Last week, we held a candelight memorial to remember the more than 5,100 friends, coworkers, families and neighbors we have lost to COVID-19.

As our state celebrates reopening, we wanted to create a space for our community to gather and mourn, and take the time to celebrate loved ones.

The video of our memorial is available online. To echo Dr. Chau’s comments during the memorial, I know it will take time for us to heal. But I truly believe we can do it together, working as a community.

My office remains available to help support with County resources. If we can be of service, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

ADDITIONAL COVERAGE OF THE MEMORIAL

Daily Pilot: Candlelight vigil at Costa Mesa’s Avenue of the Arts honors Orange County lives lost to COVID-19   06/14/2021

Voice of OC: Orange County Remembers Residents Who Died from Coronavirus in Countywide Memorial  06/14/2021

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Key to good governance is community partners working together for our public safety. 

This week, my team and I joined Mayors Kalmick, Patel and Shawver, as well as Councilmembers Marquez and representatives from the Cities of Seal Beach, La Palma, Stanton and Cypress to attend a press conference at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos.

We supported the announcement of the new Quick Reaction Force (QRF) program, a collaborative effort between the Ventura County Fire Department, LA County Fire Department and Southern California Edison. The two departments will now have access to critical firefighting equipment, including three new Chinook Heli-Tankers helping them respond to fires in Orange, Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

The demonstration by Ventura Fire and L.A. Fire is also a good reminder of some of the steps we can proactively take to protect ourselves, as our weather begins to heat up.

Orange County Fire Authority has excellent resources on how to prepare for wildfire season, including ways to protect your property. Click through and learn more!

The heli-tankers were available the very next day, to help shut down the fire off the 73 freeway.

ANNOUNCING OUR VETERANS COMMITTEE

This week, we announced the seven members of our veterans committee, who will be working on issues such as workforce development and housing.

Thank you again to the men and women who have agreed to share their background and expertise towards helping our veteran residents.

You can view the full list of committee members here.

GRADUATIONS AND PROMOTIONS IN DISTRICT 2

As students promote and graduate across the district, it’s great to see so many in person ceremonies again.  This class of graduates overcame so many challenges. Their strength and perseverance help them succeed later in life. See some of the fun graduations across the district.

A special shout out to the Kaiser Knights elementary school 6th grade class, whose students almost missed participating in promotion after a COVID-19 scare.  Thank you to our Health Official Dr. Chau for working with the school district to sort it out! 

DISTRICT 2 SUCCESSES IN CIF!

And a huge congrats to those teams in District 2 that succeeded in CIF and are moving on to state contests.  We are proud of you!

OPENING COVID VACCINE MINI PODS 

This week also marked the start of our mini COVID vaccination pods. We kicked-off Tuesday by opening our clinic at Orange Coast College (with the support of the Coast College board), in partnership with Orange County Health.

The site will be open every Tuesday from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Pfizer is available for 12 years+ and the J&J Johnson one shot is available for 18+.

This week also saw the release of the 2021 Orange County Survey via Chapman University, and I encourage you to give it a read. There are informative studies on the opinions around masking and key issues in our communities.

Finally, we’re preparing for our first virtual job fair in partnership with County One-Stop , and we’d love for you to take part! Save the date for:

Wednesday, June 23^rd, 2021
10:00 – 2:00 PM

We’re looking for both employers and employees, and here’s how to get involved:

For more information visit: OCONESTOP.COM/JOBFAIRS

On Saturday, we will also recognize Juneteenth. This is an opportunity for our communities to reflect on the meaning of this important day, and there are number of events in Orange County and LA County.

Our office will be supporting the event being held at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. My colleague, Supervisor Chaffee, will also be hosting a Juneteenth celebration and vaccine clinic in his district. We hope to see you.

Supervisor, District Two
Orange County Board of Supervisors

Happy Friday, everyone!

I’m thrilled to say, Orange County is BACK.

On Tuesday, June 15^th, California and Orange County lifted most of the region’s COVID-19 restrictions and officially reopened.

To help our communities move onto this next phase of reopening, the state has provided a round-up of everything you’ll need to know regarding masking in public, COVID-19 testing, interacting in public spaces, and more.

The state has also created an option for a courtesy digital vaccine record. Click through to learn more on how to get easy access to your record via your phone and/or smart devices!

We were able to reach this important day, through your hard work and persistence in getting vaccinated, wearing masks and protecting each other. But it’s important we stay focused.  

As of June 16^th, 82% of seniors 65+ in the 2^nd District have been vaccinated, and 56% of all residents in the 2^nd District have been vaccinated.

This shows great progress. But let’s make sure we continue to help our vaccination rates grow, especially with the increasing spread of the Delta variant. We are partnering with Orange County Health Agency (OCHA) to continue mini vaccination pods across the Second District, beginning with our ongoing pod at Orange Coast College.

