May 30, 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. REGISTRAR REGISTER
3. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS
4. SAFETY SENTRY
5. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
6. AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
7. HEALTH HERALD
8. VETERAN VANGUARD
9. SENIOR SENTINEL
10. NOTES FROM THE FIELD
11. HARBOR HAPPENINGS
12. CRITTER CHRONICLES
13. SAFETY SENTRY
14. RECORDER RECORD
15. LIBRARY LIBRETTO
16. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT
17. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR
18. FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP
OUR STAFF...
Don Hughes:
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
In observance of the Memorial Day holiday and in preparation for the upcoming Budget Hearings, there was not a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Supervisors this week. To view the 2014 Board meeting schedule, please click here.
The Budget Hearings are scheduled for Tuesday & Wednesday, June 10 & 11. 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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| REGISTRAR REGISTER |
Last Minute Election Help
The 2014 Statewide Direct Primary Election will be held Tuesday, June 3. If you will not be available Election Day, you may vote an emergency ballot.
For complete information on voting in Orange County, please click here.
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| ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS |
Orange County Coastal Coalition
As Chair of the Orange County Coastal Coalition, my mission is to provide an opportunity to learn about and collaborate on current topics affecting our coastal county and related water issues. To that end, our May 22 meeting provided a forum to hear informative presentations on improvements to our understanding of public health conditions along the coast, maritime history education, and ocean literacy from three interesting speakers.
Bruce Posthumus from the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board presented the progress to date on a unified beach monitoring program for South County. Currently, three agencies (South Orange County Wastewater Authority, OC Health Care, and OC Public Works) collect samples of ocean water along the coast to test for potential health risk to swimmers. Mr. Posthumus convened a workgroup of representatives from the three agencies, along with interested members of the public, such as representatives of the Sierra Club and Surfrider Foundation. Together they developed a more informative and cohesive sampling program that eliminates current redundancies.
The goals also include standardizing the frequency of sampling, public notification of results, and follow up actions when samples exceed state standards. Once the program is finalized and approved by the San Diego Regional Board, the public will benefit from increased public health protection with more efficient use of public agency resources.
Arturo Zamarippa presented an overview of the Maritime History Education Program at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point Harbor. Using the ocean as its classroom, the Ocean Institute inspires children to learn ocean science and maritime history. Their historic tall ships and the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center provide the foundation that guides their exploration. Kids learn by doing, whether by studying navigation charts, raising the sails of a historic schooner, or learning to understand weather patterns. By examining the world in a unique context, students experience history through an immersive, challenge-based learning model.
Innovative dockside and at-sea programs also allow students to become sailors in Post-Revolutionary War America, hide gatherers as described by Richard Henry Dana's accounts in “Two Years Before the Mast”, and transport adventurers traveling to the California Gold Rush to make their fortunes. Each unique experience challenges students to work collaboratively, problem solve, communicate their understanding of the information, think critically about what they are learning, and employ positive emotional connections to learning.
To wrap up the session Dr. Wendy Marshall, Director of Education at ExplorOcean, presented on Ocean Literacy Education. ExplorOcean offers both an educational platform and programs at this ocean-based science center in Newport Beach.
The presentation included an overview of the history of ExplorOcean, a description of how its unique location is used to teach, including scholarships, school-based and public programs. The programs include: Ocean Literacy for All, Underwater Robotics, the Innovation Showcase, and an Eco-Tech club. A brief demonstration of how discrepant events are used to trigger the imagination and student-centered experiences to empower learners were integrated into the presentation.
The core of education programs are focused on the Seven Essential Principles of Ocean Literacy:
- Earth has one big ocean with many features.
- The ocean and life in the ocean shape features of the land.
- The ocean is a major influence on weather and climate.
- The ocean makes Earth habitable.
- The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.
- The ocean and humans are inextricably linked.
- The ocean is largely unexplored.
To view Orange County Coastal Coalition meeting information and presentations, please click here. To be placed on the email distribution list for Coastal Coalition meetings, please send your email address to Jackelyne.Mora@ocpw.ocgov.com.
