June 20, 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. COUNTY CONNECTIONS
3. SOUTH COUNTY NEWS
4. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
5. HEALTH HERALD
6. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS
7. LIBRARY LIBRETTO
8. TAX COLLECTOR COLLECTIBLES
9. REGISTRAR REGISTER
10. CRITTER CHRONICLES
11. AIRPORT ARRIVALS
12. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT
13. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR
14. 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 |
Civic Openness in Negotiations (COIN) Ordinance
Last month (May 23rd), my newsletter provided an update on the Civic Openness in Negotiations (COIN) Ordinance, which aims to bring transparency and openness to labor negotiations within the county. Since I was unable to attend the last Board meeting, Supervisor Moorlach was kind enough to continue the item until the upcoming meeting on June 24th, where the Board will continue the first reading of the ordinance.
2014 Renewed Measure M (M2) Eligibility
The Board approved the County of Orange's 7-Year Transportation Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-15 through FY 2020-21.
The CIP will support OC Public Works in securing Renewed Measure M (M2) funds, a voter approved half-cent sales tax administered by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) for completing roadway and intersection improvements, traffic signal construction, and road maintenance projects, which will enhance public safety and reduce traffic congestion within the unincorporated areas of Orange County.
The County utilizes M2 funds as a major funding component for the CIP. All cities within the County, and the County itself, are required to adopt a 7-Year Transportation CIP, update it annually, and provide it to OCTA as a requirement of eligibility to receive and compete for M2 funds.
OCTA requires that all individual transportation-related projects, for which M2 funds may be sought, be listed in the 7-Year Transportation CIP for purposes of identifying potential future project-funding needs.
The CIP is a planning/scheduling document and not a specific budget for any project. Inclusion of a project in the CIP is not a commitment by the County to construct the project, as it is subject to available funding. The CIP is primarily an eligibility requirement for the County to continue to receive and compete for M2 funds. However, additional funding is continually explored by OC Public Works to fully fund all projects listed in the 7-Year Transportation CIP.
For more information, please click here.
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| COUNTY CONNECTIONS |
Orange County Wins Twelve 2014 NACo Achievement Awards
Orange County departments and agencies racked up 12 winners out of 15 entries submitted to the National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards for 2014. The association this month spotlighted winners across the country, celebrating innovative programs to modernize county governments.
The awards are non-competitive, meaning that each entry is regarded on its own merits rather than being pitted against other entries. However, some bragging rights are in order: Orange County won more NACo awards this year than Los Angeles County.
The awards’ non-competitive nature allows for multiple wins in any of 21 categories, a good thing for OC agencies, which had a pair of wins in three different categories.
Headquartered in Washington, DC, NACo was founded in 1935 to represent the interests of the nation’s county governments. It has over 2,350 member counties.
Here are the great programs that Orange County’s winning agencies were recognized for:
Civic Education and Public Information awards went to OC Parks for its Go Green at the OC Zoo recycling promotion; and to Child Support Services for its Community Education Initiative, “a customer-centric approach to service delivery by taking an active role in connecting customers with resources through education.”
An Environmental Protection and Energy award went to OC Waste & Recycling for its Natural Bird and Vegetation Abatement Program in which falcons and hawks were used to drive hordes of seagulls from landfills, while goats were employed to clear weeds. Another award in the same category went to the OC Sheriff’s Department for its Theo Lacy Facility Sustainability Program, in which deputies have been able to eliminate over 60% of the facility’s landfill-bound waste by recycling.
Human Services awards were given to OC Community Services for its Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program of housing subsidies and case management services for homeless veterans with disabilities, including mental and addictive disorders; and to Child Support Services for its Collaboration with Superior Court, Family Law Facilitator & Self-Help Center entry, aimed at providing legal services and resources to address their customers’ challenges.
A Community/Economic Development award went to the OC Health Care Agency and OC Community Services, who joined forces on a Mental Health Services Act Housing program that is providing 428 affordable housing units for mentally ill and other homeless persons.
A Criminal Justice and Public Safety award was given to the OC Crime Lab for its Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, Enhanced Detection and Collaboration research to improve methodologies for measuring the amounts of different drugs in suspects’ blood.
A NACo Health award went to OC Community Services’ Office on Aging, in partnership with the Orange County Health Care Agency and others on their "Healthier Living" Collaborative to bring community programs to disenfranchised, disabled, and elderly communities in Orange County to help deal with chronic disease and other problems.
An award for Information Technology went to the Orange County Registrar of Voters for its entry, Learning from Logistics Experts to Improve Elections Operations. By judicious use of technology and studying companies that use logistics every day, the Registrar of Voters has made dramatic improvements in the time taken to process ballots.
