Header image with Photo of Supervisor Pat Bates. Followed by office information
September 26, 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. HEALTH HERALD

5. CRITTER CHRONICLES

6. SAFETY SENTRY

7. NOTES FROM THE FIELD

8. LIBRARY LIBRETTO

9. TAX COLLECTOR COLLECTIBLES

10. RECORDER RECORD

11. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

12. FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP

OUR STAFF...

Don Hughes:
Chief of Staff

Brian Probolsky:
Interim Chief of Staff

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 38
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

I-405 Improvement Project Update

In July of this year the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) informed the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) that Alternative 3, the tolled express lanes alternative, had been recommended as the project preferred alternative for improvements to the Interstate 405 (I-405) Improvement Project between State Route 55 and Interstate 605.

This project is currently in the environmental phase of the project development which includes three build alternatives:
  • Alternative 1 adds a single general purpose (GP) lane in each direction on I-405 from Euclid Street to the Interstate 605 (I-605) interchange.
  • Alternative 2 adds one GP lane in each direction on I-405 from Euclid Street to the I-605 interchange (as in Alternative 1), plus adds a second GP lane in the northbound (NB) direction from Brookhurst Street to the State Route 22 (SR-22)/7th Street interchange, and a second GP lane in the southbound (SB) direction from the Seal Beach Boulevard on-ramp to Brookhurst Street.
  • Alternative 3 adds one GP lane in each direction on I-405 from Euclid Street to the I-605 interchange (as in Alternatives 1 and 2), plus adds a tolled express lane in each direction on I-405 from State Route 73 (SR-73) to SR-22 east. The tolled express lanes would be combined with existing high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes to provide dual express lanes in both the NB and SB directions on I-405 between SR-73 and I-605. Toll free travel in these Express or HOT lanes will require three or more occupants per vehicle thus changing the current vehicle occupancy of 2+ riders to 3+ riders to be eligible to enter these HOV/HOT lanes for free.
This decision made by Caltrans, understandably, caused great concern and opposition from the project’s corridor cities as throughout the environmental review phase they have continuously opposed Alternative 3 and the addition of HOT lanes on the I-405. To date, Caltrans has not identified any funding for its portion of the project and a construction timeline has not been set.

At Monday’s meeting, the OCTA Board of Directors reaffirmed the vote in support of Alternative 1, the Measure M2 voter approved I-405 Improvement Project. Adding one general purpose lane (Alternative 1) fulfills the commitment made to voters when Measure M2 was passed in 2006. This $1.3 billion project is fully funded. The OCTA Board has not and did not support Alternative 3 which includes changing the current occupancy vehicle 2+ riders to 3+ riders to be eligible to enter these HOV/HOT lanes.

I supported an additional motion to formally oppose Alternative 3 as proposed by Caltrans, however the motion failed to pass.

Moving forward, the Board directed OCTA staff to work with the Board’s Legislative and Communications committee on a policy position retaining an HOV policy which allows the 2+ occupancy for the carpool lanes.

To views the staff report please click here.

Final Long-Range Transportation Plan

The OCTA Board of Directors voted to approve submittal the final 2014 Long-Range Transportation Plan to the Southern California Association of Governments as input to the 2016 Regional Transportation Plan.

The Long-Range Transportation Plan provides the vision for Orange County’s regional transportation system over the next 20 years.

The final plan has been prepared, incorporating input received through public review of the draft document as appropriate. An overview of the public input received, and the proposed Short-Term Action Plan is presented.

To learn more about the Long-Range Transportation Plan please click here.

Ortega Highway Ramp Closures Beginning September 22

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. 22, 2014 at 12:01 a.m., crews will close the southbound I-5 on-ramp from Ortega Highway for approximately six 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.

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.

Transition Program Remains in Place to Ease Driver Conversion to All-Electronic Toll Collection

After cash toll collection ended on Orange County's toll roads on May 14, a program was implemented to ease drivers’ transition to the new all-electronic toll collection system. The transition program -- originally put in place through the long Labor Day weekend -- has been extended as The Toll Roads continue to evaluate data about usage, payments, feedback from customers and reports from customer service representatives.

