In January this year, Orange County partnered to complete the 2019 Point-In-Time (PIT) count of the homeless. Over 1,150 community volunteers, as well as nonprofit and faith-based organizations, all 34 cities, and County government representatives, including my office and I, worked in tandem to implement a new methodology and technology to ensure everyone was counted.

With my staff at the 2019 PIT deployment center at Family Assistance Ministries in San Clemente.

The data collected during our 2019 PIT count contains valuable information the County and community stakeholders will use to ensure resources are distributed to best serve those experiencing homelessness.

The extrapolation method we used is HUD compliant and entirely acceptable. To that end, the County created a unique identifier and used a survey on a phone app. Volunteers went to areas where homeless people were and filled out the survey, adding points to the GIS map.

The results from the 2019 Everyone Counts process provide the most accurate data on the scope of homelessness in Orange County to date, as 6,860 individuals experiencing homelessness were counted across the County. Of those, 2,899 were sheltered while 3,961 were not.

Approximately 2,200 people completed all the survey questions. This gave us much better accuracy of the data, and we also spoke directly with homeless individuals about their specific needs and barriers to resources. As such, we gained valuable information about our homeless population in a one-day snapshot, as this is a hidden population that moves around. For example, if we did a count today, they would likely be in different places.

In prior counts, volunteers only interviewed about 300 to 400 homeless people and extrapolated the numbers based on countywide demographics. A factor that could have increased the numbers in this year's PIT is we counted families differently than in prior count methodologies, so they were definitely under-counted in the past.

In the 2019 PIT count, we asked our family solution collaborators to connect with their clients who were homeless on the night of January 24. Results showed 110 families were unsheltered, as opposed to in 2017, when we had only 20 families, because we just don't see as many families in a street count.

Individuals experiencing homelessness were broken into different demographic groups, including sheltered and unsheltered, veterans, transitional age youth, seniors and families. In addition, those surveyed were able to self-report if they had substance abuse issues, serious mental health issues, and if they had a physical disability, as well as other demographic factors.

We learned that over 50 percent of our homeless have been in Orange County for more than a year. They also have community ties, such as family, school or employment. Those questions are locally driven. We added them to get a sense of their community ties, as many do have ties here.

Furthermore, seventy-three percent have their last permanent address here, and 92 percent spend most of their time here, particularly in the North and Central Service Planning Areas of Orange County.

Of note, Orange County saw a 121 percent increase in the number of emergency shelter beds from 2017 to 2019. This was an increase in 1,390 beds in all.

As previously stated, people familiar with the homeless populations in their respective cities volunteered for the 2019 PIT count, with familiar and trained volunteers counting over 800 square miles. We may have missed a few, but when homeless individuals said they had already been counted, we felt we hit a saturation point.

With the 2019 PIT volunteers in South County.

On behalf of the County of Orange, I would like to thank everyone who took time from their busy schedule to ensure that Everyone Counts. Your passion to bring solutions and awareness to ending homelessness in Orange County is truly commendable.

The final report on our PIT count will be submitted to the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on April 30. To view the press release and an infographic on the 2019 PIT count results, please click here.

This week, I was pleased to attend and host a number of events during the 2019 California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Annual Legislative Conference in Sacramento. As 1st Vice President of CSAC, I have had many doors of opportunity opened for me to bring the concerns and issues of Orange County directly to our state legislators.

Speaking at the CSAC Legislative Conference in Sacramento.

While there, I met with many influential members of the Governor's administration, as well as Governor Gavin Newsom himself. Homelessness and housing continues to be a priority of mine and for the Governor. During a speech to the delegation of other County Supervisors from across the state, Governor Newsom expressed his desire to work with Counties and Cities to resolve the issues of homelessness, such as mental health care, starting with a revise of his annual budget that gives both Cities and Counties the necessary funding to increase housing and provide needed services for those experiencing homelessness.

With Governor Gavin Newsom (center), members of his administration, and my fellow CSAC Executive Committee colleagues.

According to the most recent statewide numbers, California has roughly 130,000 people experiencing homelessness. When I met with the Governor, he was very appreciative for the work Orange County is doing in regard to finding permanent supportive housing and applauded us for our Be Well OC initiative.

I also hosted a panel along with CSAC Executive Director, Graham Knaus, featuring key members of the Governor's Administration, including Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of California Health and Human Services Agency; Wade Crowfoot, Secretary of California Natural Resources Agency; and Kate Gordon, Director of California Office of Planning and Research.

Hosting a panel at the CSAC Legislative Conference.

As such, we spoke about resiliency plans to ensure California has the necessary resources and prevention tools to face future natural disasters like wildfires. Dr. Ghaly also discussed how counties need to explore innovative ways to help with the treatment and prevention of mental health issues for all our populations, from children and seniors to those experiencing homelessness.

While we made significant progress in advocating for Orange County's needs, there is still much work to be done. To that end, I will continue to work with our elected officials to turn these words into actions. I look forward to working with the Governor, our state legislators, City Elected Officials, as well as our wonderful nonprofit organizations and community stakeholders to bring results to Orange County on these pressing issues.

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.

Last 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 and learn more about the International Festival, 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.

In celebration of Earth Day, OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) Speakers Bureau members spent two days at Viejo Elementary School’s grant-funded garden in Mission Viejo.

OCWR staff educated 500 children in both English and Spanish on recycling, composting, and ways to keep unnecessary waste out of our landfills. Students also learned about household hazardous waste and how to dispose of it properly. 

