Header image with Photo of Supervisor Pat Bates. Followed by office information
September 5, 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. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

3. AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES

4. SAFETY SENTRY

5. HEALTH HERALD

6. CRITTER CHRONICLES

7. HARBOR HAPPENINGS

8. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS

9. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

10. 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 35
BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

No Board Meeting This Week

There was not a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Supervisors this week. To view the Board meeting schedule for 2014, please click here.

Our next Board meeting will be held Tuesday, September 9. 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.
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

Ortega Highway Ramp Closures Beginning September 8

The Ortega Highway project is entering its last phase of construction, which requires closures and detours that will impact your drive. Alternate routes will be required to access downtown, nearby schools, and local shops and restaurants in and around the project area.

Beginning on Monday, Sept. 8, 2014 at 11:59 p.m., crews will close the northbound I-5 off-ramp to Ortega Highway for approximately two weeks. The closure is required to realign and reconstruct this on-ramp to tie-in with the new south-half of the Ortega Highway bridge.

Alternate routes will be required to access downtown, nearby schools, and local shops and restaurants in and around the project area. For more information, or to sign-up to receive weekly emails, please visit www.octa.net/ORTEGA.

OCTA Bikeways Collaborative Supervisorial District 5 Bikeways Roundtable #2

Please join the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), Orange County Council of Governments, Caltrans, County of Orange, and participating agencies for a follow up roundtable discussion about ongoing efforts to improve regional connectivity for bicycling in southern Orange County. Participants are invited to provide feedback on the proposed regional bikeways network and recommendations for subsequent Bikeways Studies. To keep up-to-date on this planning effort please visit www.octa.net/bikeways.

The roundtable discussion #2 will be held on Wednesday, September 17th from 5:30 to 7:30PM at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center.

For more information please click here.

Take Metrolink to San Juan Capistrano’s Greek Festival

Get ready to eat and dance Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28 at the annual San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival. The FREE event, which is sponsored by Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, will feature dancing lessons, live music, Greek food, art and more.

On your way to the Greek Festival, join OCTA for a festive pre-event on Saturday, September 27 at the Tustin Metrolink Station on September 27 at 9:30 AM. The first 50 event attendees will receive a FREE round-trip Metrolink ticket. Tickets are valid September 27 only and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The kickoff event will feature FREE food courtesy of Daphne’s and music. Attendees will also be able to bring a non-perishable donation for Second Harvest Food Bank to spin OCTA’s prize wheel. Then, attendees can take the train to the San Juan Capistrano Metrolink Station and jump aboard the free festival shuttle. Once there, show your Metrolink ticket and get a FREE Greek pastry at the Greek Pastry Booth. Opa!!

With Caltrans’ I-5/Ortega Highway Interchange Improvement Project under way, Metrolink is the most convenient way to get to the festival. Riders can take Metrolink to San Juan Capistrano from as far away as L.A. Union Station or San Bernardino. Plus, it will cost only $10 with the Metrolink Weekend Day Pass, which is valid for system-wide travel on either Saturday or Sunday.

For more information, please click here.
AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES

John Wayne Airport Posts July 2014 Statistics

Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport increased in July 2014 as compared to July 2013. In July 2014, the Airport served 837,702 passengers, an increase of 0.4% when compared to the July 2013 passenger traffic count of 834,328.

Commercial aircraft operations decreased 5.3%, while commuter aircraft operations increased 131.9% when compared to July 2013 levels.

Total aircraft operations increased in July 2014 as compared to the same month in 2013. In July 2014, there were 24,523 total aircraft operations (take-offs and landings), a 12.1% increase compared to 21,867 total aircraft operations in July 2013.

General aviation activity, which accounted for 70.6% of the total aircraft operations during July 2014, increased 20.0% when compared to July 2013.
HEALTH HERALD

September is National Recovery Month

One in 4 Americans lives with mental illness and 23.1 million people aged 12 or older nationwide needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol use problem (2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health).

Overcoming mental health and/or substance use disorders is essential to achieving healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally. Participate in this year’s theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Speak Up, Reach Out” by openly discussing mental health and substance use disorders with family, friends, and the community.

We must encourage relatives and friends of people with mental and/or substance use disorders to:
  • Implement preventive measures
  • Recognize the signs of a problem
  • Guide those in need to appropriate treatment and recovery support services
Orange County Resources
  • OC LINKS
    Information and referral to Orange County mental health, substance abuse, and prevention services.
    (855) OC-LINKS / 855-625-4657
    Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.
  • Crisis Hotline
    24-hour, immediate, confidential, over-the-phone suicide prevention services.
    (877) 7-CRISIS / 877-727-4747
  • NAMI Warmline
    Non-crisis support for anyone struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues.
    (877) 910-WARM / 877-910-9276
    Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-3 a.m.
    Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m. -3 a.m.
Learn more about National Recovery Month at www.recoverymonth.gov.

National Emergency Preparedness Month

September is National Emergency Preparedness Month and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Emergency Management Division would like to encourage County residents to prepare and plan for emergency and disaster events. The time is NOW to make a commitment to be the survivor.

