Header image with Photo of Supervisor Pat Bates. Followed by office information
February 28, 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. HEALTH HERALD

4. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS

5. COUNTY CONNECTIONS

6. SAFETY SENTRY

7. HARBOR HAPPENINGS

8. RECORDER RECORD

9. CRITTER CHRONICLES

10. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

11. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

12. FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP


OUR STAFF...

Don Hughes:
Chief of Staff

Kristen Camuglia:
Deputy Chief of Staff

Sergio Prince:
Policy Advisor

Erik Weigand:
Policy Advisor

Emily Osterberg:
Policy Advisor

Veronica Yniguez:
Policy Advisor

Ruth Strachan:
Office Manager

Click here to subscribe.

Click here to unsubscribe


Volume 8 Issue 8
BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

CalOptima

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors began discussing the CalOptima governance structure in light of the recent federal and state audits. The federal audit found numerous deficiencies in long-standing processes, particularly payment procedures and timeliness. Many of these were directly attributed to the health networks and pharmacy management company that CalOptima contracts with.

Currently, there are eleven voting members on the CalOptima board, including one member from the Board of Supervisors, the Health Care Agency and Social Services Directors, representatives from healthcare providers, patients, the business sector and the general public.

At the direction of the Chair of the Board the County Executive Office worked to develop alternatives to the membership of County members (Supervisors and/or staff). The Board decided to include an additional Supervisor to sit as a regular voting member of the CalOptima Board and will decide as to who that member will be at our meeting on March 4, 2014.

While I do not serve on the CalOptima Board of Directors, I have oversight authority in that the Board of Supervisors appoints the members of the CalOptima Board of Directors. It is critical that the CalOptima governance structure ensures that its Board of Directors represents the diverse backgrounds, interests and demographics of Orange County residents and helps ensure CalOptima, as a public agency, remains highly accountable and responsive to the health care needs of our residents. There is no higher priority for the Board of Supervisors and the CalOptima Board of Directors than ensuring quality care.

The Board of Supervisors will continue this discussion at the next regular meeting. To view the reports on CalOptima, please click here and here.

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

Northbound I-5 Full Freeway Closure Update

As reported in my newsletter last week, the nighttime full closure of the northbound I-5 freeway at Ortega Highway – originally scheduled Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22 – was canceled. Crews will resume the three consecutive weekends of full freeway closures Friday, February 28.

The full freeway closures will take place Friday and Saturday nights, beginning Friday, February 28 and concluding Saturday, March 15. These closures are necessary for crews to remove falsework from the south half of the Ortega Highway bridge over the I-5 freeway.

For more information, please click here.

Laguna Niguel to San Juan Capistrano Passing Siding Track Project

The Metrolink Service Expansion Program includes the construction of the Laguna Niguel to San Juan Capistrano passing siding railroad track. The Orange County Transportation Authority in cooperation with Metrolink, the city of Laguna Niguel and the city of San Juan Capistrano, proposes the addition of approximately 1.8 miles of new passing siding railroad track adjacent to the existing mainline railroad track from the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Metrolink Station to 500-feet north of Trabuco Creek in San Juan Capistrano. All work on the tracks will be done within the existing railroad right-of-way, minimizing impacts to the community.

OCTA prepared an Initial Study to evaluate the environmental effects of the Laguna Niguel to San Juan Capistrano passing siding railroad track project. The Initial Study concluded that there will not be a significant environmental impact with implementation of mitigation measures.

On Monday, OCTA Board of Directors approved the adoption of the final Mitigated Negative Declaration, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, and brought this project on step closer to construction. To view the report, please click here.

Measure M2 Quarterly Progress Report

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors was presented the Measure M2 progress report for the period of October 2013 through December 2013 this week. Implementation of Measure M2 continues at a fast pace. This report highlights progress on Measure M2 projects and programs.

To view the report, please click here.

Transit Pilot Projects Update

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) completed a Transit System Study (TSS) in 2011. The final study presented route-by-route recommendations to be implemented over a ten-year period.

As a first step, the OCTA Board of Directors approved pilot projects to test new service concepts, including the following, subject to availability of resources:
  • Limited-stop service on Harbor Boulevard (Route 543)
  • Intracounty Express service on State Route 73 (Route 273)
  • Intercounty Express service on State Route 22 (Route 722)
This week, the OCTA Board received an update on the performance of the new Route 543, as well as an update on the timing of implementation for the two other new transit service concepts.