Orange County Beaches Get Clean Bill of Health for Summer
The environmental non-profit Heal the Bay recently released its annual “Beach Bummer List”, ranking California’s most polluted shorelines, without a single Orange County beach listed! This year marks the first time in six years that stubborn list-dweller Poche Beach in South County hasn’t appeared on the list.
This year’s report card is welcome news. We have been very committed to discovering why certain beaches had poor water quality and took some very creative steps to fix the problems. Orange County’s beaches are a beacon for residents and tourists, and we want to keep them clean and inviting.
Poche Beach’s clean bill of health is the result of the combined efforts of the County’s OC Watersheds agency, the City of San Clemente, OC Parks, OC Waste & Recycling, South Coast Water District, and the City of Dana Point. The beach is located where Dana Point and San Clemente meet, near a flood-control channel plagued by high bacteria levels.
The biggest part of that effort was building a $3 million urban-runoff treatment facility, which began construction in 2007 and went online in 2009. However, when water released from the facility pooled on the beach before entering the sea, it attracted seagulls and other birds. Their droppings reintroduced bacteria into the water.
Next, outdoor speakers broadcasting ultrasound were used to discourage the birds. When that didn’t work well enough, the County went Medieval on them, hiring a falconer to deploy hawks and falcons to scare away the gulls. More recently, two lifelike plastic coyotes were perched overlooking the pond to act as silent bird bouncers.
For more information, please click here. For information on Heal the Bay’s “Beach Report Card,” please click here.
SONGS Decommissioning Community Engagement Panel
Southern California Edison (SCE) has permanently retired the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) and is preparing for decommissioning. To that end, the SONGS co-owners earlier this year convened the SONGS Community Engagement Panel (CEP), of which I’m pleased to be a member, for open and transparent dialogue with the local community with respect to decommissioning activities.
The CEP is comprised of representatives from legislative, business and community groups to broadly reflect the diverse stakeholder viewpoints in proximity to SONGS.
CEP Regular Meetings are held once a quarter and are open to the public. On May 22, a CEP Regular Meeting was held at The Hills Hotel in the City of Laguna Hills. The meeting featured discussion and a presentation on the required Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) Decommissioning Submittals Schedule, including the Irradiated Fuel Management Plan (IFMP) and Spent Fuel Storage.
To view the PowerPoint presentation from the May 22 CEP meeting, please click here. To view a video of the CEP meeting, please click here. For more information, please click here.
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| TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION |
I-5 / Ortega Highway Interchange Improvement Project
Caltrans will hold the next Business Advisory meeting Monday, June 2 at 9:00 PM. To facilitate an ongoing dialogue with San Juan Capistrano businesses, Caltrans will hold a monthly Business Advisory meeting to provide project updates, answer questions, and seek feedback.
Please stop by Mission Grill to share your feedback and questions with Caltrans staff. Breakfast will be available for purchase. For more information about these informal meetings, please contact Madison Chetwood at mchetwood@caltrop.com or (949) 337-4288.
Youth Summer Bus Pass
Hop on board an OCTA bus this summer. Go to the beach, the mall, an amusement park, the movies, a skate park, your summer job – practically anywhere in Orange County – for just $60. The OCTA Summer Bus Pass provides riders 18 and under unlimited bus rides from June 1 to August 31 for only 65 cents a day!
Buy your passes today by clicking here.
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| AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES |
JWA Settlement Agreement Amendment Project
The County of Orange, as owner and operator of John Wayne Airport, issued Draft Environmental Impact Report 617 (Draft EIR) last week for the John Wayne Airport Settlement Agreement Amendment Project.
The Draft EIR has been prepared in conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to address the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed modification and extension of the Settlement Agreement.
The Settlement Agreement formalized consensus reached between the County of Orange, the City of Newport Beach, the Airport Working Group (AWG) and Stop Polluting Our Newport (SPON) on the nature and extent of facility and operational improvements that could be implemented at John Wayne Airport.
The Draft EIR and technical appendices are available for public review by clicking here, as well as at the John Wayne Airport Administrative Office, the City of Newport Beach Planning Department, and various public libraries.