As part of the transition program:
  • Penalty fees for first-time violations are waived if the tolls incurred are paid within 30 days of receiving a notice of toll evasion. Approximately 40 percent of violation notices are sent to people who have never before received a violation notice.

  • Drivers without a pre-established tolling account can pay tolls online within seven days after driving the roads using the One-Time-Toll™ payment option. One-Time-Toll was developed to be used within 48 hours of driving the roads. Data is being reviewed to determine if the One-Time-Toll payment timeframe will be extended permanently.
The following improvements have been (or are being) implemented:
  • Additional road signs have been installed. There are now 414 signs on the roadway informing drivers that they are on a tolled road; that cash is not accepted; that tolls can be paid electronically via a pre-established account or online using the One-Time-Toll payment option; and that a violation will be issued if tolls are not paid.
  • Information about the closure of cash booths and how to pay online has been added to changeable message signs located on freeways leading to The Toll Roads.
  • Information about the penalty relief for first-time violations is inserted into first-time violation notices. The notice also includes information about how to sign up for a FasTrak® or ExpressAccount® for future trips.
  • To support the conversion, 14 employees were added to the customer service department. Six additional temporary customer service representatives have been added and 20 more are in the process of being added.
  • Forty-six additional phone lines are being added to the customer call center. To accommodate callers.
  • Adjustments have been made to information on the website to address common questions.
  • Outreach programs to the general public; Spanish-speaking community; tourism industry; rental car agencies; seniors; college campuses; and military are being expanded and revamped as needed.
AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES

JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT POSTS AUGUST 2014 STATISTICS

Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport decreased in August 2014 as compared to August 2013. In August 2014, the Airport served 834,765 passengers, a decrease of 1.9% when compared to the August 2013 passenger traffic count of 850,988.

Commercial aircraft operations decreased 6.4%, while commuter aircraft operations increased 81.4% when compared to August 2013 levels.

Total aircraft operations increased in August 2014 as compared to the same month in 2013. In August 2014, there were 25,591 total aircraft operations (take-offs and landings), an 18.2% increase compared to 21,655 total aircraft operations in August 2013.
HEALTH HERALD

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

September 27, 2014
10AM to 2PM

The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

Locate a site near you.
CRITTER CHRONICLES

September 28th is World Rabies Day

On 28th September every year, the world unites in the fight against rabies. World Rabies Day is a day of activism and awareness. Please stop by the OC Animal shelter to learn how you can prevent rabies and what to do if you are exposed.

Did you know?
  • Rabies is entirely preventable
  • You can get rabies if an animal with rabies bites you
  • Rabies virus can infect all mammals, most commonly seen in: dogs, cats, bats, opossums, skunks, and raccoons
  • The main source of rabies in humans in North America is from bats

What you can do to help:
  • Vaccinate your pets against rabies
  • Avoid stray pets or wild animals
  • Always ask an owner or adult before petting a dog, cat or other type of animal
  • Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home

What to do if you are bitten by an animal:
  • Wash the wound well with soap and water
  • See a doctor, even if the bite is very small
  • Contact your local public health department and animal control agency
For more information visit here.
SAFETY SENTRY

More than Two Million Residents to Receive AlertOC Test Call Tuesday

More than two million Orange County residents, along with users of AlertOC’s smartphone app, received a call, e-mail or push notification on Tuesday September 23, 2014 to test the County’s mass notification system. This was the fifth annual regional test of AlertOC and included 24 participating cities and the County’s unincorporated areas.

Emergencies can happen at any time. Just ten days ago, a wildfire spread in Silverado Canyon during regular work hours. As a result of the fire, roads were closed and evacuations were ordered. AlertOC was used seven times during the course of the fire and the rain that fell two days following the lift of evacuations. Residents praised AlertOC as their critical link to immediately learn of required actions.

The AlertOC drill on September 23 replicated a large scale, multi-jurisdictional emergency requiring thousands of numbers to be called simultaneously across Orange County’s entire region. The phone message urged all residents to prepare for real-life emergencies by registering their cell phone numbers and e-mail addresses at AlertOC.com for the best chance to receive vital, timely information when away from home.

