Header image with Photo of Supervisor Pat Bates. Followed by office information
October 3, 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. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS

4. HEALTH HERALD

5. AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES

6. SAFETY SENTRY

7. NOTES FROM THE FIELD

8. LIBRARY LIBRETTO

9. TAX COLLECTOR COLLECTIBLES

10. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

11. FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP


OUR STAFF...

Brian Probolsky:
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 39
BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

Approval of John Wayne Airport Settlement Agreement

The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the proposed John Wayne Airport Settlement Agreement Amendment and to certify Environmental Impact Report 617.

In 1985, a Settlement Agreement formalized consensus 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 JWA through 2005.

In 2003, the original four signatories approved a series of amendments to the Settlement Agreement that allowed for additional facilities and operational capacity and continued to provide environmental protections for the local community through 2015.

Since early 2012, the County of Orange, the City of Newport Beach, AWG and SPON have been working to craft a second extension of the 1985 Settlement Agreement.

The Board approved report states that there will be no changes or impacts to the current curfew until December 31, 2035. Currently, the airport’s curfew prohibits commercial operations from taking off between 10pm on 7pm (8am on Sundays) and landing between 11pm and 7am (8am on Sundays).

Additionally, the proposal will gradually increase the number of passenger flights throughout pre-determined point levels between now and 2035. The maximum amount of daily departures would increase from 85 to 95 flights and the passenger levels could increase from 10.8 to 12.5 million annual passengers.

This agreement is a culmination of collaboration between environmental, business and governmental entities working together for a common and balanced solution.

I would like to commend all parties involved throughout this process for their efforts.

To view the approved proposal, please click here.

Amendment to Agreement for Landslide Remediation Activities at Frank R. Bowerman Landfill

The Count’s OC Waste & Recycling department is responsible for managing the County’s solid waste disposal system including Central Region landfills that consists of the active Frank R. Bowerman (FRB) Landfill and five closed solid waste disposal sites. The FRB Landfill was opened in 1990 to meet the solid waste disposal needs of the central portion of Orange County.

You may recall that in April 2014 a second landslide (in addition to the 2012 landslide), estimated at a volume of 500,000 cubic yards, and occurred within the 2012 East Flank Landslide Remediation Project currently under construction at the Frank Bowerman Landfill.

Prior to the landslide this year, the Board previously authorized an Agreement with Wood Bros., Inc. and Simplus Management Corporation for the East Flank Landfill Remediation Project and construction management at the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill in May of 2013.

To mitigate this year’s unanticipated landslide and stabilize the construction site that was underway, removal, grading, reinforcement, and compaction of the unstable material to re-establish the slope and mitigate any potential safety hazards is required. Some of this debris removal and grading work was performed under and within the scope of the original East Flank Landslide Remediation Project; contractors have been compensated for this work under the original Agreement. However the additional landslide has required additional work.

On Tuesday, the Board approved an amendment to the current contracts to complete the additional mitigation and stabilization work that was not included in the original contracts for remediation and construction management.

Bidding out this work as a separate project would significantly delay the necessary remediation projects, and would create serious operational and safety concerns associated with coordinating additional contractors within the same area. The current contractors were the lowest bidders on the original remediation project and it was determined unlikely that rebidding would result in a lower bid for the additional work. Adding delays to rebid these contracts was a concern that costs could increase due to the delays and most importantly delays could increase the potential public safety risk due to the unstable soil that permeates the site and the adjacent public trails.

For these reasons, I supported staff’s recommendations.

To read more about the Remediation Project and the impacts from the landslide please click here and here.

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

Orange County M2 Environmental Cleanup Program Selected for CASQA Award

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) recently received a prestigious award for its innovative efforts to improve water quality across Orange County. The award comes from the California Stormwater Quality Association, the State’s authority on stormwater management.

The association honored OCTA for its Measure M2 Environmental Cleanup Program. The program uses funds from Measure M, the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements re-approved by voters in 2006, to clean transportation-related pollutants from the county’s waterways. The award, for Outstanding Stormwater Implementation Program in California, recognizes OCTA for best management practices.

I would like to congratulate OCTA and recognize the foresight Orange County taxpayers had when approving Measure M2 and including the water quality improvement efforts in the program.

For more information on the Measure M water quality program, visit octa.net/water.

Take Metrolink to Seafest!

Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall at Seafest, a day-long festival packed with fun, food and sea-related activities.

On Sunday, October 5, Seafest celebrates its 27th year with a surfing contest, arts and crafts exhibits, U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue demonstration and its signature chowder cook-off.

