Joining me on stage were several key leaders of the Ladera Ranch community - including OC Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, CUSD Superitendent Kirsten Vital, SMWD External Affairs Director Jim Leach, RMV Senior Vice President of Governmental Relations Mike Balsamo, and Westar Associates COO Jud Dutrisac - as we discussed ongoing successes and challenges in the community.
In keeping with the evening's theme, 'The Magic of Partnerships’, I highlighted the County’s role as the provider of public safety services, waste and recycling, public works, community resources, as well as other vital municipal services, for the unincorporated communities of Ladera Ranch and Rancho Mission Viejo.
Thank you to all of the community members, civic leaders and businesses, including co-emcees Stephanie Ramsey (Chair of the Ladera Ranch Civic Council) and Todd Stearns (President of the Ladera Rancho Chamber of Commerce), who made the event possible. Your hard work and dedication to the community of Ladera Ranch is inspirational and very much appreciated.
Check my newsletter again next week to view a photo album of the 2018 Ladera Ranch State of the Community!
2018 General Election Update on THIS DAY
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of appearing on the Laguna Woods Village Television talk show "THIS DAY" with Registrar of Voters Neal Kelley and host Lisa Hart to discuss the 2018 General Election in Orange County. To view a video of the program, please click here or on the image below.
OCTA Launches On-Demand Shuttle Service
As Chairwoman of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors, I'm please to report OCTA has launched a new on-demand, curb-to-curb service with the flexibility to take riders where they want, when they want, within two defined geographic zones.
Called OC Flex, the shared ride shuttle service offers unlimited daily rides for $5 or less within parts of Huntington Beach/Westminster and sections of Aliso Viejo/Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo. Rides must begin and end within each zone, and there is no surge pricing, so customers pay the same price whenever they travel.
OC Flex drivers undergo rigorous background checks and safety training, and each 8-passenger van accommodates one wheelchair.
With OC Flex, OCTA is once again matching service to demand to give the people of Orange County an alternative transportation solution that meets the needs of today’s riders.
The one-year OC Flex pilot program is funded by the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee.
Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Project Meeting
Please join us at the next public engagement meeting for the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Project, taking place Monday, October 22 from 5 PM to 7 PM in Samueli Hall at the Ocean Institute.
Additional preliminary Harbor Revitalization documents and artist renderings from our P3 Partner are now available for viewing, including the proposed construction schedule, commercial core site plan, marina layout, and hotel drawings. To view all the documents received to date and more information, click here.
Cove Road Asphalt Surface Treatment October 24
11th Annual Haunt at Heritage Hill Historical Park
OC Parks and I are pleased to invite you and your family to celebrate the fall season at the annual Haunt at Heritage Hill Historical Park!
On Friday, October 12 and Saturday, October 13 from 6 PM to 10 PM, thrill-seekers are welcomed to Heritage Hill Historical Park for the 11th Annual Haunt at Heritage Hill.
Tailored for 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 and backpacks permitted.
Point of Dispensing Emergency Preparedness
The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA), City of Irvine, and seven South County cities will be exercising a Point of Dispensing (POD) emergency preparedness event at the Great Park, Irvine on October 18 from 4 PM to 6 PM to practice rapid distribution of medicine in the event of a public health outbreak.
The exercise will help your community prepare for general health emergencies and is a partnership of several local entities, including HCA, Medical Reserve Corps, as well as the cities of Aliso Viejo, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo and San Clemente.
If a widespread disease or other emergency were to occur, it may be necessary for local health departments to activate PODs to distribute large amounts of vaccinations, antibiotics, and other medicines to a large number of people.
The Great Park POD exercise will offer both a walk-up option and a drive-thru option. During the event, participants will be directed through the exercise by local police and fire authorities and will be asked to complete a brief intake form, proceed to a nurse or nursing student who will distribute exercise materials, then be directed through the exit station.
Participants will also receive a commemorative tote bag, local emergency planning materials, information about the AlertOC emergency notification system, and a holiday pumpkin while supplies last! For more information about this one-day event, please click here.
South County Disaster Preparedness Expo 2018
"California Gold" Event at Dana Point Library
National Prescription Medication Take Back Day
OC ACCESS: Laguna Woods Meeting
Steps to Safely Celebrate the Holiday Season
OC Public Works reminds residents in the unincorporated areas of Orange County that they must obtain an “encroachment” permit if they plan to stretch holiday displays, including strings of lights, over public rights-of-way such as public streets. A permit is not required for displays on private property.