Comments on the Draft EIR will be accepted until 5:00 PM, July 8 and may be submitted via email to DEIR617@ocair.com or by mail to:
Ms. Lea Choum
John Wayne Airport
3160 Airway Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
For more information, please click here and here.
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| HEALTH HERALD |
Local Students Win Suicide Prevention Video Contest
Will D’Epagnier of San Juan Hills High School (1st place) was among local students and their high schools who received recognition for participating in “Directing Change”, a student video contest that was part of a statewide effort funded by the Mental Health Services Act to prevent suicide, reduce stigma and promote wellness. Proclamations from me and Chair Nelson were presented during a Mental Health Board meeting this week.
Suicide continues to be a persistent, yet preventable, public health issue impacting America’s youth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide was the second leading cause of death in the U.S. among youth between the ages of 12 and 17 in 2010. In California, suicide accounted for nearly 23% of all deaths among this same age group (90 out of 344).
Students created 60-second public service announcements about suicide prevention and ending the silence about mental illness that featured educating the public about stigma, suicide warning signs, words to use to offer help to someone you are concerned about and resources that are available.
Statewide, a total of 432 Directing Change submissions were received, representing 996 students from 112 high schools, 9 UC campuses and 31 counties.
For more information, and to view the winning videos, please click here and here.
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| VETERAN VANGUARD |
War Ink
OC Public Libraries is pleased to announce that it has joined Contra Costa County Library and a cooperative group of California library systems to launch a timely and relevant project, War Ink, an online exhibit of Iraq and Afghanistan veteran memorial tattoo art.
War Ink will launch on Veterans Day 2014 and consist of a virtual-multimedia exhibit of 30 veterans from throughout California. War Ink represents a unique opportunity to explore the unfiltered record of war that veterans have documented on their bodies – their story, told in their way.
War Ink is made possible through an ever growing collaborative that includes StoryCorps, grant-makers Cal Humanities, Pacific Library Partnership, and a cooperative group of innovative library systems that are exploring the creative potential for the library field.
The recruitment period is through the end of June. Veterans interested in the project are encouraged to visit OC Public Libraries War Ink. For more information, please click here.
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| SENIOR SENTINEL |
Exercise as Disability Prevention Strategy
A carefully structured, moderate physical activity program can reduce risk of losing the ability to walk without assistance, perhaps the single most important factor in whether vulnerable older people can maintain their independence, a study has found.
Older people who lose their mobility have higher rates of disease, disability, and death. A substantial body of research has shown the benefits of regular physical activity for a variety of populations and health conditions.
For more information, please click here.
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| NOTES FROM THE FIELD |
Weekend at the Nix: Dr. Sue's Insect and Arthropod Zoo
Look, listen and learn about Dr. Sue's fabulous collection of live insects and arthropods Sunday, June 8 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Nix Nature Center in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
This event is FREE ($3.00 parking fee per car). Space is limited and sign-up is required. For more information, please click here.
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| HARBOR HAPPENINGS |
Dana Point Harbor Boat Show
The Dana Point Harbor Boat Show will showcase new and used boats for sale, with products displayed both in and out of the water. The Boat Show runs through Sunday, June 1.
FREE parking will be available throughout most of the Harbor and FREE shuttle service will be operating from thirty minutes before the show opens to thirty minutes after it closes each day.
For show hours, shuttle routes and more information, please click here.
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| CRITTER CHRONICLES |
Wild West Adoption Fest and Pet Fair
Join OC Animal Care for a Wild West Adoption Fest and Pet Fair on Saturday, May 31 from 10:00 AM to 2:000 PM! This year, they will be offering FREE Adoptions for the first 150 pets adopted, as well as hosting a variety of pet friendly vendors and demonstrations. There will be lots of food and fun for the whole family, too!
For more information, please click here.
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| SAFETY SENTRY |
Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Wins Battle of Badges
Congratulations to Orange County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Travon Taylor, who won his boxing match in “Battle of the Badges” with a TKO in the 2nd round! Ranked #1, Deputy Taylor is now 10-1. On August 1, he will be taking on reigning Cruiserweight State Champion Brian Stevens from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department at the LA Battle of the Badges.
