This week, my staff and I, along with over 1000 volunteers across Orange County, participated in the biennial Point In Time (PIT) count of the homeless. The PIT count determines how many people are experiencing homelessness on a given night, as compared to previous counts.
Our South County deployment center, Family Assistance Ministries in San Clemente, had over 45 volunteers throughout the day, including me and my staff, who arrived Wednesday morning as early as 3 AM.
This year, using updated GIS technology, we expect to gain a better understanding of where each individual experiencing homelessness is located, whether they are a veteran, someone suffering from a mental health issue or disability, if they have children or their family with them, and what services they need.
The 2019 PIT data has yet to be compiled and we will not have final numbers until April. In the meantime, please stay tuned for updates, as we work toward a greater understanding of our homeless population and their needs.
I want to extend a heartfelt "Thank You" to all the volunteers that participated in this important undertaking. Check next week's newsletter to see a photo album of our South County PIT effort!
OC Office of Care Coordination Newsletter
The Orange County Office of Care Coordination recently published its January 2019 Newsletter regarding our continued efforts to address homelessness. In this newsletter, you can learn more about the 2019 Point In Time count, as well as the Commission to End Homelessness, the Chrysalis Center Orange County grand opening, and the Placentia Veteran's Village groundbreaking. For more information, please see the newsletter.
Each focus area includes the most recent data for indicators to assess improving or worsening trends over 10 years.
Since the future of Orange County rests in the health and well-being of our children, our annual Conditions of Children Report allows us an opportunity to assess our progress in order to ensure their future is bright. To than end, I'm pleased to report the 5th District has among the lowest obesity and child poverty rates in Orange County.
However, mental health continues to be an issue in South County, as over the last ten years, hospitalizations due to mental health issues and substance abuse among our youth have risen by 44%. For more information, please see the full Report.
Orange County Office On Aging Survey
The Orange County Office on Aging requests your assistance in completing a 10-minute needs assessment survey to identify new and current needs within Orange County’s older adult population. The focus of this assessment is to evaluate issues and perceived needs of older adults. You need not to be a senior to participate, as knowing or caring for a senior is sufficient for participation.
With your help, the Office on Aging will continue to employ collaborative partnerships and innovative programming to maximize limited resources and improve the older adult service delivery system in Orange County. To learn more about the needs assessment and see past results, click here.
OCTA 2018: The Year in Review
As the 2018 Chairwoman of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors, I'm pleased to report that from start to finish last year OCTA enhanced the quality of life in Orange County by delivering innovative transportation solutions.
January saw the kick off of the $1.9 billion I-405 Improvement Project, which will speed up commutes on 16-miles between Costa Mesa and the county line, the nation’s busiest stretch of highway.
In July, nearly 80,000 people beat traffic and parking hassles by hopping aboard the OC Fair Express. And all summer long, OCTA-funded shuttles offered easy access to beaches and popular attractions.
OC Flex, an app-based microtransit service, launched in October. The pilot project offers residents in two zones an on-demand, curb-to-curb connection with their destinations, including other transit services such as Metrolink and OC Bus.
In 2018, OC Bus 360 added later hours, more weekend options, and a college pass program that provides free bus rides for thousands of students.
In November, OCTA celebrated the OC Streetcar groundbreaking and accepted a Federal Transit Administration full-funding grant agreement of $149 million. The modern electric streetcar will offer a new transit alternative for riders in Santa Ana and Garden Grove, through the heart of Orange County.
These are just a few of the many accomplishments that kept Orange County moving in 2018 and laid the foundation for a bright future. For more information about these and other highlights, view the OCTA Accomplishments Report and Video.
A New Way to Travel at John Wayne Airport
Have you checked out the new technologies at John Wayne Airport (JWA) lately? These new tablets allow you to order food at one of the restaurants ahead of time to be picked up, check your boarding gate, and much more!
As the first of a four phase project, these interactive computers will be placed throughout the airport at multiple locations. The tablets are excellent and fun additions to make your travel experience more convenient. Stay tuned as we continue to bring more innovative technologies to JWA!
Clerk-Recorder Valentines Day Marriage Services
For those looking to tie the knot on what many consider to be the most romantic day of the year, look no further! To accommodate couples, the Orange County Clerk-Recorder will be offering extended hours at his offices throughout the county, including at the Laguna Hills Civic Center location.
The office will close at 5:30 PM instead of its normal closing hours to issue marriage licenses and perform marriage ceremonies. Valentine’s Day continues to be one of the busiest days of the year for the department and this year will be no exception, appointments will go fast!
Couples are encouraged to make an appointment for a civil marriage ceremony due to the expected high demand on this special day. Couples can make an appointment by visiting OCRecorder.com. To save time, marriage license applications can also be completed online prior to visiting their offices. Click here for more information.
Don't Miss the 2019 South County Pet Expo!
Critter Chronicles
Feline Pet of the Week: Meet Joan Jet!
Lonely Hearts Club: Free Dog Adoptions!
Adopt a Shelter Rabbit Month!
Out and About in South County
Aliso Viejo: Brave Race 5K Fun Run
The Joyful Child Foundation is excited to host their annual BRAVE RACE 5K with a Fun Run for children Saturday, February 23 at Aliso Niguel High School. Proceeds benefit The Joyful Child’s BRAVE Initiative to bring safety education to children and adults throughout Southern California. For more information, click here or the image above.
Dana Point: 2019 Festival of Whales!
The Dana Point Festival of Whales, one of Southern California’s largest and longest running celebrations, kicks-off in March with a parade and street fair in Dana Point, including four full days of events and activities. This year, the Festival will celebrate its 48th year of paying tribute to the annual migration of California gray whales past Dana Point. With so many fun and educational activities, food and entertainment for the whole family, it is no wonder the event attracts 50,000+ visitors annually to the two-weekend event. The 2019 Festival is set for the first two weekends in March (March 2, 3, 9 & 10). The Festival is free to attend; however, some events and activities require an individual ticket purchase. For more information, please click here.
This Week I
Attended the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Installation & Gala to present plaques to the outgoing board members.
Participated in the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Joint Finance & Investment Committee meeting.
Participated in the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Executive Committee meeting and the Board of Directors meeting.
Met with various newly elected City Council Members from my District, including Laguna Hills Councilwoman, Erica Pezold, Laguna Niguel Councilwoman Sandy Rains, and San Clemente City Council Members Laura Ferguson and Dan Bane.
Participated in the 2019 Point In Time (PIT) count of the homeless at the South County deployment center, Family Assistance Ministries in San Clemente.
My Staff
Presented a plaque in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Chaupain Bakery in Laguna Hills.
Presented a plaque in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for taxpros+ in San Clemente.
Presented a plaque in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Max Relax Spa in Lake Forest.
Attended the "Meet Your South County Electeds" reception hosted by the South Orange County Economic Coalition in Laguna Hills.
Attended the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce Board Installation and Gala.
Elected Officials in the Community
For questions or comments regarding my E-Newsletter, please contact my office staff at (714) 834-3550 or email my Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, at Sergio.Prince@ocgov.com.