Available for iPhone and Android smartphones, AlertOC’s apps allow users to receive push notifications, review past messages, update contact information, and set device and language preferences. Find the app by searching “Blackboard MyConnect” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

For more information or to register alternate phone numbers and e-mail addresses, visit AlertOC.com. Commuters are reminded to be safe and use hands-free devices when talking on the phone and driving.

Cyber Safety and Bullying Class for Parents Hosted in Rancho Santa Margarita

The American Academy of Pediatrics calls cyber bullying the "most common online risk for all teens." Younger children are also affected by this new form of bullying.

The Cyber Safety and Bullying Class on Wednesday, October 1 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate School Theatre will provide parents with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively supervise their children in the online world of social networks. This FREE parents-only class will be discussing graphic examples of bullying and the emotional impact on young children. This class is not appropriate for young people under 18 years of age. Pre-registration is required.

Please click here for more information.

Ten Car Seat Safety Tips

Installing child car seats can be a confusing task much to the fact that there are a variety of car seat and vehicle designs. Each car seat fits differently with each vehicle and there are a variety of car seats out there with different options. All seats on the market must go through a standardized series of testing. Provided are ten safety points that may assist you in installing your child’s car seat properly.

To learn more about the ten car seat safety tips please click here.
NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Fitness Hike at Canyon View

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 6-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (400-ft elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.
  • Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas. Meet at the entrance to Canyon View Park).
  • For questions, call (949) 497-8324
  • Donation: $2 per person
  • Parking: Free
  • Ages 15 and up
Reservations Required Online. Please click here for more information.

Red Ribbon Week

OC Parks is proud to partner with the Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) in the countywide Red Ribbon Week for the fourth year. OCSD will distribute 1,000,000 Red Ribbon wristbands to every school-aged child in public and private schools, as well as many businesses and government agencies throughout Orange County.

Since 1988, Orange County has been celebrating Red Ribbon Week – a national drug prevention effort. Drug Use Is Life Abuse has played a leading role in this effort.

OC Park Participation:

OC Parks will permit each student wearing a red Drug Use is Life Abuse wristband to receive the following for them and their family. Free weekend entrance to 8 OC Parks and free admission to OC Zoo October 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 2014.
  • Ralph B. Clark Regional Park
  • Ted Craig Regional Park
  • Irvine Regional Park
  • Laguna Niguel Regional Park
  • Mile Square Regional Park
  • Santiago Oaks Regional Park
  • William R. Mason Regional Park
  • Yorba Regional Park
  • OC Zoo (inside Irvine Regional Park)
The “Drug Use is Life Abuse” posters and will be displayed at the Parking Attendants Booth.

CELEBRATE THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF ORANGE COUNTY OCTOBER 4 AT IRVINE REGIONAL PARK

The Orange County Historical Commission and OC Parks invite you to visit Orange County’s past at the 125thAnniversary Celebration of Orange County on Saturday, October 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Irvine Regional Park.

The anniversary celebration will present historic highlights and demonstrations by special guests and Park Rangers in the newly restored Soda Fountain Pavilion located in Group Area 2 of the park.

Guests can partake in Park Ranger led walking tours of historic Irvine Regional Park. OC Historical Societies will present educational displays about their organizations.

Food will be available for purchase from food trucks on-site. The event will conclude with a traditional old-fashioned ice cream social.

Event entry includes parking, a copy of 100 Years of Yesterday, AAA historical site map, entry to the OC Zoo and participation in the ice cream social.

To attend please RSVP to oldcourthousersvp@ocparks.com by Monday, September 22.
LIBRARY LIBRETTO

Scavenger Hunt Raises Literacy Awareness at OC Public Libraries

California Library Literacy Services recently celebrated 30 years of providing high quality, learner centered, volunteer based adult literacy services in libraries around the state.

In honor of this milestone, and to promote awareness of adult literacy in our county, the OC Public Libraries and READ/Orange County will be hosting a Literacy Scavenger Hunt throughout the month of October 2014.

The Literacy Scavenger Hunt, which starts October 1, is a great opportunity to raise community awareness to help potential learners come forward and to recruit new volunteer tutors for READ/OC.

To enter, interested participants can visit their local branch of OC Public Libraries to pick up a form - visit www.ocpl.org for a list of branch locations - or visit the READ/OC website at www.readoc.org for an entry form and the official scavenger hunt rules.