OCWR staff educating kids at Viejo Elementary School.

If you missed your chance to celebrate Earth Day, no worries! Come and visit the Discovery Cube OC! Children can take the EcoChallenge and learn eco-friendly ways to avoid recycling contamination, reduce waste and learn about composting. To download your child's coupon, click here or on the image below. 

Click the image above to enlarge and for more info.

This week, my office attend a presentation by the South Orange County Economic Coalition (SOCEC), in partnership with Saddleback College, of the 2019 Economic Report, held in the Laguna Hills Community Center.

Authored and presented by Saddleback College, this is the only data and market analysis that focuses solely on South Orange County, a region that as of the end of 2018 contributed over $37 billion to Orange County's overall economy.

L-R: Paul Simonds (SOCEC), Kristen Camuglia (SOCEC), Joe Ray (Klein Education Systems), Derrick Calderon (Smart Cities Cox2M), Duane Cave (SOCEC), Dr. Barry Arbuckle (MemorialCare), Anthony Teng (Saddleback College), and Dr. Elliot Stern (Saddleback College).

Anthony Teng, Dean of Advanced Technology and Applied Science at Saddleback College, presented the annual report. Key highlights included:

• Real estate prices will rise slowly but inventory will be down and market time will increase.
• Transportation infrastructure needs to support economic growth.
• Younger adults cannot afford to live in South Orange County.
• Population is getting older, which will affect workforce and consumer service/product needs.
• Tomorrow's workforce needs training to meet middle and high end jobs.

Following the presentation, a panel of experts expanded on the findings with how the trends shown in the data were impacting their respective fields. Panelists included:

• Dr. Barry Arbuckle, President/CEO, MemorialCare
• Derrick Calderon, Director, Smart Cities Cox2M
• Joe Ray, Southern California Regional Manager, Klein Educational Systems

To view the PowerPoint presentation, click here. To view the report, click here.

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!

OC Animal Care is hosting two emergency training sessions April 28 to teach interested foster volunteers how to bottle feed kittens. Kittens will be on hand for volunteers to practice bottle feeding at the two training sessions set for 10 AM and 2 PM at OC Animal Care, 1630 Victory Road in Tustin.

As of April 23, more than 750 kittens under two months of age have made their way to OC Animal Care. Each arriving litter of kittens will need someone who can care for and feed them every two to four hours until they have grown to at least two pounds and are ready adoption.

Staff relies almost entirely on the generous members of our community who are willing to foster these young kittens in their own homes and provide the love and attention needed until they are old enough to be adopted. Without these volunteers, OC Animal Care is significantly limited on the number of kittens that can be saved and given the chance to live a full and happy life.

Staff is looking for long- or short-term Guardian Fosters to join the program and help save the lives of the most vulnerable population in the shelter. Guardian Foster homes offer short-term placement for kittens who come in late in the day and need additional time to find long-term placement.

OC Animal Care also reminds the public to Wait, Watch, Win! The best way to combat the influx of kittens into the shelter is to leave kittens who are safe with their mom until they are eating on their own or are at least five weeks of age. This gives the kittens a better chance of survival.

• Participated in the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors meeting.
• Chaired the Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting and presented a Board Resolution to Chief Probation Officer Steve Sentman and his team in honor of the 110th anniversary of the Orange County Probation Department.
• Flew to Sacramento to participate as 1st Vice President at the 2019 CSAC Legislative Conference.

Presenting a Board Resolution to Chief Probation Officer Steve Sentman and his team in honor of the 110th anniversary of the Orange County Probation Department.

With Governor Gavin Newsom (center), members of his administration, and my fellow CSAC Executive Committee colleagues at the 2019 CSAC Legislative Conference, where we also participated in the 20th annual Denim Day to support survivors of and raise awareness against all forms of sexual violence.

• Participated in Congressman Mike Levin's (CA-49) 1st meeting of the San Onofore Nuclear Generating Station Task Force.
• Attended the Dana Point Harbor Advisory Board meeting.
• Attended the 2019 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Conference and Expo, bringing public and private sectors together for innovations in advancing clean transportation technologies.
• Attended a presentation by the South Orange County Economic Coalition (SOCEC), in partnership with Saddleback College, of the 2019 Economic Report.
• Attended a community open house at Five Lagunas to learn about future plans for their property in Laguna Hills.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Bliss Car Wash in Aliso Viejo.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for CareAssist Services in San Juan Capistrano.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Bright Care Veterinary Group in Mission Viejo.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for V’s Barbershop in Laguna Hills.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Social Dry Lounge in Laguna Niguel.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for San Clemente Electric Bike & Rentals.

At the Advanced Clean Transportation Conference & Expo.

At the South Orange County Economic Coalition and Saddleback College presentation of the 2019 Economic Report.

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince (right), at the ribbon cutting for Bliss Car Wash in Aliso Viejo.

Presenting a certificate of recognition at the ribbon cutting for V’s Barbershop in Laguna Hills.

 At the ribbon cutting for Social Dry Lounge in Laguna Niguel.

My field intern, Christian Rottmann, presenting a certificate of recognition at the ribbon cutting for CareAssist Services in San Juan Capistrano.

At the ribbon cutting for Bright Care Veterinary Group in Mission Viejo.
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)

At the ribbon cutting for San Clemente Electric Bike & Rentals.