Our June 18, 2021, Costa Mesa mini pod

Meeting with an on-site nurse at our June 18, 2021, Costa Mesa mini pod

We’ll continue to update you on our social media platforms and website for upcoming clinics. You can also learn more by visiting Othena.com. Let’s continue to do our part and help others sign up to take their shot!

We’re always proud to share updates from State colleagues!

From Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris:

Last week was the deadline for legislation to be voted out of the House. Here is a recap of the bills authored by Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris which have now advanced to the Senate: 

• AB 63:Cuts green tape to allow for the restoration of marine life along California’s Coast.
• AB 72:Coastal Adaptation Permitting Act of 2021 - Cuts green tape by establishing a coordinated and efficient process for coastal adaptation permitting.
• AB 540: Increases access to comprehensive healthcare & supportive services for vulnerable seniors.
• AB 1158:Protects the safety of patients recovering from substance abuse treatment by ensuring minimum insurance levels at treatment facilities.
• AB 110: Prevents fraud at California’s Employment Development Department (EDD)
• AB 466:Helps connect Californians with their unclaimed property.
• AB 689:Provides survivors of Domestic Violence additional avenues to seek services.
• AB 1057:Closes a dangerous ghost gun loophole.

On July 10, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris will be participating in a beach cleanup. To sign up and to find out more about this event please visit here.

Remember, if you’re ever in need of assistance with County departments or issues, please email katrina.foley@ocgov.com to connect with our constituent services team!

KALVIN:

(Buena Park, Fountain Valley, Rossmoor, Los Alamitos, La Palma)

Last week, we went on a tour of the OC Animal Care facility, where we learned more about the animal in-take and quarantine processes. We also learned how OC Animal Care takes care of our furry friends, before they’re adopted to their forever homes.

We plan on hosting a virtual town hall in the future, where viewers can submit questions and the OC Animal Care Director will help answer them.

I’m also continuing to work with constituents on determining their business requirements and look forward to sharing any information that might be of use to everyone else.

AVERY

(Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Seal Beach)

Happy Friday, District 2! We have been hard at work in our coastal cities. This week, I’ve taken part in a number of community activities, including:

• Attending the Corona Del Mar Chamber of Commerce meeting, and sharing our job fair resources,
• Promoted small businesses at the ribbon cutting for Restoration Pros HB in Huntington Beach; and
• Meeting with Mayor Joe Kalmick of Seal Beach to support their city.

I also presented newly appointed Huntington Beach Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Delgleize, with a certificate of recognition for her new role. I would like to conclude by wishing everyone a meaningful Juneteenth.

MANUEL

(Costa Mesa, Cypress, Huntington Beach - Oak View, Rossmoor)

Last month, we told you in the newsletter Perez Park was getting an upgrade!

I’m happy to share the gate fabrication is complete and the contractor is currently prepping the site for installation (e.g., installing foundations/connectors). The gates will be in by the end of the month as planned. 

Here’s our before:

And here’s our after!

Meet Bella!

Bella was surrendered to OC Animal in May when her owner fell on hard times and was forced to move. Our staff has made Bella comfortable during her stay and we are now eager to find her a forever home.

Bella is a social butterfly who loves crunching on tasty treats and appreciates a good scratch on her adorable pink nose.  Did you know that big-eared bunnies like Bella have exceptional hearing? Some rabbits can hear sounds that are as far as 2 miles away! This means that Bella is sure to hear you coming when you visit her here at the shelter. If beautiful Bella sounds like the right match for you, please call 714-935-6848 to schedule an adoption appointment to meet her!

ANIMAL ID: A1722102

We’re excited to share news from 2nd District cities! Please send any updates you’d like us to post to: D2Social@ocgov.com

The Summer heat has arrived! Buena Park residents can escape the heat by visiting the Ehlers Event Center!

From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. this week, this location will serve as a cooling center. Stop by Ehlers, (8150 Knott Avenue) in Buena Park, to get some A/C, find some shade in a park, and do everything you can to stay healthy in the heat.

Let’s Help Jose!

Jose is 29 years old and works with the Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue as an Ambulance Operator/ EMT. He is also a reserve firefighter for San Diego County Fire. 

Jose is currently undergoing treatment for stage 4 lung cancer right now. Let’s do everything we can to help him with his fight.

Please consider sharing and donating to his GoFundMe here.

City Declares Proclamation Supporting Juneteenth

At the Tuesday, June 15^th City Council meeting, the Costa Mesa City Council voted in favor of a proclamation supporting Juneteenth. You can read the proclamation here.

