Aerial view of Dana Point Harbor and surrounding communities.

I'm pleased to report the first 4 deliverables from our P3 partner, Dana Point Harbor Partners, have been submitted. The documents, which include the slip license agreement, dry storage agreement, slip waitlist policy, and slip transition policy, can be viewed in their entirety by clicking here.

To learn more about the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Project and provide input, please attend the Dana Point Harbor Advisory Board meeting Monday, September 24 at 5 PM in the Ocean Institute's Samueli Hall. 

I'm pleased to report the first phase of Los Patrones Parkway opened to the public last week. The County's new arterial highway connects Oso Parkway to Chiquita Canyon Drive and was built without the use of taxpayer dollars.

The roadway features two wildlife crossings that will support animals of all varieties, including deer, bobcats and coyotes. Additionally, the project includes over 100 acres of adjacent habitat restoration. Phase two of Los Patrones Parkway (Chiquita Canyon Drive to Cow Camp Road) is anticipated to open in late 2018.

Congratulations to our fantastic OC Parks team for receiving the Flood Management Project of the Year Award from the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE-LA)! The award was in recognition of the Wagon Wheel Creek Restoration and the Stormwater Management Project in Riley Wilderness Park, both of which are in my district.

The Project also won a 2018 Environmental/Conservation Award from National Association of Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) for correcting a significant erosion problem using minimal permanent-impact engineering techniques. See the amazing "Before and After" photos below!

Before

After

Click image above to enlarge.

When a disaster strikes, the impact on the community can be devastating. It’s imperative to take steps now to prepare yourself and your family for any type of emergency. September is National Preparedness Month and the perfect time to get started. You can begin by taking the following steps:

• Register with AlertOC and sign up for emergency alerts and notifications. Signing up only takes a few minutes.
• Start your kit today by purchasing bottled water (one gallon per person per day). Other important supplies include non-perishable food items, first aid supplies, prescription medications, flashlights, cell phone charger, and a battery-powered radio. For a complete checklist of supplies, visit www.ReadyOC.org.
• Decide on a family reunification location, designate an out-of-state contact, and discuss, agree on and document an emergency plan with those in your care. For sample plans, see www.ReadyOC.org. Work with your neighbors, colleagues and others to build a community network of resilience.

Make your emergency plan today and encourage those you know and love to do the same. When an emergency arises, you can implement your family emergency plan. Find out more about National Preparedness Month.

Here’s a great way for families to learn how to be champion recyclers and show your Angels pride. On Saturday, September 22, you are invited to take the EcoChallenge and meet Angels pitcher Keynan Middleton at the Discovery Cube OC! 

Discovery Cube OC in Santa Ana.

Keynan Middleton will sign autographs from 1:30 to 3 PM, and  you can learn how to make earth-friendly choices while shopping at Discovery Market, beat the clock playing Race-to-Recycle, and step into the Eco-Garage to learn what should be taken to a household hazardous waste collection center. While supplies last, guests can also receive a pair of Angels tickets and swag bag!

Take the EcoChallenge and meet Angels Pitcher Keynan Middleton!

For details, visit oclandfills.com or follow @OCWaste on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates.

Click image above to enlarge.

Kittens under 8 weeks old are the highest risk population at shelters in Southern California and across the country. To help save more kittens at Orange County Animal Care (OCAC), Best Friends Animal Society awarded the County a $100,000 “Save Them All” kitten grant.

I'm happy to report the grant will decrease kitten euthanasia at OCAC by 15% in its first year by expanding foster programs, especially for “bottle baby” kittens, and providing resources for supplies, medical care, spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchips for kittens in foster care.

Last Sunday, I was pleased to present a proclamation in honor of the 25-year anniversary celebration of Laguna Food Pantry, which has been providing free, fresh, nutritious groceries to individuals and families in need since 1993, when volunteers founded the organization to address the urgent need for food from residents of the fire-ravaged Laguna Beach community.

Presenting a proclamation to Laguna Food Pantry Board Chair Dr. Korey Jorgensen and Vice Chair Suriya Mastroberti.

Believing no one should go hungry and recognizing an ever-present and growing need for free and nutritious food in our community, Laguna Food Pantry graciously serves all those who find their way to its door from across Orange County. As such, the organization rescues food every weekday from area grocery stores, thereby distributing 4,000 lbs. of food daily and serving over 400 families in South County weekly.

I want to thank Laguna Food Pantry and its 120+ volunteers for their outstanding dedication to collecting and distributing food to people in need.

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:

• 9/21 - Dr. Jane G. Ferruzzo (Virtuoso Harpist)
• 9/28 - Beatles Singalong with Jason Feddy

On Saturday, Sept. 22 from 11 AM to 5 PM, art patrons can enjoy FREE admission to Laguna Art Museum as part of the Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day.

Museum Day is an annual celebration of boundless curiosity hosted by Smithsonian magazine. Participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket. The Museum Day ticket provides free admission for two people Sept. 22.

Enjoy three days of family fun and great music at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point during the Ohana Festival September 28-30. The event benefits Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association and the San Onofre Foundation.  

Click image above to enlarge.

The Seafest in San Clemente 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.

• Presented a proclamation in honor of the 25-year anniversary celebration of Laguna Food Pantry.
• Flew to Washington, D.C., as Chairwoman of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors, to interview federal lobbyists.
• Appeared on a panel of speakers with Congresswoman Mimi Walters, Senator Pat Bates, and Assemblyman Steven Choi at the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon.

At the 25-year celebration for Laguna Food Pantry with Board Vice Chair Suriya Mastroberti and Laguna Beach Councilwoman Toni Iseman.

At the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon.
(Photos courtesy of TAKATA Photo & Design)

Speaking on the panel with Assemblyman Steven Choi at the Lake Forest Chamber Legislative Luncheon.

With Aliso Viejo Councilman Mike Munzing, Lou Penrose, Congresswoman Mimi Walters, and Laguna Niguel Councilman Fred Minagar at the Lake Forest Legislative Luncheon.

With Lake Forest Mayor Jim Gardner, Mayor Pro Tem Leah Basile, and Assemblyman Steven Choi at the Legislative Luncheon.

• Welcomed attendees and introduced the movie, "Jaws," at the final OC Parks Sunset Cinema at Salt Creek Beach Park.
• Presented a certificate of recognition at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Becoming Church in Aliso Viejo.
• Attended the Rancho Santa Margarita State of the City Breakfast with Mayor Mike Vaughn and presented a proclamation to the RSM Business of the Year, CalWest Bank.
• Attended a check presentation ceremony at Friendship Shelter in Laguna Beach, as Bank of America awarded Executive Director Dawn Price a check for $200,000 in appreciation of Friendship Shelter being a leading provider of permanent solutions to end homelessness in OC.

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, at the Bank of America check presentation ceremony at Friendship Shelter in Laguna Beach.

Presenting a certificate of recognition at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Becoming Church in Aliso Viejo.

Welcoming attendees to the final OC Parks Sunset Cinema of the summer at Salt Creek Beach.