The 2018 General Midterm Election took place November 6, but many contested races in Orange County still remain too close to call. With many thousands of votes still left to be counted, it could take days or weeks before the final results are known.
For the most current election results in Orange County and more information, please visit the OC Registrar of Voters website.
Homelessness 101: South Orange County
This week, Mount of Olives Church in Mission Viejo hosted a Homelessness 101 class, which was presented by Orange County United Way's faith-based South Region Partners, as part of the United to End Homelessness initiative. The presentation was very well received, with an estimated 400 South County residents in attendance.
Senior Pastor John Steward kicked off the meeting by welcoming attendees to Mount of Olives Church and, after a leading the audience in a short prayer, introduced Becks Heyhoe of Orange County United Way, who presented fact-based information and fielded questions regarding the various causes and statistics related to homelessness, as well as viable solutions to effectively ending it in our area.
The United to End Homelessness initiative, led by United Way, is comprised of Orange County’s top business, philanthropic, governmental, faith-based and non-profit leaders, as well as caring residents like you, who all agree that we must act now if we are to end our community’s homeless crisis.
As this is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, I'm pleased to report that the Orange County Board of Supervisors has voted to provide $250,000 in funding for a pilot program with Orange County United Way, which will remove barriers to placing homeless men and women with rental vouchers into their own apartment homes while receiving the supportive care needed to bring stability to their lives. For more information, click here.
Aliso Viejo Ranch Groundbreaking Ceremony
I was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to the City of Aliso Viejo this week in honor of the groundbreaking ceremony for their new Aliso Viejo Ranch facility, marking the beginning of the historic community project at the 7-acre site.
Nestled at 100 Park Avenue, the Aliso Viejo Ranch project includes the adaptive re-use of the existing barn and bunkhouse, both dating back to the late 1800s, construction of a replica barn that once stood on nearby property and a working aquaponic farm complete with fish ponds, raised-bed vegetable gardens and a fruit tree orchard.
When complete in about 20 months, the facility will host recreation classes for the community, provide meeting space for youth sports and other groups, and be available for weddings and special events. This wonderful project preserves historic buildings, dating back to the days when this area was grazed by cattle and sheep, and pays homage to our agricultural heritage.
Prima Deshecha Landfill Cooperative Agreement
Last week, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a new cooperative agreement with the City of San Juan Capistrano for operation of Prima Deshecha Landfill.
Prima Deshecha, like all of Orange County's landfills, is seeing less trash than originally anticipated. Initial estimates had called for Prima Deshecha to reach capacity in December of 2019; however, reductions in trash deliveries have expanded its usable lifespan to 2050.
Through collaboration with the City of San Juan Capistrano and OC Waste and Recycling, we have delivered a fair and equitable agreement that ensures we can continue to responsibly serve the needs of South County's waste disposal.
2018 CSAC Challenge and Merit Award Winners
As 2nd Vice President of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Board of Directors, I was pleased to have CSAC Executive Director Graham Knaus attend our Board of Supervisors meeting last week to present 2018 CSAC Challenge and Merit Awards in recognition of various Orange County programs.
The annual awards honor the most innovative programs developed and implemented by California Counties.
One Orange County program received the highest honor, a Challenge Award, while three others received Merit Awards. These programs were selected from a field of 275 applicants.
Congratulations to our Challenge Award winner!
And congratulations to our Merit Award winners!
County Connections
County of Orange Credit Rating Upgraded to AAA
This week, the County of Orange's Issuer Default Rating was elevated to AAA status by Fitch Ratings. This upgrade accompanied additional positive news, as the United States Bankruptcy Court this month granted our motion to close the County's 1994 bankruptcy case.
The rating agencies have a bullish outlook on the County's future given the strong strategic planning practices, which help the County address budgetary shortfalls before they occur. To view the press release, click here.
JWA Launches New “Helping Hands” Program
John Wayne Airport (JWA) has announced a new “Helping Hands” program, designed to lend a hand to travelers, families and caregivers for individuals with hidden disabilities, such as Autism, by providing assistance and support to alleviate their experience in the Airport.
Helping Hands is a free service, available daily from 6 AM to 11 PM. To learn more about Helping Hands or to schedule a tour, please click here.
Opportunities for New Concessions at JWA
Enjoy an Eco-Friendly Thanksgiving this Year!
The holiday season is upon us and there is always too much to do. Of course we want to make our homes inviting and welcoming by adding holiday cheer. This year instead of buying new decorations, why not try repurposing past holiday goods and common things found around the house? After all, Thanksgiving is about sharing and being grateful, which includes the preservation of Mother Earth for many years to come. For DIY ideas from our friends at Earth911.com and more information, please click here.
Critter Chronicles
Canine Pet of the Week: Meet Mila!
Pet Photos with Santa Claus at OC Animal Care!
Out and About in South County
Laguna Beach: Winter Fantasy
The Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust Festival grounds in Laguna Beach features 175 artists and makers, three stages of live music and entertainment, thousands of lights and decorations, glassblowing and art demos, hands-on pottery wheel and art classes, falling snow and holiday photo-ops with Santa, outdoor eateries and cafes, festive saloon offerings, and so much more! Weekends only from 10 AM to 7 PM, November 17 through December 16. Don't miss the Community Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 17 at 5:30 PM! For more information, click here.
Rancho Mission Viejo: Indian Adventure
Experience life as a young California Indian at the Richard and Donna O'Neill Conservancy in Rancho Mission Viejo. On November 17, 9 AM to 11 AM, try your hand at a fire bow, making string and spear throwing! Journey back in time as we discover how native plants and animals were used for daily survival. Crafts geared for ages 6 - 11 years, but all ages (6 and up) are welcome to participate. For more information, click here.
Dana Point: 41st Annual Turkey Trot
Kick off Thanksgiving morning by joining the 41st Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot with the family Thursday, November 22 from 6 AM to 11 M. The scenic race through beautiful Dana Point Harbor attracts walkers, volunteers, spectators, runners, and sponsors. For more information, click here.
Laguna Beach: Thanksgiving Wobble Walk
Walk off your Thanksgiving dinner on a FREE 2-mile hike with OC Parks Resource Specialist Laura Cohen and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers Friday, November 23 from 8:30 AM to 11 AM, beginning at the Nix Nature Center, 18751 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach. $3 for parking. For more information, click here.
This Week I
Was the keynote speaker at the Veteran's Day Ceremony at American Legion Post 222's Legion Hall in Laguna Beach.
Presented proclamations to the male Veteran of the Year (Gilbert Castro) and female Veteran of the Year (Carlia Oldfather) during the City of Mission Viejo's Veterans Day Observance at the Norman P. Murray Center.
Chaired the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors meeting.
Participated in the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) meeting.
Received a briefing from the Orange County Grand Jury.
Attended the Orange County United Way's President's Circle reception.
Presented a certificate of recognition at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Aliso Viejo Ranch project.
Participated in the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Board of Directors meeting.
Flew to Sacramento to meet with the California Transportation Commission.
My Staff
Attended the Homelessness 101 South County meeting at Mount of Olives Church in Mission Viejo.
Presented certificates of recognition to the 2018 honorees at the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Awards Breakfast at El Niguel Country Club.
Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Floor & Decor in Mission Viejo.
Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for MobileOne LLC (T-Mobile) in San Juan Capistrano.
Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Duke's in San Clemente.
Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for F45 Training in north Mission Viejo.
Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Golden Spoon in Rancho Santa Margarita.
Elected Officials in the Community
For questions or comments regarding my E-Newsletter, please contact my office staff at (714) 834-3550 or email my Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, at Sergio.Prince@ocgov.com.