Header image with Photo of Supervisor Pat Bates. Followed by office information
October 20, 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. SOUTH COUNTY NEWS

3. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

4. AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES

5. HEALTH HERALD

6. RECORDER RECORD

7. SAFETY SENTRY

8. NOTES FROM THE FIELD

9. LIBRARY LIBRETTO

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 41
BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

No Board Meeting This Week

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

Our next Board meeting will be held Tuesday, October 21. 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.

SOUTH COUNTY NEWS

The Seventh Annual South County Disaster Preparedness Expo

As we’ve learned all too well, wildfires, earthquakes and floods are ever present threats in Southern California. As such, I was pleased to host my 7th annual South County Disaster Preparedness Expo on Saturday, October 18 at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, in Mission Viejo.

The South County Disaster Preparedness Expo was held in conjunction with the City of Mission Viejo’s “Walk Against Drug,” and attracted hundreds who joined the walk and attended the Expo to learn how to be prepared when a disaster may strike.

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

Approval to Release Request for Proposals for Construction Management Consultant Services the Interstate 405 Improvement Project

The Orange County Transportation Authority’s (OCTA) Board of Directors (Board) approved the evaluation criteria and the release of the Request for Proposals for construction management for the design-build delivery of the Interstate 405 (I-405) Improvement Project. The selected firm will assist in the management during the construction phase of constructing one general purpose lane in each direction.

The addition of one general purpose lane was reaffirmed by the OCTA Board last month and by Orange County voters under Measure M2’s Project K in 2006.

There are still many questions and concerns regarding the decision by Caltrans to pursue building Alternative 3, which will add a High Occupancy Toll lane (HOT) in each direction of the project’s corridor, as its’ own project. Some of the most critical are the project’s timeline, coordination with OCTA, and maintaining the current policy of 2+ drivers ride for free in the HOT lanes.

However, this Board action helps pave the way for the delivery of the I-405 Improvement Project and the commitment made to voters in Measure M2.

To view the staff report please click here.

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.

HEALTH HERALD

EBOLA Virus Frequently Asked Questions

The Health Care Agency is providing the g information about Ebola in light of increased media attention and public concern. There has been only one Ebola case in the United States and none in Orange County. There is no heightened concern about Ebola in Orange County and an FAQ is provided for informational purposes only.

To view the FAQ please click here.

RECORDER RECORD

Saturday Clerk Services for Busy Workers and Families

Special weekend hours for the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department will again be available.

As the special Saturday openings have surged in popularity, especially with families and those who work during the week, additional Saturday hours are being planned once a month through the end of the year. Please check www.ocrecorder.com for exact dates and times. FREE parking will be available at all three locations.

For more information, please click here.

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/

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.

FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

Best Surf Spot – Salt Creek Point

Salt Creek Beach Park is a popular surfing location. A small, offshore reef creates some of the best left swells along the entire coastline. Salt Creek is excellent for watching surfers up close while in total safety. Because of the deep curve of the shore, spectators standing on the point are very close to the lineup.

Swimming, body surfing, sunbathing and tidepool exploration (all tidepool inhabitants are protected) are other beach activities. Convenience structures include restroom facilities with outside showers and a paved parking area. A beach concession building, open in the spring and summer, offers quick food and beach supplies.

To view the complete list please click here.

SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

Laguna Niguel: Haunted Trails

Zombie's have taken over the Crown Valley Community Park! Small groups will be escorted by our trained, "Zombie Squad" to experience the Haunted Trails, tents and mazes. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you weave through the zombie infestation areas and experience the mayhem and madness! At the end of the event you will be checked out at the "infection check station" to safely leave the event. THIS EVENT IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 8 YEARS OF AGE. NO REFUNDS For more information, please click here.

Dana Point: Halloween Spooktacular & Moonlight Movie

Join in this fun-filled event for the whole family at Lantern Bay Park!

Fun activities prior to the movie, from 4:30pm – 6:30pm include:
  • Carnival Games
  • Costume Parade
  • Cupcake Decorating
  • Marionette Show (6pm)
  • Pumpkin Decorating Contest for ages up to 12 yrs
    (bring your already carved or decorated pumpkin)
Moonlight Movie: Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone (PG) – Movie starts at 6:30pm Please click here for more information.

FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP

In addition to my many meetings, briefings, and other supervisorial activities, I also:
  • Participated in the Orange County Transportation Authority’s Board of Directors meeting.
  • Presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Dana Point Library for the Grand Reopening celebration.
  • Attended the grand opening of the Cotton Point Senior Apartments and presented a Certificate of Recognition.
  • Met with the Dana Point Harbor staff to discuss the revitalization effort.

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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