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 activated 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. For more information, click here.

This week, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an item sponsored by Supervisor Do and myself, which establishes an Office of Suicide Prevention within our Health Care Agency.

Mental Health has always been a priority of mine. In 2018, the County allocated $600,000 to create a countywide suicide prevention initiative with the goal of increasing awareness and accessibility to resources, hosting community educational events, and reducing suicide in Orange County. Since then, our Health Care Agency, in partnership with Mind OC, has been working to gather data about suicide within Orange County, securing information on current resources available through the County and our non-profit and religious based partners, and identifying the needs to fill in the gaps.

All of that work has been put together in a Progress Report, titled Community Suicide Prevention Initiative, which includes a pilot program to focus on some of our most at-risk communities, such as youth and young adults, men in their middle years, and older adults. The goal of this initiative, which will be executed through the new Office of Suicide Prevention, is to create a system of preventative care and recovery by bringing hope, connection, and purpose to those who may be at risk of suicide.

Some of these resources and programs will tie in perfectly with our Be Well OC campus initiative and we will have the opportunity to increase these efforts further within the campuses structure.

As COVID-19 continues to impact our daily lives, it is important we work toward implementing these programs and adding resources now, which is why the creation of the Office of Suicide Prevention is so necessary. This new office will have the capability of combining the efforts of many departments within the County family to achieve the goal of ending suicide in Orange County.

I look forward to the work the Office of Suicide Prevention will be able to accomplish to help some of our most vulnerable and at-risk populations. To view the Community Suicide Prevention Initiative, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above to view the Progress Report.

As a member of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors, I'm pleased to report we are conducting a transportation study that will consider transportation needs of residents, commuters, and visitors in south Orange County.

During the next 25 years, the population in South County is anticipated to grow by 16 percent (about 170,000 residents), and employment is expected to grow by 18 percent (about 130,000 jobs). This growth will result in more people traveling throughout south Orange County.

To that end, OCTA is conducting a strategic transportation study that will consider the future transportation needs of residents, commuters, and visitors. Through collaboration with local stakeholders, the study will identify a broad range of improvement recommendations for all modes of transportation, including streets, transit, freeways and bikeways.

The area covered by the study encompasses about 40 percent of Orange County, generally south of State Route 55 to the San Diego County line, and from the coast to the foothills.

Your input is extremely valuable as we address south Orange County’s mobility needs through the year 2045. Please take this brief 12-question online survey or call 833-711-8070 until October 30. 

In addition, a recording of a virtual meeting conducted earlier in October is available on the website. For more information about the South Orange County Multimodal Transportation Study, click here.

Travel patterns and transportation needs have continued to evolve since OCTA’s last major transportation study of the area in 2008. The projects from that study have resulted in a more than $1.5 billion investment in the area, including the I-5 carpool lane project between San Juan Creek Road and Avenida Pico, and the I-5 widening between SR-73 and El Toro Road now under construction.

Since the 2008 study, other significant changes have occurred, including the elimination of the SR-241 Toll Road extension in favor of a non-tolled extension of Los Patrones Parkway, a decline in traditional transit ridership, the introduction of mobile transportation apps and on-demand services such as Uber and Lyft, as well as the introduction of community transit options like shuttles and trolleys.

As Orange County’s transportation planning agency, OCTA is responsible for providing a balanced and sustainable transportation system for the entire county.

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.

I’m pleased to report my Board colleagues and I approved an expanded Veterans Employment Preference Policy, which will make Orange County one of the most veteran-friendly counties in the state and increase our ability to successfully attract eligible candidates who are:

• Veterans
• Veterans of National Guard and Reserves
• Spouses of disabled and deceased Veterans

This updated and enhanced policy provides eligible candidates the opportunity to be invited to a hiring interview for employment and paid internship positions if they have successfully met the recruitment qualifications and achieved a passing score for all examination or assessments. This policy is for new employees only, which will allow greater opportunity for veterans to transition into County employment opportunities.

Orange County Veterans have proudly served a prominent role in the defense of our nation, as the County is home to Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base and Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station. Additionally, we share our southerly border with Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. 

The brave men and women of our Armed Forces offer prospective employers exceptional training and advanced skills. We recognize their service, as well as their spouses’ sacrifices, and desire to attract that kind of esprit de corps in our workforce.

