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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California’s Water: Is Any Deal Better than No Deal?
Our State Capitol has been buzzing about water for the past month or so. During the negotiations for a comprehensive state water policy, several questions need to be considered: How much conservation is enough? Should communities that already have aggressive conservation policies in place, such as Orange County, be required to achieve additional conservation at levels comparable to communities yet to implement conservation programs? What is the appropriate balance between our state’s need to capture as much existing stored water as possible and private property rights?
It is critical that these questions, among many others, are seriously considered. The difficulty in this process is ensuring that all stakeholders’ rights, especially those of private property owners, are respected and carefully protected. Probably the greatest challenge during these delicate negotiations is to preserve the aforementioned rights rather than reaching an agreement simply for the sake of making a deal.
An unfortunate indication that sides may actually be moving further apart is the recent introduction of competing legislation by Assembly Republicans. Among the issues of contention are private property rights protection, civil protection from excessive fees and fines, and the ability to keep the size of the Delta Protection Commission more manageable.
It is our hope that a reasonable agreement can be reached with strong private property rights protections, a hard cap on fees and fines for violations, and a substantial increase in surface water storage in order to capture more of the large amount of water runoff that California loses to the ocean every day.
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Regulations to Repeal
Carbon Fee Costs Californians
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) recently adopted a regulation to charge over 300 companies in the State a new carbon fee – $0.15 per ton of carbon dioxide. The new fee is expected to bring in over $63 million each year for the next three years, but the exact cost of possible lost revenue as a result of businesses leaving the State has not been examined.
The new fee presumably will be used to help the State meet guidelines associated with AB 32 – the law that requires a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
While reducing the amount of emissions put into the air we breathe is important, the Legislature should not use this issue as a roadblock to leading California out of the current economic recession. Many of the excessive environmental policies the ARB implements serve to drive businesses, and thus jobs, out of the State.
In addition, by singling out specific companies or industries to pay the new fee, the State seems to be sending a message that certain types of businesses are not welcome in California. According to the California Manufacturers and Technology Association, the new fee will be paid by utility companies, oil refineries, cement plants, and various other manufacturers. For example, the new fee increase for one particular company comes to approximately $5 million. If that company should choose to leave California instead of pay the fee, thousands of jobs would be lost.
If we are serious about retaining jobs, we need to repeal actions taken by agencies such as the ARB that are driving businesses out of California.
For a copy of the regulation, please visit the Air Resources Board website at www.ARB.ca.gov or call (916) 651–4033 and ask for our consultant who deals with regulatory matters.
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Impending Regulations
Remodeling Regulations Set to Take Place?
There are literally dozens of proposed regulations that are considered every month by various state agencies. This month, we have chosen to focus on one seemingly innocuous regulation that impacts the way remodeling jobs are performed.
A hearing will be held in December that will impact the way electrical work is done in the case of remodeling projects. While the details are largely technical – regulating Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) plugs, electrical equipment, and electrical connections within existing structures – these regulations will affect the construction and remodeling industry.
While the proposed regulations do not seem especially onerous or burdensome, they are significant because they will impact remodeling jobs that are being planned for the next year. For people who want to make sure their remodels are up to code, it is important that their contractors are aware of the proposed regulation, which can be found at www.oal.ca.gov
Public testimony will be taken on the proposed regulation on November 19th in the Costa Mesa City Council Chambers beginning at 10:00 am. The address is 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, and people who might be impacted by the proposed regulation are encouraged to attend.
If you would like to learn how to comment on this proposed action or any other regulatory matter, please contact our consultant who deals with regulations at (916) 651–4033.
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Dr. Mike and Jean Abdalla Honored for Community Service
Dr. Mike Abdalla and his wife, Jean, were recently honored for their many years of philanthropic work in Orange County. On October 27, Dr. and Mrs. Abdalla were recognized by the Orange Public Library Foundation for their generous contribution toward the new wing of the Orange Public Library. In addition, last month they were presented with the “Spirit of St. Joseph Hospital Award” for their tireless dedication to the hospital. The Abdallas are very active in their community, working with various charities that benefit communities not just in Orange County, but around the world.
Dr. Mike Abdalla is an orthopedic surgeon with a private medical practice who also serves as medical consultant for the state prison in Chino. He is also dedicated to educating future generations of doctors by working as a clinical professor at University of California, Irvine (UCI). At the UCI Medical Center he oversees the amputee and prosthetics clinic and is working on designing low cost prosthetic limbs. Dr. Abdalla has also served as medical director of the Rehabilitation Institute of Orange County and chief of the medical staff at St. Joseph Hospital.
Dr. Abdalla’s charitable endeavors spread beyond Orange County. In El Salvador, he worked to construct an amputee clinic to serve those who may not have access to medical attention for their deformities. In acknowledgement of these achievements the Rotary Clubs of Orange and Los Angeles Counties surprised Dr. Abdalla by naming the “Mike Abdalla Humanitarian Leadership Award” in his honor.
