Opinion Editorial - August 9, 2022

Undergrounding of utility power lines has been a hot topic for quite some time and is frequently at the forefront of discussions when it comes to assessing the cause of wildfires.

Recently, investigators determined the cause of the Emerald Fire in Laguna Beach to be “overhead powerlines.”  According to the Orange County Fire Authority, “the Emerald Fire’s most probable heat source was sparks from electrical arcing.”  This fire burned 154 acres and forced the evacuation of thousands of people from their homes. 

The Emerald Fire

While the cause of the more recent Coastal Fire in Laguna Niguel - which destroyed 20 homes, severely damaged 11 others and caused millions of dollars in property damage- remains under investigation, Southern California Edison issued a statement that circuit activity was detected in the area near the time the Coastal Fire started.

The Coastal Fire

In 1967, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) adopted “Rule 20” which defines policies and procedures for electric utilities to convert overhead power lines and other equipment to underground facilities. In 2001, the CPUC issued a ruling, noting that with very few exceptions, the public favored undergrounding for “safety, reliability, and property value increases” in addition to aesthetic benefits.  The Rule 20 Program consists of Rule 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D.

Rule 20A projects are 100% ratepayer-funded and enable utility companies to allocate Rule 20A work credits to local communities for utility underground conversion projects. Cities and/or counties put forth these projects that customers pay for through their electric utility bill. Work credit allocations are established by the utility companies and a community may “borrow” up to five years of future work credits to fund an undergrounding project.

A February 2020 staff proposal discussed by the CPUC’s Energy Division for Rule 20 Reform and Enhancements, identified a number of significant challenges with the existing Rule 20 program including, inequitable usage of ratepayer funds, outdated program eligibility criteria, flawed work credits system, and high project costs and project delays.

The February proposal also estimated that at least $489 million in unused and un-committed Rule 20A work credits remain outstanding among communities served by electric utility companies. Upon further review, the Commission’s Energy Division “determined that the value of unused and un-committed Rule 20A work credits across all electric utility service territories is over $1.56 billion as of January 2021.”

The CPUC’s “Phase 1 Decision Revising Electric Rule 20 and Enhancing Program Oversight.” noted that only a handful of the 503 communities paying into the program have completed ratepayer-funded projects, while 82 eligible communities have not completed a single project since 2005.

Considering the myriad of problems with Rule 20A and the work credit system, the CPUC decided in June 2021, to discontinue approval of new work credits for allocation after December 31, 2022, and effective immediately, the unregulated practice of trading of Rule 20A work credits is banned, with one or two exceptions.

For over 50 years, the Rule 20A program has funded conversion of less than 1% (0.017% to be exact) of overhead electrical facilities – WHY? Utility companies have been allowed to collect millions in taxpayer dollars for years with very little progress to show for it! With $1.56 billion in unused and un-committed Rule 20A work credits, why were utilities and communities allowed to accumulate such credits without little to no oversight?  How were utility companies allowed to engage in an unsanctioned secondary work credit marketplace where some communities could sell, trade or donate their unused work credits to other communities?

How much longer do we have to wait and how much more devastation, death and destruction do taxpayers have to endure before serious action is taken to underground powerlines? To mitigate the risk of sparking wildfires, some utilities have opted to turn off power during certain weather conditions. While this may sound like a good idea, it would be disastrous for the health, safety and economic well-being of our communities. The time for action is long overdue and it is imperative that a viable solution be found sooner rather than later to avoid any further suffering and hardship by Orange County taxpayers.

Last week, Make-A-Wish® Orange County and Inland Empire and John Wayne Airport kick-off Trips That Transform, a monthlong celebration of the travel wishes granted to children battling critical illnesses and the donors that make them possible.

With 75 percent of wishes requiring air travel, Make-A-Wish needs more than 40 million airline miles annually to fulfill travel wishes for children and their families living in Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Now more than ever, local wish kids with critical illnesses are depending on the ongoing generosity of individual and corporate donors who contribute their unused airline miles, expiring travel points and dollars.

To support granting more wishes in the local community, John Wayne Airport will promote the Trips That Transform campaign to its guests throughout the month of August with visual displays throughout the Terminal encouraging travelers to donate airline miles.

Once donated to Make-A-Wish, airline miles and points never expire, and each goes on to help wish kids and their families take flight to destinations around the world. Travelers can donate airline miles and points here. 

For more information and to learn more about how a wish come true can transform the lives of everyone involved, click here. 

In addition to serving you on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, I'm also honored to serve you on the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors.

