Seasons Greetings
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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
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As we close in on the end of 2019 and look to a new decade, we should recall the times that made this year special. With Christmas and the New Year just around the corner, it is a time to rejoice and spend time with our loved ones. This year has been challenging and rewarding for the 2nd District, but with every challenge, there is always a solution. I am so blessed to have the privilege of representing the great people of the 2nd District. I look forward to continue serving you in the new year with a open mind and a continued dedication to facing the issues that face Orange County. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
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In The Community
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Huntington Beach Reorganization Meeting
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On Monday December 2nd, The City of Huntington Beach held its reorganization meeting. I had staff on hand to thank Mayor Erik Peterson for his leadership in 2019 as well as present him with a certificate for recognition. Congratulations to Mayor Pro Tem Lyn Semeta on her selection as the new Mayor and to Councilwoman Jill Hardy on her selection as Mayor Pro Tem.
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Newport Beach Reorganization Meeting
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On the evening of Wednesday, December 11th, the City of Newport Beach held their reorganization meeting. Following this, the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce held their annual Mayor’s Reception & Chamber Volunteer Awards Ceremony. I had my staff on hand at City Council to thank Mayor Diane Dixon for her year of great leadership, and to congratulate newly appointed Mayor Will O’Neill and Mayor Pro Tem Brad Avery. At the Chamber Volunteer Awards Ceremony, it was a pleasure to have staff recognize Ambassador of the Year, Joyce Lau, Navigate Young Professional of the Year, Linsey Marrinan, and Silver Anchor Award Recipient, Chris Delfs. Congratulations everyone!
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Honoring the Balboa Island Museum and Shirley Pepys
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On Tuesday, December 3rd, I joined the Orange County Historical Commission for a special meeting at the Balboa Island Museum to honor both the Museum and the driving force responsible for the relocation and expansion, Shirley Pepys. Newport Beach City Council Members Jeff Herdman, Joy Brenner, and the Commission honored Shirley and the Museum. It was amazing to hear Shirley tell us how she was able to bring people together to find the funds necessary to underwrite the project. The Balboa Island Museum is a unifying meeting place for the local community. I’m very proud of Shirley and all of the volunteers who have worked hard to preserve local history for future generations.
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Fountain Valley & La Palma Reorganization Meeting
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On the evening of Tuesday, December 3rd, the cities of Fountain Valley and La Palma held their reorganization meetings. My staff was on hand to thank Fountain Valley Mayor Steve Nagel and La Palma Mayor Marshall Goodman for their leadership in 2019 and present them with certificates of recognition. Congratulations to Fountain Valley Mayor Pro Tem Cheryl Brothers and La Palma Mayor Pro Tem Peter Kim on their their unanimous selections as the new Mayor in their respective cities. Also, congratulations to the new Mayors Pro Tem Michael Vo (Fountain Valley), and Nitesh Patel (La Palma) - also selected unanimously.
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Buena Park Reorganization Meeting
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On Monday December 9th, The City of Buena Park held its reorganization meeting. I had staff on hand to thank Mayor Art Brown for his leadership in 2019 as well as present him with a certificate for recognition. Congratulations to Mayor Pro Tem Fred Smith on his selection as the new Mayor and to Councilman Connor Traut on his selection as Mayor Pro Tem.
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Cypress & Seal Beach Reorganization Meetings
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On the evening of Monday, December 9th, the cities of Cypress and Seal Beach held their reorganization meetings. My staff was on hand to thank Cypress Mayor Stacy Berry and Seal Beach Mayor Thomas Moore for their leadership in 2019 and present them with certificates of recognition. Congratulations to Cypress Mayor Pro Tem Rob Johnson and Seal Beach Mayor Pro Tem Schelly Sustarsic on their their unanimous selections as the new Mayor in their respective cities for 2020. And congratulations to the new Mayors Pro Tem Mariellen Yarc (Cypress) and Joe Kalmick (Seal Beach)- also selected unanimously.
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La Palma Christmas Tree Lighting
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On the night of Wednesday December 11th, the City of La Palma held their annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Central Park. Children and adults alike came out join in the celebration. Entertainment was provided by students from local schools. Children wrote and and mailed letters to Santa and had the chance to meet and take pictures with him & Mrs. Claus. My staff was present along with La Palma Mayor Pro Tem Nitesh Patel and Councilwoman Michele Steggell to relay special Christmas and Hanukkah salutations. The Mayor Pro Tem did a fantastic job as master of ceremonies and city staff put on another warm & inviting community event.
