This Wednesday, July 4, is a special day to commemorate our freedom as a nation and as a community. Independence Day allows us a wonderful opportunity to unite at community events and proudly demonstrate our patriotism.

Our Founding Fathers pledged their lives by signing the Declaration of Independence. The Constitution provides the governmental framework of the United States; and the Declaration, with its eloquent assertion, “All men are created equal...” is beloved by our citizenry.

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, let us appreciate and reflect on our unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  

The tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes all the way back to the American Revolution. Enjoy this day with friends and family at festivities ranging from fireworks shows, parades and concerts. I wish you and yours a safe and happy Fourth of July.

Please visit the "Out and About in South County" section at the bottom of my newsletter for ways to celebrate the birth of America in the fabulous 5th District!

Speaking at the 2018 State of South County luncheon.

This week, I was pleased to deliver the 2018 State of South County to a sold out audience at a luncheon hosted by the South Orange County Economic Coalition (SOCEC). The event was held in Samueli Hall at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point Harbor.

Topics of discussion included homelessness in Orange Orange County, Dana Point Harbor Revitalization, transportation issues, among many others. I want to thank SOCEC for hosting the luncheon and all those who took time from their busy schedules to attend. Visit my website to view a photo album of the event.

With moderator Kristin Camuglia at the State of South County.

On Monday, July 2, the Dana Point Harbor Advisory Board (DPHAB) will hold a public meeting to provide updates on the Harbor Revitalization Plan and other harbor issues. The meeting is free and open to the public and will take place from 5 PM to 7 PM in Samueli Hall at the Ocean Institute. 

The majority of the meeting will be used to receive an update on the Harbor Revitalization Plan, including attendance by my office, Orange County CEO Frank Kim, the OC Real Estate team, and Dana Point Harbor Partners. For more information, please visit the DPHAB website.

OCFA Headquarters in Irvine.

On June 26, the City of Irvine voted to provide official notice of withdrawal from the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) in 2020. OCFA is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) that provides premier public safety firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS) to 23 cities and the County unincorporated areas. Irvine’s decision to withdraw from OCFA is due to ongoing concerns regarding inequitable funding of OCFA.

Being a JPA, OCFA is governed by a Board of Directors made up of its member agencies. While members are contractually bound to a Regional Fire Protection model, a member can withdraw from OCFA in 2020 by providing notice by June 30, which Irvine has done. 

Per the termination process, the City has relinquished its seat on the Board of Directors, and the County has become responsible for providing fire protection services to Irvine. 

There has been ongoing concern by member agencies regarding the method to pay for services. 16 of the 23 OCFA members are Structural Fire Fund (SFF) cities that never had their own fire departments and have always utilized a regional model, which was previously the County Fire Department.

SFF cities’ fire protection funds are directly linked to property taxes, at approximately 11.6% of the 1% base levy. The remaining OCFA members are contract cities that previously had city fire departments, which they dissolved in order to contract with OCFA. The financial obligations of contract cities are commensurate to the services OCFA provides.

Concern about inequitable payments first surfaced in 1999, just three years after OCFA was formed. In 2012, Irvine renewed its concerns about inequity. In 2013, an amendment to the governing documents of OCFA was approved, which sought to address over-equity payments. However, a California appellate had ruled that OCFA illegally bypassed the County of Orange when trying to re-purpose taxpayer funds designated for fire protection services.

In FY 16-17, Irvine contributed $79 million in Structural Fire Funds to OCFA. However, the estimated value of the services provided to Irvine were only approximately $56 million. The difference, $23 million, is the sole reason Irvine has taken this action. Of the entities that are over-equity, the County of Orange is the second highest paying member agency.

The County is committed to ensuring firefighting and EMS services are continued within the City of Irvine. Negotiations toward a resolution will continue, and it is incumbent upon all parties – the County, the City of Irvine, and OCFA – to negotiate in good faith an in the interest of all Orange County residents. 

Enjoy all of Laguna Beach this summer without the traffic and parking hassles. Climb aboard the Laguna Beach Summer Breeze (OC Bus Route 689) at the Laguna Canyon Road parking lot in Irvine, just off the I-405 and SR 133, and breeze all the way into town!

This FREE service is available Saturdays & Sundays, June 30 to September 2, every 30 minutes from 11 AM to midnight. Stops include:

• Sawdust Art Festival
• Laguna Art-A-Fair
• Festival of the Arts / Pageant of the Masters
• Laguna Playhouse
• Laguna Beach Bus Station

From the Laguna Beach Bus Station, you can connect with the FREE Laguna Beach Trolleys. The Trolleys connect with shopping and foodie destinations along Pacific Coast Highway. Main Beach is only a block from the Laguna Beach Bus Station.

To return, just hop onboard at any of the Summer Breeze stops and ride the air-conditioned bus back to your car! For the Summer Breeze schedule, map and directions, visit the website. See the flyer below for more information.

Click the image above to enlarge.

With an OC Bus Youth Summer Pass, kids can get out of the house and have a summer worth posting. A pass costs $20 and is valid for unlimited rides for 30 consecutive days through August 31. That’s a 50 percent savings over the typical cost for a 30-day youth pass.

For the past 17 years, OCTA has provided a summer bus pass for ages 6 to 18 to help young riders discover affordable, convenient public transit. But kids aren’t the only ones that like the freedom of having a set of wheels. Parents appreciate having a safe, reliable, affordable transportation alternative to being the family chauffeur.

