OCDA Rackauckas Forms Sober Living-Home Investigation and Prosecution Task Force
I was pleased to join Orange County District Attorney (DA) Tony Rackauckas for a press conference this week that exposed fraud and criminal activities occurring in the addiction treatment industry of Orange County.
DA Tony Rackauckas recently formed the Sober Living-home Investigation and Prosecution (SLIP) task force to stop large scale insurance fraud as well as address citizen and community complaints and concerns about criminal activities occurring within the addiction treatment industry.
Our communities have become home to many illicit sober living homes and rehab facilities that use body brokers to attract victims for illegal and unnecessary procedures. These organizations are detrimental to our community and must be held responsible for their illegal actions.
Thank you District Attorney Rackauckas for your leadership in addressing this issue and bringing businesses to justice that prey on those suffering from addiction. To learn more, see the press release from the DA's office.
Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Project Update
Earlier this week, the first four deliverables from our P3 partner, Dana Point Harbor Partners, were presented during a standing room only meeting of the Dana Point Harbor Advisory Board held at the Ocean Institute's Samueli Hall.
To view the documents, which include the slip license agreement, dry storage agreement, slip waitlist policy, and slip transition policy, please click here.
Stay tuned for my announcement of the next public meeting for the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Project!
Cove Road Asphalt Surface Treatment
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Autumn Harvest Festival / Haunt at Heritage Hill
OC Parks and I are pleased to invite you and your family to celebrate the fall season at the annual Autumn Harvest Festival and Haunt at Heritage Hill Historical Park this October!
On Saturday, October 6 from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM, the annual Autumn Harvest Festival will return to Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest. Experience the park transformed into a Halloween festival, where visitors of all ages can enjoy a family-friendly adventure.
Attendees can enjoy Trick-or-Treat stations and a “Harry Potter’s School House." Exciting attractions will be spread throughout the park, including: The Superhero Village, The Under the Sea Adventure Maze, Princess Pumpkin Patch, Lake Forest All-Star Glow Party, and Storytelling Adventures. Children of all ages can participate in ghoulish games, costume contests, and pumpkin decorating. Costume and trick-or-treat bags are welcome and recommended. No masks or face paint permitted.
Then on Friday, October 12 and Saturday, October 13 from 6 PM to 10 PM, thrill-seekers are welcomed back to Heritage Hill Historical Park for the 11th Annual Haunt at Heritage Hill. Tailored to visitors ages 12 and over, the park will once again transform into a haunted adventure with scream zones, game booths, and music. Visitors can join the fun and come dressed in costume. No masks or face paint permitted. No re-entry or outside bags/backpacks are permitted.
Ladera Ranch: State of the Community 2018
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11th Annual South County Preparedness Expo
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OC Parks Project Receives Prestigious Award
Congratulations to our fantastic OC Parks team for receiving the Flood Management Project of the Year Award from the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE-LA)! The award was in recognition of the Wagon Wheel Creek Restoration and the Stormwater Management Project in Riley Wilderness Park, both of which are in my district.
The Project also won a 2018 Environmental/Conservation Award from National Association of Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) for correcting a significant erosion problem using minimal permanent-impact engineering techniques. See the amazing "Before and After" photos below!
Whale Fossil Discovered at Prima Deshecha
On June 29, a Paleo Solutions paleontologist, watching construction excavations for the Prima Deshecha Landfill Project in San Juan Capistrano, spotted a large bone that was unearthed in the Oso Member of the Capistrano Formation.
To date, the paleontologists have uncovered what appears to be a partial skull, including the lower jaw and snout, ribs, limb bones, portions of the backbone, and shoulder bones.
On Tuesday this week, the fossils were moved from the site to OC Parks' John D. Cooper Center in Santa Ana for further study. Also known as the Cooper Lab, the center preserves and curates fossils and artifacts found within Orange County.
The full scientific value of the fossil is uncertain at this early stage of the process; however, the fossil is well preserved and, in combination with fossils previously recovered from the landfill, has the potential to provide new information on the paleo-environment and biodiversity of the late Miocene and early Pliocene of southern California.
Laguna Niguel to San Juan Passing Siding Project
On September 12, residents and business leaders attended a community open house for the upcoming Laguna Niguel to San Juan Capistrano Passing Siding Project. The meeting was hosted by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and Metrolink to build awareness about the project.
The meeting, held at the San Juan Capistrano Library, provided attendees the opportunity to view timelines and information on the project, ask questions of the project team, and sign up to obtain more information.
This $30.8 million project is funded by OC Go (also known as Measure M), Orange County’s half-cent sales tax to fund transportation investments, and state and federal funds. Construction on the project is anticipated to begin in early 2019.
The project will add approximately 1.8 miles of passing siding railroad track adjacent to the existing mainline railroad track. The passing siding track will allow trains traveling in opposite directions to pass each other, reducing the amount of time trains spend waiting for opposing trains. Improvements along the corridor make passenger service safer, more reliable, and more efficient.