Please note that electrical wiring, including extension cords, are not allowed across the surface of public sidewalks or roads and are not permitted under an encroachment permit.
The permit establishes guidelines to ensure public safety and code compliance for homeowner associations (HOAs) and individuals interested in installing holiday displays over public roads, sidewalks, parkways, vegetation along the streets and public light poles.
The purpose of the required permit is to ensure that displays over public rights-of-way are safely positioned, provide adequate clearance for emergency and service vehicles, and are installed with proper electrical connections.
Obtaining an encroachment permit will ensure decorations are displayed in a safe and secure manner for an environment that protects families, property, vehicles and service providers.
Millions of people worldwide will practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:18 AM on October 18 during Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills. Participating is a great way for you and your family to be prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes wherever you live, work, or travel.
Orange County Secured Property Tax Bills
The Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector (TTC) now offers property tax payment reminders electronically. Just click here to sign up your mobile number or your email address.
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2018-19 Secured Property Tax Bills have all been mailed to taxpayers and are now available to view, print or pay on the TTC's website.
The first and second installments are due November 1, 2018, and February 1, 2019, respectively. The last day to make your timely payment for the first installment will be December 10, 2018, and for the second installment will be April 10, 2019. Payments made or postmarked after these dates will be assessed a late penalty.
If you receive a RED property tax bill, you have a prior year’s property tax bill that is unpaid. To check to see if you have any delinquent property tax bills or any property tax refunds on your property, view your online property tax statement by inputting your parcel or address.
The TTC encourages you to use the ease and convenience of paying your property taxes by eCheck at no cost through their secure website. You can also pay online using debit/credit cards (service charges apply).
If you plan to mail a check for your payment, please make sure your envelope has a USPS postmark on or before the last timely payment dates to avoid late penalties! If you wait until the last day to mail your payment, we highly recommend you get a hand-stamped postmark at the post office, since mail is not always postmarked the same day it is received. Sign up to receive an email or text reminder!
If your mailing address has changed or if you are a new owner of a property and did not receive a property tax bill, please print a copy from the TTC website. It is imperative that you file a change of address as soon as possible to ensure that you receive future property tax bills to the correct location. Click here to view or print a Change of Address Notice. You can complete and mail it to the Office of the Assessor at the location provided on the form.
If you sold a property and still received a property tax bill, you can forward the bill to the new owner or disregard it. The new owner of the property is responsible for payment of taxes due.
If you need to come into the TTC office to pay in person, please be advised that the Civic Center is undergoing construction, and parking is impacted significantly. For directions and parking information, click here.
If you have any questions, e-mail the TTC or call (714) 834-3411 weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM.
OC Parks Receives Awards of Achievement
In 2018, OC Parks received multiple achievement awards from the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA), National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO), and the Los Angeles Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
3CMA honored OC Parks at the 2018 Savvy Awards for best use of a promotional item, and marketing tools and special activities for a recurring event. An Award of Excellence for best use of a promotional item went to Orange County Bike Bells. This program, which distributed OC Parks branded bike bells to promote safety and communication between mountain bikers and other trail users, was recognized for their its mechanism, versatility, and innovative problem solving.
A Silver Circle Award for the best use of a promotional item went to the 2017 Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights. Branded capes built on the event’s superhero theme, and judges complemented OC Parks for their measurable marketing impact and implementation. A second Silver Circle Award in recurring events honored the 2017 Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights for community outreach and involvement, endearing illustrations, and an innovative event theme.
The Wagon Wheel Restoration Plan, which used low-impact engineering to repair severe creek erosion while maintaining a natural appearance in Riley Wilderness Park, received multiple awards. NACPRO recognized OC Parks with an Environmental Conservation Award for the project. This award recognizes an exceptional effort to acquire, restore, preserve, operate, or develop unique or significant conservation and natural areas or programs.
The Los Angeles Section of ASCE selected OC Parks’ Wagon Wheel Creek Restoration Plan and Stormwater Management for the 2018 Flood Management Project of the Year. This project was recognized for its unique technical achievements, its complexity, scope and engineering features. This special recognition advances OC Parks to the California Region for awards.
Congratulations to our outstanding OC Parks department!
OC Public Libraries: Ancestry Library Edition
Ancestry Library Edition is a genealogy research tool offering the most comprehensive, international genealogical information available online.
Ancestry Library Edition, the largest online family history resource available, provides unprecedented access to family history via documents that record the lineage of individuals from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and more.
