With flu season now upon us, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is already anticipating the potentially devastating effects of a double whammy of influenza and COVID-19 cases hitting in the fall and winter months and urges everyone to get a flu shot.

Recognizing all of the things that people are worried about, such as paying bills and dealing with the stress of social isolation due to COVID-19, the County is launching a flu vaccine campaign designed to encourage people to get their flu shot so they have one less thing to think about. The tag line is “Don’t worry about the flu, too!”

According to a Centers for Disease Control study of the 2018-19 flu season, of people 19 years of age and older,
48.7% of White people received flu shots, while only 39.4% of Black people and 37.1% of Hispanics received the vaccine. 44% of Asian people were vaccinated. A study conducted in Orange County of the 2015-16 flu season produced very similar breakdowns in people vaccinated.

The flu vaccine will be available as a shot or mist form at the Family Health Clinics by appointment only, 8 AM - 11:30 AM and 1 PM - 4 PM, Monday - Friday. Clinics are closed 11:30 AM - 1 PM. People who live in the County should call 1-800-914-4887 for an appointment. There will also be flu pop-up clinics throughout the community that will be listed here.

The similarities in symptoms between the flu and COVID-19 are startling. Our website features a lot of important resources about the similarities and differences between the two illnesses, as well as treatment and prevention. In order to mitigate the spread of the flu, I urge people to read these materials and get the shot as soon as possible!

As part of the SafeDineOC Restaurant Program, the Orange County Board of Supervisors has allocated $10 million in Federal CARES Act funding to support local restaurants that are safely reopening.

Restaurants are eligible for up to $5,000 in reimbursements for CARES Act-qualified purchases, such as masks, gloves, and other personal protective equipment (PPE), site reconfiguration, employee training, cleaning supplies, etc.

The application period for the grant program ends October 16 or whenever funding is fully allocated, whichever occurs first.

If there are multiple, separate site restaurants under one owner, each restaurant location may apply for up to $5,000 in grant funds. Restaurants must submit a separate application for each location.

Restaurants must acknowledge in writing that grant funds will be spent only on CARES Act-qualified purchases for final reimbursement grant payment. Receipts for purchases made March 1, 2020 to December 30, 2020 are acceptable and must be maintained by grant recipient for 5 years from December 30, 2020.

Approved restaurants participating in the SafeDineOC program must post their attestation in plain sight for their customers and will also have their name featured on this website.

For more information, please click here. If you need assistance with the online application or have additional questions, please email SafeDineOC@ocbc.org.

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 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 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 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.

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 OC Health Care Agency continues to release daily COVID-19 case counts in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 51,646 positive cumulative cases and 1,123 deaths, as well as 201 currently hospitalized with 64 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.

Join experts from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Administration for Community Living at Health and Human Services (HHS) for a FREE webinar Tuesday, October 6 from 11 AM to 12 PM (PST).

The FTC will begin the program with an overview of coronavirus-related scams targeting older adults. The CFPB will share resources to help older adults avoid financial distress due to the pandemic.

HHS will conclude the webinar with a discussion of the role of the aging network, including Adult Protective Services, legal services attorneys and Long-term Care Ombudsman program experts. The panelists will share government resources for aging service providers and older consumers.

The webinar presenters include:

• Hilary Dalin – HHS, Administration for Community Living
• Lisa Weintraub Schifferle – CFPB, Office for Older Americans
• Colleen Tressler – FTC, Division of Consumer and Business Education

Register here!  

The OC Health Care Agency's (HCA) community outreach campaign encourages 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 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, last weekend concluded its first Virtual Maritime Festival, a multi-layered interactive and educational event. 

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 was complimentary to all participants, with the goal to further education in all things maritime.

Click here to view all of the live interviews and content from the amazing weekend! To view the Festival's YouTube Playlist, click here.

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

In episode three of their short-form series America’s Treasures - Musical Cities, we're dropped directly into the heart of Miami’s eclectic music scene. Catch up with Emily Estefan, daughter of famed Cuban singer Gloria Estefan, and discover the roots of Miami’s musical styles, from cumbia to salsa to merengue. Don’t be surprised if this leaves you wanting to book a one-way ticket to this musical hot spot!  Watch here!

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

Click the image above fto RSVP.

Moulton Niguel Water District (MNWD) is host its first Virtual Community Forum Thursday, September 24 at 11:30 AM. Join MNWD to learn how they've reimagined their operations and what they have planned to keep their communities engaged and informed moving forward. RSVP here and they will be in touch with more information.

Enjoy this FREE event, Toy Story 4, Saturday, September 26 at 7:15 PM (gates open at 6:30 PM) at Del Obispo Park Ball Field, 34052 Del Obispo St., Dana Point. Seating is limited seating. Preregistration is REQUIRED 48 hours prior to each date. To register or for more information, click here.

Laguna Beach Community Clinic is bringing their 4th Annual SALSA SUNDAY Cuban Salsa Concert to you via live stream. Safely socialize with family and friends while enjoying this fun community event, featuring the sizzling sound of LA’s Changüí Majadero and mesmerizing moves of professional salsa dancer Kati Hernandez! For more information, click here.

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 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 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) has a 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 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.