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Lisa Bartlett - Supervisor, Fifth District
March 8, 2019 Volume 6 Issue 9
Bartlett Bulletin
The 2019 South County Pet Expo is Tomorrow!

Come to the South County Pet Expo tomorrow, March 9, and meet Bella, canine star of the movie "A Dog's Way Home" (playing at a theater near you) and W. Bruce Cameron, author of the bestselling book and major motion picture!

PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
For Booth and Sponsorship info, please click here.
 
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County of Orange Goes to Washington, D.C.

This week I along with Supervisor Andrew Do, County CEO Frank Kim and many County Department leaders took the concerns of Orange County to Washington, D.C. for the 2019 National Association of Counties Legislative Conference.

L-R: With Congressman Mike Levin, Congressman Gil Cisneros, Supervisor Andrew Do, and County CEO Frank Kim in Washington, D.C.

First District Supervisor Andrew Do and I were honored to present to the Large Urban Counties Caucus on the progress and hard work Orange County has made towards ending homelessness. Our County serves as a great example across the nation on tackling the many parts of combating homelessness like through our establishment of the Housing Trust and our dedication to wrap around services like Be Well OC.

Meeting with Congressman Harley Rouda in Washington, D.C.

We met with OC Delegation members like Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46), Congressman Harley Rouda (CA-48), Congressman Mike Levin (CA-49), Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (CA-38), Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), and Congressman Gil Cisneros (CA-39) on Housing and Homelessness, gaining Port of Entry status for John Wayne Airport, and responsible proactive management of our flood control.

In my role as First Vice President with California State Association of Counties (CSAC) I was also able to meet with Senator Dianne Feinstein, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-03), Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-19), and White House representatives for FEMA. Each representative was willing and eager to work with us to achieve our legislative goals. I thank their staffs for helping our delegation understand these important issues and to our County of Orange Departments for traveling with us to educate and advocate for our great County.

With my fellow CSAC Executive Committee Members and U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (seated center).
 
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South County Children’s Mental Health Matters!

As reported in my newsletter last week, mental health related matters continue to be one of the most prominent issues that can impact any family and any community. 

The County's recently released 24th Annual Conditions of Children’s Report indicates mental health and substance abuse related hospitalizations among youth have increased 44% in Orange County. Alarmingly, South County cities show the highest rates of hospitalizations in the region. Suicide continues to be a leading cause of death nationwide, as well as in our very own community, with a higher rate of incidents occurring in South County and coastal cities.

Click the image above for the Conditions of Children’s Report.

To that end, I hosted a South County Children’s Mental Health Forum last month at the Mission Hospital Conference Center to bring stakeholders together in an effort to identify gaps in our mental health system and determine how we can improve community wellness, prevent crisis and escalation of mental health disorders, as well as provide greater access to treatment for those in need.

Speaking at the South County Children’s Mental Health Forum last month.

Over 150 attendees heard presentations from Dr. Jeff Nagel, Director of Behavioral Health Services at the Orange County Health Care Agency, Dr. Heather Huzsti, Chief Psychologist at CHOC Children’s, and three representatives from the Orange County Department of Education – Stephan Lambert, Prevention Coordinator, Mayu Iwatani, Manager of Student Services, and Mimi Marrocco, OC Crisis Response Network.

Click the image above for info on Be Well OC.

After the presentations, Dr. Clayton Chau, Regional Executive Medical Director for the Institute of Mental Health and Wellness at Providence St. Joseph Health System, facilitated a discussion by a panel of youth, who participate in Be Well OC, and attendees of the event. The discussion provided valuable feedback as we continue working to improve the system of care for mental health in Orange County.

 
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OC Fentanyl Seizures Doubling for Two Years

Last week, I reported that seizures of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, and other illicit drugs have increased rapidly in Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) jurisdiction, with fentanyl seizures skyrocketing from less than one pound to more than 44 pounds in just two years.

Multiple narcotics, gang and interdiction teams covering OCSD contract cities and unincorporated areas work tirelessly to intercept illicit drugs. In 2018, these teams seized 44 pounds of fentanyl, 72 pounds of heroin, 451 pounds of cocaine, and 1,420 pounds of methamphetamine.

