Presenting a proclamation to Laguna Art Museum Executive Director Malcolm Warner in honor of the museum's centennial celebration.
(Photos courtesy of COBA Images)

Last weekend I had the pleasure of presenting a proclamation in honor of the centennial celebration for Laguna Art Museum, which officially turned 100 on Saturday, August 25. Well over 600 hundred guests attended to celebrate the big day. Admission was free all day, and there were many activities for the well-wishers to enjoy. It was an action-packed party from beginning to end.

This week my fellow Supervisors and I were pleased to appoint leaders representing the County, cities, private sector, faith based organizations, philanthropy, public safety health care and other key sectors to serve on the Orange County Commission to End Homelessness.

The Orange County Commission to End Homelessness was established to bring together regional leadership to address the new demographics of homelessness and focus on system integration of criminal justice, health care, homeless services and affordable housing.

I would like to thank the following leaders who have been appointed to the commission: Robert Cortez, John Pietig, Susan Parks, Jack Toan, Donald Barnes, James R. Palmer III, Kenneth Domer, Daniel Young, Thomas Kisela, Randy Black, Scott Larson, Richard Afable and Marshall Moncrief. Thank you for your service and commitment to finding impactful solutions to homelessness!

San Juan Creek Construction Site

OC Public Works has announced that the San Juan Creek Trail/bikeway, along the west side of the San Juan Creek flood control channel, is expected to reopen at the end of September. This will mark the completion of construction along the west side while crews will continue performing levee improvements along the east side of the San Juan Creek flood control channel. 

The overall project, including the remaining east side levee improvements between Stonehill Drive and Mariner Drive, is expected to be completed in mid-2019.

To view the project update, click here.

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), in cooperation with Metrolink, the City of Laguna Niguel and the City of San Juan Capistrano, proposes the addition of approximately 1.8 miles of new passing siding railroad track adjacent to the existing mainline railroad track from the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Metrolink Station to 500-feet north of Trabuco Creek in San Juan Capistrano. All work on the tracks will be done within the existing railroad right-of-way, minimizing impacts to the community.

You're invited to a meeting about this important rail improvement project on September 12. Stop by the San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, between 6-7:30 PM. Attend to learn more, see exhibits and ask questions.

Click image above to enlarge.

Don't miss the Ocean Institute's 34th Annual Tall Ships Festival in beautiful Dana Point Harbor, taking place September 7-9! Join us for an exciting three-day adventure for all ages, including cannon battles, breakfast with a mermaid, food trucks, interactive vendors, a beer garden, and the Sails ‘n Ales Festival kick-off party! For more information, view the Official Event Guide or visit the Ocean Institute website.

Click image above to enlarge.

As Chairwoman of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors, I'm pleased to report we are in the process of shaping the future of Orange County transportation!  

The Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) is a 20-year blueprint for transportation improvements in Orange County. It helps OCTA look ahead to 2040 and identify the projects to improve countywide mobility, based on increased population, housing, and employment.

Please help us shape the future of transportation by sharing your feed back. Visit the LRTP webpage for ways you can participate, or view the LRTP video for more information. 

Click image above to view the LRTP video.

Click image above to enlarge.

Click image above to enlarge or here for more info.

Click image above to enlarge or here for more info.

Sunset Serenades returns Friday evenings in September at 5:30 PM. The FREE concerts take place in a stunning setting at the Heisler Park Amphitheater, located at Cliff Dr. and Jasmine St. in Laguna Beach. See below for details:

• 9/7 - Valerie Geason (Jazz Vocalist)
• 9/14 - Jack Benny (Eclectic Rainbow Pop Group)
• 9/21 - Dr. Jane G. Ferruzzo (Virtuoso Harpist)
• 9/28 - Beatles Singalong with Jason Feddy

The Seafest is FREE, featuring a Chowder Cook-Off Competition, Fisherman's Lobster, Business Exposition, Arts & Craft Show, Surf Contest, Children & Teen Contests, Children's Complementary Arts & Crafts, Entertainment and a U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demo Operation, taking place Sunday, October 7 at the historic San Clemente Pier area! Free shuttle parking at San Clemente High School from 10 AM to 3 PM.

Click image above for more info.

• Provided a proclamation in honor of the 100 year birthday of Laguna Beach Art Musuem.
• Participated in an regularly scheduled OCTA Board meeting.
• Attended the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo
• Presented a proclamation to Project AWARE, non-profit arm of PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), for their efforts to remove 1 million pieces of debris from our ocean.
• Presented a proclamation to retiring County Librarian Helen Fried.
• Participated in Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) 5th District Mayors Forum in San Clemente.
• Adjourned the Board of Supervisors meeting in honor of Bea Miller of San Clemente.

Presenting a proclamation to Project AWARE at the Board meeting.

Presenting a proclamation to to retiring County Librarian Helen Fried.  

At the OCTA 5th District Mayors Forum

At the Centennial Celebration with Laguna Art Museum Deputy Director Genny Boccardo-Dubey and Executive Director Malcolm Warner.

With Laguna Beach Councilman Bob Whalen at the Centennial Celebration.

• Attended the Laguna Art Museum Centennial Celebration.
• Presented a certificate of recognition to AYSO Region 41 in honor of their 45-year anniversary celebration.
• Presented a proclamation to the Lake Forest Community Association Homeowners Association in honor of their 50-year anniversary celebration.
• Attended the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo.
• Attended a meeting in San Clemente with OC Public Works and local cyclists from the Monday Night Social Ride to discuss the proposed La Pata Bikeway.
• Attended the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) 5th District Mayors Forum.
• Presented a certificate of recognition at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Infinity Kids in Lake Forest.
• Presented a certificate of recognition at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Greek Bistro in Laguna Hills.
• Attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for Life By Design Investment Advisory Services in San Juan Capistrano.
• Attended a presentation by Laguna Ocean Foundation on the proposed estuary restoration project at Aliso Creek.

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presenting a proclamation at the Lake Forest Community Association Homeowners Association 50-year anniversary celebration with Mayor Jim Gardner (left).

Presenting a certificate of recognition at the ribbon cutting for Greek Bistro in Laguna Hills.

At the ribbon cutting for Infinity Kids in Lake Forest.
(Photo courtesy of Ildiko Takata / TAKATA Photo & Design)

At AYSO Region 41's 45-year anniversary celebration in Laguna Niguel with Senator Pat Bates, Mayor Elaine Gennawey and Mayor Pro Tem John Mark Jennings.

At the ribbon cutting for Life By Design Investment Advisory Services in San Juan Capistrano.

At a meeting in San Clemente with OC Public Works and local cyclists to discuss the proposed La Pata Bikeway.

At the Laguna Ocean Foundation presentation on the proposed estuary restoration project at Aliso Creek.

Help celebrate the incredible life and achievements of Scott F. Colton on Friday, September 21, 2018 at El Niguel Country Club. To R.S.V.P contact Laguna Niguel Chamber by Sept. 12. 

Click image above to enlarge