As your Orange County Supervisor for the fabulous Fifth District, I am very pleased to report we have made a monumental stride toward realizing the revitalization of Dana Point Harbor.
To that end, at last week's Board of Supervisors meeting, with the support of many stakeholders and community groups, my Board colleagues and I unanimously approved the Master Lease and Option Agreements with our P3 partners - Dana Point Harbor Partners LLC (DPHP).
Since taking office, Dana Point Harbor Revitalization has continued to be one of my top priorities. As such, in the last 3 1/2 years we have taken significant steps toward delivering the project, including:
Approved the Public-Private Partnership Model which will leverage private sector expertise;
Broke ground on Phase 1 - infrastructure and street improvements;
Selected DPHP as our P3 partner;
And now, approved the master lease and option agreements with our P3 partner.
The proposed public-private partnership (P3) master agreements will result in a truly fantastic revitalized harbor with enhanced amenities at the lowest expense to the County and without public financing.
Dana Point Harbor Partners’ plan provides the best combination of master planning, ground rent to the County, past performance as well as performance guarantees, and a vision that will result in a single cohesive master operator.
Within 120 days, the County and our P3 partner will be working extensively with the community to draft updated architectural renderings and complete a number of deliverables, including final construction plans, final marketing plans, final development leases, and final management plans.
As we transition into the option period, the partnership is committed to public outreach, and the County looks forward to seeing what is produced. Please be assured that I will continue to keep you posted every step of the way.
For more information, please see the County’s press release on this giant leap toward the long awaited revitalization of Dana Point Harbor.
New Aliso and Wood Canyons Visitor Center
Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is getting a new visitor center. The prefabricated visitor center and public restroom buildings are designed to reflect the site's natural elements, as well as structurally providing a "light on the land" approach.
The building also features a unique foundation system that minimizes site grading and helps preserve the natural beauty.
As such, the new center will include restroom facilities, interpretive exhibit area, reception desk, conference space for educational opportunities, and offices for park rangers and staff.
With the prefabrication complete, the center is now in route to Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park for installation, which will take place this weekend through early next week.
Please be advised that the parking lot at Aliso & Wood Canyon Wilderness Park will be closed Friday (7/27) to Wednesday (8/1). Additionally, parking along Awma Road will be unavailable Thursday (7/26) to Wednesday (8/1). However, visitors can find parking at Laguna Niguel Regional Park during the dates mentioned above.
As Chairwoman of the Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors, I'm pleased to report five Orange County cities will collectively receive up to $6.8 million over a period of three to five years to provide community-based transit services such as popular summer trolleys that allow visitors to enjoy Orange County destinations without the hassle of driving or parking.
Of the $6.8 million, nearly $5.2 million was awarded to five seasonal transit circulators, including the Laguna Beach Summer Breeze Bus Service and City Trolleys, the San Juan Capistrano Trolley, as well as expansions to Dana Point Trolley and San Clemente Trolley. Find information about this year’s free summer shuttles here.
Avoid driving and parking hassles and enjoy all South County has to offer with FREE summer shuttles in Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. The Laguna Beach, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano shuttles connect with one another as well as other transit stops, making it easier to travel to great destinations in South County without a car.
These transportation services are partially funded by Measure M (also known as OC Go), which puts tax dollars to work locally.
Ride the FREE Laguna Beach Summer Breeze
Enjoy all of Laguna Beach this summer without the traffic and parking hassles. Climb aboard the Laguna Beach Summer Breeze (OC Bus Route 689) at the Laguna Canyon Road parking lot in Irvine, just off the I-405 and SR 133, and breeze all the way into town!
This FREE service is available Saturdays & Sundays, June 30 to September 2, every 30 minutes from 11 AM to midnight. Stops include:
From the Laguna Beach Bus Station, you can connect with the FREE Laguna Beach Trolleys. The Trolleys connect with shopping and foodie destinations along Pacific Coast Highway. Main Beach is only a block from the Laguna Beach Bus Station.
To return, just hop onboard at any of the Summer Breeze stops and ride the air-conditioned bus back to your car! Visit the Summer Breeze website for more information or see the route map below.
Ride The 2018 OC Fair Express This Summer!
This year, avoid traffic and parking headaches by taking the 2018 OC Fair Express directly to the gate Saturdays and Sundays from July 14 to August 12.
Megan Yoo Schneider has received two degrees from the University of California, Irvine, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemical Engineering with a Specialization in Environmental Engineering, and a Master of Science (M.S.) in Engineering with a Concentration in Environmental Engineering. Megan is also a registered Professional Engineer (Civil Engineering) in the State of California who represents Division 7 on the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) Board of Directors.
Megan has 12 years of professional experience in a number of diverse disciplines, including engineering, policy, outreach, utility management, and business strategy She has worked in both the public and private sectors, and her passion for the community, public health, and the environment is showcased by her involvement in numerous organizations.
Since 2004, she has served in a number of leadership roles, including Committee Chair, Vice Chair, member of the Committee Leadership Council, and member of several Steering Committees for the Water Environment Federation, Past President and board member of the Santa Ana River Basin Section, and on the board of directors for the California Water Environment Association. She is also a member of the American Water Works Association and several other water-related professional associations.
Over the years, Megan has planned and/or led over 100 conferences, seminars, workshops, public tours, community events, and more. She invests much of her time educating others about the importance of our environment and STEM education and has received numerous awards and accolades for her efforts.
