County of Orange Subscribe  |   Unsubscribe
Lisa Bartlett - Supervisor, Fifth District
October 19, 2018 Volume 5 Issue 42
Bartlett Bulletin
South County Disaster Preparedness Expo 2018
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
Addiction Treatment & Recovery Registration Ordinance
The District Attorney's Sober Living Home Investigation and Prosecution Project raids a drug treatment facility for alleged body brokering and insurance fraud.

Poorly operated addiction treatment facilities and sober living homes have horrible impacts on our quality of life and public safety in South Orange County. Cities and counties across the United States have struggled to reign in sober living homes through traditional methods and are handcuffed by litigation under officious rules. Several notable attempts to amend legislation are still pending.

It appeared public officials had run out of options to address the problem, until now. Over the past year, I have worked with Second District County Supervisor Michelle Steel, District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, and the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) on an innovative approach for greater oversight of the addiction treatment industry in Orange County.

On October 16, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved (3-0, Supervisors Spitzer and Nelson abstaining) the Addiction Treatment and Recovery Business Registration Ordinance (Registration Ordinance). The Registration Ordinance would require all addiction treatment businesses operating in the unincorporated areas to disclose information about their business, principals, and all affiliated entities, including sober living homes.

Recent prosecutions led by the District Attorney’s Sober Living Home Investigation and Prosecution Project have exposed significant abuses in the addiction treatment industry, such as body brokering and insurance fraud. Further investigations reveal that these illicit activities have provided funding for sober living homes.

The Registration Ordinance is a major first step that will allow public agencies to document the network of addiction treatment companies and allow prosecutors to better identify abuses within the health care system. Our goal is that successful prosecutions will eliminate illicit funding that sober living homes depend on.

While the Registration Ordinance is a major first step for protecting quality of life and public safety, there is more work that needs to be done to expand the program countywide. To that end, I have directed County staff to research ways to partner with our cities. I encourage South Orange County cities to participate in the new program. Through partnership, we can ensure those suffering from addiction get the care they need and, above all, protect our neighborhoods.

I want to thank District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, HCA, and grassroots advocacy groups for developing a fresh approach toward eliminating bad actors in the addiction treatment industry and sober living homes.

 
dotted line
Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Project Meeting
Aerial view of Dana Point Harbor and the surrounding communities.

Please join us Oct. 22 at the Dana Point Harbor Advisory Board meeting from 5 PM to 7 PM at the Ocean Institute's Samueli Hall to learn more about the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Project.

PDF
Click the image above to enlarge a preliminary artist rendering.

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, hotel drawings, and more. To view all the documents and additional information, click here.

PDF
Click the image above to enlarge a preliminary artist rendering.
 
dotted line
Cove Road Asphalt Surface Treatment Oct. 24
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
2018 Ladera Ranch State of the Community
Mercantile West in Ladera Ranch. 

Last week, I was pleased to participate in the Ladera Ranch State of the Community, hosted by the Ladera Ranch Civic Council and Ladera Rancho Chamber of Commerce, before a packed house at the Oak Knoll Ranch Clubhouse.

At the State of the Community with OC Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, State BOE Member Diane Harkey, and the Ladera Ranch Civic Council.

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.

Speaking at the Ladera Ranch State of 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.

Taking a group selfie at the Ladera Ranch State of the Community.

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.

See the photo album of the State of the Community!

 
dotted line
OCTA Launches On-Demand Shuttle Service

As Chairwoman of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors, I'm pleased 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. 

At the OC Flex kick-off event with the OCTA Board of Directors.
 
dotted line
"California Gold" Event at Dana Point Library
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
What Your Teens Don't Want You To Know
Click the image above for more info.
 
dotted line
National Prescription Medication Take Back Day
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
OC ACCESS: Laguna Woods Meeting
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
Steps to Safely Celebrate the Holiday Season
Children enjoying the holiday season in Ladera Ranch.

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.

For more information, please click here.

 
dotted line
South County Spotlight
Friendship Shelter Celebrates 30th Anniversary!

Friendship Shelter is celebrating its 30th anniversary of providing year-round shelter and rehabilitation to homeless adults in the City of Laguna Beach as well as other communities in South County, including Dana Point and San Clemente.

Friendship Shelter Executive Director Dawn Price receives a check for $200,000 from Bank of America.

In addition, Friendship Shelter Executive Director Dawn Price last month was presented a check for $200,000 from Bank of America in recognition and support of the nonprofit's outstanding and ongoing efforts to help homeless adults achieve self-sufficiency and become more productive members of our community.

Congratulations to Friendship Shelter's staff and Board of Directors for three decades of outstanding commitment to ending homelessness in South County.

For more information, see the Bank of America press release or the recent article in Stu News Laguna.

 
dotted line
County Connections
Conditions of Children in Orange County Report

The 24th Annual Report on the Conditions of Children in Orange County was released earlier this week, offering a comprehensive assessment of the health, economic well-being, education and safety of the County’s children.

