This Monday, May 28, marks our nation’s 45^th Memorial Day, a day of remembrance for the brave men and women of our armed forces who gave their lives to protect our freedoms and liberties. As we take this day of observance off from work and school, let us not forget the solemnity and significance of the day.

Orange County is home to over 131,000 veterans, and more than 30 soldiers with ties to Orange County have died in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars alone. We offer our deepest condolences to the families whose courageous loved ones left this world too soon, as we celebrate our great nation these sacrifices have afforded us.

Let the observances we attend and the flags we place on graves serve as reminders of the lives that were given to keep us safe. Please visit the "Out and About in South County" section of my newsletter to locate a Memorial Day event near you.

If your company is interested in hosting a FREE booth at the South County Job Fair, please complete and submit the Employer Registration Form by Friday, June 1.

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, when people throughout the nation will come together to spread awareness about the importance of mental health and to speak out against the stigma around mental illness.

One in four American adults suffers from a diagnosable mental illness in any given year, but many don’t seek support because of fear of judgment and discrimination. Early support and help for mental health challenges can reduce suffering and save lives. Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to let others know that people are not defined by a mental health diagnosis and assist them in getting the help they need. 

Because "Each Mind Matters," I invite you to wear the color lime green this month as a symbol of mental health awareness. Please watch this video to learn more about what it means to wear lime green. 

Throughout the month, County staff and partners will be promoting activities throughout Orange County to share the importance of mental health and available resources. I encourage you to take part, begin open conversations about mental health, and advocate for community members that need assistance. 

As always, the OC Health Care Agency’s OCLinks Information and Referral Line, which provides telephone and online support for anyone seeking information or linkage to any of the County’s mental health or substance use disorder program and services, is available at no cost at 855-OC-LINKS (855-625-4657) or www.ochealthinfo.com/OCLINKS.

Please click here to learn more about the Orange County movement and how you can participate. Please join me in making a pledge to do all we can to support mental health and wellness and build a better future for our community.

There are over 2,000 children and youth in foster care in Orange County. These youth are being provided with the compassion and nurture of a family in safe, secure, stable homes with relative caregivers, non-related extended family members, foster families, and adoptive families.

We recognize that brighter outcomes are achieved when children are provided opportunities to grow and develop in family settings and are committed to ensuring that foster children are placed in family based care whenever possible.

Foster Care Month recognizes the many people who work to meet the needs of children and youth involved in the foster care system and who help to provide foster and former foster children and youth with vital connections to their siblings.

If you are interested in learning more about how to become a resource family, call 1-888-871-KIDS.

The County of Orange received a total of 13 awards in May 2018, including nine Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) and four Golden Hub of Innovation awards from the Association of California Cities-Orange County (ACC-OC). 

County of Orange programs that received NACo Achievement Awards are: 

Civic Education and Public Information 

• Social Services Agency (SSA): Be the One 

County Administration and Management 

• OC Information Technology (OCIT): Cybersecurity Program —Driving Innovation in an Evolving Environment 

Financial Management 

• OC Offices of the District Attorney/Public Administrator (OCDA/PA) and Treasurer-Tax Collector: Medallion Signature Guarantee Stamp Program 

Health 

• Health Care Agency: Whole Person Care Pilot Program 

Human Services 

• SSA: Restaurant Meals Program 

Information Technology 

• OCIT: The Innovation Engine — Driving Creativity in the Public Sector 

Parks and Recreation 

• OC Waste & Recycling: Yorba Park Revitalization: Maximizing Public Health, Safety and Enjoyment 

Personnel Management, Employment and Training 

• Child Support Services: Leadership Development Initiative 

Risk and Emergency Management 

• OCIT in partnership with OC Waste & Recycling: Compliance Alert & Reporting System (CARS) 

County of Orange programs/individuals that received ACC-OC Golden Hub of Innovation awards are: 

City Programs/Departments-Public Safety 

• OC Office of the District Attorney/Public Administrator (OCDA/PA): Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership (OC GRIP)

Community Outreach 

• SSA: Be the One 

Energy and Environmental Quality 

• OC Public Libraries and OC Parks: Library of the Canyons 

Technology e-Government 

• OC Registrar of Voters: OC Ballot Express 

Congratulations to all of our County Departments and Programs that received awards!

Dana Point: Memorial Day Ceremony

Join the City of Dana Point and VFW Post 9934 May 28 from 10 AM to 11:30 AM to honor and remember those who have fought for our freedom. The ceremony will take place at Pines Park, 34941 Camino Capistrano, Dana Point. For more information, visit the event webpage.

Laguna Beach: Memorial Day Breakfast & Ceremony

Head down to Heisler Park in Laguna Beach May 28 to enjoy a Pancake Breakfast from 7 AM to 10:30 AM, then join the Laguna Beach American Legion and VFW at Monument Point at 11 AM for a Memorial Day ceremony in remembrance of all their comrades who died in war and conflicts protecting our country.  

Laguna Hills: Memorial Day Half Marathon

Come out May 28 for the 20th Annual Laguna Hills Memorial Day Half Marathon, honoring the U.S. Marine Corps Dark Horse Battalion. Runners of all skill levels are welcome to participate in the event of their choice, including a one-day community expo with live music, beer garden and more than 50 exhibitors.

Laguna Woods: Memorial Day Music Performances

Enjoy live music performances beginning 12 PM at the Laguna Woods Performing Arts Center while honoring and commemorating the brave Americans who fought for our nation’s freedom.

Lake Forest: Memorial Day Observance

A special Memorial Day observance will take place May 28 at 11 AM at El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest. Check out the flyer for more details.  

Mission Viejo: Memorial Day Ceremony

Join the City of Mission Viejo from 8:30 AM to 12 PM May 28 at City Hall. The program will include guest speakers, members of Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, and more.

San Clemente: Memorial Day Observance

All are welcome to join the City of San Clemente at the San Clemente Community Center Lawn from 11 AM to 12 PM as they remember soldiers who have fallen in battle. See the event flyer for more details. 

San Clemente: Annual Memorial Day Remembrance

The City of San Clemente will host its annual Memorial Day Remembrance at Park Semper Fi, honoring all branches of the military. The ceremony begins at 2 PM and concludes at 3 PM.

San Juan Capistrano: Memorial Day at the Mission

Mission San Juan Capistrano will be offering free admission to military and veterans May 28.

• the UCI Masters in Public Policy studentsPresented a certificate of recognition to Omega Events in honor of the inaugural Doheny Blues Festival at Sea Terrace Park in Dana Point.
• Participated in the Board of Supervisor's meeting. 
• Participated in a panel for the UCI Masters in Public Policy students regarding homelessness and possible solutions.
• Participated in a TCA Joint Operations and Finance Committee Meeting. 
• Participated in an Orange County Fire Authority meeting. 
• Chaired the Orange County Transportation Authority meeting. 

• Presented at the Orange County Senior Citizens Advisory Committee on senior homelessness.
• Presented a of recognition in honor of their ribbon cutting ceremony in RSM.
• Presented a certificate of recognition to Rancho Spa & Nails in honor of their ribbon cutting ceremony in RSM.
• Presented a certificate of recognition to Denny's Restaurant in honor of their ribbon cutting ceremony in Foothill Ranch.
• Presented a certificate of recognition to AG Vision Gallery in honor of their ribbon cutting ceremony in Laguna Beach.