County Update 

Submission for Ladera Times

Like many of you, I appreciate reading articles that are uplifting and positive. Unfortunately, with the effects of the economic downturn being so pervasive, all there seems to be these days are discouraging accounts of projected doomsday. That's why this month I want to offer you an encouraging update on successful county projects that have been initiated this past year which will surely improve the quality of life in South Orange County.

For starters, two very important transportation projects on the I-5 Freeway were able to begin ahead of schedule: the I-5/Crown Valley Parkway Project and the I-5/Oso Parkway Interchange Improvement. These projects will provide operational and safety improvements to the interchange as well as widen the overhead at Oso Parkway, modify ramps and allow the instillation of communication systems. The improvements will increase vehicle safety at the southbound freeway mainline diverge area of the Oso Interchange and reduce vehicle queuing at the off-ramp. Both projects began in 2008 and are expected to be completed in 2010.

Recycling and waste diversion has long been a challenge for South Orange County. This past year the County kicked off the Prima Material Recovery Facility or MRF as we affectionately refer to it. The Board took a leadership role in directing OC Waste & Recycling staff to think of creative and innovative solutions that allowed South Orange County cities and the County to increase our recycling activities as well as our State mandated diversion rates. 

With the help and cooperation of ten South County cities, representatives from the waste hauling industry and local property owners, the county approved an agreement with CR&R to construct a MRF at the Prima landfill and guarantee a recycle rate of 80% of all materials accepted at the facility. This project is an excellent example of a true public-private partnership where the County uses one of its resources, its land, and invites the private sector to invest in a solution that benefits the County, its cities, our local environment and local business.

Another exciting project which just wrapped up is the dredging of Dana Point Harbor. This has been a much anticipated project by the harbor merchants and boaters who take great pride in harbor activities. For improved boater safety and navigation, the County removed more than 90,000 cubic yards of sand within the Dana Point Harbor and was able to recycle approximately 54,000 cubic yards of it back into our local beaches for replenishment and nourishment.

Baby Beach in Dana Pont Harbor received approximately 6,000 cubic yards and Capistrano Beach received approximately 48,000 cubic yards of the highest grade sand.  This project is another excellent example of sound environmental stewardship that saved the County taxpayers from wasting one resource only to have to purchase it at a premium later.

In line with my commitment to providing balanced environmental protection, I was selected by the Orange County Transportation Authority Board to serve as the Chair of the Environmental Oversight Committee. In this capacity, I work directly with stakeholders who represent a variety of interests and make recommendations to the OCTA Board on the allocation of Renewed Measure M environmental freeway mitigation funds. This is an exciting committee that will undoubtedly result in improved water quality, improved native habitat and enhanced environmental stewardship throughout Orange County.

After years of negotiation, predating my term on the Board of Supervisors, the County, the State Superior Court and the City of Laguna Niguel were able to come to an agreement that allows the City of Laguna Niguel to plan a new downtown with the establishment of a new City Hall on land that was previously owned by the County of Orange.  Additionally, discussions are continuing with the Superior Court on providing a South Justice Center in the future.

Finally, with the support of my colleagues on the Board, my office worked extensively with the County CEO and the Human Relations Commission to establish the Police Community Reconciliation Program (PCRP). The PCRP was created last May to help community members come together with Sheriff's deputies to resolve complaints that do not rise to the level of a formal investigation. These types of complaints usually result from misunderstandings and do not include cases where there are serious allegations or criminal misconduct. The mediation and conciliation processes, which are the core of the PCRP, are helping the Sheriff's Department manage better community relations within its contract cities, most of which are in the Fifth District.

In closing, I would like to mention that in spite of the headlines we read each day in the local newspapers, the Board of Supervisors and our CEO are working diligently to find solutions to the challenges the State budget crisis has placed on us. While the state deficit is limiting the County's ability to provide the state mandated services at the levels we are used to, be assured that we are taking a very deliberative and balanced approach in attempting to resolve budgetary conflicts during these trying times and we continue to seek meaningful ways to provide the needed services, reduce impacts to employees and serve as good stewards of the taxpayers' resources.