As such, I'm pleased to report the South Orange County Multimodal Transportation Study looks at a range of transportation needs and solutions over the next 25 years, including improvements to streets, bus and other transit options, highways and bikeways.  

Since the study’s launch in 2020, OCTA has remained engaged with the public, key stakeholders and partner agencies to develop long-term strategies for continuing to improve transportation for South Orange County. Potential solutions that are being analyzed include:  

• Improvements to streets, including traffic signal synchronization and upgraded technologies to accommodate for connected and autonomous vehicles 
• Improving bottlenecks on I-5 
• Offering additional high-frequency transit options 
• Continuing to fund programs for cities and communities to operate shuttle services 
• Enhancing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure 

OCTA will continue working with stakeholders and partner agencies over the next few months to develop a locally preferred strategy. The study is scheduled to be completed this month.  For more information, click here.  

Last week, I was pleased to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for the SR-55 Improvement Project. 

With fellow OCTA Board Members and staff at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Led by OCTA in partnership with Caltrans, the Project will help improve travel in central Orange County along one of the most heavily congested freeways in Southern California by adding one regular lane and one carpool lane in each direction of SR-55 between I-5 near Santa Ana/Tustin and I-405 near Irvine/Costa Mesa. For more information, click here.

Between the high cost of gas and inflation, some families are foregoing their summer vacation. But why stay home when world-class destinations are an affordable train ride away?

A Metrolink train trip can put your vacation back on track; and right now, there’s a chance to win four round-trip tickets and a $100 gift card. Enter for a chance to win here!

On weekends, a family of four with two kids 17 and under can travel all day Saturday or Sunday for only $20. And the travel itself is part of the fun! Metrolink train cars are cool, safe and comfortable for a relaxing journey with no traffic and time to focus on family.

Metrolink fans give these destinations two thumbs up for families:

San Juan Capistrano - Within an easy walk from the station, there’s a lovely area called the Los Rios District,  the oldest neighborhood in California. Walk the shady lane and visit one-of-a-kind restaurants and shops, and a petting zoo. Also in town is the famous Mission, featuring many programs for kids.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

San Clemente - Some of California’s best stretches of wide sandy beaches are within steps of the Metrolink station. Bring your boards and bikes. it’s easy on the train! The train stops at the beach and restaurants are nearby.

San Clemente Pier

Los Angeles - The City of Angels is packed with fun places to visits like Chinatown, historic Olvera Street, museums and amazing restaurants.

Olvera Street

Buena Park - Summer isn’t complete without a visit to Knotts Berry Farm and its very cool roller coasters. For jousting and knights in armor, check out Medieval Times.

Check out other family-friendly ideas here. For inspiration about places to go and great deals at restaurants and more, stop by the Metrolink Daycations website.

On weekends, adults ride throughout the Metrolink system for only $10 Saturday or Sunday and kids 17 and under ride free. On any one weekday, the adult fare for unlimited rides throughout the Metrolink system is only $15. Check out 42 trip ideas from 14 stations and enter to win today.

Laguna Beach Trolley

With help from OCTA, Orange County cities in the 5th District are offering summer shuttle services. Many began Memorial Day weekend. Funded in part by OC Go, the shuttles cost little or nothing to ride and provide convenient car-free service to popular destinations including festivals, the beach and shopping. OC Go, also known as Measure M, is the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements.

Dana Point Trolley

Many summer shuttles connect to one another, as well as to OC Bus and Metrolink stops, making it easier to travel to popular destinations without a car. Shuttle services allow residents to avoid driving and parking hassles while enjoying what Orange County has to offer. And with the high cost of gas, low-cost transportation options should be more welcome than ever. All the shuttles are free on weekends.

Driving to Laguna Beach from inland OC?
Hop on the SUMMER BREEZE in Irvine!

Check out these fun, convenient summer fun travel options in the 5th District!

• Dana Point Trolley
• Laguna Beach Summer Breeze Service
• Newport Beach Balboa Peninsula Seasonal Trolley
• San Clemente Summer Trolley
• San Juan Capistrano Weekend Summer Trolley
• Laguna Niguel Summer Trolley

Shuttles are operated by local jurisdictions. OCTA continues to work closely with cities in monitoring ridership and evaluating costs. For more information, click here.

Last week, I was honored to participate in the dedication ceremony for Hansen Plaza, named in tribute to my dear friend, the late Don Hansen, who was the original tenant of Dana Point Harbor and founder of Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching. The solemn event included the unveiling of a plaque featuring his image. 