The Youth Summer Pass can be used on any OC Bus fixed route, whether it’s to get to the beach, a local shopping mall or to an amusement park. In addition to unlimited service on OCTA buses, Youth Summer Pass holders will also enjoy several discounts at local attractions.

As part of this year’s promotion, OCTA is also offering prizes as part of a Summer Youth Pass photo contest. Simply hop on an OC Bus and take a selfie with your pass and post it using #OCSummerBus. Prizes for selected winners include tickets to Knott’s Berry Farm and additional OC Bus passes to be used at a later date.

The Youth Summer Pass is on sale now through August 15 via the OC Bus mobile app, online and at participating Orange County Ralphs, Vons, or the OCTA Store. For more information, click here and here.

Every year the City of Dana Point hosts one of the best firework shows in Southern California. Gather the family and friends, look towards the skies over Doheny State Beach and experience this patriotic extravaganza. Be sure to arrive early to grab the best spot. Fireworks start at 9PM sharp! For more information, check out the City of Dana Point website.

Celebrate Independence Day at the 27th Annual Fourth of July Parade in Lake Forest! The parade starts at 10AM at the intersection of Ridge Route and Toledo Way. Parking is located at El Toro High School. Don't miss this annual tradition! More information is available on the City of Lake Forest's website. 

All proceeds benefit El Toro High School PSTO Educational Programs. Starts and finishes at the corner of Lake Forest Drive & Serrano Road. Great event for all ages. T-shirts. Chip timing, finisher medals, and posted results. Registration online or forms and more information can be viewed here. 

Come celebrate America's birthday at the City of Laguna Hills annual Fourth of July celebration! Bring your family and friends to enjoy the fun, food and festivities. Carnival rides and games, live music, patriotic crafts and face painting will all be part of the celebration along with a fabulous fireworks show to conclude the evening. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Seating is not provided so don't forget to bring your lawn chairs and umbrellas. Activities, carnival rides and food starts at 4PM, fireworks start at 9:10PM. 

This event will take place on Wednesday, July 4 at Crown Valley Community Park at the Laguna Niguel YMCA. This proud community tradition features a 5K run/walk, 10K run, dog walk, and children’s races with proceeds benefiting the Y’s scholarship program. Get ready to EXERCISE YOUR INDEPENDENCE!

Gather your friends and family, and celebrate Independence Day by the beach. The City of San Clemente hosts an annual Fireworks Show from the San Clemente Pier beginning at 9pm. Be sure to arrive early to grab the best spot!

• Chaired the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors meeting. 
• Participated in a California State Association of Counties (CSAC) officers call. 
• Participated in the Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting, presented a Board Resolution in honor of the 20th anniversary of Sempra Energy, and adjourned the Board meeting in memory of Christopher McCullough, Sr. of Lake Forest. 
• Delivered the 2018 State of South County address to a sold out audience at the Ocean Institute. 
• Accepted the Elected Official of the Year Award at the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) - Orange County Chapter awards dinner. 

Accepting the Elected Official of the Year Award from ACEC.

With Diane Harkey, State Board of Equalization Member, at the 2018 State of South County.

With OC Undersheriff Don Barnes at the State of South County.

Presenting a Board Resolution to Duance Cave of SDGE and Tina Javid of SoCalGas in honor of the 20th anniversary of Sempra Energy.

• Attended the Orange County Fire Authority meeting. 
• Presented certificates of recognition to the Women Making Waves award winners at the Ohana Gala hosted by the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHCC) at The Ranch in Laguna Beach.
• Presented a certificate of recognition to South Marina Pharmacy at their ribbon cutting ceremony in Aliso Viejo. 
• Presented a certificate of recognition to MJ's Pet Spaw at their ribbon cutting ceremony in Mission Viejo. 
• Presented a certificate of recognition at the ribbon cutting ceremony and 2018 summer season kick-off of the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach. 
• Presented a proclamation to Rev. Dr. Jerry Tankersley in honor of his retirement after 46 years as Senior Pastor of Laguna Presbyterian Church.

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presenting a proclamation to Rev. Dr. Jerry Tankersley of Laguna Presbyterian Church.
(Photo courtesy of Gary Mills Photography)

Presenting certificates of recognition to the Women Making Waves award winners at the SHCC Ohana Gala.

At the MJ's Pet Spaw ribbon cutting in Mission Viejo.
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)

At the South Marina Pharmacy ribbon cutting in Aliso Viejo.

With Laguna Beach Councilman Steve Dicterow (left) at the ribbon cutting for the 2018 Sawdust Festival.

Presenting certificates of recognition to the Outgoing Board Members at the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce Annual Breakfast.
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)

(photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)

Dana Point Mayor Pro Tem Joe Muller, Laguna Niguel Councilwoman Laurie Davies and Mayor Elaine Gennawey, and CUSD Board President Martha McNicholas at the 2018 State of South County luncheon.

Mission Viejo Ed Sachs at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Breakfast.
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)

Mission Viejo Mayor Pro Tem Greg Raths at the MJ's Pet Spaw ribbon cutting.
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)

Mission Viejo Council Members Wendy Bucknum and Brian Goodell at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Breakfast.
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)