To that end, the following have shown improvement for the lives and well-being of Orange County’s youth:

  • Good Health - Orange County children remain in good health with an uninsured rate of 2.5 percent; teen birth rates and infant mortality rates are at their lowest in 10 years.
  • Academic Improvement - Students continue to show academic improvement, especially children in migrant education and children who are economically disadvantaged.
  • Economic Well-Being / Child Support - The rate of current child support distributed to Orange County families has increased by 27 percent in ten years, higher than the rate in California. These improvements signify increased financial support for parents to provide for the basic needs of their children. 
  • Safe Homes and Communities / Permanency - The percentage of children and youth entering foster care and placed in a permanent home within 12 months has shown significant improvement and is now higher than the rate in California - the first time in six years.

In addition to the positive outcomes previously highlighted, the rate of women in Orange County receiving early prenatal care is higher than the national rate; immunizations for our kindergartners are at the highest level in 10 years; and the Orange County high school dropout rate has decreased to 5.3%, lower than state and national rates.

Click on the image below to find out more about the other indicators and read the full report.

Click the image above for more info.

 
dotted line
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 the second installment deadline will be April 10, 2019. Payments made or postmarked after these dates will be assessed a late penalty. 

If you received 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

For more information, see the TTC press release. If you have further questions, e-mail the TTC or call (714) 834-3411 weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM.

 
dotted line
HCA Reports Season's First Influenza Case

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has confirmed the County’s first case of influenza, signaling that flu season is officially here. The best way to prevent the flu is by being vaccinated. Anyone who has not already received the flu vaccine should get it now before influenza season peaks.
 
Influenza is a seasonal contagious respiratory illness, which can be caused by influenza A or B viruses. Flu symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills and fatigue. Flu illness can be severe, leading to missed school or work, hospitalization and even death.
 
Flu virus is mainly spread through droplets from coughs and sneezes. Vaccinations are recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older, and are especially important for infants, young children, pregnant women, adults over 50, and those with chronic medical conditions. Close contacts and caregivers of these high-risk people should also be vaccinated.
 
Most insurance plans including MediCal and Medicare cover free vaccinations from your health care provider. In addition, many clinics and pharmacies offer no-cost or low-cost flu shots throughout Orange County. HCA will be offering free seasonal influenza vaccinations for people six months of age and older. If you do not have a medical provider or insurance, we encourage you to be vaccinated through our Family Health Clinic in Santa Ana.
 
Vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis every Thursday from 8 AM to 11:30 AM, and 1 PM to 4 PM.

Remember these important steps to help stop the spread of flu and other germs:

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue (or sleeve if you are caught by surprise)
  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water (or alcohol-based sanitizer, if not available)
  • Stay home if you are sick (at least 24 hours after your fever is gone) 

The most current local information, including vaccination locations, is available on the HCA website or by calling the Health Referral Line at 800-564-8448, Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.

 
dotted line
Critter Chronicles
High Winds Cause Overcrowding of Lost Pets

OC Animal Care has taken in 33 stray dogs and 38 stray cats since the high winds wreaked havoc on the County earlier this week, with more lost pets anticipated to arrive. Due to an overabundance of animals, OC Animal Care has begun waiving adoption fees.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors approved the Fee Waiver Resolution in 2016, which calls to forego regular adoption costs when shelter capacity reaches above 80 percent.

Owners of animals impounded as a first time stray October 15 and 16 due to the high winds will have significant cost savings when redeeming their animals, covering only minimal costs and licensing fees. In addition, if owners are unable to pick up their animals from the shelter, transportation home by an Animal Control Officer can be provided through arrangements with our Field Services Department.

As a reminder, pet owners should be aware of weather alerts and make sure their properties are maintained and secured and/or keep pets inside to prevent them from running loose and possibly being injured. We ask all pet owners to make sure your pets are micro-chipped and wearing proper identification at all times, as this greatly improves the odds of getting them back to you safely.

OC Animal Care encourages animal lovers to come adopt or consider signing up to be a foster caregiver. Fostering is a great opportunity to save lives and give a little personal time and attention to these animals while they search for their permanent homes!

