Out of the 210 homeless deaths in Orange County last year, 153 were CalOptima members, Do said. In light of this humanitarian crisis, Supervisor Do called for a special CalOptima Board of Directors meeting on June 14 to vote on his action plan.

Do, who represents Garden Grove, Westminster and other cities, sent a letter to CalOptima CEO Michael Schrader.

“I am frustrated that out of the 210 homeless deaths last year, 153 were CalOptima members, despite my repeated requests for such services through all of last year,” said Do, who also sits on the CalOptima Board of Directors. “If ever, the time for action is now. We have had 25 more homeless deaths in the first two months of 2019 alone.”

CalOptima has been reluctant to claim homeless individuals as CalOptima members, Do said. Waiting for more feasibility studies or meetings to discuss what can be done is not an option, he added. Homeless residents are, by definition, indigent. It is CalOptima’s responsibility to find ways to bring health care to them.

“Homeless individuals should receive the health care they need,” Do said. “This is especially true if they have gone through the process to enroll. It is CalOptima’s responsibility to find ways to bring health care to them. If one CalOptima member is experiencing homelessness, that should be enough for this agency to spring into action.”

In February, $60 million in new unnamed homeless health initiatives was allocated by the CalOptima Board of Directors. To date, no proposals are forthcoming for the June board meeting and the CalOptima board does not meet in July.  Such a delay may result in more deaths and six months before any action is taken, Do emphasized.

In the several months since the Board of Directors authorized Supervisor Do’s proposed Mobile Health Team, CalOptima has served 47 individuals out of a population of almost 6,860 homeless residents countywide, according to Do’s staff. Of those 47 patients, 36 were CalOptima members. At the June 14 meeting, Do plans to propose the following to spend the $60 million allocated:

• Clinic health care services in all homeless shelters: $10 million;
• Authorize mobile health team to respond to all homeless provider: $10 million;
• Residential support services and housing navigation: $20 million;
• Extend recuperative care for homeless individuals with chronic physical health issue: $20 million.

“We can adopt, as a board, a philosophy of finding a way to say yes,” said Do, “Or we can continue to say no, while people are suffering and dying on the street.”

Van, who has lived in Stanton since she was 2, will replace longtime Councilman Al Ethans, who is retiring.

Van has been a Planning Commissioner and a board member on the Stanton Community Foundation.

In the photo, Van is shown with Mayor David Shawver.

Senate Bill 648 promotes user responsibility and public safety by applying the same principles underpinning vehicle hit and run laws to drones. The bill requires drone operators who are involved in an accident to provide their name, address, and valid identification to victims and police.

“It’s simple. We need to protect public safety by holding drone operators accountable,” said Sen. Chang. “Like vehicles, drones can and have caused injury and property damage. Current laws give drone operators an incentive to leave the scene. This bill helps Californians feel comfortable as drones become prevalent — especially since operators can control drones from a distance and outside the direct visibility of the injured party or property owner.”

SB 648 requires drone operators who are involved in an accident that results in personal injury or property damage to immediately land the drone at the nearest location and to provide their name, address, and valid identification to the injured individual or the owner of the damaged property.

“Requiring an individual to provide the most basic contact information following an accident involving an Unmanned Aircraft System is fair and equitable to all involved,” said Ronak Patel, director of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. “Owners and operators have repeatedly caused property damage to our mandir and surrounding facilities, but have refused to accept responsibility or provide any contact information. This bill is important in ensuring that individuals and property owners are able to engage in a meaningful dialogue following an incident.”

Under current law, motor vehicle drivers are required to stop and provide identification and contact information if they are involved in a car accident that causes injury or property damage. Any driver who flees the scene of an accident may be charged with a misdemeanor if the accident involves property damage or a felony if the accident involves serious personal injury.

The FAA projects that there will be an increase of recreational drones from an estimated 1.1 million in 2017 to 2.4 million in 2022.

After an extensive three-month search, which included input sessions with administrators and staff as well as an online survey open to parents, community members and staff, Paik was chosen out of a highly qualified and impressive list of candidates.

