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Lisa Bartlett - Supervisor, Fifth District
March 11, 2016 Volume 3 Issue 10
County Connections
Supervisors Seek Public Input to Improve County's Mental Health Services
Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett and Supervisor Andrew Do will hold a public hearing from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2016, to take testimony from the community on the County’s mental health system.

Supervisors Bartlett, Fifth District, and Do, First District, comprise an ad-hoc committee established last year to address programs and needs within the County’s behavioral health system. Behavioral health relates to a person’s mental well-being and their ability to function in society.

“The County’s Behavioral Health system serves a very vulnerable population,” Chairwoman Bartlett, who represents south Orange County, said. “We want stakeholders to have the opportunity to voice their concerns and provide meaningful input as we address ways to enhance the County’s mental health system.” “We need the public’s input to increase accountability and ensure that every dollar in our mental health budget is well-spent,” said Supervisor Do, who represents the communities of Garden Grove, Westminster, Santa Ana and portions of Fountain Valley. “This hearing gives Orange County residents an opportunity to recommend ways to improve our delivery of mental health services.”

As the specialty mental health plan for patients struggling with severe mental illness, the County plays a critical role in the delivery of care. In total, the County is responsible for overseeing more than 200 programs and services, ranging from case management to crisis intervention.

The meeting will accept a wide range of public testimony and will be held in the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room to accommodate speakers. Anyone is welcome to attend. The board hearing room is on the 1st floor of the Hall of Administration, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana.
 
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Dana Point Festival of Whales
Come down to Dana Point for the second weekend of the Annual Festival of Whales! Last weekend I participated in the kick off parade, which marked the 45th year of this annual event. The Festival of Whales continues this weekend (March 12th & 13th) to celebrate the hundreds of gray whales that use the Dana Point Harbor as a navigational landmark on their 5,000 mile migration toward warmer waters. Activities will include a concert, carnival, food and friendly competitions. Come visit the Whale Capital of West and celebrate the majestic migration of one of nature’s largest mammals!
 



To see a photo album of last weekend's parade, click here.
 
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CalOptima
Recruitment Now Open For CalOptima Board of Directors
The Health Care Agency is pleased to announce that recruitment is now open for the CalOptima Board of Directors. A county-organized health system, CalOptima serves more than 770,000 low-income children, adults, seniors and persons with disabilities. CalOptima was formed in 1995 in response to a healthcare system that was struggling to meet the needs of vulnerable Orange County residents. Today, CalOptima has grown to be the second largest health insurer in Orange County, but stayed true to its mission of providing members with access to quality health care services.

The Health Care Agency is seeking applicants who represent the diverse backgrounds, interests and demographics of Orange County residents and have the experience and expertise to operate a public healthcare system.

To apply for a seat on the CalOptima Board of Directors, please complete an application by April 15, 2016. Applications can be found on the Health Care Agency’s website at http://ochealthinfo.com/caloptima.

For additional information, please contact Donna Grubaugh at 714-834-3166 or via email at dgrubaugh@ochca.com.
 
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Santa Margarita Water District
Water Heroes Honored for March
Santa Margarita Water District continues to challenge customers to cut back their water usage as the Governor extended the drought through October of 2016. The District has decreased its water usage by 24 percent cumulatively since the drought was declared in June of 2015. SustainaBlue Water Heroes have contributed immensely in helping us meet our goal.

Santa Margarita Water District Directors recognized two SustainaBlue Water Heroes for the month of March, Canyon Estates of Mission Viejo and a passionate 6 year-old boy of Ladera Ranch. The honorees were acknowledged for their extraordinary water efficiency. They received an engraved glass plate from the Directors and a yard sign that declared them “Water Heroes.”
 
 
Canyon Estates Homeowners Association of Mission Viejo has taken proactive measures to use water efficiently and set an example for the community. Over the past year, Canyon Estates has replaced 27,595 square feet of grass with attractive low water use landscaping and installed low flow, rotating sprinkler nozzles to reduce runoff and over spray. Canyon Estates has encouraged residents to install low water use landscaping by offering free educational seminars for residents. They even use their patrol team to leave "courtesy notices" to residents having issues with runoff, over spray, or leaking drains. Thank you for setting an example, Canyon Estates!
 