To view the update, please click here.

Passing Siding Railroad Track Project

The Metrolink Service Expansion Program includes construction of the Laguna Niguel to San Juan Capistrano passing siding railroad track.

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), in cooperation with Metrolink and the cities of Laguna Niguel and San Juan Capistrano, proposed the addition of approximately 1.8 miles of new passing siding railroad track adjacent to the existing mainline railroad track from the Laguna Niguel / Mission Viejo Metrolink Station to 500-feet north of Trabuco Creek in San Juan Capistrano.

All work on the tracks will be done within the existing railroad right-of-way, minimizing impacts to the community.

OCTA prepared an Initial Study to evaluate the environmental effects of the Laguna Niguel to San Juan Capistrano passing siding railroad track project. The Initial Study concluded there will not be a significant environmental impact with implementation of mitigation measures.

On Monday, OCTA Board of Directors approved adoption of the final Mitigated Negative Declaration, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, and brought this project one step closer to construction.

To view the report, please click here.

HEALTH HERALD

Electronic Cigarettes: The New ‘E-Diction’

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is hosting the following FREE public presentations in South County on “Electronic Cigarettes – The New ‘E-Diction’”:
  • Monday, March 10 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Dana Hills High School.
  • Wednesday, March 19 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Laguna Hills Community Center.
  • Tuesday, March 25 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Lake Forest City Hall.
Drug liaison deputies, professionals from Orange County Health Care Agency and the Orange County Department of Education, as well as Community Outreach groups, will be presenting information on electronic cigarettes and vapor pens. The presentation will cover topics such as types of e-cigs, how they work, their prevalence in local schools and communities, health concerns, prevention tips, and law enforcement’s approach.

For more information, please contact Sgt. Mike Pixomatis at (714) 647-1806 or via email at mpixomatis@ocsd.org, or click here.

ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS

Drought Update

On January 30, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced a projected allocation of zero percent for water deliveries to the State Water Project (SWP). This marks the first time in the 54-year history of the SWP that contractors may get none of their contracted supplies from Northern California.

If dry conditions persist, urban areas representing 25 million Californians throughout the state and roughly 750,000 acres of irrigated farmland will be forced to rely on alternative sources of water, such as groundwater, local reservoirs, and other supplies to meet demands.

As the drought continues, state officials have identified 17 communities throughout the state that could run out of water within 60 to 120 days. Farmers in the central valley and across California will be facing decisions about whether they have enough water to plant crops, water their livestock, and keep trees alive.

Fortunately, there is no immediate danger of water supply shortages here in Orange County for 2014. Over the past 20 years, Metropolitan and local Orange County water agencies have invested more than $15 billion in enhanced water resources, including surface storage at Diamond Valley Lake in Hemet, underground storage, recycled water, groundwater treatment, and water use efficiency.

Periodic droughts are common in California, and these investments in water supplies are intended to maintain reliability for the region through multiple dry years. But this is an extreme drought, and if these conditions continue we are going to see the need for more and more aggressive conservation efforts. The question is: How severe of a drought are we in, and how long might we expect it to last?

For more information, please click here.

COUNTY CONNECTIONS

CAFR and OC Citizens’ Report

The Auditor-Controller’s Office has released its annual OC Citizens’ Report. This is the eleventh year the report has been published. The County has received the prestigious Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Reporting for the past ten years from the Government Finance Officers Association.

The OC Citizens’ Report presents financial highlights for the County of Orange for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013 and provides a high-level summary of information contained in the County’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

The CAFR, which contains detailed financial information, is intended for in-depth users of financial reports, such as financial analysts and bond rating agencies.

To view the OC Citizens’ Report and CAFR documents, please click here. For more information, please click here.

SAFETY SENTRY

2014 OCLEEAA Winter Academy

The Orange County Law Enforcement Explorer Advisor Association (OCLEEAA) sponsored the 2014 Winter Explorer Academy from February 13 to February 17 at the Boys Scouts Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center. The Explorer Academy simulates an abbreviated basic law enforcement academy.

161 Explorers from throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties began the Academy; and 148 successfully graduated. Orange County Sheriff's Department Explorer Post 449 was strongly represented by 40 explorers at the Academy and proudly saw 40 explorers graduate at the Sheriff’s Tustin Academy, on Feb. 17.

