This Thursday, July 4, is the 243rd anniversary of the birth of our nation. As such, Independence Day reminds us to put aside our differences, if only for a day, in the spirit unity and expression of our patriotism.

The Fourth of July is a day to celebrate community and our nation, as well as our hard-fought unalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, with which we are so blessed.

Please enjoy this celebration of our nation with family and friends, whether you're attending a parade, concert or fireworks show. To that end, I wish you and yours all the best for a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Visit the "Out & About in South County" section at the bottom of my newsletter for Independence Day festivities taking place throughout the fabulous 5th District!

OC Public Libraries (OCPL) is pleased to announce its 2019 Lunch at the Library program. Beginning June 3 (or June 17 in South County), any child 18 years of age and under will receive a free lunch at participating OCPL branches for the duration of the program.

Last summer, approximately 14,000 free lunches were served in Orange County. For 2019, the program will include the El Toro Branch Library (June 17 - July 26) and San Juan Capistrano Branch Library (June 17 - August 2). As such, OC Public Libraries will be partnering with Capistrano Unified School District and Saddleback Valley Unified School District to help feed children in their
communities.

For many families in Orange County, the stability, nutrition, and education provided by the school lunch program, school day, and after-school programs, ends when school lets out for summer. The summer months can mean reduced or limited access to healthy food, learning and enrichment programs, as well as safe places to gather and be active.

Lunch at the Library helps ensure all children are nourished and engaged during the summer months. All lunches will be served from noon to 1 PM at participating sites. Please note: All branches will be closed July 4 and lunches will not be served on that day. For more information, please click here. To view the promotional video, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above to view the video.

Mary Visconte with her commendation and my Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince.

Last week, my office was pleased to present a commendation to Mary Visconte, CEO of the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce and owner of Spectrum Specialties & Awards, at a celebration with family and friends in honor of her recent recognition as the 68th Assembly District 2019 Woman of the Year. 

On March 4, Assemblyman Steven Choi honored Mary Visconte as the 68th Assembly District Woman of the Year at a ceremony held at the California State Capitol.

Mary Visconte with Assemblyman Choi, receiving her Woman of the Year resolution in Sacramento.

Mary has worked tirelessly volunteering her time for her community. Her many achievements include being the Founding Officer of the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce, First Female President of the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce, and currently serves as CEO of the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce. Through the work of the Chamber of Commerce, Mary has successfully promoted the businesses and community of Lake Forest to visitors and guests.

Mary has also chaired the City of Lake Forest 20th and 25th Anniversary Celebrations, and currently runs the Lake Forest Meet the Mayor/State of the City event. In addition, she was recognized as the City of Lake Forest Volunteer of the Year (2013) and Orange County Realtors Volunteer of the Year (2017).

Earlier this year, Mary was also an indispensable member of the host committee for my 2019 State of South County address & dinner. Congratulations to Mary Visconte upon receiving this very prestigious and well-deserved honor!

This week, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a plan for improvements to the General Aviation (GA) facilities at John Wayne Airport (JWA).

On a vote of 5-0, our Board approved the draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and a project proposal put forward by Vice Chair Michelle Steel, Second District Supervisor, limiting space for medium and large general
aviation jet aircraft, and dedicating space exclusively for light GA aircraft.

The Board carefully considered feedback received from members of the public, and I’m pleased we approved this plan that will allow JWA to move forward with improvements while balancing the needs of the community.

Click here for more information. Click here for existing GA facilities. Click here for the proposed project and project map.

In addition to serving as Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, I'm also pleased to serve you on the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors.

To keep Orange County moving, the OCTA Board last week approved a $1.5 billion budget for the 2019-20 fiscal year budget focused on transit service and continued delivery of major capital projects.

Major initiatives include advancing capital improvements such as the I-405 Improvement Project, I-5 projects in South County and Central County, and the OC Streetcar, enhancing transit service through the OC Bus 360° program, and allocating funding for cities to improve streets and roads.

The FY 2019-20 budget will go into effect July 1 and encompasses all services, projects and programs administered by OCTA.

Measure M, Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, also known as OC Go, will continue to fund improvements to freeways and streets throughout the county, along with multiple transit programs.

Included in the budget is $366.4 million to help fund freeway improvements, $159 million that will go to cities to improve Orange County’s roads, and $48.5 million for ongoing OC Streetcar construction.

Efforts to improve transit service will continue through OC Bus 360°, OCTA’s comprehensive effort aimed at reshaping transit service throughout the County. This will be the first full year that Bravo! 529, a limited-stop bus route on Beach Boulevard, will be in service, and the OC Flex microtransit pilot program will continue to operate in two areas of the County.

Applications flooded in this week after the Board of Supervisors announced the first round of adoptions for the 140 Shih Tzu puppies recently rescued from a home in the city of Orange.

With my Board colleagues and the Shih Tzu puppies.

OC Animal Care staff and volunteers are working diligently to create a seamless process and ensure a positive experience for each adopter that walks through their door. This includes reviewing applications and scheduling visits with potential adopters to best match each dog with a loving, forever home. Click here for more information.

It is our goal to place every dog into a loving home. We are incredibly proud of our team at OC Animal Care, which pulled together to provide care for these dogs on such short notice, and we’re greatly touched by the generosity and support from our community.

Although the Shih Tzus are subject to full adoption fees, OC Animal Care is continuing to reduce fees for ALL of the other pets at the shelter, now through the end of the OC Pet Fair on Saturday, June 29. Join us and meet your newest furry family member here!

OC Animal Care needs your help! In light of recent events, OC Animal Care is at almost DOUBLE the shelter’s capacity! With an additional 600 shelter pets out in foster care, that's over 1,200 pets who need a home to call their own!

