I wanted to give you a brief update on where our County stands in terms of its potential to be removed from the State’s monitoring / watch list. To that end, we anticipate Orange County will come off the State’s monitoring list beginning tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 22. 

What does this mean?

• Tomorrow (Saturday), the countdown will begin for the County to remain off the State’s monitoring list for a period of 14 consecutive days (we anticipate Day 15 to be Sept. 6).
• It is important to note that once a county comes off the monitoring list, it is still subject to the Governor’s July 13 order with respect to business sector closures.
• Indoor operations SHALL REMAIN CLOSED until the State Health Officer modifies the Order and authorizes reopening.
• Regarding schools and the K-12 Reopening Framework, once Orange County has been off of the monitoring list 14 consecutive days, all in-person instruction can resume. 

In addition, the Orange County Health Care Agency has added a countdown clock to our data dashboard so the public can track how many days we have been off the monitoring list.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning, increasing the risk of heat related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke for those who are more sensitive to heat.

Prolonged exposure to excessive temperatures may cause serious conditions like heat exhaustion or heat stroke and can even be fatal. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting and dizziness.

Warning signs of heat stroke may include an extremely high body temperature, unconsciousness, confusion, hot and dry skin (no sweating), a rapid, strong pulse, and a throbbing headache. If symptoms of heat stroke occur, immediately call for medical assistance. Move the person to a shady area and begin cooling their body with water.

In addition, California ISO has issued a Stage 3 electrical emergency with possible rotating outages during this excessive heat event. Energy experts are asking residents and businesses to use AC early in the day, preset thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, and avoid appliance use from 3 PM to 10 PM. 
 
For more information, including recommended precautions to prevent heat related illnesses, please click here.

The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) is launching a new public service campaign designed to save lives and help Spread Positive Vibes throughout our community… instead of spreading COVID-19!

To help share the important message about staying safe, HCA enlisted the support of local celebrities, representing different parts of OC culture that people here know and love. They will be interviewed on KFI’s 640 AM Gary and Shannon Show at 11:50 AM Mondays & Wednesdays to talk about what they are up to these days and also help spread a lifesaving message about basic COVID safety in a positive, feel-good way.

Just about every local celebrity the County reached out to said YES to doing these interviews. Given everything our communities are going through with COVID-19, there’s never been a better time to spread positive vibes. We are so pleased that all of these folks are on board! For more information, click here.

My office recently completed awarding $14.5 Million in CARES Act funding to numerous small businesses and nonprofit organizations in the fabulous Fifth District through my Small Business Grant Relief Program!

The 5th District  Small Business Grant Relief Program launched June 22, providing much needed economic support of up to $10,000 in CARES Act funding grants for small businesses and nonprofits experiencing financial difficulty as a result of COVID-19. Grants were awarded to businesses in nearly every business sector.

In Laguna Hills presenting a ceremonial $10,000 check to Sheri Feinberg and her dog, Oliver, owners of Printex Printing & Graphics.

To that end, I've been pleased to visit with a number of the grant award winners at their respective place of business to present them with a ceremonial check in celebration of the occasion. Be sure to check back as I continue to share more photos with additional grant award winners from the 5th District.

To view our current photo album with grant award winners receiving the ceremonial check, click here. To view a list of all of the 5th District grant award winners, click here.

The County of Orange recently launched our new SafeDineOC COVID-Safe Restaurant Campaign to incentivize Orange County restaurants to follow California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Restaurant owners may apply for a $1,000 grant per Orange County restaurant location for taking steps to create a COVID-safe environment for their customers and employees. The grant will reimburse restaurants for purchases of personal protective equipment including face masks, cleaning products, employee training and costs for physical distancing of tables and chairs, etc.

The SafeDineOC campaign is sponsored by the County of Orange and managed by Orange County Business Council (OCBC), which will handle intake and approval of all restaurant applications as well as disbursement of the $1,000 grants to restaurant owners. Through its comprehensive database of restaurants, the OC Health Care Agency will ensure the promotion of the campaign to all restaurant owners in the County.

Restaurants that apply and are approved will be added to a list of COVID-safe eateries organized by city that will be available to consumers on the SafeDineOC website. This online resource will enable the public to see which restaurants offer a safe dining experience in Orange County.

The application form is in multiple languages and OCBC staff is available to answer questions. More information about the program may be found at www.safedineoc.com.

Maintaining consumer confidence in the restaurant industry is critical to helping businesses stay afloat during these challenging times. When customers visit a restaurant, they want to be confident that it is clean and in compliance with County health and safety guidelines. The safety and protection of restaurant workers, and the customers they serve, is paramount to stopping the spread of COVID-19.

