In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies.
For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states, but it wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held the final Thursday of each November.
As we gather tomorrow for feasting, football, festivities and fellowship with family and friends, let us take pause to give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy in our lives. To see a list of upcoming holiday activities in the 5th District, please visit the 'Out and About in South County' section of my newsletter.
In observance of this revered national holiday, please be advised that all County of Orange offices will be closed Thursday and Friday this week. From our family to yours, wishing you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
Bartlett Bulletin
Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Project Video
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, among the many blessings for which I am grateful is the soon to be realized revitalization of Dana Point Harbor.
To that end, I appeared on Village Television in Laguna Woods with host Lisa Hart and our P3 Partner - Dana Point Harbor Partners - to provide an update on the Revitalization Project.
To view the taped interview, featuring a cornucopia of important information about the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Project, including an excellent collection of preliminary artist renderings, please click here or on the image above.
The Boat Parade of Lights takes place Saturdays and Sundays - December 7 & 8, 14 & 15 - as well as free family activities throughout Dana Point Harbor, including games, crafts, live entertainment, and selfies with Santa, all with a western theme. Festivities begin at 4:30 PM, and the Boat Parade at 7:30 PM.
Cowboys and cowgirls of all ages are encouraged to dress in their favorite western gear and watch the beautiful boats sail through the harbor, showing off their country-western decorations, animation, color and lights.
Free trolleys will run each night of the Boat Parade from 3:30 PM to 10:30 PM, dropping off and picking up merry makers along Dana Point Harbor Drive at Doheny State Beach, the Visitor’s Center, Ocean Institute, Baby Beach, Island Way, Retail Area, and back to Doheny.
Sail through the harbor in the holiday spirit Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 1 & 2, from 10 AM to 2 PM, during Boat Rides with Santa!
Pet Project Foundation is also pleased to host the 7th Annual Santa Paws event. Bring your pet to the harbor Saturday, Dec. 1 from 10 AM to 3 PM to have their picture taken with Santa. Proceeds support the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter.
For more information on the "Western Wonderland” in Dana Point Harbor and 44th Annual Boat Parade of Lights, please click here or on the image below.
County Connections
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 re-purposing 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.
Hobie Alter Exhibit at John Wayne Airport
Very few individuals will have as much impact on a sport as Hobart “Hobie” Alter did for water sports. He revolutionized surfing and also expanded the adventure of sailing with his invention of the Hobie Catamaran.
Through spring 2019, the history of Hobie Alter’s life and legacy will be on display in John Wayne Airport’s Vi Smith Concourse Gallery. Ticketed passengers can view the exhibit on the Departure (upper) Level, across from Gates 2 through 5 in Terminal A, Gates 18 through 21 in Terminal C, and in the free-standing display cases across from Gate 14.
The exhibit includes a comprehensive narrative of Hobie’s early beginnings creating the first polyurethane foam surfboard in the late 1950s, to the opening of his surf shop in Dana Point, which ultimately established “surf lifestyle” apparel, as well as his invention of a beach launchable catamaran in 1968 and multi-colored sails in the 1970s. For more information, click here.
Critter Chronicles
Pet Photos with Santa Claus at OC Animal Care!
Feline Pet of the Week: Meet Taffy!
Out and About in South County
Laguna Beach: Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust
The Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust Festival 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 much more! Weekends only from 10 AM to 7 PM through Dec. 16. For more info, click here.
Dana Point: 41st Annual Turkey Trot
Kick-off Thanksgiving morning at the 41st Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 22 from 6 AM to 11 AM. Produced by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is the nation’s sixth largest turkey trot. Located in beautiful Dana Point Harbor, the flat, scenic race attracts more than 17,000 runners, walkers, volunteers, and spectators.
Laguna Beach: Thanksgiving Wobble Walk
Walk-off your Thanksgiving dinner during a free 2-mile hike with OC Parks staff and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers Friday, Nov. 23 from 8:30 AM to 11 AM, starting at Nix Nature Center, 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. $3 for parking. For more info, click here.
Mission Viejo: Santa's Arrival and Celebration
Santa Claus will arrive in style at the Mission Viejo Civic Center this Sunday, November 25. This festive celebration for all ages kicks-off at 3 PM with crafts, holiday games, strolling puppets with “Ranger Jack” and live reindeer. Main Stage Entertainment includes music, dancing and fun until 6 PM, when Santa arrives on a fire engine to usher in the holidays with the help of children turning the city's spectacular lights. Click here for more info.
Aliso Viejo: "All is Bright" Holiday Celebration
Dana Point: Winter Festival and Tree Lighting
Join the City of Dana Point for its Winter Festival & Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 1 from 12 PM to 7 PM at La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza. Activities include a visit from Santa, reindeer, snow, crafts for kids, cookie decorating, holiday entertainment, petting zoo, tree lighting, free cookies and hot chocolate, a holiday movie, and much more!
RSM: Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Enjoy the sights, sounds and treats of the season in Rancho Santa Margarita while singing along to holiday music. Create precious memories with family and friends at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 1, beginning at 5 PM at Lago Santa Margarita Lakeshore Park (by the Mercado Del Lago Shopping Center). This event is free for SAMLARC residents and their guests.
San Clemente: Santa's Village by the Sea
San Juan Capistrano: Christmas Celebration
Laguna Beach: Hospitality Night
Every year on the first Friday in December, Laguna Beach celebrates Hospitality Night. This year's event along Forest Avenue is on Friday, December 7 from 5 PM to 10 PM. Portions of Forest Avenue, Ocean Avenue, Beach Street, and the Peppertree Parking Lot will be closed to vehicular traffic for the event.
Lake Forest: Candle Light Walk at Heritage Hill
Mission Viejo: 24th Annual Drive-Thru Nativity
Laguna Hills: Breakfast with Santa
Ho, Ho, Ho! Santa will be arriving Saturday, December 8 at the Laguna Hills Community Center from 9 AM to 11 AM for a morning full of holiday fun, including a special celebration complete with a scrumptious breakfast, photos with Santa and holiday crafts! Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. For more information, click here.
Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade
Experience the sights and sounds of the season during the annual Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade on Saturday, Dec. 8. Enjoy over 100 exciting entries from 10 AM to 12 PM, including marching bands, floats, special guests, youth groups, equestrian units, exotic cars, military members, local heroes, fun attractions, and much more! Parade watchers are encouraged to bring chairs and take advantage of the free shuttle, available from the Federal Building parking lot off Dorine & El Lazo.
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.