JUNETEETH CELEBRATION AT THE SERGESTROM

In partnership with Institute of Black Intellectual Innovation, Segerstrom Center for the Arts presents its first ever Juneteenth celebration on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza!

Join us for an afternoon of interactive activities and artistic performances celebrating Black innovation and resilience in music, poetry, visual art, and gardening. Artistic curation by Dr. Natalie Graham, Director of the Institute of Black Intellectual Innovation at California State University, Fullerton.

Costa Mesa allows safe and sane fireworks only

The Fourth of July holiday is fast approaching. The Costa Mesa Police Department would like to remind everyone that Costa Mesa is a Zero Tolerance city. Selling illegal fireworks is a felony, and possession/use of illegal fireworks is a misdemeanor punishable by $1,000 fine and/or jail time. 
 
We advise you only purchase Safe and Sane labeled fireworks, which can be found in fireworks booths around the City.

The Costa Mesa Municipal Code authorizes the sale of Safe and Sane fireworks:
 
• June 30 through July 3 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• July 4 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Municipal Code authorizes the discharge of safe and sane fireworks:
 
• July 2 through July 4, between the hours of 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. To report illegal fireworks, call Dispatch at 714-754-5252.

The City of Fountain Valley Home Improvement Program is relaunching their exterior and interior repair program after a year of limited service due to COVID-19 restrictions. Grants, rebates, and low-interest loans are available to income-qualified single-family home and mobile homeowners.

Please visit the Housing Rehabilitation Program page on the City of Fountain Valley website for more information and application materials. You can also get an application from Fountain Valley City Hall, which is located at 10200 Slater Ave, Fountain Valley, CA 92708.

It gives me great pleasure to inform you the City of Fountain Valley's water quality report is complete. This report has been mailed to all of our Fountain Valley residents. The city has high-quality water that meets or exceeds EPA and State Division of Drinking Water standards.

The water quality report is also available on the City's website.

La Palma's Porch Parade is a great way to show off your 4th of July spirit! Decorate your home or business's front porch with a holiday theme. Holiday decorations will be judged in several categories, with certificates awarded to the winners of each. Decorations must be completed by Tuesday, June 29, and must remain in place until Monday, July 5.

Visit www.CityofLaPalma.org/PorchParade for more information.

Please join the City of Los Alamitos for a virtual community meeting on Thursday, June 24 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the future of the Los Alamitos Town Center. RSVPs are required via the link below:

https://bit.ly/LosAlamitosTownCenterMeeting

Are you looking for a new position? Cities across our district are hiring, and we’re helping to highlight those opportunities each week!

City of Buena Park has a number of open positions:

For more information or to apply, please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/buenapark.

City of Cypress is looking for recreation supervisors:

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cypress.

City of Fountain Valley has a number of openings:

To apply, please visit:

https://www.fountainvalley.org/261/Employment-Opportunities

City of Huntington Beach has a number of openings:

Including for library roles. To apply, please visit:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/huntingtonbeach/

City of Los Alamitos has a few open positions:

To apply, please visit:

https://cityoflosalamitos.org/i-want-to/apply-for/a-job/

City of Newport Beach is looking to hire for a number of openings:

For more information and to apply, please visit:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/newportbeach

UPDATE FROM ADAM ERETH, SUSTAINABILITY AND TRANSPORTATION ADVISOR

We met at John Wayne Airport on Thursday with airport officials, our D2 airport commissioner, City of Newport Beach representatives, fixed based operators, and local residents.

The purpose of this meeting was to participate in meaningful discussions to help chart a course towards reducing noise when planes land and take off from John Wayne Airport. We look forward to supporting and spearheading a Fly Friendly program. Efforts are underway.  

OCTA BOARD MEETING RECAP:

The June 14^th, 2021 board meeting is available here.

UPCOMING COUNTY BOARD MEETING:

Our next Board meeting is on June 22nd, 2021. Click here to view the agenda.

Daily Pilot: Costa Mesa City Council returns to in-person meetings, approves 1,057-unit One Metro West 06/16/2021

Los Angeles Times: While you were in quarantine, a major new art museum rose in Orange County 06/14/2021

Laguna Beach Independent: Expanded helitanker fleet returns to confront O.C. wildfire threat  06/14/2021

OC Breeze: Save Our Beach beach cleanup in Seal Beach on Saturday, June 19, 2021 06/14/2021

OC Breeze: Breaking announcement: Cypress Concerts on the Green returning to Civic Center Green  06/14/2021

Patch: 2 Huntington Beach National Spelling Bee Contestants Move On  06/15/2021

Daily Breeze: Tuesday was Southern California’s hottest day of 2021 — and Wednesday won’t be much different  06/16/2021

OC Register: Huntington Beach High graduate Brandon Loschiavo makes U.S. Olympic team for Tokyo  06/16/2021