Construction by Caltrans will 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.

South County's Griffin Canning makes his debut with the Angels!

As reported in my newsletter last week, one of our Fifth District constituents and OC Public Works employees, Kevin Canning, recently got to watch his son, Griffin, during his pitching debut for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim! Griffin Canning graduated from Santa Margarita High School in Rancho Santa Margarita and then went on to pitch for the UCLA Bruins.

At his debut with the Angels, Griffin did an outstanding job, as he led the team to victory against the Toronto Blue Jays. He even received a standing ovation when he departed the game after 4½ innings. I know Kevin is proud of his son, and we are, too!

Congratulations to the Canning family, as we look forward to watching Griffin's career progress. Read more about Griffin Canning's debut with the Angels.

The County of Orange Fiscal Year (FY) 2019-20
Recommended Budget has been released for review by the Board of Supervisors and the public. 

The Budget is divided into the following seven sections or programs:

• Public Protection
• Community Services
• Infrastructure and Environmental Resources
• General Government Services
• Capital Improvements
• Debt Service
• Insurance, Reserves and Miscellaneous

Public budget hearings will begin at 9:30 AM Tuesday, June 11; and, if not completed June 11, will carry over to 9:30 AM Wednesday, June 12, in the Hall of Administration
Board Hearing Room, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana.

During the public hearings, budget staff will provide highlights of the County’s spending plan, discuss specific budget requests and answer questions from Board members and the public.

The final budget vote is scheduled for the June 25 Board of Supervisors meeting. For more information, click here. To view the FY 2019-20 Recommended Budget, click here.

Last week, I was pleased to present a Board Resolution declaring May as Foster Care Month, highlighting the significant need for the community to get involved  to provide loving homes for foster youth.

Presenting a Board Resolution declaring May as Foster Care Month.

The resolution was presented to leaders of our Social Services Agency (SSA) for their efforts to recruit qualified foster families, also known as resource families. The Board also honored local resource parents Melissa and Andrew Ferguson at the meeting.

In Orange County, there are more than 2,000 children and youth in foster care. Brighter outcomes are achieved when children have opportunities to grow and develop in a family setting. To that end, we are committed to ensuring children are placed in family-based care whenever possible. For more information, click here.

Mello wins the ACC-OC 2019 Golden Hub Award.

Mello, our online property tax application built in collaboration with Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector Shari Freidenrich and our OC Information Technology Application Team, received a Golden Hub Innovation Award last week from the Association of California Cities - Orange County (ACC-OC). The award was in the Technology and E-Government Category. 

I am always looking for new and innovative ways to make our government more efficient and accessible to our residents. Mello is just one example of this. This web-based application allows you to enter your address and see where every cent of your property taxes goes and even shows a breakdown of any Mello-Roos fees!

With OC Treasurer-Tax Collector Shari Freidenrich and the Golden Hub Innovation Award for Mello.

I want to thank ACC-OC for presenting us with this prestigious award, as well as Orange County Realtors for their nomination and support. As always, I look forward to continue working on innovative ways to make our government more efficient and transparent. 

Don't miss the FREE Sunset Serenades & World Music concert series in Laguna Beach at the Heisler Park Amphitheater. Enjoy a casual picnic dinner, listen to music and watch the sun slowly set over the ocean Friday evenings through June 14 at 6:30 PM. Get there early as this is a popular event!

5/17: Crockett Sisters (Eclectic, Acoustic Pop)
5/24: Jimmy Z & The Tribe (World Class Blues)
5/31: Inca (Peruvian)
6/7:  Jessica Fichot (Cino/French)
6/14: Minyo Station (Japanese)

For more information, click here.

For the last 22 years, Dana Point's Doheny Blues Festival has created a festival environment like none other! The Festival, taking place May 18 & 19 in Sea Terrace Park, features three alternating stages of blues, rock, and soul music, as well as tasty craft brews, an eclectic vendor village and 15,000 music fans throughout the weekend! This nationally-recognized festival has welcomed a mix of blues legends and rockin' headliners, and the 2019 lineup will surely continue this musical tradition. Click here for more info.

• Participated in the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors Meeting.
• Appeared on This Day - Laguna Woods TV with Dr. Kerry Burnight to promote the South County Senior Summit.
• Met with the Consul of Mexico, Mario Cuevas Zamora, to discuss trade, business opportunities, and efforts to award John Wayne Airport Port of Entry status. 
• Participated in the United to End Homelessness Leadership Council meeting.
• Was the keynote speaker at the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee meeting.
• Hosted the 12th annual South County Senior Summit. Check my newsletter next week for a recap!

With Dr. Kerry Burnight and THIS DAY host, Ken Goldenberg.

With the Consul of Mexico, Mario Cuevas Zamora.

Speaking at the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee meeting.

• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Christina Wehbe Studios in Laguna Beach.
• Presented certificates of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for San Clemente Estate Law, P.C., Primerica, and the Law Office of Lisa K. Hooper, respectively, in San Clemente.
• Presented certificates of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremonies for Ocean Hills at Pacifica San Juan by Toll Brothers and Tradewinds at Pacifica San Juan by Toll Brothers, respectively, in San Juan Capistrano.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Bishops Cuts / Color in Lake Forest.
• Participated in the 12th annual South County Senior Summit. Check my newsletter next week for a recap!

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Christina Wehbe Studios in Laguna Beach.
(Photo courtesy of Christina Wehbe Studios)

At the ribbon cutting for San Clemente Estate Law, P.C., Primerica, and Law Office of Lisa K. Hooper.

At the ribbon cutting for Bishops Cuts / Color in Lake Forest.