A winner will be selected from entries received by 10/31, and the winner will receive a Kindle Paperwhite 6” eReader with WiFi (valued at $120), and a $75 amazon gift card, generously provided by the Friends of READ/OC.
TAX COLLECTOR COLLECTIBLES

2013-2014 Secured Property Tax Bills

It’s almost that time of year again for the annual secured property tax bills to start showing up in your mailbox. The Office of the Treasurer-Tax Collector (TTC) will be mailing the 2014-15 Secured Property Tax Bills to taxpayers October 17–28. Once mailing starts, all secured tax bills for the current year will be available for viewing at ocgov.com/octaxbill.

The first installment will be due November 1, 2014 and delinquent if not paid by December 10, 2014. The second installment will be due February 1, 2015 and delinquent if not paid by April 10, 2015. If you have recently updated your mailing address or do not receive your tax bill by November 1, please enter your parcel number below to view/print a copy or call us at (714) 834-3411.
RECORDER RECORD

Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department Records 7 Million Electronically Submitted Documents

On Thursday, September 4, 2014 at 10:08 am, the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department reviewed and recorded a full reconveyance document. The significance of this event was that this document was the 7 millionth electronically submitted document processed by the Clerk-Recorder Department. Orange County was a pioneer in the development and implementation of electronic recording. The office is recognized as the national leader in electronic recording and has recorded more documents electronically than any other County Recorder in the nation.

The electronic recording system provides efficiencies by reducing delivery expense and staff time. The system allows documents to be processed in a matter of seconds and currently 62% of all documents submitted for recording in Orange County are processed electronically.

For more information about the services provided by the Orange County Clerk-Recorder or its convenient locations please visit: www.ocrecorder.com
SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

Rancho Santa Margarita: Roctober Fest at RSM Central Park

On October 4th and 5th the RSM Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the City of RSM will be hosting RoctoberFest featuring live music and entertainment, kids and adult fun zone. For more information please click here.

Laguna Niguel: Join Your Neighbors and Deputies for Coffee and Conversation

The Laguna Niguel Police Services invite you to join their Deputies on Wednesday, Ocotber 8 from 7-9 A.M. at Café Fresca in Laguna Niguel. No agenda or speeches, this is an opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the deputies in your neighborhood.

For more information please click here.

Laguna Beach: September Sunset Serenades

The City of Laguna Beach will be presenting a FREE concert Friday, September 26 at the amphitheater in Heisler Park starting at 5:30 PM. For more information, please click here.

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 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.

Dana Point: State BBQ Championships

The largest BBQ Championship on the West Coast takes place Saturday, October 4 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Sea Terrace Park in Dana Point. For more information, please click here.

San Clemente: Seafest

The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 27th Annual San Clemente Seafest on Sunday, October 5 from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM at the historic San Clemente Pier area. For more information, please click here.

Aliso Viejo: Founder's Day Celebration

The public is invited to meet one of Orange County's founding families - the Moulton family - and learn about the history of Aliso Viejo during the City's Founder's Day celebration on Saturday, October 11 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the 7-acre City ranch, located at 100 Park Ave. For more information, please click here.

GIVING IS SWEET!

Give the gift of sight and receive a gift of See’s candy!

Monarch Bay Plaza is pleased to support the Lions Club of Laguna Niguel’s Eyeglass Recycling effort.

Please drop off your gently-used eyeglasses between Saturday, September 27th and Sunday, October 12th, and receive a FREE box of See’s Candy.*

Collection boxes will be conveniently located inside Monarch Bay Plaza’s participating retailers.

*One 4-piece box of candy per family, please. While supplies last.

Click here for more information.
FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP

In addition to my many meetings, briefings, and other supervisorial activities, I also:
  • Participated in OCTA’s Board of Directors Meeting.
  • Chaired the Orange County Coastal Coalition Meeting, more news on this in next week’s newsletter.
  • Met with the Audit Oversight Committee.
  • Participated in the Orange County Fire Authority Board Meeting.
  • Attended the Hispanic 5th Annual Lifetime Achievement Award Gala.

 My office also:
  • Attended the Orange County Transportation Authority’s Finance and Administration Committee Meeting
  • Presented a certificate at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Nothing Bundt Cakes in the City of 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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