For more information and to view a list of Explorers from Post 449 who made a very impressive showing in the various awards categories, please click here.

HARBOR HAPPENINGS

Community Notice: 2014 Festival of Whales Road Closure

The annual Festival of Whales Parade will be held on Pacific Coast Highway again this year. Several changes have been made to minimize the inconvenience to the surrounding area. Your home or business may be impacted by road closures in place for this event.

For information on the road closure Dana Point Police Services will be implementing Saturday, March 1 during the Festival of Whales Parade, please click here.

RECORDER RECORD

Clerk-Recorder Offers Special Saturday Hours

The Clerk-Recorder will offer special Saturday hours at all three Orange County locations, including the South County Branch Office in Laguna Hills, March 8 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Reservations for civil wedding ceremonies and passports are recommended due to limited space.

For more information, please call (714) 834-2500 or click here.

CRITTER CHRONICLES

Jails for Tails

OC Animal Care was approached by Theo Lacy Jail last September regarding partnering with their facility for a dog bed making program. The program, called “Jails for Tails”, uses recycled bedding and clothing that would normally be thrown in the trash to make beds for shelter pets. Beds are made my female inmates at Theo Lacy. So far, more than 50 beds have been delivered to OC Animal Care for the pets to enjoy.

FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

Neighborhood Scout’s Top 100 Safest Cities in the U.S.

Neighborhood Scout, a neighborhood research site, has recognized Rancho Santa Margarita as the "5th Safest City in America" based on their latest research. Neighborhood Scout has guided millions of prospective homebuyers in making location decisions based on real estate data, crime statistics, school quality, and more.

Other Fifth District cities featured in Neighborhood Scout’s Top 100 Safest Cities in the U.S. are Aliso Viejo (23), Laguna Niguel (70), Mission Viejo (81), and San Clemente (99).

For more information, please click here.

The Nation’s “Best Master Planned Community of the Year”

On the heels of winning Southern California’s Master Planned Community of the Year at the SoCal Awards, Rancho Mission Viejo and the Village of Sendero was just awarded “Best Master-Planned Community of the Year” in the United States by The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) during its 2014 International Builder’s Show in Las Vegas.

Each year, the NAHB honors excellence and innovation in the design, development, lifestyle and marketing of communities across the country. This annual awards program not only showcases the latest trends in housing, but it also recognizes forward-thinking communities that are shaping the industry at large.

Rancho Mission Viejo not only won this coveted national award, but the Village of Sendero was the only community from California to make the final round after an initial competition to secure five finalists from entries around the country. Competing for the top honor was Rancho Mission Viejo and finalist communities in Colorado, Georgia, Texas and Virginia.

For more information, please click here.

SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

Laguna Niguel: The Emerald Forest

Tame your family's curiosity about wildlife with an interactive show Friday, February 28 at 7:00 PM, with Wild Wonders, Inc., as they take you on an adventure without ever leaving your seat. Don't miss this fun night of The Emerald Forest. Seats are first come, first serve. For more information, please click here.

Laguna Beach: Patriots Day Parade

Despite inclement weather reports forecasted for Saturday, March 1, the Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade is planned to move ahead as scheduled from approximately 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM. For more information, please click here.

Dana Point: Festival of Whales

The Dana Point Festival of Whales is celebrating its 43rd anniversary on March 1, 2, 8 & 9. Their Calendar of Events provides a daily listing of all that's going on, including location, time and a short description of the event. For more information, please click here and here. To ride Metrolink FREE March 1 to the Festival of Whales, please click here and here.

Aliso Viejo: Aquatic Center Open House, Movie Night

The Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center will host a special Open House and Family Movie Night on Friday, March 14. The event is from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Aliso Viejo Conference Center, located next to the Aquatic Center at 31 Santa Barbara. For more information, please click here.

FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP

In addition to my many meetings, briefings, and other supervisorial activities, I also:
  • Attended San Clemente Friends of the Library “Meet the Authors” Luncheon
  • Participated in the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors and the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Board of Directors meeting.
  • Met with HCA Director and Emergency Medical Services Director for a briefing on Orange County’s Emergency Management Services issues.
  • Met with Public Works Department on the La Pata Road Project Progress
  • Met with Senior Representatives to discuss a Senior’s Orange County History Project
  • Participated in the Laguna Woods Television Channel 6 interview to discuss the 7th Annual Senior Summit.

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.

Follow me on Facebook!