AROUND TOWN - July 25, 2008

Trolley ridership numbers rise, north route doubles

The city’s summer free trolley service is breaking records for ridership this year, City Manager Ken Frank stated in his July 18 weekly update to city staff.

The north route has doubled in patronage, while the south route has increased 35%, Frank said. Only the Laguna Canyon Road route has not increased from last year’s level.

In addition, boardings at South Coast Medical Center have almost tripled, with the hospital allowing visitors to use its parking garage.

Anticipating rising fuel costs, the city added $100,000 to the trolley budget in June, Frank said.

$2.5 million grant for Heisler water almost done

The city is a step closer to receiving as much as $2.5 million from the State Water Quality Control Board for water quality improvements in Heisler Park, Frank reported. Matching the grant with $900,000 from city coffers will result in a project budget of $3.4 million, which should be sufficient to complete Phase 3 of the Heisler Park renovation.

“The city has been asked to submit a formal application for the $2.5 million and there is an excellent chance that the city will secure that funding,” Frank wrote. If the grant is secured, construction could start in September 2009.

West Nile hits county

The Orange County Vector Control District has confirmed the growing presence of West Nile virus in Orange County. Since the first of the year, 176 dead birds have tested positive for the virus, the highest number of any county in California. The birds are from north and south county, and the district is advising residents to take steps to avoid mosquito bites and reduce mosquito populations.

The district also collects mosquito samples throughout the county as part of its surveillance program. To date, 31 positive mosquito collections have been obtained.

The numbers of positive dead birds and mosquitoes are higher than any other year at this same date, and well above the 2004 level, a year that produced 64 human cases and four fatalities in Orange County.

The district is asking the public to report dead birds for virus testing.

In addition, home foreclosures have increased the possibility of mosquito outbreaks in neighborhoods because of abandoned homes with neglected pools or ponds, which can become mosquito habitat.

The district is also asking the public to report these backyard mosquito habitats rather than try to treat them, since district staff has the proper material and equipment to stop them from producing mosquitoes.

To report dead birds or standing water, or for more information, call (949) 654-2421, or visit www.ocvcd.org

Hospital gala drawing opens; Smart Car is prize

Tickets are now available for the South Coast Medical Center Foundation’s Gala opportunity drawing. A Smart Car is the prize for this drawing, which will take place at the Foundation’s 26th annual charity auction and Gala on Nov. 22.

Tickets are $100 each or $500 for six.

The Smart Car is valued at more than $18,000.

In addition, it provides economical fuel consumption, remote-locking management, a five-speed automatic transmission, a radio-ready console and the ability to park almost anywhere.

Cash, check and all major credit cards will be accepted. The winner will be announced at the gala. Participants need not be present to win.

All net proceeds will go to benefit South Coast Medical Center projects.

To purchase tickets, visit the Foundation office at 31852 Coast Highway, No. 410 (the medical office building in front of the hospital) or call Karen Alonge at (949) 499-7229 or e-mail her at [email protected].