Even more alarming are the year-to-year increases in seizures, specifically of fentanyl. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever, approved for treating severe pain, typically used for advanced cancer patients. It’s similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. Illicit fentanyl, sold on the street, started to emerge locally in 2017. 

While in a medical setting fentanyl can be effective and safe for the treatment of severe pain, when it’s used illegally it can be incredibly dangerous. A fatal overdose of fentanyl can be 2 milligrams. For perspective, a sugar-packet-sized bag of fentanyl can contain 500 lethal doses. The 44 pounds seized by OCSD in 2018 contains more than 10 million fatal doses, enough fentanyl to overdose the entire population of Orange County three times.

For more information, click here.

 
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Report on Deaths of Homeless Individuals in OC

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) Coroner Division publicly released two reports last week concerning reported deaths of individuals experiencing homelessness in Orange County in 2018.

The OCSD Coroner Division is responsible for investigating deaths that occur within the County of Orange. This includes unnatural deaths, such as homicides, suicides, accidents and/or suspicious or unexplained deaths. In 2018, there were 5,858 deaths reported to the Coroner Division in Orange County. Of those, 210 decedents were considered homeless, as they had “no fixed abode” at the time of death.

The first report, titled “Coroner Division Homeless Mortality Report,” provides data categorized by the cause of death and the geographic location of where the death occurred. The information is provided for each calendar year 2014 to present, in addition to statistical graphs by mode of death. The Coroner Division has been working to compile this data since January 2019 to study these cases and identify changing patterns important to public health and safety.

The second report was prepared pursuant to a request from the Honorable David O. Carter, Judge in the United States District Court to provide the causes of death of homeless individuals who passed away in 2018 and 2019. The report lists 210 decedents from 2018, as well as 25 reported deaths from January 1 to February 19, 2019.

2018 data shows that of the 210 homeless decedents, 75 individuals died of natural causes, with overdose as the second highest cause of death claiming the lives of 44. Thirty-two are still pending an official cause of death awaiting toxicology results.

 
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Orange County Adult Protective Services (APS)

Sadly, over 225,000 Californians become victims of elder or dependent adult abuse each year, but experts believe the problem to be much larger. Victims often remain silent because they fear retaliation from their abusers. Many times victims remain unnoticed and untreated because they are isolated.

Abuse is often divided into four main categories: physical abuse, neglect, psychological or emotional abuse, and financial abuse. Other types of abuse may include isolation, abandonment, or abduction. Self-neglect can be detrimental to an individual's wellbeing and should also be reported. Individuals are most often the victims of multiple kinds of abuse.

The Orange County Social Services Agency’s Adult Protective Services (APS) program is designed to prevent and remedy the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elders and dependent adults who have been harmed or are at risk of harm. The program serves elders ages 65 or greater, including dependent adults, or any person between 18 and 64 years of age, with physical or mental limitations that restrict their ability to carry out normal activities, protect their own rights, or whose physical or mental abilities have been diminished due to age.

Adult Protective Services are provided, without regard of income or resources, to residents living in Orange County who have been the victim of abuse, either self inflicted or by another, that occurred in the community. If you know a victim of elder or dependent adult abuse, please don’t wait! Call (800) 451-5155. APS emergency response is available 24 hours a day.

 
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SSA Receives Crown Communities Award

As recently reported in my newsletter, the Orange County Social Services Agency (SSA) received the 2018 Crown Communities Award presented by American City & County magazine. SSA was recognized for its simulation training program, the first of its kind in the state specifically designed for Adult Protective Services (APS) workers.

Since 2004, American City & County magazine has bestowed the awards acknowledging cities and counties throughout the country for their ground-breaking accomplishments. This year, SSA was one of six programs to win this prestigious accolade.

While simulation training is more commonly utilized in child welfare, the SSA curriculum for APS social workers is being hailed as a best practice among other California counties. The goal of the training is to help APS workers become more adept and confident at engaging with clients, family members and suspected abusers during home visits, which can be complex to navigate.

The SSA training program was enabled through a partnership with the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department for use of its simulation training facilities which provide three real-world home scenarios. SSA also garnered support from retired social workers who stepped forward to serve as “actors”, ensuring the simulations offer realistic and impactful training experiences. For more information, click here.

