Header image with Photo of Supervisor Pat Bates. Followed by office information
August 22, 2014

Pat Bates's Picture

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. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

4. SAFETY SENTRY

5. CRITTER CHRONICLES

6. AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES

7. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

8. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

9. FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP


OUR STAFF...

Don Hughes:
Chief of Staff

Brian Probolsky:
Interim Chief of Staff

Sergio Prince:
Policy Advisor

Erik Weigand:
Deputy Chief of Staff

Veronica Carpenter:
Policy Advisor

James Dinwiddie:
Policy Advisor

Ruth Strachan:
Office Manager

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Volume 8 Issue 33
BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

Grand Jury’s Annual Report on Jails and Juvenile Detention Facilities

A recent Grand Jury report reviewed all detention facilities within the county and issued a report on their findings. The report covered five maximum security level facilities, which houses both sentenced and un-sentenced inmates. The report was released on June 27, 2014, and included nine findings. On Tuesday, the Board approved a response to each of the findings addressed in the report.

A detailed look at the County’s responses can be seen by clicking here.

Grant Award to Increase Traffic Safety

The Board voted to accept the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program grant award in the amount of $330,620 from the State of California Traffic of Office Safety.

The grant funds will be used to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in crashes involving alcohol, speeding, red light running, as well as other primary collision factors.

"Best practice" strategies, such as Driving Under the Influence (DUI) saturation patrols to apprehend drunk drivers, warrant service operations targeting DUI violators who failed to appear in court or who violate probation, stakeouts, and court stings, may be utilized.

Efforts may also target reducing speed, aggressive driving, seat belt enforcement, intersection operations with disproportionate numbers of traffic crashes, and special enforcement operations encouraging motorcycle safety.

To learn more about the Board’s action on this grant please click here.

Federal Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification

The Board of Supervisors approved an agreement for the OC Sheriff, OC Probation, and District Attorney to continue to participate in the Federal Equitable Sharing Program. This program deals with federally forfeited assets that are seized and allocated to the departments in a cooperative, multi-agency law enforcement effort that targets drug trafficking.

To learn more about the Federal Equitable Sharing Program please click here.

COUNTY CONNECTIONS

OC’s 125th Birthday Chronicled in Exhibits and Online

The Old Orange County Courthouse is pleased to present “Orange County Circa 1889,” a collection of historic photographic work taken 125 years ago, documenting the founding year of Orange County’s birth. The exhibit will run through October 10.

Also at the Old Courthouse is “Celebrate OC,” describing the County’s separation from Los Angeles County and many of the milestone anniversaries celebrated over the years. The exhibit features photographs, documents, maps, newspapers and artifacts from the Orange County Archives. It will run through the end of the year.

Prior to 1889, the region was part of Los Angeles County. The county seat at that time was seven hours distance by horse buggy on rutted dirt roads, and local residents felt overtaxed and unrepresented.

Attempts to form a separate county began in 1870. The Legislature finally approved a county formation vote, which was held June 4, 1889. Support for the new county was overwhelming: 2,505 to 499. The county officially formed August 1 that year, and the rest is history.

For more information on the County’s 125th birthday year, including a list of the 125 iconic people, places and things in Orange County plus a “This Day in History” Calendar and a slide show of historical photos, please click here and here. To see a special photo album of historical photos compiled by the OC Public Library, please click here. For more information, please click here.

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

Closing Gaps in OC Loop Will Help Residents Bike, Walk and Connect

During July and August, OCTA staff is presenting plans for the OC (bike) Loop at meetings throughout Orange County. The OC Loop is the future 66-mile bikeway which will one day connect many parts of the county in a continuous loop. Seventy percent of the OC Loop is already in place and used by thousands to bike, walk, and connect to Orange County’s beaches and inland areas. It also provides first and last mile connections to numerous bus stops and three Metrolink stations. With minimal stops and crossings, the OC Loop is also a viable commuting route to the major employers in the area.