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Honoring Seal Beach Chief of Police Joe Miller
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After over thirty-one years of faithful and dedicated service in the Seal Beach Police Department, the last three as Chief of Police, Chief Joe Miller is retiring. It was an honor to have my staff make a special presentation to Chief Miller at last night’s City Council meeting. I wish Joe and his family Godspeed in their next chapter after a distinguished career in law enforcement, and thank him for doing such a great job as Chief of Police in the city that I live in.
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Announcements From Our County Agency Partners
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Holiday Safety Awareness Tips from The OC Hall of Administration
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Winter holidays are times to devote with families and friends. Stay safe on the roads and at home by taking basic precautions below to ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season. - Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that flame resistant or flame retardant.
- Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
- Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
- Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both
- Replace any string lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
- Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over The holidays should be a festive and happy time spent with loved ones, but drinking and driving can put a damper on the merriment. As more people gather at parties and celebrate festivities, more drinking and driving occur over the holidays. More highway deaths related to alcohol occur during the holidays than at other times of the year. Drugged Driving Use of illicit drugs or misuse of prescription drugs can make driving a car unsafe – just like driving after drinking alcohol. It is difficult to determine how specific drugs affect driving because people tend to mix various substances, including alcohol. Even a small amount of some drugs can have a measurable effect on drivers. As a result, some states have a zero-tolerance laws for drugged driving. To Arrive Alive, always: - Drive Sober; never drive impaired.
- Buckle up, every time.
- If you do drink, plan ahead. Designate a sober driver or use a ride service.
- If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 9-1-1. Be prepared to provide the dispatcher with the location, make, model, and license plate number of vehicle.
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Orange County High Schools Bring Live Holiday Music to John Wayne Airport
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John Wayne Airport Will be hosting Musical Groups from 20 Orange County High Schools to perform this holiday season. See below for more information: ‘Tis the season at John Wayne Airport! Musical groups from 20 Orange County high schools will welcome passengers and guests with festive sounds of the season as they bring live holiday music to the Thomas F. Riley Terminal from December 13-20, 2019. All performances take place in Baggage Claim located on the Arrival (lower) Level of Terminals A, B, and C. “Musical performances are a wonderful way to share the holiday spirit with travelers and bring cheer to guests during the busy holiday travel season at John Wayne Airport,” said Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett. “Passengers are encouraged to take a moment to enjoy the musical talent of these young musicians.” Orange County high school musical groups are scheduled to perform on the following dates and times. December 16 | Fountain Valley High School Jazz Band | Terminal C | Valley High School Golden Blues Jazz Ensemble | Terminal A | Villa Park High School Holiday Ensemble | Terminal C | Portola High School Orchestra | Terminal A | December 17 | Fountain Valley High School String Orchestra | Terminal C | El Modena High School Chamber Singers | Terminal A/Statue | Fullerton High School Jazz Ensemble & Woodwind Choir | Terminal C | Edison High School Varsity Choir | Terminal A | December 18 | Fountain Valley High School Chamber Strings | Terminal C | Marina High School String Orchestra | Terminal A | Segerstom High School Chamber Singers | Terminal C | Estancia High School Varsity Choir | Terminal A | December 19 | Foothill Hill High School Dickens Carolers | Terminal C | Magnolia High School Chamber Singers | Terminal A/Statue | Santa Ana High School Jazz Band | Terminal A | December 20 | Sunny Hills High School Chamber Singers | Terminal A | Westminster High School Abbey Singers | Terminal C | Irvine High School Advanced Choirs | Terminal C | Esperanza High School String Quartet | Terminal A |
As a proud member of the community, John Wayne Airport is excited to showcase the musical talents of Orange County students and invites high school choirs, orchestras, and bands to participate in the annual Holiday Music Program. To learn more about the program and view videos of past performances, visit www.ocair.com/terminal/jwalive/holiday-music. |
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This Time 78 Years Ago
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Remembering Pearl Harbor
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"Yesterday, December 7th, 1941-A Day That will live in infamy-the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan." These famous words by President Franklin D. Roosevelt after the devastating attacks on Pearl Harbor 78 years ago continue to echo this day. We will never forget the 2,335 killed and 1,143 who were injured as well as the countless others who bravely attempted to fight off the unexpected assault by the military forces of the Empire of Japan. The attack that drew us into World War II and four years of carnage eventually leading to the downfall of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan will always be remembered as a turning point in American history. It is a constant reminder of our brave service members that will make the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the safety and security of our great nation.
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