A Planning award was given to OC Public Works and OC Parks for their collaboration on the Haster Retarding Basin, Pump Station and Recreational Field Project, in which the basin was upgraded to better handle a 100-year flood, while providing an additional two acres of much-needed park area to the County.
Finally, an award in the Parks and Recreation category went to OC Parks for its Summer Concert Series. As it will again this year, OC Parks hosted a series of free concerts in several different parks last year, doing it cost-effectively by using an outside promoter to organize all the events.
Congratulations to all our award-winning OC departments and agencies!
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| SOUTH COUNTY NEWS |
2014 South Orange County Job Fair Update
The 2014 South Orange County Job Fair was held May 15 in the City of Mission Viejo at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center. This year’s event attracted over 50 Orange County companies with hundreds of job openings for job seekers. The 108 degree weather did not thwart over 500 South County job seekers from attending the Fair.
The annual South Orange County Job Fair is supported by my office, the County of Orange, City of Mission Viejo, and Orange County Workforce Investment Board. This year, veterans were provided priority entrance, giving them the opportunity to meet with recruiters and highlight their skills.
The Job Fair drew key decision makers and hiring managers from companies such as AutoZone, Home Depot, MV Transportation, Applied Medical, Adams Communication, Vocational Visions, Wells Fargo, Lennar Corporation, CTS Security, and many more.
I’m pleased to report that survey results indicate attendee satisfaction rates were at 90% for the Job Fair’s quality and businesses had a rate of 95%. Additionally, initial reports indicate participating businesses had approximately 140 new hires as a result of the Job Fair, with more expected over the next several weeks.
For more information, please click here. For information about year round employment and training services, please click here or call (949) 341-8000.
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| TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION |
South Orange County Transportation Forum
There are several important transportation-related projects taking place throughout South County to keep our region moving.
Learn what's going on, what's being planned and how it will impact you during the South Orange County Transportation Forum featuring Darrell Johnson, CEO of the Orange County Transportation Authority.
The Forum takes place Friday, June 27 from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM at the Orange County Realtors Association, 25552 La Paz Road, Laguna Hills. The event is FREE but seating is limited. Register now! For more information, please click here.
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| HEALTH HERALD |
Pertussis in Orange County
Orange County Public Health has received increasing reports of pertussis (also known as whooping cough) in our community over the last several weeks. Because pertussis frequently causes illness in schoolchildren, Orange County Public Health is working with Orange County schools to provide parents with information about this illness.
Pertussis is a very contagious infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria and spread through the air by coughing. Pertussis usually begins with cold-like symptoms and a cough that worsens over one to two weeks. Symptoms may include coughing fits, and these fits may be followed by a “whooping” noise, as persons with pertussis need to catch their breath.
People with pertussis usually do not have a fever, and feel well aside from the cough. The cough usually lasts from one to six weeks, but can go on for up to ten weeks or more. Infants and young children are usually vaccinated against pertussis, but the vaccine becomes less effective as children get older, and vaccinated children can become infected.
Infants suffer the most severe illness from pertussis. They are at highest risk for developing complications from the disease, including pneumonia, seizures, and death.
Older children and adults with pertussis may have only a persistent cough. But while older children and adults may experience milder illness, they are still contagious and the most common source of exposure to infants. People who are already ill can take antibiotics to reduce the risk of spreading pertussis.
Orange County Public Health recommendations:
- The best way to protect families and young infants from pertussis is to make sure everyone in the household is up to date on pertussis vaccination. Children should receive five doses of pertussis vaccine (DTaP) by school entry. Children must have a dose of Tdap prior to entering seventh grade. The Tdap vaccine is required for all students in grades 7 through 12.
- Pregnant women should receive a dose of Tdap with each pregnancy to protect themselves and their infant.
- Students or staff with a persistent cough should be seen by a provider and evaluated for pertussis.
For more information about pertussis, speak with your medical provider or click here http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis and here.
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| ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS |
South County Eco Challenge at Prima Deshecha Landfill
South County residents came out in force to the County-sponsored Eco Challenge collection event recently to dispose of their old paint, chemicals and e-waste at the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Center in San Juan Capistrano.
On a typical day, the Center serves about 48 residents during their regular hours of 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. On Saturday, June 7, more than 50 cars were lined up by 9:00 AM, waiting to be among the first 100 visitors to deliver household hazardous waste in exchange for four FREE Angels or Discovery Science Center tickets.
What seemed to delight all of the visitors to the Prima Deshecha Eco Challenge Collection Event was the festive environment and activities for everyone in the family.