Paik previously served as superintendent and assistant superintendent of Educational Services in Westminster School District. In her 20 years as an educator in Orange County, she has also served as a K-12 administrative director of accountability and special programs, an elementary principal, an elementary and middle school assistant principal, a K-6 teacher and a literacy coach.

“We are pleased to bring Dr. Paik back to the district. She will support our mission and vision by creating, maintaining and supporting safe, challenging and comprehensive learning environments for each and every student,” said Khanh Nguyen, board president.

Under Paik’s leadership for two years, the district earned 12 Gold Ribbon School Awards, 10 Academic Achieving School Awards, established a GATE Magnet School and opened the first Computer Science Magnet School in Orange County.

As a result of these accomplishments and others, she was named the 2017 Westminster School District and Orange County ACSA Central Office Administrator of the Year. Paik was also the 2017 California Bilingual Education Chair and she has successfully implemented Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Spanish Dual Language Immersion Programs in schools across two districts.

She has served as an adjunct faculty instructor at Concordia University, was appointed to the State Superintendent Committee for California Teacher of the Year and is a recipient of the Milken Educator Award.

Paik earned a doctorate in K-12 Urban Leadership from University of Southern California, a master of arts in Teaching & Administration from United States International University and a Bachelor of Arts from University of California-Irvine.

The Westminster School District serves 9,500 students in grades K-8 at 17 schools in the cities of Westminster, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach and Midway City.

The Garden Grove City Council last week voted to disband the city’s Fire Department and contract with the county.

Starting Aug. 16 of this year, the Orange County Fire Authority will provide fire and emergency medical services.

“Public safety is a top priority for our City Council, especially when it comes to providing the highest level of services that meet the growing needs of our city, said Mayor Steve Jones. “I’m confident that the OCFA will not only meet, but will surpass our expectations to protect Garden Grove from destructive fires, and render emergency aid when it’s vitally needed.

The decision comes after several months of study and deliberation that began in March 2018 when the city received a proposal from the OCFA to provide the city with fire and emergency services. The city has been facing a budget crisis —

more than $1 million in the red — and was looking for ways to save on operating expenses, among many reasons for exploring the option.

Contracting with the county will save the city about $2 million in operating costs, according to city officials, though critics say it doesn’t address the core budget problem: unfunded pension liabilities.

Some residents are opposed to the move.

“I’m not entirely for this move at all,” said Tony Flores. “I don’t think it’s going to save us money at all.” It’s sad. We’re being told services will be better. I’m not convinced of that.”

Meanwhile, the OCFA is preparing for the change.

“We welcome the Garden Grove firefighters to our department,” said OCFA Board Chair Joseph Muller. “Working together, I know these professionals will provide exceptional emergency services to the entire region including the city of

Garden Grove.”

Under the provisions of the contract, the OCFA will provide for all personnel and administration, emergency response units and equipment, including vehicle depreciation and replacement, routine station maintenance, fire prevention (plan check reviews, fire inspections, and permits), and community fire education.

“Transitioning a city fire department is complex and time consuming,” said OCFA Fire Chief Brian Fennessy. “We have a team in place to ensure a smooth transition, and that the citizens are well-served. I look forward to working with a new group of skilled firefighters.”

Currently, the Garden Grove Fire Department employs 77 uniformed personnel that will continue to serve under the OCFA. In addition, paramedics will now have the benefit of a medical director and on-staff nurses to help with education and oversight.

“My goal is to make our transition over to the OCFA as seamless as possible for everyone. It’s an exciting new chapter in our city, that in the end, will raise the level of safety and services we currently have, and that’s something positive to look forward to,” said Garden Grove City Manager Scott Stiles.

Four bills authored by Senator Ling Ling Chang, who represents Stanton and other cities, have passed out of committee with unanimous approval.

These bills would combat human trafficking, support veterans and pet owners, and preserve open space.

“I’m grateful the committees understood the importance of these bills in addressing critical needs in our communities.” said Sen. Chang. “This not only sends a clear message that human trafficking will not be tolerated, but also allows us to support veterans who have bravely fought for our country.”

Senate Bill 35 convenes the California Alliance to Combat Trafficking and Slavery (CA ACTS) Task Force and commissions a comprehensive study of trafficking in California. SB 35 has received support from the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Human Trafficking (CAST).

