OREANDA-NEWS.  Fitch Ratings has downgraded the long-term and short-term ratings to 'A/F1' from 'AA+/F1+' assigned to the California Pollution Control Financing Authority (CPCFA) variable rate demand solid disposal revenue bonds (Orange Avenue Disposal Company, Inc. Project), series 2002A. The Rating Outlook for the long-term rating is Stable. The rating action is in connection with: (i) the termination of the Confirming Letter of Credit provided by California State Teacher's Retirement System (CalSTRS, rated 'AA+/F1+', Stable Outlook),(ii) the substitution of the irrevocable direct-pay letter of credit (LOC) previously provided by MUFG Union Bank, N.A. (rated 'A/F1', Stable Outlook) with a substitute LOC to be issued by MUFG Union Bank, N.A.; and (iii) the mandatory tender of the bonds, which occurred on Nov. 4, 2015.

KEY RATING DRIVERS
The rating is based on the support provided by the substitute LOC issued by MUFG Union Bank, N.A., which has an initial stated expiration date of Dec. 1, 2020, unless such date is extended or earlier terminated, while the bonds are in the weekly interest rate mode only.

Pursuant to the substitute LOC, the bank is obligated to make regularly scheduled payments of principal of and interest on the bonds in addition to payments due upon maturity, acceleration and redemption, as well as purchase price for tendered bonds. The MUFG Union Bank, N.A. LOC provides full and sufficient coverage of principal plus an amount equal to 45 days of interest at a maximum rate of 12% based on a year of 365 days and purchase price for tendered bonds, while in the weekly rate mode. The Remarketing Agent for the bonds is Westoff, Cone & Holmstedt.

RATING SENSITIVITIES
The rating is exclusively tied to the short- and long-term rating that Fitch maintains on the bank providing the substitute LOC and will reflect all changes to that rating.