Jean Abdalla worked as a nurse at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) and helped found Las Amigas de San Jose, a donor organization for St. Joseph Hospital. Later, she became president of Todos, a support group for St. Joseph Hospital and now serves as a member of the St. Joseph Presidential Partners Committee. Mrs. Abdalla serves on the Orange Rotary Club Board of Directors as community service director and is actively involved in fundraising and the “Reading by 9” program. She and Dr. Abdalla have six children and nine grandchildren.
It is an honor to recognize such generous and outstanding residents within our community. I want to thank the Abdallas for all they have done to promote positive ideals both in Orange County and internationally.
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Anaheim High School Celebrates Completion of Renovations
The City of Anaheim, in conjunction with the Anaheim Union High School District, invited the alumni and former faculty members of Anaheim High School to come celebrate its grand re–opening on October 8, 2009. The ceremony, held during the school’s homecoming week, marked the completion of a three year project which included both the building of new structures and renovation of old favorites.
In total, 49 new classrooms were erected, two new campus entrances were built, the entire campus was given a fresh coat of paint, and a water–wise landscape was utilized featuring drought–tolerant plants. The new buildings were designed to showcase the art deco motif of the school’s main building and create a more cohesive campus environment where the students can be involved and develop a real sense of pride. After the ceremony, alumni and past faculty were invited to walk the halls and visit their old classrooms. Current students and teachers were on hand to give visitors more information on the technological advances within the classrooms and to show how education has changed over the years.
Anaheim High School was originally established in 1898 and has gone through a handful of renovations over the years. The most recent took place in the mid 90’s when state and local funds were used to modernize the campus. The current renovation was part of the Measure Z ballot initiative which helped to bring the other junior high and high schools within Anaheim up to date.
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November Events
NOVEMBER 7 – The City of Lake Forest is teaming up with local non profit groups to put on a Family Pet Day: There will be information booths, vendors and entertainment for 2 legged and 4 legged friends. So put on your hat and bring your favorite furry friends to beautiful Pittsford Park for an afternoon of family fun. Be sure to bring your camera for some cool photo ops and an appearance by Nectar, the official City of Lake Forest Mascot. Please bring your furry friend for low cost licensing, vaccinations and pet adoptions, provided by the O.C. Animal Care Services. 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, admission is free. Pittsford Park is located at 21701 Pittsford Drive in Lake Forest. For more information call (949) 461-3450.
NOVEMBER 11 – Veterans Day Observance: On Veterans Day we honor the men and women of the United States Armed Services at the Veterans Memorial next to the Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way in Mission Viejo at 2:00 p.m. Please call (949) 470–3000 for more information.
NOVEMBER 14 – Birds of Prey Conservation Workshop: At Rancho Sonado in Silverado, learn about these beautiful hunters and watch one get released back into the wild. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the cost is $5.00 per person, advance registration is required. Rancho Sonado is located at 8755 Santiago Canyon Road in Silverado. For more information call (714) 708–3885.
NOVEMBER 18 – Senior Resource Fair: This is a fantastic opportunity for seniors, caregivers, and adults with parents living at home to get information on many of the health and wellness resources that are available. There will be many exhibits and vendors to provide helpful information on many products, services, and programs and how they can benefit you. Free health screenings and free flu vaccines administered by a registered nurse, if vaccines are available. 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Lake Forest Community Center, 25550 Commercentre Drive in Lake Forest. For more information call (949) 461–3450.
NOVEMBER 20 – Evening in the Potting Shed at the Fullerton Arboretum: This special annual pre–holiday evening of shopping and wine & cheese is a popular activity each year in the late fall. Please join us for a relaxing evening under the lights of the Potting Shed. 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Fullerton Arboretum is located at 1900 Associated Road, in Fullerton. For more information call (714) 278–3579.
NOVEMBER 21 – 39th Annual Gifts and Goodies Boutique: Local crafters and artisans offer interesting and exciting handcrafted items for your home décor, stocking stuffing, or gift giving. A food court filled with holiday music will be available for breakfast and lunch. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way in Mission Viejo. For more information call (949) 830–7066.
NOVEMBER 26 – Plymouth Rock N’ Run 5K: The 5K course is around the perimeter of the Yorba Regional Park. There will be music, prizes, food, and a kids fun run for 12 and under. All the funds raised by sponsors and race participants will help Reeve–Irvine research to battle spinal cord injuries and other neurological afflictions such as stroke, Alzheimer’s, and Multiple Sclerosis. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. at Yorba Regional Park, 7600 E. La Palma in Anaheim. The cost is $30.00 per person, 12 and under, $15. For more information go to: www.plymouthrocknrun.com.
NOVEMBER 29 – Santa’s Arrival and Celebration: This years festivities will feature craft projects, games, and holiday stories for the kids, plus music and dance entertainment. Snacks and goodies available for purchase in the Celebration Café area. The evening will conclude with Santa’s arrival on a fire engine. With the help of children he will ring in the holidays by turning on the holiday lights in Mission Viejo. The festival and celebration begins at 3:00 p.m., entertainment from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Santa arrives at 6:00 p.m. Civic Center Plaza, 100 Civic Center in Mission Viejo. For more information call (949) 830–7066.
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