This week, I was honored to have been elected to serve as President of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) at their Annual Meeting in San Francisco. As the leader of the Urban caucus, it has been a pleasure serving as a CSAC Officer for the past two years, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be the 2020 President.

L-R: Being sworn-in as CSAC President by LA County Supervisor Mark Thomas, along with the other 2020 officers - Past President Virginia Bass, 1st Vice President James Gore, and 2nd Vice President Ed Valenzuela.

Being elected President of CSAC is an extraordinary achievement for Orange County, as our county has not served as President of the organization for 70 years.

Giving my CSAC President acceptance speech.

The CSAC Annual Conference is one of my favorite events of the year, as County Supervisors, Administrators, and Department heads throughout the state gather to discuss the most pressing issues each of our counties face.

Presiding over the CSAC Board of Directors meeting.

One of the best realizations from conference exercises and workshops is that regardless of the geography, population, or location of each county, we all deal with many of the same issues, such as homelessness and resiliency, which County leaders are working on daily across the state. We hear from other counties on innovative ways they are handing some of these issues and can all learn from one another through our respective experiences.

I am pleased to continue on this leadership journey with CSAC and look forward to advocating on behalf of Orange County and the state’s 57 other counties in both Sacramento and Washington, DC. The role Counties play is often overlooked and that is no longer acceptable. The many services we provide our constituents daily is important and necessary. As such, we need the support from our state and federal leaders to ensure those services are carried out and protected.

With the County of Orange delegation that attended my CSAC President swearing-in ceremony.

I want to thank all of the County of Orange department leaders and staff, including my fellow Supervisors and CEO Frank Kim, who have continuously supported my efforts with CSAC and helped me achieve this role. I could not do this work without you. I am extremely honored to have been elected President by my County Supervisor colleagues from across the state and look forward to working with each of our counties and CSAC in 2020!

Tuesday, December 10, is the last day to timely pay these property taxes. Payments must be made online, received in the Orange County Treasurer-Tax-Collector's (TTC) office or have a USPS postmark dated on or before December 10. 

The fastest, easiest and most secure method is to pay online at ocgov.com.com using our eCheck payment option (bank account) 24/7 by midnight on the 10th. Taxpayers receive same-day credit, can print or receive a receipt by email, save time and money (eCheck is free) by paying on the TTC's secure payment page. 

Taxpayers can also mail in their payment (recommend getting it hand stamped by the USPS), visit us in person at the County Service Center by 5 p.m. (parking is not validated), or drop their payment in the TTC's new 24/7 depository dropbox on Ross Street by midnight.  If you have questions, you can email ttcinfo@ttc.ocgov.com or call 714-834-3411.

On Christmas, Metrolink will offer a $10 Holiday discounted ticket good for unlimited rides throughout the system that day, making it even more affordable for Southern California residents to take Metrolink to beaches and visit family and friends.

Metrolink will operate on a Sunday schedule Christmas day. The Sunday schedule includes service on the Antelope Valley, San Bernardino, Orange County, 91/Perris Valley and Inland Empire-Orange County lines. Metrolink trains will not operate on the Ventura County Line, the Riverside Line nor to the four stations on the Perris Valley Line extension.

The $10 Holiday ticket can be bought on the Metrolink Mobile App or at Ticket Vending Machines at Metrolink Stations found under "special ticket options."

Relax and let someone else do the driving as you enjoy the holidays! On Christmas and New Year’s Day, OC Bus will operate on a Sunday schedule. View the holiday schedules here and download them from the Bus Book.

New to OC Bus? Get two free passes, learn how to ride, and download the OC Bus mobile app here.

Inspired by its rich heritage, natural scenery, and stunning architecture, the late landscape artist Sigrid “Jan” Mecklenburg was drawn to paint the “Jewel of the California Missions,” also known as the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano. Her artwork is currently on display in the John Wayne Airport Community Focus Space through December 17.

Rich in California’s multi-cultural history, Mission San Juan Capistrano welcomes visitors both locally and from afar to what’s often referred to as the birthplace of Orange County. Travelers, students, and history enthusiasts alike who travel through John Wayne Airport are sure to enjoy Jan Mecklenburg’s vibrant work.

Feeling encouraged to paint by her surroundings in Trabuco Canyon, nature served as an inspiration for many of Mecklenburg’s paintings. With a short drive from home, she spent many days at Mission San Juan Capistrano, where she painted multiple scenes depicting how the mission looked in the past and present, always including flowers and beautiful skies.

Mecklenburg died from breast cancer in October 2017. Her exhibit may be viewed (pre-security) on the Departure (upper) Level near security screening areas in Terminals A, B, and C and on the Arrival (lower) Level adjacent to Baggage Carousels 1 and 4. For more information, click here.

The Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust Festival grounds in Laguna Beach takes place Saturdays & Sundays through December 22. This annual holiday event features 180 artists and craft makers, 3 stages of live music, holiday-themed festival classes and ceramics, art demonstrations, daily visits with Santa, Christmas carolers, a petting zoo, marionette shows, falling snow, thousands of lights and decorations for your perfect festive photo ops, outdoor cafes and saloon, and much more! Click here for more information.

The Drive-Thru Nativity in Mission Viejo has been a FREE community Christmas tradition since 1994!

Don't miss this life-size retelling of the Christmas Story on December 6 & 7 from the comfort of your own car, complete with live actors and animals, including narration through your car radio! You can also enjoy the Drive-Thru Nativity on foot, just park nearby and walk-thru! Bring the whole family to this FREE annual event at Mount of Olives Church, a community Christmas tradition since 1994! For more information, please click here.

Ho, Ho, Ho! Santa will be arriving December 7 at the Laguna Hills Community Center for a morning full of holiday fun! Join us for a special celebration complete with a scrumptious breakfast, photos with Santa, and holiday crafts! Children and adults must register/pay to attend this event. Click here for more information.

"Puttin' On The Glitz" in San Clemente takes place December 7 on the 100 & 200 blocks of Avenida Del Mar from 5 PM to 9 PM. Enjoy an evening of shopping, dining and local entertainment, including a visit with Santa Claus, Christmas carolers, a beer & wine garden, train rides for the kids, and many more holiday treats. Click here for more info.

• Participated in the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Regional Planning and Highways Committee meeting,
• Participated in the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Annual Meeting in San Francisco and was elected to serve as 2020 CSAC President.

Being sworn-in to serve as 2020 CSAC President.

With the County of Orange delegation that attended my CSAC President swearing-in ceremony.

L-R: With members of my office staff that was able to attend my swearing-in ceremony - Megan Dutra, Pauline Colvin, Sara May, Doug Woodyard, Yasie Goebel, and James Dinwiddie. 

• Attended my swearing-in ceremony for 2020 CSAC President.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Staples Spotlight Space in Rancho Santa Margarita.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for The Coder School in Mission Viejo.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Majestic’s Asian Eatery in Lake Forest.

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, at the ribbon cutting for Staples Spotlight Space in RSM.
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)

At the ribbon cutting for The Coder School in Mission Viejo.
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)

At the ribbon cutting for Majestic’s Asian Eatery in Lake Forest.
(Photo courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)