With the holiday season rapidly approaching, the Orange County Board of Supervisors is calling on residents to safely connect with their elderly neighbors amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Happy Holidays Neighbor! is a public awareness micro-campaign targeted at raising awareness of the dangers related to senior isolation and suggesting ways everyday citizens can reach out and make a difference.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, there are many public health risks linked to social isolation and loneliness. With one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older considered to be socially isolated, this makes seniors more susceptible to increased risk of serious medical conditions, such as dementia and heart disease.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic threatens to further cut off seniors from regular social engagement as well as limit their ability to access needed food, supplies and medication. During the holiday period, seniors face further challenges related to gift buying, mailing packages and decorating their home exteriors.

The Happy Holidays Neighbor! public awareness micro-campaign suggests ways to connect and support seniors this holiday season in COVID-safe ways that focus on physical distancing but still maintain a social connection. It features a printable postcard that neighbors can fill out and send to local seniors, asking what assistance they need and providing the neighbor’s contact information. Additionally, the micro-campaign provides information about County and local senior resources that are important during the holiday season.

The physical health of our seniors is critical, but we can’t overlook the importance of mental health. The holidays are a time to come together to show how much we care for the health and well-being of our seniors.

For more information on how residents can support neighbors in their community, please visit the Orange County Office on Aging website.

The 26th Annual Report on the Conditions of Children in Orange County is now available, offering a comprehensive assessment of the health, economic well-being, education and safety of the County’s children.

The following areas have shown improvement for the lives and well-being of Orange County’s youth:

• Good Health - Orange County women receiving early prenatal care is rebounding, which may be in part driving the infant mortality rate drop of 31% between 2009 to 2018.
• Economic Wellbeing - The number of total Orange County child support cases decreased by over 30% from 89,852 cases in 2010/2011 to 62,851 cases in 2019/2020. Over the same period, improvements in child support collections per case have increased by over 12%, ensuring an
  increase in income to parents to provide for the basic needs of their children.
• Educational Achievement - The rate of dropout among high school students is approximately one in 20 students, lower than the state and national dropout rates. Further, over half of Orange County third graders meet or exceed the statewide achievement standards in Math and English
  Language Arts, higher than the state rates.
• Safe Homes and Communities - In 2019, 4.7% of juvenile prosecutions were gang-related, down 65% from 13.6% in 2010.

This year’s report also includes a special section related to COVID-19 and the County’s response to the pandemic. To find out more about the other indicators and read the full report, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above to read the Report.

Recognizing the stresses that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is having on OC residents, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is launching three new mental health awareness campaigns in the coming weeks, with the first one aimed at reducing the stigma in support of wellness and recovery, as the other two are focused on suicide prevention.

Introduced a year ago, StigmaFreeOC is launching a new advertising and community outreach campaign on Nov. 5. This campaign addresses the stigma surrounding mental illness and alcohol and drug misuse so everyone is supported in getting the help that they need. Engaging 15-second video ads show a person’s face veiled by animated swirls of textured colors, then transitioning to reveal the human face with the poignant message: See the person not the condition.

Reducing the stigma associated with these conditions is even more important, as many adults are reporting specific negative impacts on their mental health and wellbeing, such as “... increases in alcohol consumption or substance use (12%), and worsening chronic conditions (12%), due to worry and stress over the coronavirus," according to Kaiser Family Foundation.

Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn will be used as the primary platforms for promoting the Stigma Free OC campaign along with digital and print ads in Orange County. The campaign website, StigmaFreeOC.com, provides behavioral health resources as well as the opportunity to sign a pledge to support a stigma-free community in Orange County. Individuals and organizations that take the StigmaFreeOC pledge are listed on the website.  

In addition, the first suicide prevention campaign, Help is Here, focusing on adult males, will roll out in early November and run through the end of the year targeting the holiday season, which has historically shown greater incidents of suicide. The campaign includes outdoor billboards, television and radio spots, transit shelter ads, digital and social media placements. Multiple ad executions were created to reflect real men representing this high-risk group. 

Suicide is also a major concern when it comes to young people. According to the American Association of Suicidology, suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year-olds. The Be A Friend For Life campaign directs youth to reach out to friends who exhibit warning signs of suicide and seek professional support.

The campaign targets youth ages 15 to 22-years old, with a specific focus on the LGBTQ+, foster youth and high-achiever demographics who are at higher-risk for suicide. The campaign will appear in transit shelters, and digital and social media.

COVID-19 has brought to the forefront many of the behavioral health issues people were already facing before the pandemic. We hope that by raising awareness and providing critical resources, we can help turn someone’s life around, and give them an opportunity for a brighter future.

