Did you know that you can view all County owned properties on our portal, OCREProjects.com?

To celebrate the roll-out of our new GIS system and alert the Orange County real estate development community that I and my Board colleagues support Public Private Partnerships (P3s), we hosted over 200 real estate professionals to the Orange County Real Estate Developer Symposium this week.

Speaking at the OC Real Estate Developer Symposium.

The County owns nearly 3,000 parcels of land, including park land, flood control parcels, and government buildings. Some of these parcels are vacant and/or underutilized; and the County has not yet addressed how and which parcels should be developed. 

While there is a lot that government can do for our residents, we know private sector experts have a better eye for what some of these properties could include. Working with our real estate team, I challenged developers to visit our portal and bring creative development ideas to the County to provide our communities additional amenities.

At the OC Real Estate Developer Symposium.

The symposium speakers included myself, as well as Supervisor Andrew Do, Mat Miller (Chief Real Estate Officer), Shane Silsby (Director of OC Public Works) and Brian Bauer (Land Development Manager).

We also invited some of our current P3 partners to speak, including Bryon Ward of Burnham Ward, Dan Young (former president of Irvine Company Community Development and current Mind OC board member) and Laura Archuleta of Jamboree Housing. They all talked about the great experience they've had working with the County and the benefits to public-private partnerships.

Bryon Ward (Burnham Ward) speaking at the symposium.

Our County Real Estate Department also launched a new website at the symposium as a tool for developers to use to view these parcels and participate in brainstorming of ideas for the spaces. The site features an interactive map where you can add overlays of information and mapping, like our Supervisorial districts and the federal government opportunity zones.

Through P3 projects, the County has had great success in revitalizing and developing our communities, such as the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Project and the Laguna Niguel Town Center Project (both in my district) in a way that provides a community benefit while creating a long-term revenue stream for the County.

Dana Point Harbor

Orange County is open for business, and we want to be able to utilize our assets to their greatest capacity. I look forward to receiving ideas and feedback from this wonderful event!

Seasonal Armory Emergency Shelter in Santa Ana.

The County of Orange, in partnership with Mercy House Inc. and the California National Guard, this week opened the seasonal Armory Emergency Shelter (armory) in Santa Ana. This armory will provide up to 200 beds for individuals experiencing homelessness.

The County finds it critical that individuals experiencing homelessness have access to shelter and other necessary services. The Armory Emergency Shelter program expands the County’s capacity to serve those individuals.

Inside the Armory Emergency Shelter in Santa Ana.

The armory typically runs operations during the cold weather season and provides shelter along with a nutritious meal, warm shower, safe place to sleep and a wide variety of supportive services. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and shuttles will begin pick-ups at 6 p.m. from multiple locations to transport program participants to the facility at 612 E. Warner Ave. Walk-ups will not be permitted.

As in previous years, many agencies will provide onsite services aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness and moving individuals to self-sufficiency and independent living. These agencies include, but are not limited to, OC Health Care Agency, County of Orange Social Services Agency, Mental Health Association of Orange County and Orange County Rescue Mission. Donations from nonprofit organizations, churches and individuals add to the available resources to make this program a success.

The Armory Emergency Shelter program is operated by Mercy House through a contract and funding allocated by the County’s OC Community Resources department.

As part of the I-5 Freeway Widening Project in South County, crews are reconstructing the La Paz Road interchange. Next weekend, they will demolish the pre-existing loop on-ramp and bridge to northbound I-5 from La Paz Road in Mission Viejo. This demolition will clear the path for widening the bridge and roadway to the east.

In keeping with OCTA’s commitment to mobility, motorists will have continued access to I-5 via a temporary loop on-ramp. Similarly, the freeway has been re-striped in this area to maintain the same number of general-purpose lanes.

The demolition will occur during the following:

Date/Time
Friday, Nov. 15 – Saturday, Nov. 16, 10 PM to 8 AM

Closures
La Paz at I-5
Northbound loop on-ramp
Southbound loop on-ramp

Date/Time
Monday, Nov. 18 – Thursday, Nov. 21, 10 PM to 5 AM

Closures
La Paz reduced to one lane in each direction

Safe, approved and direct detours will be in place to guide motorists around the demolition/construction zone. Demolition must take place at night when the closure of freeway lanes and local streets are authorized by state and local agencies. Learn more about the project here.

Caltrans, in coordination with the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), is initiating the formal environmental review phase for the South County Traffic Relief Effort (SCTRE).

