uses of the ocean.
For more information, please click here.
To view OC Coastal Coalition meeting information and presentations, please click here. To be placed on the email distribution list for OC Coastal Coalition meetings, please send your email address to Jackelyne.Mora@ocpw.ocgov.com.
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.
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| NOTE FROM THE FIELD |
Caspers Wilderness Park: 40th Anniversary Celebration
Caspers Wilderness Park is an 8,000 acre protected wilderness preserve, nestled among the river terraces and sandstone canyons of the western coastal Santa Ana Mountains in San Juan Capistrano. The public is invited to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Caspers Wilderness Park on Saturday, April 5 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, during Caspers Adventure Day!
Caspers Adventure Day is a fun-filled family event, featuring a full schedule of musical entertainment, guided hikes, arts and crafts, wildlife exhibits, games, pony rides, food and much more. FREE popsicles will be given to the first 400 people in attendance! For more information, please click here.
Caspers Wilderness Park’s many fertile valleys are complemented by groves of native Coastal Live Oak and magnificent stands of California Sycamore. These areas are further accentuated by seasonal wildflower displays and running streams. Wildlife is abundant and can be readily viewed from any of the parks numerous trails.
For more information, please click here.
Doheny Update
The Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association (DSBIA) has issued its latest edition of DOHENY UPDATE to better inform the public about events and conditions in the State Park.
To view the DSBIA April e-newsletter, please click here.
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| LIBRARY LIBRETTO |
8th Annual Literary Orange
OC Public Libraries is pleased to announce the 8th annual Literary Orange, the premier literary event in Orange County. On Saturday, April 5 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, readers and authors will gather at the Irvine Marriott to hear the captivating words of keynote speakers Marlo Thomas and Ann Hood, as well as a host of over 30 local authors.
This year promises to be the best yet. Along with the two best-selling authors in the keynote slots, Literary Orange is featuring fifteen author panels. There will be panel discussions on food, memoir, mystery, media, poetry, and travel. Young adult books, which are increasingly popular among adults, will have a panel.
For more information, please click here and here.
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| RECORDER RECORD |
Special Saturday Hours Planned April 12
Plan now to take advantage of special Saturday hours available at the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department on Saturday, April 12 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana and the department’s branch offices in Laguna Hills and Fullerton.
For more information, please click here and here.
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| SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR |
Lake Forest: I-5 Improvement Project
The Orange County Transportation Authority is planning a series of outreach events in April to communicate with Lake Forest residents living adjacent to the I-5 about the upcoming I-5 Improvement Project and discuss any concerns or questions. Handout materials and display boards will be available during the events.
For more information, please click here.
San Juan Capistrano: Earth Day Fair
Celebrate San Juan Capistrano's Annual Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 5, a daylong affair that is expected once again to be the largest environmental-friendly event in South County. The Earth Day event is FREE and will be held from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz. For more information, please click here.
Dana Point: Community Electronic Waste Day
Monarch Bay Plaza in Dana Point is sponsoring a FREE Community Electronic Waste Day to safely dispose of old computers, printers, monitors, cell phones, TVs and more on Saturday, April 5 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. For more information, please click here.
Aliso Viejo: Eat Healthy, Be Active
Parents are invited to learn how to help themselves and their families eat healthier and be more active in a FREE nutrition class Saturday, April 5. The "Eat Healthy, Be Active" nutrition class is from 10:00 AM to noon at the Aliso Viejo Family Resource Center located at 24671 Via Iglesia. For more information, please click here.
San Clemente: Animal Adoption Promotion
The San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter is hosting a Spring Egg-Stravaganza animal adoption promotion Tuesday, April 8 through Saturday, April 19. Pick an egg and receive a discount on your pet adoption! 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:
- Met with representatives of Rancho Santa Margarita to receive an update on the progress of the Ranch Plan.
- Met with representatives of the Laguna Coastal Foundation to discuss progress on their estuary project and the Aliso Creek Watershed.
- Participated in the La Pata Groundbreaking Ceremony. For more information, please click here.
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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