Greetings
Thank you for taking the time to read my e-newsletter. "Mimi's Message" is designed to keep you informed on the most current events and issues facing our community and State. As always, please feel free to contact me with feedback or questions.
-MIMI WALTERS
Senator, 33rd District
www.senate.ca.gov/walters
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33rd Senate District Honors Memorial Day
Every year, the last Monday in May marks the observance of Memorial Day. All too often this national holiday is glossed over and the true meaning is forgotten, frequently being viewed as the unofficial beginning of summer. In the 33rd Senate District however, Memorial Day continues to be a day of remembrance for all those who sacrificed their lives protecting this great nation.
Many events were held throughout Orange County remembering the lives lost while serving our country. In the City of Anaheim, Veterans of Foreign War Post 3173 and the American Legion Post 72 hosted a barbecue in observance of their friends and colleagues who were killed in action. The City of Fullerton and the American Veterans Memorial Association sponsored the 69th Annual Fullerton Memorial Day Observance held at Loma Vista Memorial Park, where various veterans groups from throughout the City were invited to participate. The City of Irvine remembered those who died defending our country during their ceremony at the Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park just feet away from the Irvine Civic Center and Police Station.
Our community's dedication to its veterans has never been greater. Organizations throughout Orange County have taken it upon themselves to assist veterans and their families upon their return back to the States. Recently, Saddleback College unveiled their Veterans Memorial to a crowd of over one thousand local community members. As a collaborative effort from Saddleback students, faculty, staff and local members of the art and military communities, the memorial took over 6 years to construct and is truly a sight to behold. The memorial was specifically placed so that at 11:00 a.m. on the eleventh day of the eleventh month (Veterans Day) every year the centerpiece of the memorial, a silhouette of a soldier, will be fully illuminated by the sun.
In addition to the memorial at Saddleback College, the school also used the event to showcase its Veterans Education and Transitions Services (VETS) Center. The center was designed to assist veterans in the transition from service member to civilian life. It serves as a one-stop resource for veterans as well as active military and military families to assist them in achieving their academic and career goals. Additionally, the center also offers counseling services and peer-to-peer support from veterans who work within the program.
We thank all of our constituents for their gratitude towards our service men and women, and particularly all those individuals who gave their lives defending our freedom and liberty. For more information on upcoming events honoring our nation's soldiers please contact your local American Legion post to see how you can help support past and current service members.
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Senator Walters Honors 50 Years With 50 Stars
This Fourth of July will be more than simply our nation's 234th birthday. July 4, 2010 marks the 50th anniversary of the 50-star American Flag, the symbol of freedom we see flying over the State Capitol, and countless locations where we live and work. We are marking this important anniversary with Senate Concurrent Resolution 67.
Old Glory has appeared in many forms over the past 234 years, but the 50-star flag is significant for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that this July 4th will mark the first time any American Flag has flown over these United States for at least 50 years in our nation's history.
The first flag of the United States was authorized by Congressional Resolution on June 14, 1777 (Flag Day), resolving that it be made with 13 stripes, alternating red and white, and that the union be represented by 13 white stars on a field of blue, representing “a new constellation” of freedom recognized around the world.
Since that time, there were several congressional acts and Presidential Executive orders which have altered the size, shape and design of the flag, allowing for additional stars and stripes to reflect the growing United States of America.
In 1818, President James Monroe signed into law the standard of 13 stripes and one star for each state in the union. It wasn't until 1912, however, when President William Howard Taft issued an Executive order, that rows of stars were made the standard for the 48-star flag, upon New Mexico's and Arizona's admission to the union.
The story of the 50-star flag is particularly remarkable because our current Old Glory was the third of three flags to fly over the United States during a one-year period. Both Alaska and Hawaii became states in 1959, but Alaska was admitted to the union on January 3, 1959, and the 49-star flag was flown over Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA for the first time on July 4, 1959. Hawaii did not officially become a state until August 21, 1959, creating a need for yet another flag-the current 50-star flag. On July 4, 1960, the 50-star Old Glory was flown over Independence Hall, making its inaugural official appearance.