For more on these campaigns, please visit:

• StigmaFreeOC.com
• HelpIsHereOC.com
• BeAFriendForLife.com

For more information about mental health and suicide prevention resources, visit OC Health Care Agency’s Behavioral Health Services. 

Hoag and JWA officials have announced plans for the Fly Well Clinic, a first-of-its-kind health care facility will offer travelers health services including office visits, telehealth consultations, immunizations, treatment of cold and flu symptoms and prescriptions.

The partnership represents the first airport health clinic in Orange County and comes at a time of heightened health awareness among passengers and Airport employees.

In advance of the Fly Well Clinic’s official opening next spring, Hoag is currently hosting a Pop-Up Health Fair at JWA.  Located across from Gate 10 in Terminal B (post security), Hoag will offer Airport guests complimentary flu vaccinations and screenings, nutrition and exercise tips for travelers, virtual reality health demonstrations and more.

Hoag Pop-Up Health Fair currently at JWA. 

The permanent 850-square-foot Fly Well Clinic, opening in spring 2021, will offer an onsite licensed health care provider, general health and wellness information and other services, including:

• On-site office visits
• Treatment of cold and flu symptoms
• Rapid COVID-19 testing
• Vaccinations – including flu shots
• Virtual Reality demonstration, including relaxation and mindfulness journeys
• Blood pressure and other vital screenings
• On demand telehealth appointments

The Fly Well Clinic also will provide travelers and Airport employees with the ability to access Hoag doctors through on-demand telehealth appointments including video visits.

Orange County today began a risk-limiting audit of the 2020 Presidential General Election Results. The ballot comparison audit is not required under California law, and is being conducted in addition to the one percent manual tally of precincts.

The risk-limiting audit is a procedure that provides strong statistical evidence that the election outcome is correct, or has a high probability of correcting an outcome that wouldn't match a full hand count of the ballots. The audit itself requires human beings to examine and verify more ballots in close contests and fewer ballots in contests with wider margins.

To view the most current election results in Orange County, click here. For more information, click here. 

With our year-round good weather and range of roadways, Orange County is a great place to ride a bike. To help keep riders safe and informed, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA recently) updated its comprehensive OC Bikeways Map.

Prepared in collaboration with many of the cities depicted, the map clearly indicates the four classes of bikeways and their elevations. The information makes it easier for cyclists to decide what challenges they want to tackle during their outings.

In addition, the map includes useful safety tips and advice for taking bikes on Metrolink trains and OC buses. To view the map, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above to enlarge
and scroll down for more information.

When it comes to activities that allow for togetherness and social distancing, few activities are more suitable than a stroll. It’s a safe way for friends and families to enjoy some outdoor time and stretch their legs.

A Metrolink Daycation is a stress-free way to escape to nearby destinations that are ripe for exploration. With its extensive cleaning and spacious seating protocols, Metrolink offers safe, clean travel for a well-deserved getaway.

Los Rios Historic District, San Juan Capistrano

For inspiration, here’s list of 10 Great Fall Strolls that includes everything from beaches to walks of fame to historic districts. From Los Angeles to Oceanside, there’s a stroll for everyone.

San Clemente Pier

In addition, your day away won’t break the bank. Adults ride for $10 either Saturday or Sunday and kids 17 and under ride free on weekends. For more information about planning the perfect Daycation day trip, click here.

This week I had the great privilege of delivering the welcoming remarks at the Dana Point Veterans Day Ceremony. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9934 hosted this year’s Veterans Day Observance, which was held at Del Obispo Community Baseball Park to allow for social distancing.

I was deeply honored to be at the solemn service to pay tribute to our nation’s esteemed veterans for the many selfless sacrifices they have made in defense of our great nation.

With Lt. Col. Frank Savarese at the Dana Point Veterans Day Ceremony.

USMC Lt. Col. Frank Savarese gave a wonderful and moving keynote address. Lt. Col. Savarese, a Top Gun F-18 pilot, has deployed twice, both in 2007 and 2009, and has flown over 150 combat hours.

With Post 9934 Founder and VFW National Chief-of-Staff Bill Manes (left) and Wayne Yost, Senior Vice Commander of VFW Southern California District 2, covering all of Orange County and portions of the Inland Empire.

We can never repay that debt of gratitude to our veterans who are with us today, nor to those who have fallen. To that end, we will never forget their service and will remain forever grateful for their courage, bravery and dedication to our country.

To watch a video of the VWF Post 9934 Veterans Day Service, click here. To see a photo album of the event, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above to view the photo album for the 2020 Dana Point Veterans Day Ceremony.

As a member of the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Board of Directors, today I toured the aftermath of the Silverado Fire with OCFA Division Fire Chief Rob Capobianco.

Touring the aftermath of the Silverado Fire with OCFA Division Fire Chief Rob Capobianco.