OC Animal Care believes in giving these pets every available chance for a forever family. To that end, the shelter is reducing their adoption fees until they are under 60% of their capacity.

If you are unable to add a new family member at this time, spreading the word is just as important. Let’s give these animals the chances they deserve. For more information, please click here or on the image below.

Click the image above to enlarge.

Every year the City of Dana Point hosts one of best firework shows in Southern California. Gather the family and friends and experience this patriotic extravaganza. FREE bus service from 10 AM to 11 PM to Dana Point Harbor. Bus pick-up located on Golden Lantern, north side between Acapulco and Stonehill, with limited parking at Dana Hills High School and surrounding streets in the area. For more info, click here.

The 4th of July is one of the most popular days at Doheny State Beach, so if you’re planning to spend the day and see the fireworks in the evening, get an early start as the park fills up early. You may also walk into the park any time during the day with no fee. Park hours are 6 AM to 10 PM. Fireworks start at 8:45 PM. Bring a personal FM radio and listen to the patriotic music accompanying the fireworks on 88.5 KSBR. For more info, click here.

Known for one of the best fireworks displays in South County, Ladera Ranch will present a fun-filled day of activities July 4 beginning at 7 AM. Events include a 10K Freedom Run, Pancake Breakfast, 5K Freedom Run, 1K Kids Firecracker Dash, Community Parade, Games & Activities, Food/Concession Sales, Teen Zone, Concert, and Fireworks! Click here for more info.

The fireworks show in Laguna Beach will begin at 9 PM at Monument Point at Heisler Park. City trolleys will operate under a modified schedule. Arrive early for parking and hop on the free trolley. Laguna Art-A-Fair and the Sawdust Festival will also have limited hours until 6 PM on this day. For more info, click here.

Celebrate America's birthday at the City of Laguna Hills Fourth of July Celebration! Bring your family and friends to the Community Center & Sports Complex and enjoy the fun, food and festivities! Carnival rides and games, live music, and patriotic crafts will all be part of the celebration, along with a fabulous fireworks show to conclude the evening. Click here for more info.

Fourth of July festivities taking place throughout the day in Laguna Niguel include the 40th Annual Run in the Parks, 36th Annual Pancake Breakfast, a Summer Concert, and Fireworks Spectacular. For more info, click here.

Laguna Woods Village residents can enjoy a fun, free Independence Day extravaganza at Clubhouse 2 from 4 PM to 9 PM, including a DJ performance, live concert, and fireworks show, as well as a kids fun zone! For more info, click here.

The 4th of July parade in Lake Forest starts at 10 AM sharp and  ends around noon. Parking is located in the El Toro High School back parking lot, which can be accessed on Serrano Road from El Toro Road. Parking can also be found on Lake Forest Drive and Serrano Road. For more info, click here.

Mission Viejo will hold its Annual Street Faire and Fireworks Spectacular on Olympiad Road between Marguerite and Melinda. The fun begins at 12 noon with live entertainment and youth bands performing, including rides for kids. Food and Game Booths will delight your taste buds and bring fun to the little ones. There will be over 30 booths with craft and gift ideas. A free shuttle will operate from 1 PM to 8 PM. The sky will sparkle at 9 PM with the fireworks spectacular. Click here for more info.

The Beach Club in Rancho Santa Margarita will hold a traditional Independence Day celebration with swimming, family games and a spectacular fireworks show. Admittance to the Beach Club on July 4 will be by ticket only to receive access wristbands. At 3 PM, if wristbands have not been redeemed, open spots will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis. Click here for more info.

For details about the July 4th Fireworks in San Clemente, please click here.

Presented by Doheny Blues Festival and the City of Dana Point. The Saturday, July 14 concert features two bands, Pyromania (The Def Leppard Experience) at 3 PM, and Aeromyth (The Ultimate Tribute to Aerosmith) at 4:30 PM. Refreshments and food available for purchase. For more info, click here.

• Participated in the AQMD Refinery Committee meeting.
• Participated in the OCTA Board of Directors meeting and presented commendations to the OCTA Teen Council.
• Chaired the Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting and presented commendations the the credential recipients of the CSAC Institute for Excellence in County Government program.
• Participated in the OCFA Board of Directors meeting.

At the Board of Supervisors meeting with the credential recipients of the CSAC Institute for Excellence in County Government program.

At the OCTA Board meeting, presenting commendations to the OCTA Teen Council.

• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the 25th anniversary of Peter Blake Gallery in Laguna Beach.
• Observed the Lunch at the Library program at San Juan Capistrano Library.
• Presented a proclamation to Bob Hill in honor of his retirement as General Manager of El Toro Water District after 45 years with ETWD.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Gateway Shopping Center in Mission Viejo.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for At Home in Foothill Ranch.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Sydnee's Pet Grooming in Mission Viejo.
• Presented a proclamation to Debbie Newman, immediate past CEO of the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce, in honor of her retirement after 30 years with the Chamber. More on this in next week's newsletter!

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, with former 5th District Supervisor Tom Wilson, presenting a proclamation to Debbie Newman of the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce.

With various elected officials and water agency directors at the retirement ceremony for Bob Hill of El Toro Water District.

Presenting a certificate of recognition to Laguna Beach Councilman Peter Blake in honor of the 25th anniversary of his art gallery in Laguna.

At the ribbon cutting for the Gateway Center in Mission Viejo.
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)

At the ribbon cutting for At Home in Foothill Ranch.
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)

At the ribbon cutting for Sydnee's Pet Grooming in Mission Viejo.