OC Animal Care is located at 1630 Victory Road, Tustin 92782.  Don’t miss the opportunity to visit today and provide a forever home for an animal in need!        

 
dotted line
Feline Pet of the Week: Meet Willa!
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
Celebrate Howl-o-ween at OC Animal Care!
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
Out and About in South County
Ocean Institute: Mad Scientist’s Halloween Bash

Ghostly bubbles, fizzing eyeballs, and glowing slime are just a few of the experiments brewing in in Dana Point Harbor during the Mad Scientist’s Halloween Bash at the Ocean Institute. Come in your favorite costume Friday, Oct. 19 from 6 PM to 9 PM, as you trick or treat through the Mad Scientist’s open labs and meet some animals that might make you go “eek!” 

 
dotted line
Laguna Niguel: 18th Annual Haunted Trails

Dare if you will to walk the Haunted Trails in Laguna Niguel! When the sun sets October 19-20, the trails will open. This event is VERY SCARY and not recommended for children under 8 years old. Shuttle from City Hall at 30111 Crown Valley Pkwy.

 
dotted line
Doheny State Beach: Halloween Haunt
Click the image above for more info.
 
dotted line
Doheny State Beach: Woofstock
Click the image above for more info.
 
dotted line
Mission Viejo: Trunk or Treat at MOO Kid City!
Click the image above for more info.
 
dotted line
Laguna Beach: Pageant of the Monters

Only returning every five years to the Festival of Arts grounds in Laguna Beach, the Pageant of the Monsters will offer attendees a frightfully fun time October 26, 27, 28 and 31 from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Themed as Raiders of the Lost Art, join “Indy” on a treasure “haunt” through the workshop labyrinths and behind-the-scenes catacombs. The Festival of Arts grounds will be filled with halloween-themed art activities, music, and other “spooktacular” surprises!

 
dotted line
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.

 
dotted line
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!

 
dotted line
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! 

Click the image above for more info.
 
dotted line
Dana Point: Halloween Spooktacular & Movie
Click the image above for more info.
 
dotted line
San Clemente: Halloween Spooktacular Gala
Click the image above for more info.
 
dotted line
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!

Click the image above for more info.
 
dotted line
Mission Viejo: James Ransom Memorial 5K 2018

The James Ransom Memorial 5K will take place Saturday, November 3 at 8:00 AM in Mission Viejo at Oso Viejo Community Park. For more information, visit the event website.

 
dotted line
This Week I
With Chairman Andrew Do presenting a Board resolution proclaiming October 2018 as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month."

Speaking at the 2018 Mobility 21 Southern California Transportation Summit.

With Laguna Niguel Councilman Fred Minagar at the Mobility 21 Summit.
 
dotted line
My Staff
  • Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting for New American Funding in Lake Forest.
  • Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Denny’s Restaurant in Mission Viejo.
  • Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Handel's Ice Cream in Laguna Niguel.
  • Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting for Hampton Inn & Suites in Mission Viejo.  
  • Presented certificates of recognition in honor of the multi-member ribbon cutting in Laguna Niguel for RGB Service Ink, California Business Bank, Checks & Balances Solutions, and San Juan Capistrano Travel.                                
My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presenting a certificate of recognition to Ann Ronan of San Juan Capistrano Travel (center) at the multi-member ribbon cutting in Laguna Niguel.

At the ribbon cutting for New American Funding in Mission Viejo.
(Photo courtesy of TAKATA Photo & Design)

At the ribbon cutting for Denny’s Restaurant in Mission Viejo.
(Photo courtesy of TAKATA Photo & Design)

At the ribbon cutting for Handel's Ice Cream in Laguna Niguel.

At the ribbon cutting for Hampton Inn & Suites in Mission Viejo.
(Photo courtesy of TAKATA Photo & Design)
 
dotted line
Elected Officials in the Community
Mission Viejo Councilwoman Trish Kelley at the ribbon cutting for Denny’s.
(Photo courtesy of TAKATA Photo & Design)

Mission Viejo Mayor Pro Tem Greg Raths at ribbon cutting for Denny’s.
(Photo courtesy of TAKATA Photo & Design)

Mission Viejo Mayor Pro Tem Greg Raths at the ribbon cutting for Hampton Inn & Suites.
(Photo courtesy of TAKATA Photo & Design)

Laguna Niguel Mayor Pro Tem John Mark Jennings at the ribbon cutting for Handel's Ice Cream.
 
dotted line
 
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.
 
In This Issue
orange arrow Bartlett Bulletin
orange arrow South County Spotlight
orange arrow County Connections
orange arrow Critter Chronicles
orange arrow Out and About in South County
orange arrow This Week I
orange arrow My Staff
orange arrow Elected Officials in the Community
DISTRICT STAFF
 
Victor Cao
Chief of Staff

James Dinwiddie
Senior Policy Advisor

Sara May
Senior Policy Advisor

Megan Yoo Schneider
Policy Advisor

Sergio Prince
Community Relations Advisor

James Alley
Communications Advisor

Pauline Colvin
Executive Assistant and Office Manager

 
Stay Updated!
house icon http://ocgov.com/gov/bos/5/
envelope icon Lisa.Bartlett@ocgov.com
phone icon 714.834.3550
arrow icon View Online Version
 
Copyright 2018 County of Orange, California
You are currently signed up to the 5th District newsletter. To unsubscribe, click here.