At the Hansen Plaza dedication ceremony, unveiling Don Hansen's plaque with his daughter, Donna Kalez, along with friends and family.

Don loved the ocean and was dedicated to the conversation of marine life. His understanding and appreciation of the ocean introduced thousands of visitors and locals to fishing and whale watching in Southern California. His legacy will live on through memories made while aboard Dana Wharf vessels.

L-R: With former 5th District Supervisors Tom Wilson and Pat Bates (State Senator), and Donna Kalez at the Hansen Plaza dedication.

In addition, Don was the founder of the annual Dana Point Festival of Whales, the longest running such festival in the world, which also assisted in Dana Point being named the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capitol of the World. Don will forever be remembered by his family, friends, and the community he so loved, and Hansen Plaza is a most fitting tribute to his memory. For more information, please visit the Dana Point Times.

L-R: With Bryon Ward (Dana Point Harbor Partners), former 5th District Supervisor and current Senator Pat Bates, and The Honorable Tom Wilson, former 5th District Supervisor.

At the kick-off event for the new marina in Dana Point Harbor.

I was also pleased to attend another event in Dana Point Harbor last week, which signaled the long-awaited start of construction on the new marina. The marina's state-of-the-art dock system will address ADA accessibility as well as public access and is intended to meet the needs of boaters for generations to come.

At the marina site with Dana Point Harbor Partners.

Last week, I also attended a special grand opening event for Medea in Corona del Mar, featuring special guest celebrity and Los Angeles Lakers legend, Shaquille O'Neal. Medea is to be commended for providing governments, businesses, and organizations with excellent products to efficiently and effectively serve consumers’ evolving needs. Please join me in welcoming Medea to Orange County!

With Shaquille O'Neal at the Medea grand opening in CdM.

Last weekend, I was pleased to sponsor the 4th annual Festival of Butterflies in San Juan Capistrano, hosted by Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens at Los Rios Park. Over 5,000 visitors enjoyed a plethora of environmental speakers, the sounds of the mariachis, and watching the dance of the monarch ballerinas by Ballet Academy & Movement. My staff and I also had a booth at this wonderful event.

Working in my booth at the Festival of Butterflies.

Thanks to event sponsor Metrolink, people attended the event from all over Southern California. Los Rios Park is known for the Montanez Adobe, natural native landscape, and certified butterfly gardens - home to monarch butterflies. The Festival of the Butterflies was a free event that promotes environmental education and awareness for all ages. For more information, click here.

Visiting with families at the Festival of Butterflies.

I was also pleased to sponsor the Laguna Hills Chamber of Commerce 2nd annual Car Show last weekend, held at the Laguna Hills Mall. A great time was had by all at the car show, which featured plenty of classic cars and motorcycles, a plethora of vendors, a rockin' band, and hot, sunny weather! My office hosted a booth at this festive event, where I also had the honor of presenting the award for Best in Show!

Working in my booth at the Laguna Hills Car Show.

Congratulations to all the award winners!

• Best In Show - 192 Chevrolet Corvair Turbo Spyder
• Hot Rod - 1959 Chevy Bel Air
• Custom - Ford Mustang
• Antique - 1960 Ford Ranchero
• Import - 1998 Porsche Carrera S
• Muscle - 1970 Dodge Challenger
• Classic - 1966 Chevrolet Impala
• Modern American - 2020 Ford Shelby
• Motorcycle - Homemade Trike
• People's Choice - 1966 Chevrolet Loadmaster

Presenting the award for Best in Show.

Last week, my office attended a "Concert for Healing," performed by Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale at Geneva Presbyterians Church in Laguna Woods, in memory of the tragic shooting that took the life of Dr. John Cheng on May 15. Prior to the program, my office presented an Adjournment in Memoriam to Reverend Dr. Steven Marsh from Geneva in tribute to Dr. Cheng and his family. A freewill offering was also taken to benefit the Dr. John Cheng Foundation and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. 

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presents an Adjournment in Memoriam to Rev. Dr. Steven Marsh in tribute to Dr. John Cheng.

Rev. Dr. Steven Marsh from Geneva and the Rev. Dr. Albany Lee from Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church offered words of comfort and hope, as Music Director Carl St.Clair conducted the Symphony and Chorale in a program that expressed resilience and remembrance. The solemn concert opened with Hymn of Healing, composed by Richard A. Nichols. The work received its world premiere at this performance, with a text created by the church’s choir director, Eileen O’Hern. 

