Today, September 11, is Patriot Day and a National Day of Remembrance. On this day, Americans across the country are called upon to pay tribute to the individuals lost and injured in the 9/11/01 attacks, including the countless brave first responders who risked their lives to save others, and the many who have risen in service to our defend freedom.

On this solemn day, please join me as we pause and remember the hijacked-plane attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and near Shanksville, PA - reshaping American policy, as well as our perceptions of safety and daily life in places from airports to office buildings. We will never forget!

John Wayne Airport’s K-9 Ambassadors and their handlers in the AirPAWS Therapy Dog Program are excited to be back in the Terminal, welcoming guests and making travel a lot less “ruff” and a lot more “PAWs-itive.”

Through a partnership with OC Animal Allies, certified AirPAWS K-9s and their handlers will roam the Thomas F. Riley Terminal and interact with guests as they wait for their departing flight. Research shows that contact with therapy dogs can provide physical and mental health benefits, including reduced anxiety, diminished pain, and lowered blood pressure in addition to providing comfort and aiding in relaxation.

AirPAWS handlers will wear a face covering and practice Healthy Travels measures implemented throughout the Terminal following County and State guidelines to protect the health and safety of all passengers and guests. To learn more about the ways that we have upgraded our clean and safe to cleaner and safer, please view our Healthy Travels video or www.ocair.com/covid19.

The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) recently concluded two weeks of virtual proceedings in place of an in-person National Convention to elect a new National Board for the next biennium.

In addition, I was deeply honored to have been selected by JACL during their National Convention as as one of only two winners of the coveted Japanese American of the Biennium Award. For Japanese American of the Biennium in the areas of politics, public affairs, and law, I was nominated by the JACL Pacific Southwest District and awarded for my years of public service in Orange County.

“We will be formally awarding the honorees at the 2021 National Convention,” JACL said. “On behalf of the JACL national staff, we want to congratulate the awardees for all their work and contributions to the Japanese American community.”

I am humbled to have been chosen to receive the 2020 Japanese American of the Biennium Award and am grateful to JACL for this honor.

The County of Orange has launched of a new “Earn and Learn” program, an innovative workforce model offered to prepare Orange County’s youth for future business and life skills while earning wages.

The “Earn and Learn” program will be offered through the County’s Ready S.E.T. Orange County (OC) Initiative and is designed to assist youth in making a successful transition to unsubsidized employment, post-secondary education, military, apprenticeship or trade placement to ensure self-sufficiency and a long-term positive employment outlook.

Youth enrolled in the “Earn and Learn” program will earn wages for participating in occupational skills training; financial literacy; leadership development, which includes peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social behaviors during non-school hours; mentoring; and entrepreneurship.

Youth ages 14-21 will also have the opportunity to undergo a unique 10-week Entrepreneurship Academy delivered online. The courses will be delivered live by instructors with professional business experience who guide students through the process of turning a skill or idea into a venture. Students will learn the fundamentals of business and graduate with a prototype, business plan, and venture pitch.

The first academy for the “Earn and Learn” program began August 31, and enrollment will be on a quarterly first-come, first-served basis. Students will be able to choose among various days and times for their weekly classes. To sign up, students must be enrolled in the Ready S.E.T. OC Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program. To review eligibility criteria or to sign up for the Ready S.E.T. OC WIOA Youth Program, click here.

The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) recently launched a 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.

The County's SafeDineOC COVID-Safe Restaurant Campaign is designed 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 from March 1 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.

I had the great pleasure today of presenting Dr. Daniel Habuki a proclamation in honor of his retirement after twenty-seven years of distinguished service as the Founding President of Soka University of America. 

Presenting a proclamation to Dr. Daniel Habuki next to the stunning, new Marie and Pierre Curie Hall at SUA.

Soka University of America (SUA) is a nationally renowned private, nonprofit, four-year liberal arts college and graduate school located on 103 pristine acres in Aliso Viejo. Under Dr. Habuki’s direction, SUA grew from a small graduate program in the 1990s to one of the Top 30 Liberal Arts Colleges in the nation and Top 5 in California in 2020.

Soka University in Aliso Viejo.

SUA is highly committed to providing students with an educational opportunity that fosters love for humankind, develops character, provides an intellectual basis for the realization of peace, and empowers learners to contribute to and improve society. 

Daniel Habuki, President Emeritus, Soka University of America.

Upon his retirement, Dr. Habuki was named President Emeritus by the SUA Board of Trustees in recognition of his sincere and heartfelt leadership. I wish Daniel a very healthy and happy retirement and continued success in all future endeavors!

The OC Health Care Agency continues to release daily COVID-19 case counts in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 50,613 positive cumulative cases and 1,081 deaths, as well as 223 currently hospitalized with 65 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.

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.    

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) recently launched an 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.

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’

The Ocean Institute, located in beautiful Dana Point Harbor, 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 their 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!

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

In episode two of their short-form series America’s Treasures - Musical Cities, we travel to Chicago, everyone's favorite Midwestern cultural hub. Meet jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis and Chicago footwork pioneers Eddie Martin Jr. and Donetta Jackson, who show us it really is possible to dance to 160 beats per minute. Watch here!

Click the image above to watch Americas Treasures: Musical Cities - Chicago.

South Coast Repertory (SCR) commUNITY’s exploration of the legacy, history and family lineage of la comida continues Monday, Sept. 14, with an original radio play to thrill your senses.

Ten Dollar Taco, written by Juliette Carrillo with music and sound by David R. Molina, is part fantasy, part adventure and part archeological dig. This exciting new work explores the playwright’s growing connection to the culinary artistry of her Mexican and Californian heritage.

Ten Dollar Taco will be released Monday, Sept. 14 and remain available for listening through Sunday, Sept. 20, accessible on multiple platforms including SCR’s YouTube channel and the SCR Podcast, and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Ten Dollar Taco is free and reservations will be taken through Sunday, Sept. 13. You need only one (1) ticket, regardless of how many streaming devices your household will be using. Reserve ahead of time so they may email links directly to you on the day it is released!

Click the image above for more info.

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.

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 of the Symphony’s offerings online! Check back regularly as new musical experiences are always being added!

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.

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.

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.