For details on the new Veterans Employment Preference Policy, click here. To explore current career opportunities with the County of Orange, click here.

The OC Health Care Agency continues to release daily COVID-19 case counts in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 55,345 positive cumulative cases and 1,316 deaths, as well as 176 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.

If you thought wearing masks wasn’t cool in Orange County, think again! All of Orange County’s 34 mayors have teamed up to send a message to residents, businesses and visitors: “Mask Up to Open Up OC!”

The message comes in a video featuring Orange County’s mayors socially distant and masked up at iconic locations across Orange County, including Laguna Beach’s Festival of the Arts / Pageant of the Masters. The video drives home the point that across diverse Orange County, we are all in this together and must work together to keep fighting coronavirus in our communities.

As Orange County’s COVID-19 case numbers and testing positivity rates continue a dramatic decline, we’re moving toward gradual reopening of more businesses and activities. But as we do so, wearing masks will be more important than ever to ensure we maintain our progress, keep our cases low and prevent another shutdown. To view the video, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above to view the video.

To understand how COVID-19 and the experience of the last months may have lasting effects on public attitudes, working arrangements, and travel behaviors, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) worked with a market research firm, to conduct a scientific survey during July 2020.

The findings will assist OCTA in its mission to develop an integrated and balanced transportation system that reflects the character of Orange County and supports its diverse travel needs. According to the survey, COVID-19 impacts have been dramatic. For more information, click here.

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!

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.    

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

For their latest short-form series for GoUSA TV's 8-part Trails & Trailblazers, they take a cross-country journey with Alaskan pilot Ariel Tweto, as she stops in unexpected places along the trails and wild places of America, meeting trailblazers in science, history, and exploration along the way. Ladies and gentlemen, please meet Ariel Tweto in her home state of Alaska.

Click above to watch Trails & Trailblazers - Alaska.

If you missed the KCET broadcast last week of the opening of the four-part series, Southland Sessions Presents Pacific Symphony, you're in luck!  

This Saturday (tomorrow), Oct. 10 at 7 p.m., PBS SoCal will rebroadcast the concert featuring five acclaimed piano virtuosos in breathtaking solo and duo pieces, as well as archival replays of their performances with Pacific Symphony. Music Director Carl St.Clair is your host. For more information, click here or on the image below.

Caption

Although 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 continuously being added!

Pacific Symphony performing with Pacific Chorale.

In their first self-produced virtual choir, Pacific Chorale sings a stirring performance of Bobby McFerrin's heart-felt setting of The 23rd Psalm, dedicated to his mother, Sara. Sara McFerrin was an accomplished singer, veteran music educator here in Orange County, and a longtime Board member of Pacific Chorale. She passed away last December.

Sara and Bobby McFerrin

Pacific Chorale dedicates this virtual performance of "The 23rd Psalm (Dedicated to My Mother)" to all who have suffered illness and loss due to COVID-19. To view the video, click on the image below.

Click on the image above to the video.

Cirque du Soleil is offering an escape from everyday life through the delight and whimsy of their shows. Now more than ever, they want to do their little part to spread joy, even from afar, directly to your safe spaces. Let them welcome you into their world, where awe-inspiring show footage and fan favorite videos will transport you.

This week, enjoy watching their latest behind the curtain of Mystère. Be a witness to the backstage adventures and stories that make up the foundation of Cirque du Soleil’s longest running Las Vegas resident show. Click the image below and enjoy the show!

Click the image above to enjoy Cirque du Soleil!

OC Parks proudly presents OC Parks Spooky Series, a frightfully fun week of virtual Halloween offerings happening on social media October 26-31.
 
Tune-in to OC Parks’ Facebook and Instagram for a daily series, including Halloween-themed highlights from Orange County parks and the OC Zoo, along with a bewitching Shakespearean scene filmed at Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens.

The week of virtual programming will culminate with a rock-and-ghoul performance from local cover band, Past Action Heroes on Saturday, October 31 at 4 PM. For more information, click here.

The Ocean Institute, located in beautiful Dana Point Harbor, in September 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.

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.

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.

Laguna Art Museum (LAM) hopes you are well and safe, they are working 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.

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.