My office was pleased to present a commendation in honor of the 5-year anniversary of OAK Laguna Beach, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. From the comfort of your own home or the ocean view at OAK Laguna Beach, you will enjoy a wide selection of menu choices and service styles to accommodate all your dining needs! Please join me in welcoming OAK Laguna Beach to the Chamber of Commerce!

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presenting a commendation at the ribbon cutting for OAK Laguna Beach.
(Photo courtesy of Christina Annalisa)

My office was pleased to present a commendation in honor of State Farm – Floribel Ferreira Agency in Newport Beach, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony last week. State Farm – Floribel Ferreira Agency is to be commended for focusing on the needs of their clients, and making sure they are properly protected from the unexpected! Please join me in welcoming State Farm – Floribel Ferreira Agency to the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce!

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presenting a commendation at the ribbon cutting for State Farm – Floribel Ferreira Agency in Newport Beach.

My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Wild Fork in Laguna Niguel, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony last week. Customers will appreciate shopping at Wild Fork, a meat and seafood market dedicated to offering a large selection of high-quality products at affordable prices! Please join me in welcoming Wild Fork to the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce!

My Field Representative, Dawn Kamber, at the ribbon cutting for Wild Fork in Laguna Niguel.

My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Hi-Lo Liquor Market in Costa Mesa, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony last week. Hi-Lo customers will enjoy an authentically neighborhood-based experience, with a focus on delivering good times, plus something positively surprising and delightful! Please join me in welcoming Hi-Lo Liquor Market to the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce!

My Field Representative, Dawn Kamber, presenting a commendation to Hi-Lo Liquor Market in Costa Mesa.

My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to True Path Financial in Newport Beach, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony last week. True Path Financial is to be commended for creating and securing legacy for every person, business and community they serve, and bringing financial confidence to every life they touch! Please join me in welcoming True Path Financial to the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce!

My Field Representative, Dawn Kamber, presenting a commendation to True Path Financial in Newport Beach.

The OC Health Care Agency continues to release daily COVID-19 case counts in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 648,871 positive cumulative cases and 7,262 deaths to date, as well as 291 currently hospitalized with 44 in ICU.

PLEASE BE ADVISED: HCA has transitioned to publicly reporting COVID-19 data to two days a week following the change in reporting by CDPH. Specifically data on COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, ICU numbers and bed availability, and deaths will be reported on our dashboards Tuesdays and Fridays. Other data (e.g. testing positivity, variants, vaccinations) will continue to be updated on a weekly basis.

Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer at the OC Health Care Agency (HCA), has a video message to help explain why it's important to get vaccinated. To view the video, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above to view the video.

For informational town hall events and more educational videos related to COVID-19 vaccination, visit the OC COVID-19 homepage.

The CDC has updated its guidance on COVID-19 booster shots and additional doses for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, including recommendations for people who received the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine, as well as updated time intervals between doses.

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has an infographic to help you understand all of the information about boosters and additional doses. Click here or on the image below to download the information.

Click the image above to enlarge.

Aliso Viejo Community Association (AVCA) is again hosting their Summer Movie Nights at Grand Park/Town Center Amphitheater! Movies begin at sundown. Pre-Movie activities begin at 6:00 PM. See below for upcoming movies, dates and more information:

• Honey, I Shrunk the Kids - August 12

Bring a blanket and lawn chairs, pick up dinner and treats from local restaurants, and enjoy an evening of music in the park this summer in Ladera Ranch. See below for a list of upcoming concerts and more information:

• Aug. 12 - 90s Rock Show
• Aug. 28 - Symphony on the Go

Music in the Park is a free public concert series held Sunday evenings through August 21 at Bluebird Park in Laguna Beach. Concerts start at 5:00 p.m. See a list of upcoming concerts below. For more information, click here.

Performers:

• 8/14 - Los Pinguos (Argentinian Latin)
• 8/21 - LA Sound Machine (Gloria Estefan)

The City of Newport Beach presents its annual Summer Concerts Series on the Green, featuring an array of performers for your entertainment. Unless otherwise noted, all concerts are held on the Newport Beach Civic Center Green (100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach). Admission and parking are free, on a first come, first served basis. See the list below for upcoming concerts. For more information, click here.

• August 21 - Young Guns (Country Cover Band)
• September 18 - Britain’s Finest (Beatles Tribute)
• October 2 - Stone Soul (At Marina Park)

For those of you who may have missed any of my previous Fifth District Dispatch newsletters, featuring up-to-date COVID-19 facts and other information pertinent to South County, click here. 

Thank you so much for your outstanding and continuing efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Orange County, as we're all in this together!