So, when you and your family are celebrating the birth of our nation on the Fourth of July, remember also the 50th anniversary of our longest flying American Flag: 50-star Old Glory.
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June Profile: Mary Schreiber
With the abundance of rain over the last nine months, California has been aglow with a multitude of wildflowers and greenery that often prompts comments from residents and tourists alike. But with a fire season that runs from May to late November (although some would say it runs all year here in Southern California), others are looking at this prolific growing pattern as a clarion call to action. The inevitable die-off of the vegetation, return of high temperatures, low humidity and annual Santa Ana winds, can turn our beautiful mountain area passes and canyons into extremely dangerous fire zones.
One individual on the forefront of fire safety in our community is Silverado Canyon resident, Mary Schreiber. When introduced by the Orange County Fire Authority personnel as the leader of the Inter-Canyon Fire Safe Council, she refused to accept the title and repeatedly insists that she is only a small part of a team that comprises the Inter-Canyon League of Silverado, Modjeska and Trabuco Canyons. Working as a residential realtor by day, much of her “free time” is spent communicating with the other members of the Inter-Canyon League to ensure that the isolated region in which they reside remains prepared and alert.
Having moved into the Silverado Canyon in 2000, Mary knew that the isolated area carried with it inherent dangers. Her concerns were later underscored during the Santiago Fire that started on October 21, 2007 when residents of the area were evacuated for 13 days straight. Since then, the project has taken on a whole new sense of urgency; the Inter-Canyon Leagues now hosts monthly Fire Safe Council meetings in conjunction with other local organizations.
The Fire Safe Council provides informational materials for the community that are designed to enhance the awareness of potential fire threats and help make residents homes and property fire safe. These resources include tips on roofing materials, brush clearance guidelines, checklists to address all areas around the home and landscaping suggestions that include the use of fire resistance materials and vegetation to help comply with the “defensible space” requirement of brush clearance within 100 feet of a home. This “defensible space” provides firefighters with a safe zone from which they can fight the fire and protect the structure while minimizing the potential for them to be caught without an emergency exit route.
The Council also provides informational seminars on fire protection, workshops and regional Fire Safe Summits. On June 5th & 6th, the Council sponsored the Canyon Clean Sweep “chipper” days, during which canyon residents disposed of hazardous brush removed from their property. Volunteers also set up and staff informational booths at the community 4th of July event, the Summer Concerts in the Park series; and they help coordinate the “Trails for All” clean up scheduled for September 25th, which coincides with the state-wide Coastal Clean-Up program.
Mary Schreiber is one of a great group of neighbors who have banded together to provide for each other's security and the community's wellbeing. We thank her for her dedicated leadership, and applaud the efforts of the entire Inter-Canyon League for their commitment to making their community a safer place to live.
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Impending Regulations
AB 32 Implementation Fee Approval Imminent
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is scheduled, on June 18, 2010, to approve a regulation that will create new fees on California energy producers, importers and carriers, which will be used to implement California's global warming law, AB 32.
The new regulation allows CARB to tax businesses for “the total amount of funds necessary to recover the costs of implementation of the AB 32 program, based on the number of personnel positions, including salaries and benefits. ” Further, the revenues from the fee will be used to annually repay $27 million in CARB Debt for a minimum of 3 years.
The new fee will be applied to the following industries:
- Natural Gas Utilities, Users and Pipeline Owners and Operators that distribute or use natural gas in California.
- Producers and Importers of California Gasoline and California Diesel Fuels.
- Cement Manufacturers.
- First Deliverers of Electricity.
- Facilities that Combust or Consume Coal, Petroleum Coke, Catalyst Coke or Refinery Gas. (An additional fee shall be paid on the emissions from catalyst coke and refinery gas)
The net impact of these fees on businesses and families are increased costs for the production and consumption of energy. While the state will raise billions in revenue to maintain and expand the AB 32 program in an effort to reduce the production greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the associated fee will further result in “economic leakage. ”
“Economic leakage” occurs when the cost of doing business in California rises; causing businesses to relocate outside of California - not expand within the state - or make similar downsizing adjustments. As a recent Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) analysis points out, implementation of the AB 32 program will cause energy prices in California to rise and businesses to face new unprecedented costs. As a result, the cost of doing business in California will increase and economic leakage will occur.