September marks National Preparedness Month, which was founded after 9/11 to increase preparedness in the U.S. First responders and emergency managers understand that there will be an overwhelming demand to reach people in distress following a disaster. Getting to every person quickly following an emergency will simply not be possible – especially if trees and power lines are down. It’s imperative that community members take the necessary steps to prepare for emergencies. The more people who are prepared for a disaster, the quicker the community will recover afterwards. Find out more about National Preparedness Month at http://www.ready.gov/september.

It is a time to prepare yourself, your family and your loved ones for any emergency. Follow these three steps:
  1. Get a Kit: Keep enough emergency supplies on hand for you and those in your care, including water, non-perishable food, first aid, prescriptions, flashlights and a battery-powered radio. For a complete checklist of supplies, visit www.ReadyOC.org.
  2. Make a Plan: Discuss, agree on, and document an emergency plan with those in your care. For sample plans, see www.ReadyOC.org. Work with your neighbors, colleagues and others to build a community network of resilience.
  3. Be Informed: Information is available to assist you from federal, state and local resources. You can find preparedness information by:
    1. Signing up for emergency alerts and notifications at www.AlertOC.com.
    2. Accessing www.ReadyOC.org to learn what to do before, during, and after an emergency.
    3. Contacting your local emergency management department and ask for a tour and information about preparedness.
For more information please click here.

CRITTER CHRONICLES

Thank You Orange County Libraries and Communities!

This past Summer OC Animal Care was excited to partner with various Orange County Libraries and their Paws to Read Summer programs. This was a great opportunity to not only encourage the love of reading in our communities but to also teach an important message about Responsible Pet Ownership.

OC Animal Care volunteers attended several libraries and were able to share books and activities that help our youth understand the importance of Responsible Pet Ownership and adopting. In addition, to promoting their Paws to Read program, our libraries also ran a Paws to Give and Pet Drive for OC Animal Care.

I am grateful for the generosity and response from our community during these donation drives. These donations will greatly benefit our animals and help provide comfort to them during what we hope is a brief stay at our shelter. Thank you for supporting OC Animal Care!

Visit here for more information.

Coyote Information for Orange County Residents

Coyote Information for Orange County Residents Many residents of Orange County have expressed concerns about coyote sightings and the consequences of predator animals within the urban environment. Several residents have lost their pets to these skilled hunters because they were not aware of recent coyote activity in the area.

Coyotes are found in all areas of Orange County. Contrary to popular belief, these animals do not require open space or "wild areas" to survive. In fact, most coyotes within the urban setting are the offspring of generations of coyotes who lived and flourished in the urban areas of Orange County. Many steps can be taken to protect you, your pets and your property from nuisance animals like coyotes. Click the link for more information.
HARBOR HAPPENINGS

OC Dana Point Harbor: Upcoming Events

Tall Ships Festival

The Tall Ships Festival in Dana Point Harbor will take place Sept. 5 – 7, beginning with the Tall Ships Sunset Parade sail Friday from 5 PM to 7 PM. The Tall Ships Sunset Cannon Battle will take place Saturday and Sunday between 4:30 PM and 7:30 PM.

Boaters should remember that Tall Ships do not maneuver easily and that ship crews may not see smaller vessels as they close in. Therefore, boaters are advised to maintain a safe distance from Tall Ships at all times.

Public parking will be available at the Selva Lot and the RH Dana Elementary School Lot, with shuttles running 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM.

For more information, please click here.
ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS

California Coastal Cleanup Day September 20

Every year, on the third Saturday in September, people join together at sites all over California to take part in the State's largest volunteer event – California Coastal Cleanup Day.

For more information please click here.
SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

San Juan Capistrano: Movies in the Park

Enjoy the next showing of "Movies in the Park" starting on Saturday, September 13th at the City-owned Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at San Juan Capistrano. Presented by Blenheim Facility Management, this event is open and free to the public.

September 13 – Frozen
September 20 – The Horse in the Grey Flannel Suit
September 27 - Secretariat
Bring a blanket or beach chair and your picnic basket. The movie begins at dusk. No glass containers, alcohol or smoking is allowed. Parking is free. For more information contact (949) 234-1696. For a flyer, click here.

Laguna Niguel: Fall Flick

Bring the family out for a night of fun under the stars on Saturday, September 13. Seating is on a grassy hill. Bring a blanket or low chair so you do not obstruct viewing. Dress warm. Please no pets, smoking or alcohol allowed in the event area. Snacks/beverages will be available for purchase. Event will be canceled if it is raining. Click here

Rancho Santa Margarita: Patriot Day Event

Join friends and neighbors at the City of Rancho Santa Margarita’s Patriot Day event Sunday, September 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Civic Plaza at Central Park. With involvement from the City’s adopted 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines (2/5), this year’s event has been expanded into a FREE all day event. For more information, please click here.

FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP

In addition to my many meetings, briefings, and other supervisorial activities, I also:
  • Participated in the Transportation Corridor Agency’s Mobility Ad Hoc Committee Meeting.
  • Introduced Mayor Carol Gamble at the City of Rancho Santa Margarita’s State of the City program.
  • Attended the Orange County Taxpayers Association’s Annual Roses & Radishes Awards.
  • Participated in a radio interview for KSBR with the Orange County Transportation Authority’s CEO Darrell Johnson on South County transportation issues and improvements.

 My office also:
  • Participated in the Orange County Transportation Authority’s Environmental Oversight Ad Hoc Committee to discuss the Measure M2 Environmental Mitigation Program.

 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.

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