Restaurants that apply for the program must meet all qualifications which will be verified by OCBC. Funds will be distributed within 45 days. All restaurants must submit receipts for CARES ACT-qualified purchases for final reimbursement grant payment on purchases made March 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020.

Dining establishments that have already applied and been awarded the #SafeDineOC $1,000 grant are being featured on running list of restaurants that create a safe environment for their staff and patrons! To view the current list of these COVID-Safe Restaurants, please click here.

Click the image above to enlarge.

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has announced a new advertising and community outreach campaign encouraging Orange County residents impacted by COVID-19 to care for their mental health by reaching out and seeking support.

Specifically, the campaign directs residents to free County of Orange resources available to the community, including those listed on www.ocgov.com/covid and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Warmline (877-910-9276) for immediate mental health support.

Supporting HCA’s mission to protect and promote the health and well-being of the community, the What You Feel Is Real campaign is focused on helping Orange County community members cope with the stresses and disruptions they face because of COVID-19.

By offering direct links and phone numbers for support, the campaign empowers residents with the information necessary to take the next step in managing their own mental health care. 

The campaign does an excellent job of reminding the community that they are not alone. By taking the first step and reaching out for help, we can all be stronger and healthier together during these unprecedented times.

Last week, the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to designate August 24 as "Kobe Bryant Day," the day after the legendary Los Angeles Lakers superstar would have turned 42.

Kobe, who was a beloved Orange County resident and an inspiration to so many individuals throughout the world, died in a helicopter crash in January along with his daughter, Gianna, and seven others, all of whom will be commemorated August 24, a date that evokes his former jersey numbers... 8 and 24.

Kobe with his daughter, Gianna.

The Board resolution also names the other passengers who died in the crash: Orange Coast College basketball coach John Altobelli, his wife, Keri, and daughter, Alyssa; Harbor Day School basketball coach Christina Mauser; Payton Chester, a basketball teammate of Gianna, and her mother, Sarah; and pilot Ara Zobayan. May they all rest in peace.

Additionally, the resolution states the goal of Kobe Bryant Day is to encourage people to further his legacy by encouraging aspiring youth to follow their dreams and live by Kobe's own words: "The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” Kobe will be greatly missed.

OC Fire Watch volunteers are a dedicated group specially trained to deter arson activity, ensure early fire detection and provide public education about fire danger. Fire Watch volunteers are not trained as firefighters, but provide an important component to prevent destructive wildfires.

The OC Fire Watch network is deployed during Red Flag conditions when there is a high fire risk. Red Flag Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service during periods of high temperature, low humidity and high winds.

OC Fire Watch volunteers are deployed to high visibility areas posts, where ignition sources are likely, and widely distributed near wilderness open spaces throughout the OC Parks system. Posts are typically covered by two volunteers in four hour shifts.

Are you eligible to become an OC Fire Watcher? For more information, click here.

Presenting a certificate of recognition to retired U.S. Army Captain James Gordon McDonald in honor of his 100-year birthday.

This week, I had the pleasure of presenting a certificate of recognition to retired U.S. Army Captain James Gordon McDonald of San Clemente in honor of his 100-year birthday. In addition, The San Clemente Police and Fire departments joined the neighborhood in the centennial celebration in honor of Capt. McDonald. 

James Gordon McDonald was born August 18, 1920, as the son of an Army General. As a high school student, he lived on base at Presidio in San Francisco, next door to General Omar Bradley, where he remembers watching the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge and walking across on the day of its opening.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he joined the U.S. Army and was initially placed in the Cavalry, which was rapidly becoming mechanized. He would ultimately transfer to Korea, where he retired with the rank of Captain.

Captain McDonald attributes his secret to living to 100 was to always have bacon for breakfast! Happy Centennial Birthday to Captain James Gordon McDonald, and thank you so much for your meritorious service to our great nation!

OC Health Care Agency (HCA) officials have confirmed Orange County’s first pediatric death related to COVID-19 — a female in her teens with significant underlying medical conditions.

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. For more information, please click here.

The OC Health Care Agency continues to release daily COVID-19 case counts in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 45,308 positive cumulative cases and 882 deaths, as well as 397 currently hospitalized with 117 in ICU.

Please be advised that city data is reflective of where cases live, not necessarily where transmission occurred. Additionally, city numbers should not be interpreted to reflect where transmission is geographically focused or not, as COVID-19 is present in all communities in Orange County.

Case counts are also not reflective of all disease transmission in any given community because testing is prioritized for those at greatest risk or most sick. Asymptomatic and persons with mild disease may not be reflected due to not being tested.

Because transmission occurs throughout the County, it is important for all residents to practice social-distancing as directed by the Governor and the Orange County Health Officer regardless of the case count in their city. Doing so will help to reduce the spread of infection, ease the burden on our hospitals and healthcare system, as well as protect those most vulnerable in our county.