As my policy advisor, Megan focuses primarily on issues related to transportation and air quality. For more information, visit my office website.
Pauline Colvin began her career in public service with the City of Laguna Niguel, where she served as Executive Assistant to the Mayor, City Council and City Manager. She also served as the City’s Communications Officer. During her tenure with Laguna Niguel, Pauline had the privilege of serving three elected officials who went on to higher office, including California State Senator Pat Bates, U.S. Congresswoman Mimi Walters, and former 5th District County Supervisor Tom Wilson.
An accomplished Executive Assistant and Communications Officer with proven skills in office management and administration, public affairs, community outreach and engagement, marketing and promotion, social media management, graphic design and website development, Pauline thrives in challenging environments.
She has extensive local government experience having worked for the cities of Laguna Niguel and Encinitas, as well as the Capistrano Unified School District. Pauline is highly resourceful and can leverage a large network of government and communication professionals.
Her positive, energetic, “can do” attitude motivates and challenges others to perform beyond expectations. Pauline has a unique ability to convey information, both verbally and in writing that is clear, concise, understood and gets things done. She is an engaged listener who easily understands complex issues.
Pauline provides high-level administrative support to Supervisor Bartlett, manages her schedule and serves as Office Manager. For more information, visit my office website.
County Connections
County Welcomes New OC Animal Care Director
A new director will join OC Animal Care following a five month nation-wide recruitment to fill the high-level position. Mike Kaviani comes to OC Animal Care after most recently serving as the Director of Life Saving Operations for the non-profit Austin Pets Alive! (APA) in Austin, Texas.
Kaviani brings more than 14 years of knowledge and experience from the animal care industry with his primary focus on developing innovative solutions for the most challenging five percent of canine shelter populations.
He is also an industry expert in volunteer engagement and retention, and has demonstrated successes creating best practices for diverse programs such as Animal Length of Stay, Animal Care and Enrichment and Dog Behavior Training.
While in Austin, Mike proved to be a dynamic leader implementing the shelter’s forward-thinking initiatives, such as the Canine Good Citizen program, and has been a champion for the Dogs Playing For Life program.
In addition, he provided immediate and ongoing support, leadership, and problem solving for the shelter's staff and volunteers in all of APA's animal care programs.
I welcome Mike Kaviani to our County family and look forward to working with him to help promote best practices at OC Animal Care.
OC Parks Summer Concert Series 2018
OC Parks Sunset Cinema Series 2018
Out and About in South County
Aliso Viejo: Summer Concerts & Movie Nights
Dana Point: Summer of Music
2018 is the Summer of Music and the City of Dana Point is proud to announce the details for the 2018 Summer of Music. The Concerts are free! Be sure to bring a blanket or low-back beach chair. The Dana Point Trolley will be running and there is a stop near the concerts. Click on the image below for more information.
Get ready to rock Sunday, July 29 at Pittsford Park in Lake Forest with "Safety Orange" (beach/rock/reggae band), "The Trip" (high energy cover rock band), and "The Nineteen 90s Band" (90s music tribute). See the city website for more info.
Mission Viejo: Symphony in the Cities
Enjoy Symphony in the Cities and Prelude in the Park Saturday, July 28 from 4 PM to 9 PM at Oso Viejo Community Park on the Village Green, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo. The Prelude in the Park is from 4 PM to 6:45 PM, with Pacific Symphony kicking off at 7 PM. FREE admission and shuttles from the Civic Center.
Rancho Santa Margarita: Summer Concerts
San Clemente: 65th Annual Fiesta Music Festival
The 65th annual San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival takes place Sunday, August 12 on Del Mar. Admission is FREE and includes music & entertainment, food for all tastes, Salsa Challenge, contests & games, arts & crafts show, Business Expo, activities for kids, motorcycle show, Action Sports & Beach Lifestyle Expo, plenty of exhibits, FREE parking & shuttles, and much more!
San Clemente: Music & Movie Series
San Juan Capistrano: Summer Nites
This week I:
Chaired the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors meeting.
Participated in the weekly California State Association of Counties (CSAC) officers call.
Gave a County update to the Dana Point Rotary Club.
Participated in the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Joint Finance & Investment Committee meeting.
Participated in the TCA Joint Capital Programs & Projects Committee meeting.
Met with Laguna Beach city and community leaders to discuss Aliso Creek.
Met with County staff and San Clemente city officials to discuss South Orange County Mobility.
Participated in the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Board of Directors meeting.
My Staff:
Attended the I-5 / El Toro Interchange Improvement Project Open House in Laguna Woods.
Attended the Avenida La Pata Bikeway Community Meeting in San Clemente.
Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the grand reopening Circle K in Laguna Beach.
Presented certificates of recognition at the multi-member ribbon cutting in Laguna Niguel for Age Well Senior Services, Help-U-Sell Wright/Platinum Edge Properties, Trio Rewards, Inc., and Turned Up Media.
Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the Sophisticated Living ribbon cutting in Laguna Hills.
Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the Keller Williams OC Coastal Realty ribbon cutting ceremony in San Clemente.
For questions or comments regarding Supervisor Bartlett's E-Newsletter please contact the Supervisor's office staff at: (714) 834-3550 or email Sergio.Prince@ocgov.com.