I was honored to have been unanimously elected by my California county supervisor peers to serve as President of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) at the Annual Conference in San Francisco earlier this month.

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.

CSAC, which celebrated its 125th anniversary at our early December conference, represents the state’s 58 counties while working with the California Legislature, administrative agencies and the federal government. The organization strives to educate the public about the value and need for county programs and services.

Giving my CSAC President acceptance speech.

I am truly humbled and honored to serve as the 2020 CSAC President. I, along with my fellow officers, want to create an atmosphere where not only our constituents understand our role, but we can also work with our local, state and federal governments to advance some of the critical issues every county is facing, like homelessness, mental health services, court security, and more.

Presiding over the CSAC Board of Directors meeting.

I'm pleased to have served in multiple roles with CSAC over the past two years, including as leader of the Urban Caucus, Second Vice President in 2018, and First Vice President in 2019. As a result, through my hard work and commitment to the organization and our 58 counties, I am now proud to be the 2020 CSAC President.

As part of my presidency, I will launch my “Driven to Serve” campaign to educate the governor, legislators and other stakeholders about county governance and the important, critical work county supervisors do. The campaign will showcase the vital work counties do each day and will allow counties to tell their stories clearly, concisely and effectively.

My plan also includes building deeper relationships between the urban, suburban and rural caucuses to find common ground, enabling counties to work together as a cohesive team. To start that initiative, I and First-Vice President James Gore will be attending the Rural County Representatives of California installation ceremony next month.

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

I hope to move CSAC toward a strong focus on the representative supervisors, relying on their leadership and on-the-ground expertise to address the concerns that stretch across county borders. I also look forward to working closely with all 58 counties to ensure the many services we provide for our respective constituents are carried out and protected. For more information, see the OC press release or visit the CSAC website.

As reported in my newsletter last week, the Orange County Leadership Enrichment Program provides a unique opportunity for experiential learning and professional growth for some of the County's administrative managers.

Participants will learn vital day-to-day business operations of a Board of Supervisors' District Office and how it drives the greater management of the County organization, as well as the ultimate provision of public services for the larger Orange County community. 

In addition, participants will be able to interact directly with and be mentored by elected officials and many key management staff from the County organization. They will also be able to attend and represent a Supervisor at important meetings and events throughout Orange County, as well as the broader Southern California region, where they can network and learn from leaders of numerous cities, agencies, schools and businesses. This rare opportunity gives them the ability to engage and collaborate with many different leaders throughout the County.

Dedicated solely to a Board of Supervisors' District Office, the manager will perform the duties consistent with classification and participate as a full member of the Supervisor's team for a period of up to two years. As such, prospective managers will acquire valuable insight into all aspects of the creation of public policy through hands-on experiences.

To that end, it is my great pleasure to introduce the newest member of my staff, Yasie Goebel, who came to my office through this innovative program.

My newest office staff member, Yasie Goebel.

Yasie has been a part of the County family for over 10 years, with the majority of the time been spent working for the CEO’s office in the Real Estate division. She has managed large scale projects in excess of $500,000,000.

Her favorite project involved partnering with a development team to plan, program, and design the County’s new 250,000 square foot Administration South building. “This project allowed me to meet hundreds of County staff and learn about how different departments conduct their business," said Yasie. "Learning about the mission of the different departments and how they support both the community and other County agencies reinforced the pride I have in working for the County.”

County of Orange County Administration South Building

During her two-year rotational opportunity, Yasie is looking forward to working with and learning from her new colleagues and being involved in policy making. After the rotational program, she hopes to take the experience she will gain back to the CEO’s office and continue to serve the County with newfound perspective and insight. Please join me in welcoming Yasie Goebel to my Fifth District office team!

Give yourself the gift of stress-free shopping, visiting, & holidaying. ‘Tis the season to let OC Flex drive. Relax and enjoy the holiday season with safe on-demand rides in one of our comfortable eight-person OC Flex vans. OC Flex is available in two geographic zones, including parts of Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo.

On New Year’s Eve, count on OC Flex to be your designated driver with service till 2 AM.

OC Flex is also the perfect choice for family get-togethers during winter break and for students home for the holidays. Passengers 13 and above can ride without adult accompaniment.

Thanks to some special savings, it’s a great time to ride OC Flex for less:

• First ride free - Download the OC Flex mobile app, enter coupon code FREERIDE, and receive a $4.50 credit in your account.
• Ride together and save - 50% off group rides with OC Flex mobile app. Groups must ride with the person who booked the trip. 2/$4.50, 3/$6.75, 4/$9
• Free rides with referrals - Refer a friend through the OC Flex mobile app. You both get a free ride!