The state transportation agency is seeking public engagement and input on developing mobility solutions in South County by holding two public scoping meetings along with a 30-day public comment period beginning November 8 and concluding December 9 at 5:00 p.m.

The public scoping meetings will be held Open House format with no formal presentation and attendees may arrive at any time during the event hours. Public comments will be accepted either verbally through a court-reporter or in writing.

The scoping meetings will be held as follows:

• November 20, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center located at 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, CA 92692.
• December 4, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Ocean Institute located at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629.

Public comments will be accepted at both meetings as well as online at www.sctre.org and via email at scoping@sctre.org. 

Comments can also be mailed to the following address: 

Caltrans District 12, 1750 East 4th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705, Attn:Env/SCTRE Scoping.

Click here to read Caltrans’ official Public Notice.  Questions about the process can also be sent to Jeff Bott at TCA – jbott@thetollroads.com or 949-754-3458.

Inspired by its rich heritage, natural scenery, and stunning architecture, the late landscape artist Sigrid “Jan” Mecklenburg was drawn to paint the “Jewel of the California Missions,” also known as the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano. Her artwork is currently on display in the John Wayne Airport Community Focus Space through December 17.

Rich in California’s multi-cultural history, Mission San Juan Capistrano welcomes visitors both locally and from afar to what’s often referred to as the birthplace of Orange County. Travelers, students, and history enthusiasts alike who travel through John Wayne Airport are sure to enjoy Jan Mecklenburg’s vibrant work.

Feeling encouraged to paint by her surroundings in Trabuco Canyon, nature served as an inspiration for many of Mecklenburg’s paintings. With a short drive from home, she spent many days at Mission San Juan Capistrano, where she painted multiple scenes depicting how the mission looked in the past and present, always including flowers and beautiful skies.

Mecklenburg died from breast cancer in October 2017. Her exhibit may be viewed (pre-security) on the Departure (upper) Level near security screening areas in Terminals A, B, and C and on the Arrival (lower) Level adjacent to Baggage Carousels 1 and 4. For more information, click here.

As a member of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors, I'm pleased to report that, following a new call for projects, cities interested in operating a community shuttle or other transit service have an additional opportunity to make their transportation vision become reality.

The shuttles are funded by OC Go (also known as Measure M), Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements. Through a competitive grant program, cities develop and implement transit services that complement regional bus and rail services in areas with limited regional transit.

Previous projects include Dana Point Trolley, Laguna Beach Summer Breeze, Laguna Beach Weekend Trolley, San Clemente Trolley, and San Juan Capistrano Trolley. In addition, OCTA recently approved funding for a trolley service in Laguna Niguel. Many of these shuttles connect to each other, to transit, and to Metrolink stations, making it easier to travel to great destinations without a car.

To date, OCTA has awarded approximately $42 million for these community shuttle services. Up to $9 million is available through this call for projects. Applications are due by December 12.

Reasons abound for local journeys. Friends want to get together for lunch or dinner. Students are out of school and looking for something to do. Your car is in the shop and you have a medical appointment. You need a lift to the train station or the bus stop. The list goes on and on.

OC Flex can help. The on-demand, seven-day-a-week shuttle service takes you where you want, when you want, in parts of Aliso Viejo/Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo.

All-day rides are usually $4.50, with the special savings currently available; however, it’s easy to save on this convenient transportation option.

• First ride free - Download the OC Flex mobile app, enter coupon code FREERIDE and receive a $4.50 credit in your account.
• Ride together and save - 50% off group rides on weekends with OC Flex mobile app. Groups must ride with the person who booked the trip.
• Free rides with referrals - Refer a friend through the OC Flex mobile app. You both get a free ride.

Download the app and learn more about OC Flex here.

Did you know about 200 million pounds of turkey are thrown away each year at Thanksgiving?

As we work to preserve our natural resources, the County of Orange would like to encourage residents to recycle right this holiday season. By making a conscience decision about what goes in your waste bin, we can ensure our landfills have space for years to come.

To that end, Orange County Waste & Recycling has come up with some suggestions on how you can help protect Mother Earth this Thanksgiving. It’s important to plan ahead for the meal and practice portion control by purchasing food according to your guest list.

Still have too much? An alternative to throwing away those pounds of leftovers is to compost them. Also, make sure to set the table like a recycling pro. Use reusable plates and silverware if you can and avoid single-use plastics.

Finally, take household items and upcycle them into holiday decorations. Want more ideas? Click here for more information and creative ways to get festive this holiday season but still be eco-friendly.