As Chairwoman of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors, I'm pleased to report that twelve cities, including Laguna Hills and Laguna Niguel in my district, will collectively receive more than $2.4 million as part of a program that cleans up runoff and protects local waterways from pollution.
The funds come from Measure M, also known as OC Go, the half-cent sales tax renewed by Orange County voters in 2006. The ballot measure included funding for an environmental cleanup program that awards money on a competitive basis to cities and the county for projects that reduce the impacts of water pollution related to transportation.
This is yet another way that Measure M, our county’s half-cent sales tax for improving transportation in Orange County, is also working to improve the quality of life for our residents. I am proud of the work that’s being done to keep our waterways clean throughout the entire county.
Since the program began in 2011, OCTA has awarded more than $20 million in funding for 154 water-quality improvement projects -- at least one from each of Orange County’s 34 cities and the County of Orange. Projects include purchasing or upgrading screens, filters and inserts for catch basins, as well as other devices designed to remove pollutants.
The OCTA Board has approved funding for 154 projects – at least one from each of Orange County’s 34 cities and the County of Orange – since the program’s inception in 2011.
For more information on the water quality program, click here.
County Connections
September is National Preparedness Month
When a disaster strikes, the impact on the community can be devastating. It’s imperative to take steps now to prepare yourself and your family for any type of emergency. September is National Preparedness Month and the perfect time to get started. You can begin by taking the following steps:
Register with AlertOC and sign up for emergency alerts and notifications. Signing up only takes a few minutes.
Start your kit today by purchasing bottled water (one gallon per person per day). Other important supplies include non-perishable food items, first aid supplies, prescription medications, flashlights, cell phone charger, and a battery-powered radio. For a complete checklist of supplies, visit www.ReadyOC.org.
Decide on a family reunification location, designate an out-of-state contact, and discuss, agree on and document an emergency plan with those in your care. For sample plans, see www.ReadyOC.org. Work with your neighbors, colleagues and others to build a community network of resilience.
Make your emergency plan today and encourage those you know and love to do the same. When an emergency arises, you can implement your family emergency plan. Find out more about National Preparedness Month.
Critter Chronicles
Canine Pet of the Week: Meet Vale!
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Kitten Cuddlers Needed!
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Out and About in South County
Laguna Beach: Sunset Serenades
Sunset Serenades returns Friday evenings in September at 5:30 PM. The FREE concerts take place in a stunning setting at the Heisler Park Amphitheater, located at Cliff Dr. and Jasmine St. in Laguna Beach. See below for details:
Doheny State Beach welcomes back the Pacific Paddle Games on October 6 & 7. Enjoy an international competition of Stand Up Paddlers, along with vendors, opportunities to try out SUP boards and equipment, music, food and drinks!
San Clemente: 31stĀ Annual Seafest
The Seafest in San Clemente is FREE, featuring a Chowder Cook-Off Competition, Fisherman's Lobster, Business Exposition, Arts & Craft Show, Surf Contest, Children & Teen Contests, Children's Complementary Arts & Crafts, Entertainment and a U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demo Operation, taking place Sunday, October 7 at the historic San Clemente Pier area! Free shuttle parking at San Clemente High School from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Saddleback College: Veterans 5K & Kids Ruck
This week I:
Chaired the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors meeting.
Received a briefing with my staff and toured the construction site for the County of Orange Civic Center project.
Participated in the South County Service Planning Area meeting on homelessness held in Lake Forest.
Participated in the Regular Meeting of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
Presented Board Resolutions recognizing September as "Prostate Cancer Awareness Month" and "Suicide Prevention Month."
Adjourned the Board meeting in memory of Wayne Clark of Lake Forest.
Was interviewed for an upcoming episode of “Spectrum In-Focus” regarding Orange County transportation initiatives and projects.
Participated in a press conference with Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas.
Flew to northern California to participate in a regional meeting of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) focusing on behavioral health.
Participated in the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Board of Directors meeting.
Attended the Marian Bergeson Excellence in Public Service Series Women of Character awards event, honoring OC Sheriff Sandra Hutchens with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and presented certificates of recognition to the 2018 graduating class members from my district, Stephanie Winstead and Sandy Rains of Laguna Niguel.
My Staff:
Attended the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Project meeting at the Ocean Institute.
Presented a certificate of recognition at the ribbon cutting ceremony for TC Pro Salon in Lake Forest.
Attended the Celebration of Life memorial service for Bea Miller-Becker.
Toured the Blue Bell Foundation for Cats in Laguna Beach.
Presented a Board Resolution in honor of the 27th annual Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure."
Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the 40-year anniversary of San Clemente Gym.
Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Metro Coast Insurance in Mission Viejo.
Was the keynote speaker at a meeting of the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club.
Met with OC Parks staff at the Willow Staging Area in Laguna Beach to be briefed on the Laguna Canyon Road Improvement Project.
Elected Officials in the Community
For questions or comments regarding Supervisor Bartlett's E-Newsletter please contact the Supervisor's office staff at: (714) 834-3550 or email James.Alley@ocgov.com.