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Lisa Bartlett - Supervisor, Fifth District
February 1, 2019 Volume 6 Issue 4
Bartlett Bulletin
Point-In-Time Count of the Homeless Recap

Last week, my staff and I participated in the biennial Point-In-Time (PIT) count of the homeless along with 1000+ volunteers across Orange County. The PIT count is a federally mandated event that determines how many people are experiencing homelessness within a community.

With my staff at the 2019 Point-In-Time Count of the homeless. 

Our South County deployment center, Family Assistance Ministries (FAM) in San Clemente, had over 45 volunteers throughout the day, including me and my staff, who arrived at 3 AM to work the morning of January 23. 

With the South County PIT volunteers at Family Assistance Ministries.

This year, we used a new mapping technology that allows us to track where each individual experiencing homelessness was surveyed. The survey captured important demographic information, such as whether an individual is a veteran, a senior, has a family with them, or is suffering from a mental health issue or disability. The final results of the 2019 PIT count will not be finalized until April.

With FAM Executive Director Mary Perdue (back right) and PIT volunteers Amber Moses (front left), Sue Griesbach and Jamie DeVries.

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who braved the cold and gave their time to participate in this important undertaking. To see a photo album of our South County PIT effort, please click here.

Writing "Thank You" cards for the South County PIT volunteers.
 
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Be Well OC Mental Health and Wellness Campus

As Chairwoman of the the Orange County Board of Supervisors, I'm pleased to report that the County of Orange has committed $16.6 million toward the creation of our first Be Well Orange County (OC) Regional Mental Health and Wellness Campus, which we announced during a press conference this week.

Speaking at the press conference for Be Well OC.

Be Well OC is a transformative initiative, bringing together public, private, academic and faith-based organizations, as well as others, to create a coordinated system of mental health care and support for all Orange County residents.

Artist rendering of the planned Be Well OC Regional Mental Health and Wellness Campus.

The Wellness Campus at 265 Anita Drive in the City of Orange exemplifies the spirit of the Be Well OC public-private partnership. CalOptima, Kaiser and St. Joseph Hoag Health are joining the Board of Supervisors in the creation of the new 60,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility that will replace an existing 45,000-square-foot, two-story office building.

This is a significant sign of systems change for mental health and wellness in Orange County. The projected cost for the campus is $40 million and construction is expected to commence in late spring 2019.

Artist rendering of the planned Be Well OC Campus.

265 Anita Drive is the first of three Be Well OC Regional Wellness Campuses planned for Orange County. Each campus will provide common core services, as well as services tailored to the unique population needs of the region, creating an ecosystem of services never before so systematically available to Orange County residents.

The Be Well OC initiative aspires to create a best-in-class system of mental health care and support for all Orange County residents. The Be Well OC effort, which also includes substance use services, spans across all cities in Orange County and a range of needs, from prevention and early intervention to crisis aversion, acute care and recovery.

The vision of Be Well OC is to lead the nation in optimal mental health and wellness for all residents of Orange County, as the initiative brings together a robust, community-based, cross-sector strategy (public, private, academic, faith-based and others) to create a community-wide coordinated ecosystem to support optimal mental health. Please visit the Be Well OC website for more information. 

 
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County Issues Ocean and Bay Rain Advisory

As heavy rain is on the forecast this weekend, the Environmental Health Division of the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) advises swimmers that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters, close to storm drains, and the outlets of creeks and rivers during and after rainstorms. 

The elevated bacterial levels in the coastal ocean waters may continue for a period of at least 3 days, depending upon the intensity of the rain and volume of the runoff. Swimmers should avoid Orange County coastal waters during this time, and beach users should avoid contact with any runoff on the beach.

Aliso Creek flowing into the ocean at Aliso Beach.

Storm drains, creeks, and rivers carry floodwaters and urban runoff to the ocean. Urban runoff may include fertilizers, road oils, animal wastes, and litter. During and after rain events, discharges may contain large amounts of bacteria from a variety of sources such as animal wastes and decomposing vegetation. 

Sewage is not normally present in the storm runoff since the sewer system is separate from the storm drain system. In the event of a sewage spill, the Environmental Health Division will quarantine the affected ocean or bay water area.
 
For information regarding Orange County ocean, bay, or harbor postings and closures, please call (714) 433-6400 or visit ocbeachinfo.com. To report a sewage spill, call (714) 433-6419.

 
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Drive Sober this Super Bowl Sunday!

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is encouraging all football fans to celebrate Super Bowl LIII responsibly by not driving impaired or letting other fans get behind the wheel when they shouldn’t.