If you are having trouble figuring out where to bring items you no longer need, visit OCRecycleGuide.com for an A-Z guide on how to recycle right.

To help prevent wildfires caused by electricity transmission and distribution networks, utilities have developed Wildfire Mitigation Plans (WMP).  These plans include a number of mitigation options including de-energization of transmission and distribution systems, otherwise referred to as Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS).

During these shutoffs, individuals in affected areas are left without power.  Power loss can have many negative impacts on vulnerable populations, emergency service providers, and public services such as water agencies, grocery stores, and gas stations.

To stay up to date on affected PSPS areas, residents are encouraged to visit their utility provider’s dedicated webpages:  Southern California Edison customers can click here; and San Diego Gas and Electric customers can click here.

The California Air Resource Board (CARB) determined that PSPS events are emergency events and, as such, CARB regulations allow you to use back-up generator during a PSPS.

Small Consumer Generators-Residential

CARB rules do not restrict the use of small off-the-shelf gasoline, diesel, and propane engines, so long as they are under 50 bhp (brake horsepower).

Large Industrial and Commercial Generators

CARB regulations allow the use of large engines greater than 50bhp (37kW).  These engines are often powered by diesel, gasoline, propane, or natural gas.  While allowed to operate, these large commercial generators require a permit from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). Please see the SCAQMD Fact Sheet on Emergency Generators for more details. 

At the present time, these back up engines are allowed to operate for a total of 200 hours per year.  If use of the generator exceeds the 200-hour limit, you can petition for a variance to continue operating.  If operated past the 200-hour limit without an approved variance, it may result in a notice of violation and a fine.

The Winter Fantasy, opening November 23 at the Sawdust Festival grounds in Laguna Beach, features 180 artists and craft makers, 3 stages of live music, holiday-themed festival classes and ceramics, art demonstrations, daily visits with Santa, Christmas carolers, a petting zoo, marionette shows, falling snow, thousands of lights and decorations for your perfect festive photo ops, outdoor cafes and saloon, and so much more! Click here for more information.

The Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association has released the November 2019 edition of its e-newsletter, The Doheny UPDATE, featuring information on upcoming events and activities at Doheny State Beach.

Experience this life-size retelling of the Christmas Story from the comfort of your car December 6, with live actors and animals, as well as narration through your car radio! You can also enjoy the Drive-Thru Nativity on foot. Park nearby and walk-thru. Bring the whole family to this annual FREE event at Mount of Olives Church, a Mission Viejo community Christmas tradition since 1994! For more information, please click here.

• Attended the BIA-OC Installation Gala in Dana Point.
• Attended the OCEA Salute to Veterans at the OC Fair & Event Center.
• Participated in the OCTA Board of Directors Meeting.
• Participated in the Mission Viejo Veterans Day Ceremony.
• Participated in the Orange County Real Estate Developers Symposium in Santa Ana. 
• Participated in the CSAC Domestic Violence Symposium in Sacramento.

Speaking at the Mission Viejo Veterans Day Ceremony.

At the Mission Viejo Veterans Day Ceremony with the City Council and Senator Pat Bates, presenting commendations to the Veteran of the Year, Hugh B. Speed III.

With Anna T. Boyce and the ladies of VFW Auxiliary Post 6024 at the Mission Viejo Veterans Day Ceremony.

Speaking at the OC Real Estate Developers Symposium.

At the OC Real Estate Developers Symposium.

• Attended the Laguna Niguel Veterans Day event.
• Participated in the Mission Viejo Taverns Day Resource Fair.
• Presented a certificates of recognition in honor of Fairhaven's Care Award winners in Mission Viejo.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Elephant Signage & Displays.US in Mission Viejo.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Mikii's on Del Mar in San Clemente.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Rancho Capistrano Winery in San Clemente.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Cibo Italiano in Rancho Santa Margarita.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Hard Core Fitness Studio in Lake Forest.

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, at the Mission Viejo Veterns Day Resource Fair.

At the Laguna Niguel Veterans Day event.

With the winners of Fairhaven's Care Awards in Mission Viejo.

At the ribbon cutting for Elephant Signage & Displays.US in Mission Viejo.
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)

At the ribbon cutting for Cibo Italiano in RSM.
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)

At the ribbon cutting for Mikii's on Del Mar in San Clemente.

At the ribbon cutting for Rancho Capistrano Winery in San Clemente.

At the ribbon cutting for Hard Core Fitness Studio in Lake Forest.
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)