 
Elliot Maldonado is a 6 year-old from Ladera Ranch who was in search of a science fair project that would make a difference. Elliot's mom asked SMWD's Water Use Efficiency team to visit their house to discover ways to cut back on their water use. Elliot was thrilled for the visit and was shown the water meter, how to check for leaks, the correct amount of water needed for his plants, and ways to save in the bathroom.

Conservation in the bathroom was Elliot's biggest interest and there is where his science fair project was flushed out, "if it's yellow, let it mellow. If it's brown flush it down." Elliot set a goal to save 10 gallons a day just on toilet use. The toilet was an easy way to measure water use based on the 1.6 gallons they saved from each flush. He created a chart to post in each bathroom of the house. Elliot is currently testing his project and is expected to have results in 2 weeks. Elliot hopes to get people to think of simple ways to cut back on water use in their home. Way to go, Elliot!
 
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OC Moves
I-5 Purchase on Pico
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is committed to assisting local businesses during the reconstruction of the I-5 / Avenida Pico Interchange in San Clemente, which is part of the I-5 South County Improvements Project. Businesses are invited to participate in our “Purchase on Pico” Program, free of charge, which will feature discounts to Avenida Pico corridor shops, restaurants and other retailers every Wednesday while construction is ongoing.

To view a list of participating businesses click here. For additional information about the Purchase on Pico Program, or about the I-5 South County Improvements Project, please email southOC5info@octa.net or call 800-724-0353.
 
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OC Animal Care/Pet of the Week

Click on the image above to view a PDF version.
 
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Out and About South County

Click on the image above to view a PDF version.
 
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Aliso Viejo: Aquatic Center Kick-Off Party
Join the Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center for its spring Kick-Off Party! The fun-filled family event will feature bouncers, face painters, balloon artists, and much more. Food will be available for purchase from gourmet food trucks and guests will have the chance to learn more about the facility’s swim programs and incentives, special events as well as seasonal, monthly, and family passes.

This event takes place Saturday, March 12th from 11am to 1pm in the parking lot of the city-owned facility at 29 Santa Barbara Drive. Inside the facility, recreational swimming and swim lessons will be held until 4pm and guests will enjoy $2 entry. The Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center is nestled next to the Conference Center near Golf Drive and Glenwood. For more information, click here.
 
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Irvine: “Irvine Has Heart” – Community Food Drive
Participate in the “Irvine Has Heart” community food drive to help families and seniors in needs. The goal of the drive is to collect 3,500 pounds of canned food items by March 31st. Collections barrels will be available at various city facilities, libraries and faith-based organizations, including the Irvine Civic Center and Irvine Police Department, located at 1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. For more information, click here.
 
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Laguna Woods: Cyber Crime & You – Do Not Become a Victim
Join the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Cyber Crimes Detail to learn tips to help stay safe online and safeguard your sensitive personal information. By being proactive about standing up to crime, we can help keep Laguna Woods safe.

This event takes place Friday, March 18th, from 9am to 10:30am at the Laguna Woods City Hall. Space is limited! Please RVSP by calling City Hall at (949) 639-0500. For more information, click here.
 
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San Clemente: Springtime EGGstravaganza
Start your spring season off with a day of sensational spring activities. Children will make spring crafts, color eggs, go on a special egg hunt, meet the Easter bunny, and more! Preregistration is strongly encouraged due to limited space. Open to age 3-5 years old. Parents are welcome, but not required. Registration fee is $15/child. Join us on March 18th from 10am to 12pm at Tierra Grande Park in San Clemente. For more information, click here.
 
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Community Screening & Conversation Café with Expert Panel

 
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Mission Viejo: AARP Taxaide Program
 
Come to the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center for free assistance in filing federal and state income tax returns for low-to-moderate income taxpayers. Join us on Tuesday the 15th or Thursday the 17th from 9am to 10am. For more information, click here.
 
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Laguna Beach: Living with Wildlife Presentation
On Saturday, March 12th at 10am, the Laguna Beach Animal Services will conduct a community presentation on Living with Wildlife at the Susi Q Community Center in the multi-purpose room. The purpose of the presentation is to provide residents with information on how to protect themselves and their pets from attacks by coyotes and other wildlife. The Susi Q Community Center is located at 380 3rd Street in downtown Laguna Beach. For more information, click here.
 
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Dana Point: Egg Hunts
Join your community for an egg hunt at Pines Park and Sea Canyon Park on March 26th from 9am to 10am. Activities include: marionette/puppet show, children’s relay games, petting zoo, Easter Bunny visits, and eggs hunts for ages up to 10 years. This event is free! For more information, please click here.
 