Senate Bill 64 requires animal shelters to microchip dogs and cats that are adopted or claimed by a pet owner. Microchipping pets with owner’s information will reunite pets with owners, significantly reduce the number of euthanized pets, and save taxpayer dollars. This bipartisan bill has received support from dozens of organizations, including Social Compassion in Legislation.

Senate Bill 245 calls on animal shelters to waive pet adoption fees for military veterans. California is home to 2 million military veterans, including many who struggle to cope with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and could benefit from an animal companion. SB 245 has received support from the California Association of Veterans Service Agencies.

Senate Bill 404 requests the California Department of Parks and Recreation to seek opportunities for acquiring land to expand open space for Chino Hills State Park. This bill has received support from Hills for Everyone.

For more information on these and other bills authored by Sen. Chang, visit www.senate.ca.gov/chang.

Gary Taylor won Stanton’s District 3 City Council seat with 49.5 percent of the vote. Ramona M. Macias came in second with 18.6 percent of the vote, Loreen Berlin in third with 18 percent, and James Michael Scott in fourth with 13.8 percent.

BY BRADY RHOADES: Stanton Mayor David Shawver handily held onto his seat in Tuesday’s election, garnering 65.8 percent of the vote against challengers Brian Donahue (20.5 parent) and Israel Hilario-Perez (13.7 percent).

Gary Taylor won Stanton’s District 3 City Council seat with 49.5 percent of the vote. Ramona M. Macias came in second with 18.6 percent of the vote, Loreen Berlin in third with 18 percent, and James Michael Scott in fourth with 13.8 percent.

Stanton’s District 1 incumbent City Councilman Rigoberto Ramirez ran unopposed, thus holding his seat.

Votes still need to be certified in all elections, so results are still considered unofficial.

Shawver said his biggest priority moving forward is business development.

“The one thing I want to do is continue the economic development and growth of the city of Stanton,” he said.

He also thanked the more than 2,500 residents who voted for him.

“What an honor and a privilege it is to continue my work in serving the people of Stanton.”

In other races that affect Stanton, 65th District Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, a Democrat, appeared to beat Republican challenger Alex Coronado. Quirk-Silva took 52.8 percent of the vote to Coronado’s 47.2 percent. About 4,000 votes separate them.

In the United States House of Representatives 47th District, which includes Stanton, Democrat Alan Lowenthal appeared to be victorious over Republican John Briscoe. Lowenthal garnered 50.8 percent of the votes to Briscoe’s 49.2 percent. Fewer than 1,000 votes separate them.

Following are results from Garden Grove.

MAYOR

Incumbent Steve Jones beat challenger Donald Taylor. Jones won 84.7 percent of the vote to Taylor’s 15.3 percent.

CITY COUNCIL

George S. Brietigam III appears to have won the District 1 seat. Incumbent Thu-Ha Nguyen took the District 3 seat with 70 percent of the vote. Incumbent Phat Bui won the District 4 seat.

GG SCHOOL DISTRICT

Incumbent Bob Harden held onto his seat against several challengers with 58.3 percent of the vote.

In the County Supervisor, 4th District race, Tim Shaw beat Doug Chaffee, with 44,507 votes to 42,897.

For updates on local election results, visit www.localocn.com. For full results on all California-related races, visit www.ocvote.com.

Garden Grove Fire Chief Tom Schultz will retire, effective Friday, Sept. 14.

Schultz has notified City Manager Scott Stiles of his decision. He will serve as temporary chief until the end of the year, when a City Council decision is expected on whether to retain current city fire services or eliminate the department and contract with the Orange County Fire Authority.

“It’s been my deepest privilege to serve and protect Orange County for 34 years,” Schultz said. “This is an amazing community that has shown me their care and support since Day 1… I feel this is a good decision and the right time to retire. I believe that together, we’ve made things better and made many great accomplishments, such as improving firefighter safety, service delivery to our citizens, and adoption of best industry practices. My family has been instrumental in helping me make this important decision.”

“I have the highest of commendations for the quality leadership Chief Schultz has provided for the Garden Grove Fire Department,” said Stiles.

