Click the image above to view the video.

This week, my office was pleased to attend the Lake Forest State of the City Address presented by Mayor Mark Tettemer, After riding into the venue on a Kawasaki motorcycle, much to the delight of all those in attendance, Mayor Tettemer discussed the accomplishments of the City as well as the bright future ahead.

Lake Forest Mayor Mark Tettemer presents the State of the City.
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)

Prior to the presentation from Mayor Tettemer, Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, who was once Chief of Police Services for the City, provided comments as well.

Lake Forest Mayor Mark Tettemer with his wife (center), City Council Members, City staff and law enforcement officials, Chamber representatives, and Sheriff Don Barnes (right) at the State of the City.
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)

The very well attended event, co-hosted by the City and the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce, was held at Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA, in Foothill Ranch. To view the outstanding video created by city staff and presented during the State of the City, please click here.

April marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month. During the month and throughout the year, we encourage all Orange County employees, residents and community partners to help play a role in protecting our youth and strengthening our families.

In support of these efforts, I invite you to join me and Orange County CEO Frank Kim in wearing blue, the official color of child abuse prevention, for Orange County kids on April 9, 2019. The Orange County Board of Supervisors will also present a resolution to recognize National Child Abuse Month at our April 9 Board meeting.

For more information about Go Blue for OC Kids Day, please click here. Thank you for your support on April 9, and please encourage your family members, neighbors and colleagues to Go Blue for OC Kids!

Last week, my office was pleased to present a resolution from the Board of Supervisors to Orange County’s Child Abuse Prevention Council, convened by The Raise Foundation and supported by their many community partners, at the 25th Annual Blue Ribbon Kick-Off Ceremony at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana.

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presents a Board Resolution to Executive Director Elden Baber of The Raise Foundation and OC Superior Court Judge Joanne Motoike in observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The event served as the official launch for a month-long “Keep Kids Safe, Healthy, and Happy” awareness campaign for April National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Michele Gile, news reporter for CBS2 and KCAL9, was the emcee for the event, which was attended by over 100 people, including parents, educators, members of law enforcement, civic and service groups, nonprofits and the business community.

Emcee Michele Gile listens to speaker Anne Bloxom, Division Director of the OC Social Services Agency Children & Family Services Division.

Early intervention is key, which is why all are asked to call the Child Abuse Registry Hotline (714) 940-1000 should they suspect child abuse or neglect. As noted in the 2018 Community Indicators Report for Orange County, calls to the hotline between 2008 and 2017 increased by nine percent. Some experts believe this is the result of a more informed community knowing what to look for and how to respond.

To learn more about Blue Ribbon Month and how to get involved, please call The Raise Foundation at (714) 884-3421, ext. 105 or visit TheRaiseFoundation.org.

On March 23, I once again had the great pleasure of riding in the annual Swallows Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano. Joining me in my carriage this year was Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector Shari Freidenrich.

Riding in the Swallows Day Parade with OC Treasurer-Tax Collector Shari Freidenrich.

The Swallows Day Parade is part of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas, or Festival of the Swallows, a celebration of the return of the migratory songbird to Mission San Juan Capistrano on St. Joseph’s Day.

During this three-month Fiesta de las Golondrinas, the Fiesta Association is responsible for various fundraising and community activities, including Taste of San Juan, Kids Pet Parade, El Presidenté Ball, Fiesta Grande, which includes the Hairiest Man & Soiled Dove Contests, and the infamous Hoos’Gow Day round-up, all culminating with the Swallows Day Parade and The Mercado.

To view a photo album of the Swallows Day Parade, click here. For more information and to view a video of the Parade, click here.

At the 25th Annual Blue Ribbon Kick-Off Ceremony at Bowers Museum last week, Aliso Viejo resident Miguel Alcantara was featured as the Impact Speaker for the event, which served as the official launch for the “Keep Kids Safe, Healthy, and Happy” awareness campaign for April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. 

Aliso Viejo resident Miguel Alcantara, Impact Speaker for Blue Ribbon Kick-Off Ceremony.

Miguel and Raquel Alcantara began the process of becoming a resource family (foster family) in 2014. Initially they approached the County of Orange with the goal of adopting a child, but after attending resource family training, felt compelled to foster children right away.

They received their first foster placements - 6 month old twins and their 20 month old sister. This was a challenging time, but with the help of their family, church community, and various Orange County resources at their disposal through the Social Services Agency and the Foster Care Auxiliary, they were able to care for 3 children overnight and completed a successful reunification of this family one year later.

They soon came to realize they had a calling to foster children and, since 2014, have fostered seven children. They have also adopted two children, providing the youth with a permanent home and a “forever” family.  In addition to growing their family through adoption, the Alcantaras continue to foster other children through County of Orange Social Services Agency. 