The Orange County COVID-19 Data Dashboard uses a GIS mapping software platform to display data charts, graphs and maps. Specific data is available for viewing in both a Desktop Version as well as a Mobile Version.

Please visit the COVID-19 Data Dashboard and select the Desktop Version or the Mobile Version to view additional information on Orange County COVID-19 cases; then click the tabs at the bottom of the webpage to view specific data charts, graphs and maps.

Posing the question - “Could it be COVID?” - the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) has launched a multifaceted community outreach and advertising initiative aimed at the County’s most vulnerable populations – people who can’t get COVID-19 testing from their health care providers or may not have insurance.

Partnering with community health centers that are performing FDA-approved PCR testing, HCA's COVID-19 testing network has now grown to nearly 20 locations throughout Orange County, where people with symptoms can get a FREE PCR test, the most reliable testing available to detect current infection. In addition, four Optum Serve test locations and more than 30 private providers now offer no-cost testing.

Orange County residents can click here or call the HCA Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448 to make an appointment at a nearby test site. Next day or same day appointments are available. Testing priority is given to people with symptoms, as well as asymptomatic individuals who are health care workers, first responders, social services employees, or those who are or may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.  

Focusing on symptoms of COVID-19 - such as coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever, chills, shaking, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell - County ads feature images of people coughing, holding their head, and blowing their nose with the simple premise that you can get the answers you need with FREE COVID-19 testing.

To view our Board of Supervisors Toolkit, click here or below.

Click the image above for more info.

Many of you are at home working or self-isolating and spending more time on the internet. Unfortunately, thieves are taking advantage of this situation and coming up with new and innovative ways to separate you from your money. Now would be a good time to educate yourself on the various ploys used by scammers for COVID-19.

Additionally, a large-scale coronavirus scam has erupted, as impostors are filing claims for unemployment benefits using names of people who have not filed claims. Victims learn about the fraud when they get a notice from their state unemployment benefits office or employer about their supposed application for benefits.

Sadly, people exploiting older adults are often family members or other trusted people who are handling the financial affairs of an incapacitated parent, relative or friend. As such, caregivers and assisted living and nursing facilities can also work together to help protect elderly residents from financial exploitation, both during the pandemic and after life returns to a new normal.

Lastly, if you’re having trouble paying your rent during the coronavirus pandemic, there are relief options and protections available for many renters.    

As the spread and far reaching impacts of COVID-19 continue to dominate the world news, we have all witnessed and experienced the parallel spread of worry, anxiety, and uncertainty. The way to overcome this natural tendency is to build our mental resilience, the ability to refocus, clear our minds, and discard negative thoughts.

Here's what you can do...

1) Remember that knowledge is power. Understanding the factors that affect a person’s immune response to COVID-19 will matter as much as, or more than, understanding the virus. There is great information available on the Orange County Health Care Agency's new What You Feel is Real webpage, 

2) Don’t accept everything you read or hear. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information and frequent updates on the COVID-19’s spread, severity, risk assessment, etc., on the CDC's website. 

3) Get your emotional support system in place:

• Maintain familiar routines in daily life as much as possible; take care of your basic needs and employ helpful coping strategies; rest during work or between shifts, eat healthy food and engage in physical activity.
• Stay connected with friends and family, even virtually connected, and maintain your social networks.
• Have the emails and phone numbers of close friends and family handy.

4) Take control, incorporate preventative measures:

• See the CDC’s list of preventative measures.
• The constant stream of news reports can cause anyone to feel anxious or distressed. Instead, seek updates and practical guidelines at intervals during the day.
• Be supportive to others. Assisting others in their time of need can benefit the person receiving support as well as the helper.

If you or a loved one are feeling anxiety, worry or fear related to the social disruption caused by COVID-19, you can also reach out to these resources for support:

• Call (855) OC-LINKS or visit the OC Links website Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM to talk or chat with a trained clinical navigator.
• The NAMI Warmline is also here to provide non-crisis support for anyone struggling with mental health concerns Monday through Friday from from 9 AM to 3 AM, and Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 3 AM. Call (877) 910-WARM or visit www.namioc.org.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Download the NAMI HelpLine Coronavirus Information and Resources Guide
• American Psychological Association (APA) ‘Building Your Resilience’

Enjoy a FREE live-stream event Friday, August 21 at 6:00 PM on AlertTheGlobe.com. The show, taking place at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, will feature THE BLACK CROWES REVIVAL (Tribute to The Black Crowes)

MacGillivray Freeman Films, based in Laguna Beach, has the inspiration you need for your next outdoor adventure! 