There were autographs and photos with former Angels infielder, Adam Kennedy; Discovery Science Center helped visitors plant wildflower seeds; CR&R Waste & Recycling Services offered recycling tips and provide all with a side of popcorn; OC Public Works was on hand to answer questions about the County’s La Pata Extension Project; and staff at OC Waste & Recycling provided landfill tours. Nobody left disappointed.
For more information, please click here. To view photos of the event, please click here. To learn about future Eco Challenge collection events, please click here.
Time Running Out to Enter Eco Challenge Poster Contest
The chance to be an Honorary Bat Kid at a 2014 Angels baseball game ends soon. Young residents of Orange County have until Monday, June 30 to submit their posters and be eligible to win. Among other prizes, the five winners of the contest will serve as Honorary Bat Kids.
For contest rules and eligibility, please click here. www.discoverycube.org/batkid For more information, please click here.
Drought Severity Increasing
May was Water Awareness month, and as you probably noticed, water was in the news. Not because it was May, but because the severity of the California drought is increasing. Farmers are pumping more and more water from underground aquifers that can’t support the demand. Communities throughout the state are literally going dry.
So why is the message not as grim or dire in Southern California? It’s because we have invested in water storage, water use efficiency, and new supply sources; we have prepared for dry times like the present. However, a long, hot summer could put us into water allocations or even water rationing if we don’t do our best to be more water efficient now.
It is important to note there is a state mandate from the Governor to do the following:
- All California residents should refrain from wasting water.
- Avoid using water to clean sidewalks, driveways, parking lots and other hardscapes.
- Turn off fountains and other decorative water features unless they use recycled or grey water.
- Limit vehicle washing at home by patronizing local carwashes that use recycled water.
- Limit outdoor watering of lawns and landscaping to no more than two times a week.
Your local water agency may have specific restrictions in place, so make sure to check with them for more information.
For more information, please click here. For information on improving your water use efficiency, including current rebate programs, please click here.
OC Waste & Recycling Wins Landfill Excellence Award
The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) has announced that OC Waste & Recycling has been named winner of a SWANA Bronze Excellence Award in the Landfill Management category. The award will be presented at SWANA’s annual conference, WASTECON®, Tuesday, August 26 in Grapevine, Texas.
For more information, please click here.
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| LIBRARY LIBRETTO |
San Clemente Library Closure: Expansion Project
The San Clemente Library and Friends of the Library Bookstore has closed for an expansion and remodeling project that will result in approximately 15,000 square feet of space, a completely redesigned interior, and flexible meeting room spaces to better serve the needs of City’s ever-growing and changing community.
Effective June 16, the library will be closed for approximately one year. San Clemente Library patrons can obtain library services at San Juan Capistrano Library, as well as most South County branches during the construction period. 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.
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 Monday, June 30 through Monday, September 1. Dana Point Library patrons can obtain library services at Laguna Niguel Library, 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 Sunday, 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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| TAX COLLECTOR COLLECTIBLES |
Payment Plan for Delinquent Property Taxes
A listing of all properties by city with delinquent taxes owed for five or more years has been published by the Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector (TTC) in the newspaper and online. These properties may be subject to auction unless owners act now to enter into an installment plan for payment.
Property owners have until Monday, June 30 to begin a Five-Year Installment Plan to pay the delinquent taxes on their properties. The property owner must qualify for the plan by meeting certain criteria.
If the tax-defaulted properties with more than five years without payment do not have an installment plan started and in good standing by June 30, the only way to avoid the tax auction is to pay 100% of the taxes, penalties and fees levied on the property prior to the date of the next tax auction. No partial payments or installment payments will be accepted prior to the auction date.
Have you moved, your business has relocated, or you haven’t received a property tax bill recently? If so, and you did not file a change of address with the Office of the Assessor nor gone online to pay your property tax bill, your taxes may be delinquent. You can download a change of address form here, just click “How to” and then on “Request a Change of Address.”
An easy way to check whether your property taxes are outstanding is to go online and input either the property address or the parcel number (APN). Click “find” and then the APN link that will identify if there are outstanding property taxes due.
Taxpayers should consider checking online before the final tax installment payment date to make sure all payments have been processed. Another easy way to remember to make your payments is to sign up for the TTC’s email reminder system that sends an email alert when property tax bills are mailed. The alerts are sent 10 days prior to the last payment date and one day prior to the last payment date.
For more information, please click here.
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| REGISTRAR REGISTER |
June Primary Election Certified
Orange County Registrar of Voters Neal Kelley has certified the official results of the June Statewide Primary Election held June 3.
