Suicide, particularly youth suicide, has unfortunately become all too familiar in our lives. Suicide is the leading cause of non-natural death nationwide. In Orange County, teen suicides averaged 13.3 deaths annually over the past 10-year period, which is higher than the California state average.

Last month, I hosted a forum on Children’s Mental Health with stakeholders, including parents and youth, who indicated there is little information available regarding resource availability. Further, we learned that families aren’t well equipped to recognize warning signs in their loved ones. Our community needs to work together to eliminate barriers to care.

Speaking at the Children’s Mental Health Forum last month.

As Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, it is my duty and responsibility to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all Orange County residents. My heart goes out to families who feel they don’t have resources to help their loved ones. I want to let our constituents know that they are not alone and there is hope.

To that end, the Board of Supervisors last week approved a $600,000 allocation toward an Orange County Suicide Prevention Initiative with our community partners at Be Well OC. With this allocation, we will be able to evaluate what is currently being done by different entities, plan how we can leverage existing programs, coordinate with one another, and ultimately enhance our suicide prevention efforts to make a greater impact.

Speaking at the OC Suicide Prevention Initiative press conference last week with Supervisors Doug Chaffee and Andrew Do.

As Be Well OC is comprised of public, private, academic, faith-based, and nonprofit organizations, it is well-suited to accomplish this task. Our community must come together to address preventing suicide in Orange County, as we cannot afford to lose another life.

Earlier this week, I appeared on Village Television in Laguna Woods with Dr. Jeff Nagel, Director of Behavioral Health Services for the Orange County Health Care Agency, to discuss this very issue with the Ken Goldenberg, host of This Day. To view the TV talk show interview, click here or on the image below.

With Dr. Jeff Nagel, Director of Behavioral Health Services, on Village Television in Laguna Woods. Click the image above to view the video.

At last week's Board of Supervisors meeting, I had the pleasure of presenting a Board Resolution to representatives of the Orange County Visitors Association (OCVA), including OCVA Chairman Jay Burress and CEO Ed Fuller, upon their announcement that Orange County welcomed a record-breaking 50.16 million visitors in 2018!

Presenting a Board Resolution to the Orange County Visitors Association.

This tremendous milestone brought with it impressive visitor spending of more than $13 Billion countywide. When combined with results of OCVA’s most recent economic impact study, the latest preliminary figures underscore the critical role tourism plays in the Orange County economy. 

We are blessed with a wonderful climate and world-class arts and culture, attractions, retail and recreation. It is no surprise that these very same amenities have drawn an incredible 50+ million visitors to our community. The County of Orange is proud of the role we play in welcoming these visitors by providing wonderful parks and beaches, the unparalleled Dana Point Harbor and customer-favorite John Wayne Airport. Click here for more info or on the image below.

Click the image above for more info.

As reported in my newsletter last week, I had the great pleasure this month of hosting our 4th annual South County Pet Expo with the City of Lake Forest.

An estimated 6,000 attendees, many accompanied by their pets, enjoyed a fun-filled day, featuring a variety of activities and entertainment, including over 100 booths with vendors providing all manner of pet-related information, services and resources. More importantly, many of the rescue animals present found new owners and their forever homes.

As a special added bonus, attendees were able to meet Bella, canine star of the movie "A Dog's Way Home" (still playing at a theater near you). In addition, W. Bruce Cameron, author of the bestselling book and major motion picture, conducted a book signing of his many bestsellers, including "A Dog's Journey," which also will be his next movie to be released in May.

With author Bruce Cameron and Bella at the Pet Expo.

Shelby (a.k.a. Bella) posing with her award at the Pet Expo.

Click here to see a photo album of our South County Pet Expo!

Last week, I was pleased to attend the San Juan Capistrano State of the City Address, which was delivered by Mayor Brian Maryott before a packed house at a dinner reception held at El Adobe Restaurant. During the program, a wonderful video created by City Staff was presented, highlighting the outstanding accomplishments and future plans of the City. To view the video, click on the image below.

Click the image above to view the video.

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is recruiting for new committee members of two public committees, the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) and the Taxpayer Oversight Committee (TOC). These committees help advise OCTA on a wide range of policies, procedures, and actions. OCTA strongly encourages residents and community leaders to get involved and help improve the quality of life for all Orange County residents.

The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) actively participates in helping examine traffic solutions, providing input to OCTA’s transportation studies and communicating with their constituencies. Committee members also participate in roundtable discussions and hear special presentations on various transportation projects, programs, and services. 

The Taxpayer Oversight Committee (TOC) is an independent 11-member committee that monitors OCTA’s use of revenue collected through OC GO (also known as Measure M), the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements. Members of the TOC work to ensure the transportation projects specified in OC Go are built as promised. There are open positions in the First, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Supervisorial Districts.

Don't miss the 2nd Annual Mission Viejo Library Comic-Con! This fun-filled event Saturday on March 23 from 10 AM to 2 PM features a bevy of activities, along with crafts, trivia games, book talks, costume story times, food trucks and much more. The event will also include a panel of writers and animators showcasing their careers and inspirations for their work.

The 61st Annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Fair will be held Saturday, March 23. The Parade takes place throughout downtown San Juan Capistrano and is one of the nation’s largest non-motorized parades. Come by car, train, or take the convenient Shuttle Bus, but arrive early as most street closures are in effect by 10 AM. The Parade starts at 11 AM.

• Flew to Sacramento to meet with State Legislators regarding items of interest to the County of Orange.
• Was interviewed on Village Television in Laguna Woods with Dr. Jeff Nagel to discuss the Orange County Suicide Prevention Initiative.
• Participated as Vice Chair in a meeting of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Legislative and Communications Committee. 

In Sacramento with OC Community Resources Director Dylan Wright (left) and Orange County CEO Frank Kim.

With OC Behavioral Health Services Director Dr. Jeff Nagel (left) and talk show host Ken Goldenberg on Village Television in Laguna Woods.

• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for The Dragon House Gym in Rancho Santa Margarita.
• Participated in the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee meeting.

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, with RSM Councilwoman Anne Figueroa (left) presenting a certificate of recognition at the ribbon cutting for The Dragon House Gym.