Closing the gaps in the OC Loop would increase connectivity, expand transportation options and enhance recreational opportunities. OCTA and other stakeholders, including local cities, are working with the County of Orange on a feasibility study to close the remaining gaps. The study will provide the cities with grant-ready information to help them secure funding. Learn more about the OC Loop and the study here.

Donate a Bus Ride

Looking for an opportunity to impact lives every day? Consider donating a bus ride. Please help Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAPOC) provide bus passes to people in need or on a fixed income who can't afford the cost of transportation and also put food on the table for themselves and their families.

Your donation makes a difference! Every dollar received goes to changing lives.

Buses provide safe, clean, reliable transportation to essential places like school, medical offices, work, and markets. Many people in Orange County rely on buses for their transportation needs every day.

For more information please click here.

CRITTER CHRONICLES

OC Animal Care’s Statistics

The 2013 statistics are posted on OC Animal Care’s website. In addition to providing comprehensive statistics for 2013, and providing a breakdown for each city that served.

Overall intake continues to decrease! In 2013, it decreased by almost 1,400 animals. The lower intake, particularly with dogs, has been reduced because of the greater awareness and efforts related to Dog Licensing and pet ID, and more spay/neuter education.

Due to the implementation of OC Animal Care’s Feral FREE SNR program as well as continued emphasis on fostering and rescue, cat euthanasia rate dropped by 24%. Dog euthanasia rate was at an all-time low in 2013, at 10% this is a significant decrease from 19% in 2012!

Another positive is that Adoptions/Live Release numbers held pretty steady across the board. To read more please click here.

AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES

John Wayne Airport Giving Away Weekend Getaway

If you're a sports fan, this sweepstakes is for you. John Wayne Airport, along with Southwest Airlines, Visit Oakland, The Best Western Bayside Hotel, and AM830-KLAA want to send two lucky winners to see the Halos vs. A's and Chargers vs. 49er's in Oakland.

Don't wait, enter today by clicking here. For more information, please click here.

FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

Dana Hills Graduate Named Youth of the Year for Pacific Region

Recent Dana Hills High School graduate, Yossymar Rojas, was named Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs’ Pacific region.

The award seeks to recognize members of the Boys and Girls Clubs who show a commitment to overcoming personal obstacles and bettering their communities. After being selected as the Youth of the Year for the Pacific Region Mr. Rojas is now one of six finalists in contention for the National Youth of the Year title.

Mr. Rojas graduated with valedictorian distinction, maintaining at least a 4.0 GPA, as well as having received Dana Hills High School’s Dolphin Achievement Award for Spanish speakers.

Mr. Rojas has also participated in the community as president of the Keystone Club and has volunteered at Serra’s Pantry in San Juan Capistrano.

I would like to extend my congratulations to Yossymar Rojas!

For more information, please click here.

SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

Dana Point: Summer Concert Series

The City of Dana Point invites you to enjoy The Derek Bourdeaux Group and AbbaFab (ABBA Tribute) at the Dana Point Summer Concert Series on Sunday, August 17 from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM at Heritage Park. For more information, please click here.

San Juan Capistrano: Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo

The Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo, taking place August 23 & 24, is good old entertainment for the entire family, not to mention the richest 2-day rodeo in the nation, with a purse totaling over $200,000! For more information, please click here.

Laguna Beach: Art Festival Season

Laguna Beach’s world famous summer art festival season runs daily throughout the summer. For information on the Festival of Arts / Pageant of the Masters, please click here. For information on the Sawdust Art Festival, please click here. For information on Art-A-Fair, please click here.

FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP

In addition to my many meetings, briefings, and other supervisorial activities, I also:
  • Met with the County CEO to discuss the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Plan progress
  • Participated in the regularly scheduled Board meeting

My office also:
  • Attended the Orange County Public Affairs Association Annual Legislative Aides Luncheon

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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