Over the course of their journey as a resource family, Mr. and Mrs. Alcantara realized the importance of supporting biological families in their efforts to reunify with their children. As a result, the Alcantaras are advocates for family reunification, and now serve as mentors to many of the biological parents who are working to reunify with their children. 

Miguel and Raquel also assist with the Foster Care Auxiliary, Club Mom and Dad, and support the training of new resource families to help them understand the challenges and rewards that come along with such an awesome responsibility. 

Earlier this year, the Alcantara family received a resolution on behalf of adoptive families in Orange County from the Board of Supervisors for their outstanding work as resource parents, educators and advocates. Please join me in applauding Aliso Viejo residents Miguel and Raquel Alcantara for their selfless and noble efforts, as they are truly angels on Earth!

My office was pleased to present a Board Resolution this week to the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) Public Health Services in honor of National Public Health Week.

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presents a Board Resolution in recognition of National Public Health Week to David Soules, Deputy Agency Director, Public Health Services (far right), and his team.

Each year, during the first full week of April, communities across the United States observe National Public Health Week as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving health. The theme for 2019 is "Creating the Healthiest Nation: For science. For action. For health." 

This year, Orange County Health Care Agency’s Public Health Services team celebrated by holding a showcase to highlight innovations in public health services. Staff from throughout Public Health Services shared their latest innovations and the many ways they are working to improve health for those who lives, work, and play in Orange County.

Deputy Agency Director David Soules and Public Health Services staff celebrating National Public Health Week.

As Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisor, I highly commend our Health Care Agency’s Public Health Services team for their outstanding efforts!

For ways Public Health Services has contributed to improving health in Orange County, please click here. To learn more about the many accomplishments and innovations of Public Health Services, click here. To learn more about Orange County Health Care Agency, Public Health Services programs, click here.

Orange County Teasurer-Tax Collector (TTC) Shari Freidenrich reminds us that Wednesday, April 10, is the last day to pay your second installment of property taxes without penalty. If not paid, a 10 percent delinquency penalty plus a $23 fee will be added to the amount due. Check the payment status of your property taxes on their self-service website  by inputting your APN or property address. They also offer reminders by text message.

Construction has significantly affected parking and the TTC office’s main entrance is now only accessible off Broadway. For directions to their office and parking information, click here. The closest metered parking is across the street from their entrance at Lot P5 (Old Courthouse) and Lot P8. The quickest access to the TTC office is off Broadway and up the middle walkway between Buildings 10 and 12.

If you have any questions, please e-mail the TTC or call (714) 834-3411 weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM. For more information, click here.

Hop on down to Dana Point with your family Saturday, April 20, and discover the hidden treasure of candy and plastic-filled eggs at their springtime Egg Hunts for children up to 10 years of age. They offer two Egg Hunts, one at Pines Park, 34942 Camino Capistrano, and Sea Canyon Park, 33093 Santiago Drive. Family activities and Easter Bunny visits held from 9 AM to 10 PM, with the Egg Hunts beginning promptly at 10 AM. For more information, click here.

Did someone say EGG HUNT? Bring your baskets, get ready for some photos, arrive on time to scramble for some eggs and hunt for the special golden egg! Saturday, April 20, beginning at 9 AM. Vista Hermosa Sports Park, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. For more information, click here. 

• Participated in a meeting of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors Executive Committee.
• Attended the San Juan Capistrano City Council meeting to provide an update on OCTA-Funded Restoration Projects.
• Attended U.S. District Court Judge David O. Carter's Status Conference on Homelessness in Orange County.
• Flew to Sacramento to participate as 1st Vice President at the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Executive Committee meeting.

Speaking at the San Juan Capistrano City Council meeting.

• Presented certificates of recognition at the Eagle Court of Honor for ten Eagle Scouts from RSM Cares/Troop 618.
• Presented a Board Resolution to Orange County Public Health Services in honor of National Public Health Week.
• Attended the Lake Forest State of the City Address delivered by Mayor Mark Tettemer.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the Community Collision Center of Santa Margarita ribbon cutting ceremony in RSM.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the Compete Sports Performance & Rehab ribbon cutting ceremony in Lake Forest.

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince (center), presenting certificates of recognition at the Eagle Court of Honor for ten Eagle Scouts from RSM Cares/Troop 618.

Presenting a certificate of recognition at the Community Collision Center of Santa Margarita ribbon cutting in RSM.
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)

At the the Lake Forest State of the City Address.
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)

My Staff Aid, Rosemary Contreras (center), presenting a certificate of recognition at the ribbon cutting for Compete Sports Performance & Rehab in Lake Forest.
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)