Members of the Sheriff’s Department will be on high-alert, looking for drivers impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. The Sheriff’s Department also reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

No matter who you're rooting for Super Bowl Sunday (Go Rams!), we're all on the same team when it comes to making responsible choices to keep our community safe! For more info, click here.

 
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OCTA 2018: The Year in Review

As the 2018 Chairwoman of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors, I'm pleased to report that from start to finish last year OCTA enhanced the quality of life in Orange County by delivering innovative transportation solutions.

January saw the kick off of the $1.9 billion I-405 Improvement Project, which will speed up commutes on 16-miles between Costa Mesa and the county line, the nation’s busiest stretch of highway.

In July, nearly 80,000 people beat traffic and parking hassles by hopping aboard the OC Fair Express. And all summer long, OCTA-funded shuttles offered easy access to beaches and popular attractions.

OC Flex, an app-based microtransit service, launched in October. The pilot project offers residents in two zones an on-demand, curb-to-curb connection with their destinations, including other transit services such as Metrolink and OC Bus. 

In 2018, OC Bus 360 added later hours, more weekend options, and a college pass program that provides free bus rides for thousands of students.

In November, OCTA celebrated the OC Streetcar groundbreaking and accepted a Federal Transit Administration full-funding grant agreement of $149 million. The modern electric streetcar will offer a new transit alternative for riders in Santa Ana and Garden Grove, through the heart of Orange County.

These are just a few of the many accomplishments that kept Orange County moving in 2018 and laid the foundation for a bright future. For more information about these and other highlights, view the OCTA Accomplishments Report and Video.

 
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Don't Miss the 2019 South County Pet Expo!

Meet Bella, the canine star of the blockbuster movie "A Dog's Way Home" (currently at a theater near you) and Bruce Cameron, author of the bestselling book and major motion picture, at our fourth annual South County Pet Expo!

PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
For Booth and Sponsorship info, please click here
 
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County Connections
Property Tax 2nd Installment Due February 1

This is a reminder that the 2nd installment of the 2018-2019 Secured Property Tax is due Friday, February 1, 2019; and Wednesday, April 10, 2019 is the last day to timely pay the second installment property taxes without a late penalty. All payments received or postmarked after April 10 will be charged a delinquent penalty of 10% and a $23 cost.

Check the current payment status of your property taxes on our self-service website by inputting your APN or property address. To ensure that we receive your payment timely and avoid any late penalties, we also encourage you to “Go Green Electronically” and choose the ease and convenience of paying by eCheck by inputting your bank account and bank routing number on our secure website.

Just enter either your parcel number (APN) or property address in the appropriate field, select the tax bill you want to pay and click on “Pay by eCheck” for free, input your bank account information, include your email to receive your receipt by email, review your information, and then submit your payment.

Make sure your bank routing number and bank account information are entered correctly. Also, after reviewing your payment information, make sure you complete the payment process by clicking on Submit to receive the message that your payment has been completed successfully! You will then receive an emailed confirmation within minutes that is your payment receipt or you can print the confirmation page for your records

If you have any questions, contact the OC Treasurer-Tax Collector via email or call (714) 834-3411 weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM.

 
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FDIC MONEY SMART Alliance Program

On January 22, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) approved the County of Orange’s application to join the FDIC Money Smart Alliance Program, which is designed to promote financial education nationwide.

The Money Smart curriculum is comprised of 14 comprehensive instructor-led modules covering basic financial topics, including an introduction to bank services, tips on obtaining credit and buying a home.

Understanding the basics of money management is essential. The Money Smart program is a perfect addition to our existing County workforce-related programs and strengthens Orange County’s commitment to help people become economically self-sufficient.

As an approved Money Smart Alliance Partner, the County will help participants enhance their money management skills, understand basic financial services offered by the financial mainstream, and build their financial confidence to use banking services effectively.

Scheduling for upcoming training sessions will begin on February 4. All classes are available free of charge and curriculum will be available in English, Vietnamese and Spanish. For more information, please click here.

For information on adult financial programs offered by the County of Orange, click here. For information on youth and young adult financial programs, click here

The County is dedicated to helping employers, workers and communities prosper economically. Job seekers should visit one of the Centers for access to job-search resources, job postings and training programs, as well as assistance with exploring career options, résumé and application preparation, career development, and much more.