For the next episode of their short-film series Playgrounds, professional climbers Conrad Anker and Manoah Ainuu travel to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to show young bull rider Seth Wilson how to climb a rock wall, but this cowboy sure kept his cowboy hat on! Watch Rock Climbing Wyoming.

Click the image above to watch "Rock Climbing Wyoming."

The Ocean Institute, located in beautiful Dana Point Harbor, has announced it will host its first Virtual Maritime Festival, a multi-layered interactive and educational event, culminating with a three-day global stream marathon September 11-13.

Replacing the annual Tall Ships Festival, Ocean Institute sees the new virtual event as an annual festival moving forward. The inaugural Ocean Institute Maritime Festival will be complimentary to all participants, with the goal to further education in all things maritime!

Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach recently launched its first digital exhibit, foaVIRTUAL, featuring a wide variety of media, including paintings, photography, printmaking, sculpture, jewelry, handcrafted wood and furniture, ceramics, glass and more. Enjoy reading the artists' bios and learn more about their careers in art!

Festival of Arts has also launched foaTV, an online library of videos created for the fans of the Fine Art Show and Pageant of the Masters to help the community stay connected while also encouraging the appreciation, study and performance of the arts.

Lastly, you can experience great art from celebrated museums around the globe virtually through the magic of tableaux vivants (or living pictures), as Festival of Arts previously launched #TourDePageant, showcasing past Pageant of the Masters re-creations, with real people posing as works of art. This art-stopping online initiative offers a unique look into some of the most famous museums in the world, all from the comfort of your home.

With society masking-up and practicing social distancing, the arts are needed now more than ever. To that end, Festival of Arts hopes their online initiatives, including foaVIRTUAL, foaTV and #TourDePageant will enrich, entertain and inspire you during this challenging time.

The Irvine Barclay Theatre continues to find and share FREE online events that are of interest during these challenging times, including Carousel - Rogers and Hammerstein's second Broadway outing that opened in the spring of 1945 and starred Orange County's very own John Raitt.

Carousel was hailed by Time Magazine as “the best musical of the 20th Century.“ The New York Philharmonic presents a stunning staged production of this iconic American work, featuring a star-studded cast and New York City Ballet dancers. For more information, click here.

Click the image above to watch Carousel.

Even though Pacific Symphony has temporarily suspended live concerts in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall as a public health precaution, the Symphony will stay in touch online, serving up culture and entertainment. Their Watch+Listen page provides you with a central overview for all the Symphony’s offerings online!

Pacific Symphony performing with Pacific Chorale.

Laguna Art Museum (LAM) hopes you are well and safe at home. While LAM is temporarily closed, they are working remotely to offer art and inspiration online. We believe art has the power to connect us, and we hope that you will enjoy these new ways to stay connected with Laguna Art Museum,

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens in San Clemente is the historic home of Ole Hansen, the founder of the city of San Clemente, Casa Romantica invites you to Live Virtually @ the Casa and enjoy world-class arts and culture in your home with highlighted Casa virtual artists and activities. For more information, click here.

With the City of Laguna Beach officially canceling many summer events due to COVID-19, the Laguna Beach Sister Cities Association live-streamed the 2020 Laguna Beach Virtual Fête de la Musique held Saturday, June 20.

For the past several years, my office has been a proud sponsor of the annual Fête de la Musique in Laguna Beach. As such, I invite you to watch their 2020 Virtual Fête. For more information, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above to watch the Fête again!

Laguna Playhouse brings you their "Play-at-Home" series, designed to keep you connected to the Playhouse artists you love, and some more fun stuff to pass the time while your at home. For more information, click here.

Sunset Serenades from your Sofa is a new virtual video series. The Laguna Beach Arts Commission postponed the May and June concert series due to COVID-19, but the musicians still wanted to give the community a personal message.

The Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association (DSBIA) provides links to various websites to enjoy At Home Learning opportunities supporting the goals and mission of DSBIA and the California State Parks. These sites offer enrichment of subjects and provide information in a topic of personal interest for both children and adults. For more information, click here.

Mission San Juan Capistrano invites all to visit their Digital Resource Center (DRC) for continued ways to experience, learn, and interact with the Mission through many digital events and video tours. For more information, click here.

If you can’t come to Ocean Institute in beautiful Dana Point Harbor, we want to bring Ocean Institute to you! A variety of topics will be covered, including ocean science, ocean conservation, and maritime history. Lessons include a video resource and an educational activity for you to try at home. For more information, click here.

OC Public Libraries (OCPL) recently announced its new Virtual Programs webpage, as OCPL staff worked hard to create some amazing digital content. To that end, OCPL has dozens of virtual programs published on social media (with dozens more in their backlog ready to be published!) and our communities are responding positively to the new way we are providing service.

This site is updated regularly. For more information, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above for more info.