Battle of the Badges events raise money for Cops 4 Kids & Communities, a non-profit organization committed to changing the lives of at risk youth with compassionate mentoring by law enforcement or other members of the community.
All participants in “Battle of the Badges” are Law Enforcement, EMS, Public Safety or Military. We are proud to have Deputy Taylor as a member of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department!
For more information, please click here.
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| RECORDER RECORD |
Clerk-Recorder’s Special Saturday Hours Continue
The Old County Courthouse will again be open Saturday, June 21 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM for marriage licenses, civil marriage ceremonies and passport applications. The Orange County Archives will be open as well.
The department’s branch offices in Fullerton and Laguna Hills will also be open for copies of property records, vital records, marriage licenses and civil marriage ceremonies. FREE parking will be available at all three locations. Appointments are recommended.
Currently, passport services are only available at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana.
For more information, please click here.
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| LIBRARY LIBRETTO |
Dana Point Library Closure: Skylights Renovation Project
Dana Point Library and the Friends of the Library Bookstore will soon close for a roof renovation project that will replace two large skylights. The new skylights will benefit patrons of the Dana Point Library by providing more light and improving energy efficiency.
The target closure dates are June 30 through September 1. Dana Point Library patrons can obtain library services at the Laguna Niguel Branch as well as most South County branches during the construction period.
For more information, patrons should call Dana Point Library at (949) 496-5517 until June 29. From June 30 through September 1, or until the branch’s reopening, information on library services and hours for specific neighboring branches can be obtained by visiting the OC Public Libraries website.
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| FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT |
Mission Viejo Pony All Stars
The Mission Viejo Pony All Stars 10U recently clinched the 2014 Annual Irvine Memorial tournament for the third straight year. The weekend tournament had 39 teams from across the state and Mexico.
The Mission Viejo Pony All Stars record was 6-0 in Flight A. The team beat host Irvine Pony in five innings 14-4. The All Stars have won the coveted Pony World Series the last two years. The team will start the Pony sanction tournament June 26.
This year’s Pony World Series takes place in Burleson, Texas from July 31 through August 3.
For more information, please click here.
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| SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR |
San Juan Capistrano: Reata Park Grand Opening
A dedication ceremony and grand opening of the Reata Park & Event Center in San Juan Capistrano will take place Saturday, May 31 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The FREE event is open to the public. The Reata Park & Event Center is located at 28632 Ortega Highway, near the corner of Ortega Highway and La Pata. For more information, please click here.
San Clemente: Student Beach Concert
San Clemente’s Annual Beach Concert Series, “Bringing the Bands to the Sand”, has returned. Come Friday, June 6 to San Clemente Pier at 6:00 PM to enjoy the San Clemente High School and Shorecliff’s jazz bands on the beach with the sunset as your backdrop. For more information, please click here and here.
Aliso Viejo: Community Health, Safety & Resource Fair
The Aliso Viejo Community Health, Safety and Resource Fair is from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Saturday, June 7 at the Iglesia Park Community Center, 24671 Via Iglesia. The FREE event caters to people of all ages and will feature activities, information and resources to help folks live healthier, safer and more productive lives. For more information, please click here.
Rancho Santa Margarita: RanchoFest 2014
Bring the family for 2 fun-filled days of activities, eating, drinking and live entertainment Saturday, June 7 (11:00 AM to 10:00 PM) and Sunday, June 8 (1:00 PM - 8:00 PM) at Central Park Rancho Santa Margarita. 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:
- Provided a County Update at the Ladera Ranch "State of the Community" event.
- Participated in the Laguna Niguel Memorial Day remembrance event.
My office also:
- Attended the Laguna Hills Memorial Day Half Marathon & Community Expo to present a certificate of recognition to Corporal Carlos Garcia of the City’s adopted 3/5 Dark Horse Battalion.
- Attended the Orange County Transportation Authority’s 5th District Bike Workshop event in Laguna Hills.
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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