 
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South Coast Air Quality Management District

I was honored to be sworn-in last week as a Governing Officer to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD).

SCAQMD works to craft, promote, and execute air quality policies for 16.8 million residents of Orange County, as well as the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties, respectively.

Air quality plays an important role in the impact on our environmental, both locally and to our surrounding areas. As SCAQMD has a large role in promoting policies that make our air cleaner and safer for everyone, I look forward to working with this board to promote clean air policies that work for all communities.

Being sworn-in as a Governing Officer of the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
 
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Crown Valley Parkway Bridge Repairs
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Click the image above to enlarge.
 
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County Connections
OC Clerk Recorder: Special Saturday Opening
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South Coast Air Quality Management Department Summer Internship

The South Coast Air Quality Management Department is looking for Summer interns! South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is one of the largest and most technologically sophisticated environmental regulatory agencies in the Nation, representing a four-county region that includes all of Orange County, and parts of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. While at SCAQMD, students work up to 28 paid hours per week, side-by-side with air quality and other professionals who are dedicated to cleaning up one of the most challenging air districts in the United States. The internship program can help students make decisions involving collegiate and graduate training in the sciences and other professional fields. The internship will be at their headquarters in Diamond Bar. The SCAQMD Governing Board Summer Internship Program is open to high school seniors, and currently enrolled college students, both undergraduate and graduate level. Applications may be submitted now through March 31.Click here for more information.

 
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Critter Chronicles
Canine Pet of the Week: Meet Boston!
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
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Out and About in South County
Laguna Niguel: Living With Coyotes
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Laguna Bluebelt: Photo Contest 2019
Click the image above for more info.
 
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Mission Viejo Library: Comic-Con!

Don't miss the 2nd Annual Mission Viejo Library Comic-Con! This fun-filled event Saturday on March 23 from 10 AM to 2 PM features a bevy of activities, along with crafts, trivia games, book talks, costume story times, food trucks and much more. The event will also include a panel of writers and animators showcasing their careers and inspirations for their work.

 
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Swallows Day Parade & Mercado Street Fair

The 61st Annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Fair will be held Saturday, March 23. The Parade takes place throughout downtown San Juan Capistrano and is one of the nation’s largest non-motorized parades. Come by car, train, or take the convenient Shuttle Bus, but arrive early as most street closures are in effect by 10 AM. The Parade starts at 11 AM.

 
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Laguna Woods: Consumer & Financial Fraud
PDF
Click the image above for more info.
 
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Dana Point: The Taste of Dana
Click the image above for more info.
 
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Irvine: Superhero 5K / Health & Safety Expo
Click the image above for more info.
 
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This Week I
  • Participated in NACo Legislative Conference and LUCC Meeting in Washington, D.C., and met with our Orange County Congressional Delegation.
  • Participated in the CSAC California Caucus Meeting in Washington, D.C., and met with U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein.
Speaking at the NACo Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.

With Congressman Lou Correa and Supervisor Andrew Do in Washington, D.C.

With my fellow CSAC Executive Committee Members and Congressman John Garamendi (center) in Washington, D.C.
 
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My Staff
  • Attended the 2019 P3C (Public Private Partnership Conference) Expo which focused on innovative project delivery and procurement through partnerships between the public and private sectors.
  • Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Sunset Properties at Outlets at San Clemente.
  • Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Teriyaki Madness in Lake Forest.
My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince (center), presenting a certificate of recognition at the ribbon cutting for Teriyaki Madness in Lake Forest.
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)

At the ribbon cutting ceremony for Sunset Properties at Outlets at San Clemente.
 
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Elected Officials in the Community
Assemblyman Steven Choi inside the State Capital Building in Sacramento, presenting a resolution in honor of his 68th Assembly District "Woman of the Year," Mary Visconte (CEO of the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce).

Lake Forest Mayor Mark Tettemer (center) presenting a certificate of recognition at the ribbon cutting for Teriyaki Madness with Councilman Scott Voigts (right).
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)
 
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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 Sergio.Prince@ocgov.com.
 
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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