Although the Silverado Fire has been contained, thanks to the heroic efforts by our outstanding Orange County firefighting and law enforcement personnel, South County communities must still remain vigilant and be prepared for the event of another disastrous wildfire in our area, which unfortunately is inevitable. Get Prepared. Learn How!

Click the image above to watch the Summit

To that end, I recently hosted the Virtual South County Emergency Preparedness Summit 2020 to explain some of the ways Orange County is working hard to protect our residents in the event of a major emergency during the age of COVID-19, as well as how you can also better prepare yourselves, your families and local businesses. To view the South County Emergency Preparedness Summit, click here or on the image above.

This week, my office had the pleasure of presenting a commendation at the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony for Spa Del Rio. 

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presents a commendation to the Del Rio family, owners of Spa Del Rioin Laguna Beach.
Photo courtesy of  Happy Photos

The OC Health Care Agency continues to release daily COVID-19 case counts in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 64,058 positive cumulative cases and 1,522 deaths, as well as 244 currently hospitalized with 95 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.

Testing a representative sample of Orange County residents for a wide range of coronavirus antibodies, University of California, Irvine researchers found that 11.5 percent of them have antibodies for COVID-19, in contrast to previous estimates of less than 2 percent.

Latino and low-income residents had the highest prevalence of SARS-CoV-02 antibodies with rates of 17 percent and 15 percent.

UCI researchers led the actOC project in partnership with the OC Health Care Agency, which provided funding, testing sites and input on the study’s survey methods and scripts.

UCI researchers initiated the study because they had a hunch that the prevalence of COVID-19 had been underestimated, since individuals with few to no symptoms were rarely tested. Additionally, researchers are following up every two weeks for four months with a subset of 200 people who tested positive so that they can see how the immune response changes over time.

It’s the first study in California to employ both a truly representative sample and tests for a wide array of viral antibodies, producing an accurate picture of the disease’s prevalence in Orange County. 

It is not yet clear what levels of antibodies indicate near- or long-term immunity for people who have had COVID-19, but continued follow-up with those who tested positive will provide further data over time. For more information, click here.

The County of Orange is conducting a survey of attitudes toward vaccination for COVID-19, which will be of great assistance in planning for distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available.

It will take less than five minutes to complete a simple questionnaire regarding your attitude about being vaccinated against COVID-19. You need not to give your name nor any other identifying information. All responses are anonymous and confidential. For more information, click here.

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.

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 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’

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

In episode six of MFF's Trails & Trailblazers series, Ariel Tweto and John Herrington head to New York for a visit to Niagara Falls, last stop on the Underground Railroad. Fifteen thousand years ago, the famous waterfall was actually located further down river, which means that waterfalls can move! Then it's off to other beautiful lakes and gorges where the spirit of another famous trailblazer, Henry David Thoreau, resides. Watch here! 

Click above to watch Trails & Trailblazers: New York

For over 130 years, National Geographic has hosted some of the leading scientists, conservationists, photographers, and storytellers to share their stories live at our headquarters in Washington, D.C. Now you can watch their inspiring and thought-provoking stories from anywhere! 

Watch on-demand stories from top National Geographic Explorers about their fascinating adventures and discoveries and spark your inner Explorer without leaving home. For more more information, click here of on the image below.

Click the image above to Be Inspired!

Heroes Hall in Costa Mesa reopens this week, and on display is a new exhibit, Private Charles J. Miller: WWII Paintings from the South Pacific. Featured is the visual diary of Miller, who chronicled his military service in the South Pacific theater during WWII. He was a self-taught artist who had been drawing throughout his lifetime, teaching himself perspective, anatomy and drawing and painting techniques.

Miller sketched all or most of the scenes onsite, completing unfinished works and adding or expanding his written comments when back in the barracks. These comments are an intricate part of this exhibition.

Kept in a brown paper bag for most of his life, Miller gave the paintings to his sister for safekeeping. Miller’s niece and her husband, Nancy and Robert Dennis, vigilantly preserved his artwork and, along with the Wright Museum of WWII in New Hampshire, made this show possible. The exhibit is on loan from the Wright Museum of WWII. For more information, click here. 

Council on Aging - Southern California recently presented An Evening of Comedy, featuring hilarious comedic performances by Frances Dilorinzo (a 5th District constituent), Fritz Coleman and Craig Shoemaker! If you were not able to watch the event live or want to relive the fun of the evening, the video of the event is available now on their YouTube channel!

Although Pacific Symphony has suspended live concerts in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall as a public health precaution, Pacific 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 proud to present CirqueConnect, 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. Click the image below and enjoy the show!

Click the image above to enjoy Cirque du Soleil!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.