Thank you, again, to the Chambers of Commerce for the Cities of Dana Point, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest and San Juan Capistrano for hosting me on April 11 at the 2019 State of South County Address & Dinner.

L-R: Debbie Newman (Laguna Niguel Chamber), Kathy Steffen (Dana Point Chamber), Mary Visconte (Lake Forest Chamber), George Peppas (San Juan Capistrano Chamber), and Sheri Feinberg (Laguna Hills Chamber) at the State of South County.

The event, which was emceed by Kristen Camuglia of Cox Communications, was held in the Laguna Hills Community Center before a packed audience.

With Kristen Camuglia at the State of South County.

At the beginning of the program, I was pleased to present a Lifetime Achievement Proclamation to my friend, former Fifth District Supervisor Tom Wilson, for his many years of outstanding public service, including as a founding member of the Laguna Niguel City Council.

Presenting a Proclamation to former Fifth District Supervisor Tom Wilson.

Tom Wilson also served ten years on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, during which he formed the task force that created the “12 Guiding Principles” for the revitalization of Dana Point Harbor, and worked diligently to prevent the former Marine Corps Air Station at El Toro from becoming the second largest commercial airport in California.

Delivering the State of South County address to a packed house.

It was an honor to address attendees about the work we are doing at the County on behalf of my constituents in the Fifth District, as I place great emphasis on collaboration and partnerships between the County, our Cities, the business community, and local leaders.

Certainly there are things our County government does very well, but there are other things the private sector does better. We achieve the highest and best outcome when we work together to find the most effective solutions to meet our needs.

During my presentation, I addressed various major issues impacting Orange County, including transportation, homelessness, and mental health. 

Among my top priorities since being elected to the Board of Supervisors has been to increase mobility in South County. Our transportation infrastructure is out-of-date, which is why we are working to fix, expand, and update our current roads and highways. By working with our cities and the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), we have been able to reduce traffic by creating public transportation options, such as the trolley systems and OC Flex. 

Our County has worked tirelessly to combat homelessness. While California accounts for 10% of the U.S. population, our state has 25% of the nation's homeless. This is simply unacceptable. Our greatest opportunity to resolve this issue is in collaboration with the County, our cities, and community nonprofits. We all share the responsibility in getting people off the streets and into permanent supportive housing with wrap around services. 

In Orange County, we are taking great strides in advancing mental health care to all our residents. Through the creation of Be Well OC, we are partnering with the health care industry, nonprofit organizations, such as the Ransom Foundation of Ladera Ranch, as well as faith-based organizations, including Saddleback Church, under Kay Warren's leadership, to provide any resident, regardless of payer status, with the resources they need to address their mental health issues. By providing this level of care, we hope to keep our emergency rooms clear for medical emergencies and help members of our homeless population to get treatment. 

Please be assured that I will continue to collaborate with the community to bring desired results to South County; and, as always, I want to hear from you, as well as your ideas and goals.

Click the image above to view the State of South County video.

To view the State of South County video, please click here or on the image above. To to view the event photo album, click here. To view the event program, click here. 

Click the image above to view THIS DAY with host Ken Goldenberg and Wendy Harder from Soka University as we discuss the upcoming International Festival.

This week, I had the pleasure of appearing on THIS DAY in Laguna Woods with with host Ken Goldenberg and Wendy Harder, Director of Community Relations at Soka University, to discuss the upcoming 18th annual International Festival taking place May 4. To view the interview, please click here or on the image above.

Click the image above to view the video presented at the Aliso Viejo State of the City.

This week, my office was pleased to attend the Aliso Viejo State of the City Address presented by Mayor Ross Chun. During his event, held at the beautiful Aliso Viejo Center, Mayor Chun discussed the accomplishments of the City and the bright future ahead. Attendees were also treated to an excellent video produced by city staff. To view the video, please click here or on the image above.

Mayor Ross Chun presents the Aliso Viejo State of the City Address.
(Photo courtesy of Kelly Tokarski, Aliso Viejo Public Information Officer)

Construction will begin on Monday, April 15 and continue through May 24 on a project to improve the intersection of 7th Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Laguna Beach.

The project involves building American with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps and sidewalk, relocating controller cabinet, and upgrading the traffic signals at the intersection.

The shoulders and one lane on PCH will be closed from 9 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday. The project is expected to be completed before Memorial Day.

Caltrans appreciates the public’s patience while they perform this work. Portable Message Signs will notify drivers of closures and work times. Additionally, construction updates will be available via Twitter @CaltransOC and Facebook.com/CaltransOC.