Held in beautiful San Clemente, Seafest is best reached by a convenient Metrolink train. The San Clemente Pier Metrolink Station is right next to the event.

Please click here to view the Seafest Schedule.

Postseason Angels Express Service

Great news for baseball fans! The Angels are in the playoffs and you can take the Angels Express directly to Anaheim Stadium throughout the postseason.

This special Metrolink service has been extended so you can avoid traffic and the crowded stadium parking lot.

Ride the Angels Express to postseason Angels home games from stations on the Orange County Line from Los Angeles to Oceanside.

At only $7 roundtrip, tickets are still a bargain. The train takes you straight to the stadium’s parking lot so you’re just a short walk away.

Click here for more information.

ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS

Orange County Coastal Coalition

On September 25, 2014, the OC Coastal Coalition hosted a meeting focused on the new California Drought regulations. The meeting featured a distinguished panel of experts from the City of Anaheim, East Orange County Water District, Golden State Water Company, City of San Juan Capistrano, Irvine Ranch Water District, County of Orange Neighborhood Preservation, and City of Huntington Beach. Panelists described unique approaches each agency deployed to implement their drought contingency plans and what they are doing to implement the Governor’s request to have all Californians reduce their daily water use by 20 percent.

We are all part of the solution to the statewide drought; please help by doing your part in conserving water. For more information on what is available in your city, please visit the website for your water agency or city to learn more about the incentives being offered. If you are uncertain about which agency provides water in any given location, use the reporting form at www.ocwatersheds.com/wphotline/reporting. For tips on reducing overwatering, check out www.overwateringisout.org.

HEALTH HERALD

High Temperatures Pose Potential Health Risk

Temperatures in many inland Orange County communities are expected to reach high temperatures above 95 degrees this week, increasing the risk of heat related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke for those who are more sensitive to heat.

Prolonged exposure to excessive temperatures may cause serious conditions like heat exhaustion or heat stroke and can even be fatal. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting and dizziness. Warning signs of heat stroke may include an extremely high body temperature, unconsciousness, confusion, hot and dry skin (no sweating), a rapid, strong pulse, and a throbbing headache. If symptoms of heat stroke occur, immediately call for medical assistance. Move the person to a shady area and begin cooling their body with water.

Recommended precautions to prevent heat related illnesses include:
  • Drink plenty of water; don’t wait until you are thirsty.
  • Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Stay out of the sun if possible, and when in the sun wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and use sunscreen.
  • Avoid strenuous activities if you are outside or in non-air conditioned buildings. If you are working outdoors, take frequent rest and refreshment breaks in a shaded area.
  • Never leave children, elderly people or pets unattended in closed cars or other vehicles.
  • Check on those who are at high risk to make sure they are staying cool – including seniors who live alone, people with heart or lung disease, and young children.
  • Stay cool indoors – if your home is not air conditioned, visit public facilities such as shopping malls and libraries to stay cool.
For more information on heat related illnesses, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/.

For a list of cooling centers and other resources please visit http://www.211oc.org/get-help/disaster-services/extreme-heat-resources.html

'Laura's Law' Hotline Launches in Orange County

The Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program, also known as Laura’s Law, provides court-ordered treatment for persons with severe mental illness who meet specific criteria. The program is designed to assist individuals who are resistant to obtaining or maintaining treatment. A Hotline is available for AOT referral and criteria verification. Please call 1-855-HCA-1421 or 1-855-422-1421, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

There are specific guidelines determining who can request AOT and who qualifies for AOT. A summary of criteria can be found at this link. There is an information session scheduled for October 14, 2014 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Delhi Center, 505 E. Central Avenue, Santa Ana, 92707. The information session, which is free and open to the public, will cover the guidelines and criteria for Laura’s Law and Assisted Outpatient Treatment in detail. Attendees will have an opportunity to speak with behavioral health services professionals and ask questions.

Orange County is one of several counties in California to approve implementation of AB1421, commonly referred to as Laura’s Law. The law was named after Laura Wilcox, a mental health worker who was killed by a man who had refused psychiatric treatment. To qualify for the program, an individual must have a serious mental illness and a recent history of psychiatric hospitalizations, incarcerations, or acts, threats or attempts of serious violent behavior towards them self or others.

The Health Care Agency offers a variety of outreach and engagement programs and hotlines for individuals and families in need of behavioral health services and resources. Please refer to the list below for a brief summary.