Distributed by ProQuest and powered by Ancestry.com, it brings the world’s most popular consumer online family history resource to your library!
JWA Introduces New Ride App Pick-Up Area
John Wayne Airport (JWA) has introduced a new pick-up area for passengers using ride apps Lyft, Uber and Wingz. The new procedure will reduce traffic congestion on the Arrivals (lower) Level, and facilitate a more efficient procedure for guests and ride app drivers.
The ride app pick-up locations are located in parking structures A2, B2 and C. JWA advises users to wait until they get to the pickup location to hail a ride, so that ride app drivers can make the pick-up and exit on a timely basis. Ride app drivers will continue to drop off passengers on the Departures (upper) Level at curbside.
Meet Landon and Phil, the two little kittens rescued at the Prima Deshecha Landfill earlier this week!
When the Waste Inspector noticed something moving in the garbage that was being unloaded, he immediately recognized it was two small kittens. With aid from his coworkers, the kittens were transported to the OC Waste & Recycling administration offices and provided water and shelter.
Staff contacted local shelters and, within the hour, the Coastal Animal Services Authority arrived at Prima Deshecha. The animal services officer and veterinary technician believe the male kittens are around three weeks old. They took the kittens to a veterinary hospital for evaluation and will coordinate their care until they are ready for adoption.
The kittens had some minor injuries but are expected to fully recover. I'm pleased to report they are now in foster care after receiving veterinary care and a bath! In about eight weeks, they will be placed up for adoption at petharbor.com.
Canine Pet of the Week: Meet Misty!
Out and About in South County
Irvine: Spooktacular Fun Days
Spooktacular Fun Days in Irvine takes place Saturday & Sunday, October 13 & 14, from 9 AM to 4 PM. The event at the Orange County Great Park is an annual fall tradition, featuring a treat town, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, entertainment, crafts, inflatables, face painting, community booths, carnival games, food trucks, and much more!
Laguna Niguel: 18th Annual Haunted Trails
Dare if you will to walk the Haunted Trails in Laguna Niguel! When the sun sets October 18-20, the trails will open. This event is VERY SCARY and not recommended for children under 8 years old. Wristbands will be on sale at Crown Valley Park registration office beginning Monday, October 15. Shuttle from City Hall at 30111 Crown Valley Pkwy.
Doheny State Beach: Halloween Haunt
Doheny State Beach: Woofstock
Mission Viejo: Trunk or Treat at MOO Kid City!
Lake Forest: Halloween Movie & Costume Contest
Enjoy a showing of "Casper" on the big screen along with a costume contest Saturday, October 27 at Etnies Skate Park of Lake Forest. Pizza, snacks and drinks will be available for a nominal fee. The costume contest begins at 6 PM and the movie starts at 6:30 PM. Winners of the costume contest will be announced and awarded their prizes directly following the movie. Click here for more info.
Mission Viejo: Hometown Halloween
Celebrate Hometown Halloween in Mission Viejo at the Norman Murray Community Center, featuring themed carnival games, crafts, music and much more on Saturday, October 27 from 4 PM to 6 PM. Then from 6 PM to 7 PM, it's fun or fright as you travel through the glowing haunted maze!
2nd Annual Spooky San Clemente
Don't miss the 2nd Annual Spooky San Clemente taking place October 27 from 4 PM to 7 PM at the Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville!
Dana Point: Halloween Spooktacular & Movie
RSM: Halloween Family Festival
Enjoy spooktacular fun October 31 at the Halloween Family Festival in RSM! This FREE, festive and safe event from 2 PM to 5 PM offers families an afternoon to trick-or-treat at community booths, play in a variety of inflatables, join in the child and pet costume parade, costume contests and photo opportunities, as well as purchase refreshments from local vendors. Bring your trick-or-treat bags to fill at the booths around Central Park!
This Week I
on the Laguna Woods Village Television talk show "THIS DAY" with Registrar of Voters Neal Kelley
Attended a BBQ Potluck with my current and former staff on Columbus Day.
Participated in a Joint Meeting of the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Boards of Directors.
Participated in a Special Meeting of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Board of Directors.
Participated in the 2018 Ladera Ranch State of the Community event.
My Staff
Participated in a BBQ Potluck on Columbus Day with my current and former staff.
Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Flipped Doughnuts in Dana Point.
Attended the Ladera Ranch State of the Community.
For questions or comments regarding my E-Newsletter, please contact my office staff at (714) 834-3550 or email my Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, at Sergio.Prince@ocgov.com.