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Last but not least this week I:
  • Participated in the OCTA Regional Planning & Highways meeting.
  • Gave the keynote presentation at the Laguna Beach Board of Realtors Membership Meeting.
  • Participated in the TCA Joint Executive Committee meeting.
  • Participated in a Behavioral Ad-Hoc meeting.
  • Participated in the TCA Foothill Eastern and San Joaquin Hills Joint Board meeting.
  • Attended the Laguna Niguel Chamber's Legislative Reception.
 

Laguna Beach Board of Realtors leadership Michael Jackson, President and Lauriann Meyer, Executive Vice President.


With Laguna Niguel Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Slusiewicz and Councilman Jerry McCloskey at the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce Legislative Reception.


With Laguna Niguel Councilwoman Elaine Gennawey at the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce Legislative Reception.


With Laguna Niguel Mayor Laurie Davies and Moulton Niguel Water District Directors Scott Colton and Richard Fiore at Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce Legislative Reception.


With Capistrano Unified School District Trustees Martha McNicholas and Gila Jones and Board President Amy Hanacek (right).
 
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My Staff:
  • Attended the Community Alliances meeting at the Delhi Center.
  • Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Cox Communications headquarters in Foothill Ranch.
  • Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the 50th anniversary celebration for RH Dana Elementary School in Dana Point.
  • Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the Menchie's ribbon cutting ceremony in Rancho Santa Margarita.
  • Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the Selma's Chicago Pizzeria & Tap Room ribbon cutting ceremony in San Juan Capistrano.
  • Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the Craft House restaurant ribbon cutting ceremony in Dana Point.
  • Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the AIM Mail Center ribbon cutting ceremony in Laguna Hills.
  • Attended the OCTA Executive Committee meeting.
  • Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the See's Candies ribbon cutting ceremony in Foothill Ranch.
 

Menchie's ribbon cutting in Rancho Santa Margarita.


Craft House Restaurant ribbon cutting in Dana Point.


Selma's Chicago Pizzeria ribbon cutting in San Juan Capistrano.


AIM Mail Center ribbon cutting in Laguna Hills.
 
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South County Elected Officials in the Community

Rancho Santa Margarita Mayor, Tony Beall, at the Menchie's ribbon cutting.


Dana Point Mayor John Tomlinson at the Festival of Whales Parade.


Dana Point Mayor Pro Tem Richard Viczorek at Festival of Whales Parade.


Dana Point Councilman Joe Muller at the Festival of Whales Parade.


Dana Point Councilman Carlos Olvera at the Festival of Whales Parade.


Dana Point Councilman Scott Schoeffel at the Festival of Whales Parade.


State Board of Equalization Member Diane Harkey at the Festival of Whales Parade.


Lake Forest Mayor Andrew Hamilton (front center) and Mayor Pro Tem Scott Voigts (2nd from left) at the Cox Communications ribbon cutting in Foothill Ranch.


Lake Forest Councilman Dwight Robinson (left) and Mayor Pro Tem Scott Voigts at the See’s Candies ribbon cutting in Foothill Ranch.


South Coast Water District Vice President Rick Erkeneff at Festival of Whales Parade.


With Laguna Beach Mayor Steve Dicterow (left) and Laguna Niguel Councilman Fred Minagar (2nd from left) at the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce Legislative Reception.
 
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For questions or comments regarding Supervisor Bartlett’s E-Newsletter please contact the Supervisor's office staff at: (714) 834-3550 or Sara.May@ocgov.com.
 
In This Issue
orange arrow County Connections
orange arrow CalOptima
orange arrow Santa Margarita Water District
orange arrow OC Moves
orange arrow OC Animal Care/Pet of the Week
orange arrow Out and About South County
orange arrow Last but not least this week I:
orange arrow My staff:
orange arrow South County Elected Officials in the Community
DISTRICT STAFF
 
Paul Walters
Chief of Staff

Victor Cao
Policy Advisor

James Dinwiddie
Policy Advisor

Kelley Jimenez
Policy Advisor

Sara May
Policy Advisor

Sergio Prince
Community Relations Advisor

Tanya Flink
Office Manager

 
Stay Updated!
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envelope icon Lisa.Bartlett@ocgov.com
phone icon 714.834.3550
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