Behavioral Health Resources
  • OC Links (855-OC-Links)
    Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    Information and Referrals for anyone seeking Behavioral Health Services, including: mental health, crisis programs, alcohol and drug inpatient and outpatient, and prevention and early intervention services.
  • Emergency Psychiatric Evaluation
    (866) 830-6011 / 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
    The Centralized Assessment Team responds to private residences, police stations, health clinics, private doctors’, therapists’ offices, and in the field
  • Orange County Crisis Prevention Hotline 1-877-7CRISIS or 1-877-727-4747
  • BHS Emergency Phone Numbers
AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES

JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT'S 25TH ANNUAL STUDENT ART CONTEST

John Wayne Airport's (JWA) 25th annual Student Art Contest is underway. All Orange County public and private school students in grades kindergarten through 12 are encouraged to submit artwork inspired by this year's theme: "OC125: Exploring Orange County's Story." Entries should be submitted to the Orange County Department of Education, any Orange County Public Library Branch or participating city libraries, no later than 4 p.m., Wednesday, November 5, 2014.

This year, the JWA Student Art Contest theme was selected to commemorate Orange County's rich 125-year history. For inspiration, students are encouraged to visit JWA's OC 125 Exhibition currently on display in the passenger walkway between Thomas F. Riley Terminal B and C or explore the OC 125 companion guide available at www.ocair.com. Artworks that best depict this year's contest theme are selected for exhibition and prizes. Winners and honorable mentions from grades K-12 will be exhibited from December 9, 2014 through March 6, 2015, in the arrival level in baggage claim adjacent to Baggage Carousels 1 and 4.

Each entrant will receive a certificate of participation from the Airport, and select winners will be awarded prizes donated by sponsors including Boomers! Irvine, Disneyland Resort, Irvine Museum, JWA McDonald's, Knott's Berry Farm, Laguna College of Art and Design, La Habra Children's Museum and Southwest Airlines.

For more information, visit www.ocair.com or contact Art Program Coordinator Jeffrey Frisch at Jfrisch@ocair.com.

SAFETY SENTRY

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month

The internet plays a huge role in our daily lives with uses ranging from performing professional tasks to utilizing it for personal entertainment. However, being constantly connected brings increased risk of theft, fraud and abuse. Cyber security risks can threaten our finances, identity, and privacy, which is why this issue is one of our country’s most important national security priorities.

This October marks the 11th annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month, which is sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in cooperation with the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center. The goal of the month is to engage and educate the public about cyber security.

The Department of Homeland Security has also created the Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign, a national public awareness campaign aimed at increasing the understanding of cyber threats and empowering the American public to be safer and more secure online. The campaign advises internet users to:
  • Stop-Before you use the Internet, take time to understand the risks and learn how to spot potential problems.
  • Think-Take a moment to be certain the path ahead is clear. Watch for warning signs and consider how your actions online could impact your safety or your family’s.
  • Connect-Enjoy the Internet with confidence. Take the right steps to safeguard yourself and your computer.
Some additional tips to keep your information safe when online include:
  1. Set strong passwords and don’t share them with anyone.
  2. Keep your operating system, browser, and other critical software optimized by installing updates.
  3. Maintain an open dialogue with your family, friends, and community about Internet safety.
  4. Limit the amount of personal information you post online and use privacy settings to avoid sharing information widely.
  5. Be cautious about what you receive or read online—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Additional tips will be posted on our OCSD Facebook and Twitter pages throughout the month.

For more information on cyber security awareness, visit Stop.Think.Connect at http://www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect or the National Cyber Security Alliance at http://www.staysafeonline.org/

Get Ready to Shake Out

The County of Orange will join millions of people worldwide to practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:16 a.m. on October 16, 2014 during the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill.

If you would like to read more about this or for more information on emergency preparedness please click here.

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

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.

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.

SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

Battle of the Paddle-Salt Creek Beach

Rainbow® Sandals and Gerry Lopez is proud to announce the Battle of the Paddle event October 4 & 5, 2014 at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, California.

Concierge shuttle service is provided free of charge to all spectators, competitors and exhibitors, direct to the event site. Shuttles will transport from parking lots to Dana Hills High School, Strands Beach Park and Salt Creek before, during and after the event. For more information please click here.

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, October 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.

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.

FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP

In addition to my many meetings, briefings, and other supervisorial activities, I also:
  • Attended the Transportation Corridor Agency’s Ad Hoc Committee meetings.
  • Attended the 2nd Annual Marian Bergeson Women of Character Awards ceremony to honor outstanding women leaders.
  • Participated in the Laguna Niguel Historical Society meeting.
  • Participated with the South Orange County Watershed Management Area Executive Meeting.
  • Met with the representatives of the Pacifica Institute.
  • Met with members of the South Orange County Economic Coalition to discuss future coalition programs.
  • Presented at the Orange County Automobile Dealers Association 50th Anniversary.

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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