Total turnout from the election was 24.1%, with 17.1% of voters casting their ballot by mail and 7% of voters voting in their polling place. By comparison, in the 2010 Primary Election, overall turnout was 30.1%, vote-by-mail voting was 18.4%, and polling place voting was 11.7%.
During the post-election period, election results updates were provided daily. Despite the number of registered voters (Orange County is the 5th largest voting jurisdiction in the country) the final results were certified ahead of the required July 1 deadline as mandated by state law.
For more information, please click here.
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| CRITTER CHRONICLES |
6th Annual Angels for Animals Event
Please join OC Animal Care and the Angels Baseball Foundation for the 6th annual Angels for Animals event, taking place at Angel Stadium on Saturday, June 21 at 5:00 PM.
For more information, please click here.
Keep Your Pets Safe this 4th of July Holiday
The following are important tips to make the coming 4th of July holiday a pleasant one for you and your pets:
- Keep pets inside. The best situation for your pet is to be at home with you. If your holiday plans take you elsewhere, it is best to leave your pet inside the house. Sometimes frightened animals will try to seek refuge from noise and confusion by chewing through ropes, jumping fences or running away. Keeping them indoors will assure that they won't get lost. It is a good idea to leave a radio or TV set on to drown out the load firework noises.
- If you have an animal that is nervous or predisposed to stress, you might want to consult with your veterinarian about having tranquilizers on hand during the July 4th holiday. The vet will prescribe according to weight, age and condition of the pet. It is important to consult a veterinarian because tranquilizers can overdose or become toxic when combined with other medications, flea collars or sprays.
- Make sure your pets are wearing proper ID tags with at least two phone numbers listed on them on the outside and a registered microchip on the inside.
- Don't leave pets outside, even in a fenced yard, anytime when fireworks are being set off in the neighborhood.
- More pets are lost around the 4th of July than any other time of year. If your pet gets lost, begin a search immediately.
For more information, please click here.
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| AIRPORT ARRIVALS |
JWA Direct
John Wayne Airport (JWA) has released its latest issue of JWA Direct. To view the Airport’s e-newsletter, featuring the latest news from JWA, please click here.
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| FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT |
Arts Educator Named OC's Top Elementary VAPA Teacher
Josie Boys, a Bergeson Elementary School teacher, was honored as the 2014 Orange County Elementary Visual Arts Teacher of the Year. The Orange County Music and Arts Administrators, representing arts educators and community arts providers through the Orange County Department of Education, selected Ms. Boys due to her outstanding achievement in arts education.
She was nominated for the award by the principal of Bergeson Elementary School, who praised Ms. Boys for her willingness to "share her knowledge with other teachers, giving of her time and expertise. She leads her second-grade teachers and teaches them how to infuse visual art into their school day," said the principal. "They attend workshops together and work diligently to create meaningful learning lessons for their students."
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| SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR |
Lake Forest: Career Workshop
The City of Lake Forest and Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce are co-hosting a FREE Career Workshop on Friday, June 27 from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Lake Forest City Hall. Space is limited to the first 100 attendees. To register for this workshop, please click here. Continental breakfast will be provided. RSVP by June 23. For more information, please click here.
Laguna Niguel: Summer Concert Series
Add to your summer festivities by attending the City of Laguna Niguel’s FREE Summer Concert Series, beginning Friday, June 27 with DSB (Journey tribute) from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Crown Valley Community Park, 29751 Crown Valley Parkway. For more information, please click here.
Dana Point: Doheny Surf Festival
The Doheny Surf Festival will take place Saturday & Sunday, June 28 & 29 at Doheny State Beach. The FREE event will feature Live Music, Surf Demonstrations, Environmental Education, Surf Legends and a Tandem Exhibition. For more information, please click here.
Aliso Viejo: Summer Celebration at the Library
The Aliso Viejo Friends of the Library will host a Summer Celebration on Saturday, June 28 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The library event will celebrate nature and feature music, activities and much more! For more information, please click here.
Lake Forest: Fourth of July Parade
Celebrate the Fourth of July at the City of Lake Forest’s 23rd annual parade, which begins promptly at 10:00 AM. For more information, including the schedule of events, please click here.
Rancho Santa Margarita: Summer Concert Series
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita presents its 2014 Summer Concert Series, beginning with Stone Soul (Motown) Sunday, July 13 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Central Park, 30842 La Miranda. 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:
- Attended the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission meeting.
- Met with a representative of the California Department of Veterans Affairs (Cal Vet) to discuss veterans’ issues in South County.
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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