 
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Orange County Office On Aging Survey

The Orange County Office on Aging requests your assistance in completing a 10-minute needs assessment survey to identify new and current needs within Orange County’s older adult population. The focus of this assessment is to evaluate issues and perceived needs of older adults. You need not to be a senior to participate, as knowing or caring for a senior is sufficient for participation.

With your help, the Office on Aging will continue to employ collaborative partnerships and innovative programming to maximize limited resources and improve the older adult service delivery system in Orange County. To learn more about the needs assessment and see past results, click here.

 
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Report on the Conditions of Children in OC

The Orange County Children’s Partnership recently released the 24th Annual Report on the Conditions of Children in Orange County. This Report studies four interdependent focus areas:

  • Good Health
  • Economic Well-Being
  • Educational Achievement
  • Safe Homes and Communities 

Each focus area includes the most recent data for indicators to assess improving or worsening trends over 10 years.

Since the future of Orange County rests in the health and well-being of our children, our annual Conditions of Children Report allows us an opportunity to assess our progress in order to ensure their future is bright. To than end, I'm pleased to report the 5th District has among the lowest obesity and child poverty rates in Orange County.

However, mental health continues to be an issue in South County, as over the last ten years, hospitalizations due to mental health issues and substance abuse among our youth have risen by 44%. For more information, please see the full Report.

 
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Critter Chronicles
Canine Pet of the Week: Meet Fenway!
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
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Lonely Hearts Club: Free Dog Adoptions!
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
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Adopt a Shelter Rabbit Month!
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
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Out and About in South County
Laguna Beach: Museum Free-For-All Weekend

This weekend, February 2 & 3, Laguna Art Museum, along with dozens of museums presenting art, cultural heritage, natural history, and science, will open their doors and invite visitors to attend their museums free of charge. This offer is for general admission and does not apply to specially ticketed exhibitions. 

 
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Laguna Hills: Movie on the Mound
Click the image above for more info.
 
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Laguna Beach: Keep It Wild - Big Bend

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks at one of our habitat restoration stewardship events in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, as we learn and work together to create a healthier habitat for the native plants and wildlife that call the canyon their home. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Come out Saturday, February 16 from 8 AM to 11 AM and join the team at the Big Bend staging area in Laguna Beach to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy! To register or for more information, click here.

 
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Aliso Viejo: Brave Race 5K Fun Run

The Joyful Child Foundation is excited to host their annual BRAVE RACE 5K with a Fun Run for children Saturday, February 23 at Aliso Niguel High School. Proceeds benefit The Joyful Child’s BRAVE Initiative to bring safety education to children and adults throughout Southern California. For more information, click here or the image above.

 
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Dana Point: 2019 Festival of Whales

The Dana Point Festival of Whales, one of Southern California’s largest and longest running celebrations, kicks-off in March with a parade and street fair in Dana Point, including four full days of events and activities. This year, the Festival will celebrate its 48th year of paying tribute to the annual migration of California gray whales past Dana Point. With so many fun and educational activities, food and entertainment for the whole family, it is no wonder the event attracts 50,000+ visitors annually to the two-weekend event. The 2019 Festival is set for the first two weekends in March (March 2, 3, 9 & 10). The Festival is free to attend; however, some events and activities require an individual ticket purchase. For more information, please click here.

 
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This Week I
Presenting a Board Resolution to the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center in honor of receiving the 2018 Fusion Center of the Year Award.

Speaking at the press conference for the Be Well OC Regional Mental Health and Wellness Campus.

 
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My Staff
  • Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of RMIQ (Raising Moulton’s IQ) Foundation for their outstanding support of Moulton Elementary School's STEM education curriculum and Instructional Aides.
  • Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Fairytale Flowers in Laguna Beach.
  • Participated in the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee meeting.
  • Participated in the County of Orange Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Training Exercise in the event a major natural disaster. 
My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presenting a plaque to RMIQ Foundation President Ann Hirakawa, with Laguna Niguel Councilwoman Sandy Rains (left), Moulton Elementary School Principal Jackie Campbell, and CUSD Trustee Martha McNicholas (right).

With RMIQ Communications Director Kelly Tokarski.

At the ribbon cutting for Fairytale Flowers in Laguna Beach.

 
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Elected Officials in the Community
L-R: Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Stephanie Winstead, Carla Del Rosario (CR&R), Councilwoman Sandy Rains, Mayor John Mark Jennings, Jose Solorio (keynote speaker), and MNWD Director Duane Cave at the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee meeting.
 
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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 .
 
In This Issue
orange arrow Bartlett Bulletin
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

Sergio Prince
Community Relations Advisor

Megan Dutra
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
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