The announcement comes as the city grapples with budget problems that have led to Measure O, a proposed 1 percent sales tax increase that will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot. City officials have said raising the local sales tax from 7.75 percent to 8.75 percent will generate enough revenue to continue funding public safety services at levels residents are accustomed to.

Under a proposal to contract fire services with the Fire Authority, the city would save money, a high level of fire services would be maintained, and most of the current fire personnel would retain their jobs with the authority, officials have said.

According to Garden Grove Human Resources Director Laura Stover, Schultz will continue to perform his fire chief duties as a retired annuitant, at the same hourly rate he currently receives, and will not receive pension or non-hourly rate benefits. Under CalPERS requirements, he cannot serve for more than 960 hours in the fiscal year (July through June).

Schultz joined the City of Garden Grove on April 29, 2015, following a 30-year career with the Fullerton Fire Department.

Local Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva released the following statement regarding President Donald Trump’s continued statements that she says support anti-American groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazis:

“It seems every day that President Donald Trump drags the political discourse in this country (and with it the esteem of the presidency) to a new low. Please, Mr. Trump, find the good grace to cease giving aid and comfort to hateful, repugnant racist people through your words and apologize to the American people for your actions surrounding the people and events that took place in Charlottesville. We need our president to help heal the moral wounds of our country, not one that actively rips its stitches out. Please start showing that you understand that message.”

After a woman was killed when an accused white supremacist plowed into a crowd during a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, President Trump denounced violence "on many sides."

Although he eventually denounced white supremacists and neo-Nazis by name, he has returned to his original remarks, insisting that there's plenty of blame to go around and pivoting to the issue of saving Confederate statues.

“I think there is blame on both sides,” the president said in a combative exchange with reporters at Trump Tower in Manhattan. “You had a group on one side that was bad. You had a group on the other side that was also very violent. Nobody wants to say that. I’ll say it right now.”

Quirk-Silva represents the 65th Assembly District, which includes Stanton, Buena Park, Cypress, Fullerton, La Palma and most of West Anaheim.

Assembly members, their friends, families and elected representatives from throughout the county were invited for a day of fun, food, and festivities. The event was an opportunity to meet other club members as well as for Orange County GOP members to meet new people engaged in their same causes.

BY LOREEN BERLIN: Units of the Orange County Republican Assembly held their annual picnic and  barbecue at Stanton Central Park on Saturday, with Chairwoman Michelle Steel providing 60 pounds of short-ribs cooked by her volunteer representative Tim Whitacre.

Assembly members, their friends, families and elected representatives from throughout the county were invited for a day of fun, food, and festivities. The event was an opportunity to meet other club members as well as for Orange County GOP members to meet new people engaged in their same causes.

The luncheon brought together key Republican leaders from around Orange County, including State Sen. Janet Nguyen, 34th District; OC Republican Assembly Chairman Fred Whitaker; State Republican Assembly President Tom Hudson; Orange County Republican Assembly Vice President Dale Tyler; and National Federated Republican Assembly Committee members Johnnie Morgan and Ayana McCowen.

Also in attendance were 72nd Assemblyman Travis Allen, who is running for California governor; County Recorder Hugh Nguyen; Assemblyman Steven Choi of the 68th District; Assemblyman Phillip Chen of the 55th District; and Orange County Treasurer Shari Freidenrich.

Stanton City Councilman David Shawver organized the event.

“The main theme of the luncheon was to protest raising state taxes, to stop Sacramento from increasing taxes, such as the new gas tax,” said Shawver.

All guest speakers at the luncheon, including Nguyen and Hudson, asked those attending to call their representatives and voice concern and opposition to the cap-and-trade and gas tax hikes.

State Sen. John Moorlach recently sent a letter to Gov. Jerry Brown about Brown’s proposed gas tax and several of the Republican guest speakers at the luncheon echoed the concern.

Republican activist Baron Night said the Orange County GOP has a booth at the Orange County Fair again this year. Their location is across from the new “Heroes Hall” exhibit near an exit to  parking lot B.

“Please look for us and register or re-register to vote,” said Night. “Those volunteering receive free entrance to the Fair and free parking. To register to work at the booth, go to OCGOP online and register.”