The work schedule is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/or materials, and/or construction-related issues. For more information, please contact the District 12 Public Information Office at 657-328-6000.

Among the outstanding dining establishments that served delicious food at my State of South County Address & Dinner last week was Chaupain Bakery in Laguna Hills. My office also had the pleasure of presenting a certificate of recognition to the lovely owners of Chaupain Bakery, who earlier this month welcomed their second baby into their lives, at their grand opening celebration in January.

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presenting a certificate of recognition to the owners of Chaupain Bakery at their grand opening.

At Chaupain Bakery, the smell of fresh hard-crust breads and baguettes fill the space. In fact, Chaupain was recently selected by Sunset Magazine as one of the 21 Best Bakeries in the west, as they tracked down the most noteworthy croissants, macaroons, breads and cakes, from Seattle to San Francisco to Tucson.

Among the many culinary delights to be had a Chaupain Bakery in Laguna Hills!
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)

If you find yourself in South County, be sure to stop by Chaupain Bakery for their amazing chocolate-almond custard croissant, filled with homemade custard and topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar! 

Click the image above to view the video.

Want more fun on Tuesdays? Ride transit and eat free tacos! On Tuesdays, stop by any Southern California Wahoo's Fish Tacos location (see our handy map). Show a valid OC Bus, OC Flex, or Metrolink pass. Purchase a #1 combo... and get a free taco as part of Taco Transit Tuesday!

Try taking transit one day a week to save money, reduce congestion, and cut down on pollution… and get free tacos! Click here to see the video.

Gather the group and get ready for fun together at the mall, movies, or restaurant. During OCTA’s special promotion, group rides on OC Flex are 50 percent off.

OC Flex is OCTA’s new on-demand, curb-to-curb shuttle serving two zones – parts of Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, and Laguna Niguel and parts of Huntington Beach and Westminster. Inside these OC Flex zones, unlimited rides are usually just $4.50 a day per person with the OC Flex Mobile App or $5 when paying cash. With this special offer, more people can ride for less money.

Check out the website for discounts and special offers.

Avoid traffic and parking hassles by taking the Metrolink train that drops you off only a few steps from Angel Stadium at the Anaheim-ARTIC station. Ride the Angels Express for $7 or less to weeknight home games that start at 7:07 PM. Start the fun on the fan train!

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 at 10 AM. For more info, 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. 

• Spoke at a meeting of the American Association of University Women regarding homelessness issues.
• Presented a certificate of recognition to Don Hansen of Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching in honor of his 85th birthday celebration held at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point Harbor.
• Presented a proclamation in honor of the City of  Dana Point's 30th anniversary.
• Administered the Oath of Office at the installation ceremony for the incoming ACC-OC Board of Directors.

L-R: With Dawn Price of Friendship Shelter and Mary Perdue of Family Assistance Ministries, speaking at a meeting of the American Association of University Women regarding homelessness issues.

 With Don Hansen of Dana Wharf Sportfishing at his 85th birthday celebration.

Presenting a proclamation to Mayor Joe Muller in honor of the City of Dana Point's 30th anniversary.

Administering the Oath of Office to the incoming ACC-OC Board of Directors.

L-R: With Laguna Niguel City Manager Kristine Ridge, Councilwoman Elaine, Mayor Pro Tem Laurie Davies and Mayor John Mark Jennings at the ACC-OC installation ceremony.

With Mission Viejo Mayor Greg Raths and Lake Forest Mayor Pro Tem at the ACC-OC installation ceremony.

With MNWD Board Vice President Don Froelich at the ACC-OC installation ceremony.

With Lake Forest Mayor Mark Tettemer and Councilman Dwight Robinson at the State of South County Address.

With former Supervisor Tom Wilson at the State of South County.

• Presented a proclamation in honor of the 5-year anniversary celebration for Glennwood House in Laguna Beach.
• Attended the 85th birthday celebration for Don Hansen of Dana Wharf Sportfishing.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties in Laguna Niguel.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Child Guidance Center in San Clemente.
• Attended the Aliso Viejo State of the City Address.

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, with USMC General J.K. Davis (Ret.) and Col. Tom O'Malley (Ret.) at the 85th birthday celebration for Don Hansen.

Presenting a proclamation at the 5-year anniversary celebration for Glennwood House in Laguna Beach.

At the Aliso Viejo State of the City with Lisa Lu and Wendy Harder of Soka University.
(Photo courtesy of Kelly Tokarski, Aliso Viejo Public Information Officer)

At the ribbon cutting for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties in Laguna Niguel.

At the ribbon cutting ceremony for Child Guidance Center in San Clemente.