In addition, these increased energy costs ultimately will be paid by California families in higher gas and electricity rates. As the producers, importers, and deliverers of natural gas, gasoline, and electricity are required to pay higher fees to operate and deliver their product and services to their consumers; those costs do not simply go away. The prices and rates will also rise to reflect those increased production and delivery costs.
The proposed AB 32 implementation fee will have a devastating impact on California businesses and families. The California Air Resources Board is scheduled to approve the new regulation on June 18, 2010. To read the proposed regulation, please clink the following link: www.arb.ca.gov.
If you would like to learn more about the proposed regulation and its potential impacts, please contact our office at (916) 651-4033 and ask for our consultant responsible for regulatory issues.
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HwyAUTO Grand Re-Opening
On May 13th, HwyAUTO in Orange celebrated its grand re-opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Orange Chamber of Commerce. The event, which had nearly one hundred people in attendance, was catered by fellow chamber members OC Sports Grill, Pomodoro and Mustache Mike's Italian Ice. Colleagues from the chamber, friends, family and loyal customers all gathered to help Bob Staup, the owner of HwyAUTO celebrate the opening of his new location. Situated at 1119 W. Struck Avenue in the City of Orange, the larger facility allows Mr. Staup and his crew of skilled technicians to better service their clientele. HwyAUTO offers full service repairs for all makes and models and specializes in tire and brake services. To learn more about HwyAUTO stop by their location or give them a call at (714) 532-4499.
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June Events
June 19 - Pet Fair 2010: Featuring breed rescue groups, wildlife exhibitors, live animal demonstrations and vendors with the latest in pet care products. Pet Fair 2010 will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Orange County Animal Care Center in the City of Orange, admission is free. For more information, go to www.ocpetinfo.com or call (714) 935-6848.
June 19-20 - Annual Irish Fair and Music Festival: Highlighting 16 entertainment areas featuring the music, song, dance and sport of the Irish. Over 100 Irish, Scottish, and English import shops and arts and crafts vendors for your enjoyment. There will also be sheepherding shows, Irish horse and dog shows, and one of the largest Irish Step Dancing competitions in California. 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Irvine Meadows Fairgrounds. For more information, call (818) 501-3781.
June 24 - Everything You Wanted to Know About Snakes: Presented by the City of Laguna Niguel, Dr. Jeffrey Rey will speak about snake identification, habitat, safety, signs and symptoms of envenomation, first aid recommendations and treatment. The first 45 minutes will be a lecture and slide show. Animal control officer and veterinarian, Scott Weldy, will spend the remaining time with live snake exhibits. 7:00 p.m. , ages five and up. Admission is free. For more information, go to www.ci.laguna-niguel.ca.us or call (949) 425-5100.
June 25th - Summer Concert Series: Bring your low lawn chairs or a blanket and come enjoy the Celtic rock music of The Fenians. Food, beverages and dessert will be available for purchase. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Crown Valley Community Amphitheater in Laguna Niguel. For more information, call (949) 425-5100 or go to www.ci.laguna-niguel.ca.us.
June 26th - Dawg Walk & Pet Faire: Mission Viejo Animal Services is partnering up with Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) to host this fun filled event that includes an impressive display by K9 Athletes in Action, pet contests, pet & wildlife exhibits, fun booths and raffle prizes, and dogs available for adoption. Starting at 7:00 a.m. at the Village Green at Oso Viejo Park in Mission Viejo, admission is free. For more information, call (949) 470-3045.
June 26th - Annual Ride the Coast: Ride the Coast consists of a non-competitive police escorted 70 mile motorcycle ride that will begin at the Santa Ana Auto Mall, wind around Pacific Coast Highway, and finish at the Irvine Lake Blues Festival in Silverado. Participants will be greeted at the finish by an array of good food, vendor expo and prizes. If you don't ride, drive to the end site and enjoy a fun-filled family festival. Proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana. Admission to the Blues Festival is $25.00 to $30.00, 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more information, go to www.ridethecoast.com or call (714) 649-9111.
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