Just a reminder – your fare includes unlimited rides all day within each OC Flex zone. Download the app today and enjoy the comfort and convenience of OC Flex. Find out more here.

To help Orange County residents celebrate safely, OCTA is once again offering free rides on fixed-route buses on New Year’s Eve between Tuesday, December 31st at 6 p.m. and Wednesday, January 1st at 2:30 a.m.

More than 157,000 people have taken advantage of this special free bus service since it began 17 years ago. OC Bus is one the safest and most convenient ways to get around on New Year’s Eve or any other day of the year. 

OCTA’s handy trip planner makes it easy for new and experienced riders to determine times and routes. Find the trip planner here along with a map of popular Orange County holiday destinations.

On Christmas and New Year’s Day, OC Bus will operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule. Learn more here.

Lake Forest officials cut the ribbon for their first permanent City Council Chambers Tuesday, December 17, in front of more than 150 residents, staff members and former City leaders.

The 200-seat City Council Chambers is also designed for use as a community Performing Arts Center. The Council dais slides on tracks behind a curtain, opening the space for school performances, community plays and other events.

L-R: Lake Forest City Councilman Dwight Robinson, Manager Debra Rose, Councilmen Mike James and Scott Voigts, Mayor Pro Tem Neeki Moatazedi, and Mayor Mark Tettemer cut the ribbon for their new Council Chambers.

The Performing Arts Center/Council Chambers is one of four new buildings that make up the new Lake Forest Civic Center. The campus also includes a dedicated Senior Center, Community Center and City Hall.

More than 20 years in the planning, the $73 million campus was built with developer fees, allowing the City to remain one of the largest debt-free cities in California. In addition to current City Council members and Manager Debra Rose, former elected officials – including Helen Wilson, the first Mayor when the City incorporated in 1991 – were on hand for the ribbon-cutting. Also in attendance was former City Manager Bob Dunek, who is credited with guiding the plan to collect fees from home-builders for construction of the City’s award-winning Sports Park and Civic Center.

Lake Forest city leaders, both past & present, at the ribbon cutting.

The City has leased a series of commercial offices since its incorporation. The new Civic Center – the community’s "100-Year Home," is located at 100 Civic Center Drive. After the dedication ceremony, the Council held it's inaugural meeting in its new Chambers, during which Councilwoman Neeki Moatazedi was selected to serve as Mayor for 2020 and Councilman Mike James as Mayor Pro Tem.

A public open house for the Civic Center campus is scheduled for 9 AM to noon Saturday, January 11.

The Lake Forest City Council holds its first meeting in the new Chambers.

Library patrons are now able to apply for an eCard online with OC Public Libraries. By registering for an eCard, library cardholders will receive instant access to a world of online resources, which include eBooks and eAudiobooks. This new service aims to provide greater access to library resources and makes signing up for a card fast and easy.

OC Public Libraries eCard holders will have immediate access to over 40,000 eBooks and over 29,000 eAudiobooks, perfect for enjoying while on work commutes, in the waiting room, during lunch breaks, or even on vacations and weekend trips!

Those who wish to have full service library cards can simply visit any of the 32 branches and convert their eCard into a full-service card. 

Click the image above to enlarge.

The final weekend of the Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust Festival grounds in Laguna Beach takes place Friday, December 20 through Sunday, 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.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be in Santa’s Workshop at Mission Viejo City Hall on Saturday, December 21 from 6 PM to 8 PM, greeting all with a cheerful Ho! Ho! Ho! and a peppermint candy cane. Bring your camera to take pictures of your visit! For more info, click here.

No need to stay up late New Year's Eve in Mission Viejo! Ring in the New Year with crafts, music and fun for the whole family December 31 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM in the Saddleback Room at City Hall, For more information, click here.

• Participated in the Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade.
• Chaired the Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting and adjourned in memory of former County Librarian Helen Fried.
• Participated in the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Officers' Retreat. 

With Santa at St.Timothy's Church before the Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade.

With Senator Pat Bates and the Laguna Niguel City Council and staff before the Holiday Parade.

With CUSD Board Vice President Martha McNicholas and Clerk Gila Jones before the Holiday Parade.

With the officers from Laguna Niguel American Legion Post 281.
 

With Darth Vader and friends!

With one of Santa's reindeer.

Riding in the Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade.

• Attended the Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade.
• Attended the City of Lake Forest's 100 Year Home Ribbon Cutting Celebration and Chamber Dedication.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Sterling Carpet and Flooring in Mission Viejo.

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presenting a certificate of recognition to Sterling Carpet and Flooring in Mission Viejo.

At the Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade.