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Lisa Bartlett - Supervisor, Fifth District
December 31, 2020 Volume 7 Issue 63
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE 5TH DISTRICT!!
Wishing You a Safe, Healthy & Happy New Year!

If ever the end of a calendar year seemed like excellent cause for celebration, 2020 would certainly be it! Many of us have suffered major setbacks in different areas of our lives, or lost a loved one to COVID-19, while many others have recovered and received a new lease of life.

Holidays are usually a time to embrace family, friends and loved ones, including New Year's Eve, when singing, dancing, and enjoying a few drinks and festive bites are all part of the celebration. However, during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, such activities carry significant risk. Some of our most timeless New Year's traditions (kissing at midnight, sharing champagne flutes, etc.) should seriously prompt us to think twice about how we celebrate this year.

While most of us will avoid traditions that are obviously a risk for getting sick, there are other dangers for gathering on New Year's Eve that we should consider, as traditional celebrations can also be a prime breeding ground for COVID-19. The most pressing concern - given that the coronavirus spreads primarily through infectious airborne respiratory droplets and aerosols - is that nearly all New Year's Eve parties take place indoors.

Unfortunately, pandemic life will not end when the clock strikes midnight December 31. Several protocols will need to carry over into 2021 if there's going to be any hope of slowing the spread of the virus. Until most of us are vaccinated and more information is available on the vaccines’ ability to stop the transmission, wearing masks will still be necessary, as well as physical distancing, frequent handwashing and avoiding crowded indoor areas.

As we all know, the end of 2020 ushered-in lots of excitement over advancements in coronavirus vaccines. By mid-2021, health officials predict that there will be enough supply so that anyone who wants a vaccine will be able to get one, which will really start curbing the impact of COVID-19!

To that end, let's make 2021 the year we all stand united to end this virus, save lives, and get back to restoring our economy once again. If we all work together in doing the right thing and dutifully practice all the necessary safety protocols, in addition to getting vaccinated, it will most certainly get us much more quickly to our ultimate goal, which is to return to normal life again!

For virus-free ways to celebrate the new year, please visit the Out & About Safely in South County section, located at the bottom of my newsletter. Wishing You and Yours a Safe, Healthy and Happy New Year! 

 
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BARTLETT BULLETIN
CA Small Business Relief Grant Program Update!

As previously reported in my newsletter, the State has launched a package of assistance for small businesses affected by COVID-19, including $500 million in grants for small businesses and nonprofits that have been financially impacted by COVID-19 and the associated health & safety restrictions.

The Program will be administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), with underserved micro and small businesses, as well as nonprofits, eligible for grants up to $25,000.

Applications opened December 30 and will run through Friday, January 8. Visit CAReliefGrant.com NOW to submit your documents today!

Moreover, the State has also announced additional available financial assistance, including Tax Relief as well as Recovery Loans through the California Rebuilding Fund. Don't delay!

 
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SBA Economic Disaster Loan Deadline Extended!

The U.S. Small Business Administration today announced the deadline to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program for the COVID-19 Pandemic disaster declaration has been extended to December 31, 2021. 

The deadline extension comes as a result of the recent bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill passed by Congress and enacted by the President on Dec. 27, 2020.

EIDL loan applications will continue to be accepted through December 2021, pending the availability of funds. Every eligible small business and nonprofit are encouraged to apply to get the resources they need. For more information, click here.

 
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State Extends SoCal Region Stay-at-Home Order

This week, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that the Southern California Region will remain under the State of California’s “Regional Stay-at-Home Order.” The County of Orange, along with 10 other Southern California Counties, were originally placed under the State’s Regional Stay-at-Home Order December 3.

As a result, Orange County residents will continue to be required to stay-at-home as much as possible and not gather with other households to reduce exposure due to our region’s available intensive care unit (ICU) capacity being under 15 percent.

The Southern California Region may come out of the Stay-at-Home Order if, at such time, hospital ICU capacity projected four weeks out reaches above or equal to 15 percent. Then, individual counties, such as the County of Orange, will return to the appropriate Blueprint for a Safer Economy tier, as determined by case rate and test positivity.

If the ICU capacity for the Southern California Region is less than 15 percent after the three-week period, the ICU capacity will be assessed weekly to determine when the order can be lifted. For more information, visit the State’s COVID-19 website. For steps on what Orange County residents and businesses can do at this time, click here.

 
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State Partnership to Provide COVID-19 Vaccines

The Governor recently announced that California has opted-in to the federal COVID-19 Pharmacy Partnership. At no cost to the state or local government, CVS and Walgreens will administer the Pfizer vaccine to residents and staff in long-term care facilities.

CVS and Walgreens started this week with nursing homes, taking an estimated 3-4 weeks, and will then vaccinate staff and residents in assisted living, residential care, and other long-term care facilities. 

The program will enable counties to leverage CVS and Walgreens pharmacy staff to administer the vaccine more broadly, with pharmacy staff going directly to care facilities. 

Skilled Nursing Facilities will receive vaccine from staff of CVS and Walgreens. To that end, approximately 72 skilled nursing facilities and 900 residential care facilities for the elderly will be provided vaccine by CVS and Walgreens throughout Orange County.

The vaccines will be administered by pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and nurses. Pharmacy technicians are participating under a recent waiver by the Board of Pharmacy that requires appropriate supervision under California law and specialized training.

Specifically, the program:

  • Schedules and coordinates on-site vaccine clinic dates directly with each facility. Pharmacy staff will visit each facility several times to ensure that all residents and employees who wish to be vaccinated get the vaccine.
  • Orders vaccines and associated supplies (e.g. syringes, needles, personal protective equipment).
    Ensures cold storage for the vaccine.
  • Provides on-site administration of the vaccine to all residents and staff.

To learn more about this partnership, click here. For the latest information about COVID-19 vaccination in Orange County, please click here

 
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OC Timeline: "When Can You Get Vaccinated?"
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WARNING: COVID-19 Vaccine Scam Alert in OC!

As previously reported in my newsletter, we've already received reports of scams showing up in Orange County, advertising the vaccine for a heavy cost. Please be advised that the vaccine will only be distributed by state-approved health care providers and is free to all our residents.

Please remember to stay vigilant during these times, and if you recognize suspicious behavior regarding the vaccine, please call the Orange County District Attorney’s COVID-19 Hotline at (714) 834-3482. For tips from the Federal Trade Commission on how to spot a COVID-19 scam, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above for more info.
 
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COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: OC Survey Results

The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) recently conducted a survey of attitudes toward the vaccination for COVID-19 and wishes to thank the more than 25,000 people who completed the questionnaire.

How willing are different geographical, demographic and occupational groups in Orange County to be vaccinated, and what issues contribute to their willingness?

To examine vaccine hesitancy within Orange County by city, gender, age, race/ethnicity, education level and occupation, please read the report on the HCA Survey on COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy.

 
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Saliva-Based COVID-19 TestingĀ for OC Residents

As previously reported in my newsletter, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has launched phase 2 of its at-home, saliva-based COVID-19 testing program with Ambry Genetics for all Orange County residents. We also have the nasal swab option available to accommodate individual preferences.

To that end, all those who live in Orange County may click here and register to receive a test kit shipped directly to their home at no cost. Ambry Genetics is able to process 4,000 tests each day with a 48 hour turnaround time for notification of results. 

Ambry’s CARE for COVID Program was developed with the latest guidance from federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is an end-to-end screening, testing, and result-management solution, which includes:

  • Ambry’s AVA™ virtual assistant supporting an online health questionnaire
  • Online determination of essential worker status or medical necessity criteria (symptoms/exposure, etc.) that enables insurance billing or uninsured third-party billing for the test, ensuring there is no cost for the resident
  • A HIPAA compliant software that enables users to register their test kit
  • Medical provider ordered-testing and supervision (including return and review of results)
    Viral testing by Ambry’s RT-PCR test using saliva collection for a simpler and more convenient experience than nasopharyngeal swabs commonly used by other labs
  • Most results reported directly through the CARE platform within 24 hours of receipt of the sample by the lab.

If an online order is placed for a kit by 1 p.m. Pacific Time Monday through Friday, the kit will arrive the next day. For orders placed after 1 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, or any time on Saturday or Sunday, the kit will arrive the following Tuesday. The Ambry Genetics lab receives kits every Monday through Saturday, runs testing, and reports out test results 7 days a week.

In our fight against COVID-19, we continue to leverage all available resources to provide convenient and reliable testing our residents. We anticipate the convenience of online test ordering and reporting, telehealth support, and at-home sample collection will provide greater support to OC residents as case counts continue to surge across the county. For more information, please click here.

 
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FREE COVID Testing: Saturdays in South County
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Fifth District Small Business Economic Support!

The Board of Supervisors recently approved $10 Million for a countywide Small Business Economic Support Program, intended to provide much needed financial support to small businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19.

Funding will be allocated equally among the five supervisorial districts ($2M per district), which is in addition to the $75M CARES ACT Small Business Relief Program previously approved and allocated over the summer to small businesses and nonprofits throughout Orange County.  

Details of the Small Business Economic Support Program are currently under development and will be released soon. Please stay tuned to my newsletter for more information!

 
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City of Laguna Beach: LB CARES Grant Program

The City of Laguna Beach has launched the LB CARES grant program to assist Laguna Beach restaurants, bars, and retail establishments during this Stay-at-Home Order. The LB CARES grant application will close Tuesday, January 5 at 5:00 PM.

The Promenade on Forest in Laguna Beach.

Under the program, Laguna Beach restaurants and bars can receive $5,000, retailers that had to close can receive $3,000, and retailers that had to reduce their capacity can receive $2,000 on a first come, first served basis. For more information about the LB CARES grant program, click here.

 
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City of Mission Viejo Small Business Relief Grant

The City of Mission Viejo has launched its Small Business Emergency Relief Grant Program, with grants up to $25,000 available for eligible businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19. 

To be eligible for the Small Business Emergency Relief Grant Program, a business or nonprofit must meet criteria established by the City of Mission Viejo. To qualify, a business or nonprofit applicant must prove their business has been affected by COVID-19. For more information, click here.

 
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SSA Closes Public Assistance Lobbies
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OCTA Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey Ends 1/8/21

In addition to serving on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, I'm also pleased to serve you on the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors. As part of our mission to create a balanced and sustainable future for Orange County, OCTA is developing a Hazard Mitigation Plan.

This project will support current OCTA emergency and crisis management plans, strengthen the organization’s resilience to natural hazards, and assist OCTA in accessing federal funding to implement interventions from natural disasters. Examples of natural hazards include flooding, earthquakes, and wildfires.  

Public input is needed to help identify hazards that might impact the use of OCTA services and find out what is needed to help reduce hazard risks. Please help OCTA assist Orange County by taking this online survey, available through January 8.

 
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OC Flex Extended in South County through 2021

I'm pleased to report that the OC Flex micro-transit pilot program has been extended through December 2021 in South County, where the OCTA service has been well used in its first two years.

OC Flex has been operating since October 2018 and allows passengers to request a ride on demand through the OC Flex mobile app within the service area, currently in portions of Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel.

The impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the OC Flex service have made it challenging to evaluate the performance of the pilot program. However, prior to March, ridership in South County had been steadily increasing and key metrics, such as subsidy per boarding, continued to improve.

The proposed 14-month extension of OC Flex will allow OCTA to better evaluate the program’s performance during and beyond the pandemic, as well as incorporate any future health and safety adjustments. For more information about OC Flex, click here.

 
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5th DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT
Support Our Local Restaurants and Businesses!

We all love our local restaurants in South County and want to see them succeed during these unprecedented and most challenging of times. Whether you order takeout, delivery, or purchase a gift certificate, thank you so much for supporting our local restaurants and businesses! 

With the latest additional restrictions from the State, I want to assist our 5th District residents in identifying and locating their local restaurants to support. To that end, many of our Chambers of Commerce in South County are also promoting the restaurants and businesses in their respective communities.

Please see the following alphabetical listing of our local Chamber of Commerce websites featuring their respective restaurant members:

Needless to say, 2020 has been an incredibly challenging year for all of us, but this is especially true of small businesses and restaurants that have been forced to continuously modify their operations in order to adhere to changes in guidance and stay-at-home orders issued by the State.

As a result, we have seen some local businesses remain resilient by utilizing creative ways to continue operating. If you are a small business owner or restaurateur, or have simply seen one doing something creative and unique, I want to hear from you. Please share these innovative ideas with us so we can spread the word!

The saying, “Shop and Dine Local,” has never been more appropriate, and I urge our Fifth District residents to please do so during the New Year holiday weekend and through 2021!

 
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CRITTER CHRONICLES
New Year's Eve Firework Pet Safety Tips!
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OC Animal Care Pet of the Week: Meet Phyliss!
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Drive-Thru Pet Food Pantry at OC Animal Care
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Pet Project Foundation's 2020 Impact Report
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Do You Have Pets? Info on COVID-19 & Animals
Click the image above for more info.
 
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COUNTY OF ORANGE COVID-19 UPDATE

 
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COVID-19 Orange County Case Counts by Cities

The OC Health Care Agency continues to release daily COVID-19 case counts in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 157,183 positive cumulative cases and 1,875 deaths, as well as 2,128 currently hospitalized with 495 in ICU.

Please be aware that case counts from yesterday included data for 30 hours instead of the standard 24 hours. As a result, today's cases are notably lower because many of the new cases received were accounted for in yesterday's count.

NOTE: There will not be any updates Jan. 1 and Jan. 3 due to the New Year’s Day Holiday and scheduled maintenance with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Updates will be posted Saturday, Jan. 2, reflecting data from Jan. 1. Updates will resume as normal Monday, Jan. 4.

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 our 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.

 
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Please Protect Yourself and Those Around You!
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County of Orange Deploys Mobile Field Hospitals

As previously reported in my newsletter, the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) is deploying Mobile Field Hospitals (MFH) to local hospitals to support the Orange County health care system as it responds to a surge in COVID-19 patients. OC hospitals may receive emergency waivers from the California Department of Public Health to request the use of the MFH facilities. 

Mobile Field Hospital (MFH)

MFHs are capable of expanding current hospital capacity by adding additional beds to existing grounds. They are housed in large, semi-type trailers and contain heavy duty canvas tents with hard flooring and temperature-controlled units equipped with running water, toilets and showers, generators and lighting, as well as air purifiers. MFHs can be configured in a myriad of footprints and sizes, and HCA has a total of 8 trailers to support at minimum, 200 patient beds. 

The MFHs can be used for numerous COVID-19 mitigation activities, such as expanding emergency department capacity and med-surge or specialty care unit beds, mass vaccination facilities, and more. Each identified hospital is charged with using the MFH in a manner that best suits their facility. The following OC hospitals have requested this resource from HCA and have already activated their surge plans: 

  • Fountain Valley Regional Hospital - 50 beds
  • St. Jude Medical Center, Fullerton - 25 beds
  • University of California, Irvine - 50 beds

Planning is also currently underway with additional hospitals to encourage an equitable countywide distribution of HCA’s available mobile beds. For more information, click here. To read an urgent message from our County Health Officer, click here.

 
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COVID-19 Vaccine Has Arrived in Orange County

The COVID-19 vaccine has arrived in Orange County and is in the process of being administered to our Phase 1A healthcare providers. This is a positive and promising step toward ridding the virus from our communities.

This coronavirus pandemic has impacted all of our lives, some more than others, throughout the most of 2020. While many of us are anxious to receive the vaccine, there are specific State and Federal protocols that must be followed in terms of distributing and administering the vaccine.

To that end, a phased-in approach will be utilized to distribute the vaccine, with the first round being administered to critical populations in an effort to reduce morbidity and mortality rates. If you would like to see which phase you might be in, click here.

For those who are interested in receiving the vaccine, the first step is to contact your primary care physician and let them know you're interested and willing to receive it. In the upcoming weeks, the County will also be launching a publicly available phone and web application that will allow OC residents to express their interest in receiving the vaccine and obtain a general timeline as to when they will be eligible for it.

We are receiving shipments of the FDA approved vaccines weekly and will continue to work through the phases as quickly as supplies are available. We ask for your patience and cooperation during this time.

For more information on the County’s Vaccination plans, click here. To view the CDPH Community Vaccine Advisory Committee’s Phase 1a Guidelines for California Local Health Departments, click here.

 
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Point-In-Time Count Cancelled Due to COVID-19

The County of Orange is among several Continuums of Care (CoC) in Southern California that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to forgo the Unsheltered Count of the 2021 Point-In-Time due to the impacts of COVID-19.

HUD is still requiring CoCs to complete the Sheltered Count and Homeless Inventory Counts (HIC), which are an annual mandate that occurs concurrently with the biennial unsheltered count process. The Sheltered Count and the HIC will be completed during the last week of January working in collaboration with 2-1-1 Orange County.

With my staff participating in the 2019 Point-In-Time Count.

The majority of Southern California CoCs have also made similar requests and been approved by HUD to not conduct their count of unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness.

The Point-In-Time is a biennial effort required by HUD counting people experiencing homelessness in a given point in time during the last 10 days in January. For more information about the Continuum of Care, click here.

 
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Property Tax Relief Provided for Orange County
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The Toll Roads Again Offers Relief for Drivers

Upon implementation of the State's latest executive order, urging residents to stay at home in order to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) acted immediately and again began waiving the $20 FasTrak account suspension fee that may be assessed when the account balance is negative and the method of payment is rejected by the issuing financial institution more than once. For more information, click here.

 
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While You're Home, Beware of COVID-19 Scams

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.

Be on the lookout for fake calls, texts, and emails
Scammers are pretending to be Social Security Agency employees. They may threaten you and demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or other legal action. Do not be fooled!

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.

 
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Important Information for Seniors and Caregivers
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Be Sure to Check on Your Elderly Neighbors
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County of Orange Mental Resiliency Resources

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:

 
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A Public Service Announcement from Disneyland

The Disneyland Resort recently kicked-off a public service awareness campaign across Orange County to encourage all residents to adhere to current health and safety guidelines to help protect local communities.

The campaign, Together We Can Be Incredible, features characters from Disney and Pixar’s “The Incredibles,” sharing tips and reminders of important health and safety measures. As such, the PSA reiterates current health and safety measures based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies, including our OC Health Care Agency (HCA).

The scope of the campaign was made possible in part by existing relationships across Orange County, including with the Los Angeles Angels, Anaheim Ducks and more. In addition, the Disneyland Resort is working with local school districts to provide tools and resources to share with students.

For more information, click here. To watch the “Together We Can Be Incredible” video, click the image below.

Click the image above to watch the video.
 
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OUT AND ABOUT SAFELY IN SOUTH COUNTY
Celebrate The New Year with Pink Martini!

The Irvine Barclay Theatre says "Wring out the old... and Ring in the New Year" with fabulous music from Pink Martini! Don’t forget to wear your dancing shoes, too!

Hailed as a “rollicking, around-the-world musical adventure,” Pink Martini is a 12-member orchestra that transcends national and musical boundaries. Their captivating sound blends Americana with music from all over the world!

This FREE holiday concert, taped in Basel, Switzerland, in 2012, features guest artist Storm Large, singing a mix of Latin rhythms, jazz, cabaret and Hollywood musicals. Pink Martini and Storm Large are Irvine Barclay favorites, who have appeared at the theatre on numerous occasions.

So, kick off your New Year’s Eve celebration and musically travel the globe without ever leaving home. Musical fireworks will be in the air!!! To enjoy the FREE show, click here or on the below.

Click the image to enjoy Pink Martini tonight!

 
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Enjoy Soka University's Signature Encore Series!

This time of year would normally be busy and vibrant with preparations for the holiday shows at the beautiful Soka University Performing Arts Center in Aliso Viejo. However, they are excited to share a their new Signature Encore Series to help you experience some of their wonderful past performances, as well as some new holiday offerings! For more information, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above for more info.
 
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Holiday Productions from Laguna Playhouse!

Laguna Playhouse has something for everyone this Holiday Season, including It's a Wonderful Life (a live radio play), Estella Scrooge (A Christmas Carol with a twist!) and Merry Christmas Darling, (holiday classics by Karen Carpenter) and more! For more information, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above for more info.
 
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Casa Romantica Presents Casa Nutcracker!

Casa Romantica in San Clemente invites you to Live Virtually at the Casa and enjoy their production of Casa Nutcracker, featuring the Orange County Ballet Theater. For more information, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above to enjoy Casa Nutcracker.
 
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Enjoy the New Year at Outlets at San Clemente

Bring the family to Outlets at San Clemente to celebrate the New Year through January 4 and take a photo under the World's Tallest Christmas Tree! For more info, click the image below.

Click the image above for more info.
 
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A Christmas Carol Audio Performance Tonight!

Enjoy a yuletide tradition at home with South Coast Repertory’s audio recording of Charles Dickens’ classic novella, "A Christmas Carol," which is available for your listening pleasure through New Year's Eve!

Performed by SCR Founding Member Richard Doyle with a vibrant soundscape to transport you back to 19th-century London, this uplifting tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his miraculous transformation is the perfect cure for the holiday humbugs! For more information, click here or on the image below.

Click image above to enjoy A Christmas Carol tonight!
 
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Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" Production

The timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge comes to thrilling new life through January 3, as South Coast Repertory (SCR) presents Tony Award winner Jefferson Mays, playing over 50 roles in a virtuosic master class of a performance that must be seen to be believed. This theatrical achievement comes from the haunting vision of one of Broadway's most imaginative directors, Michael Arden.

Staged exclusively for this production and captured live with breathtaking clarity, this must-watch streaming event conjures the powerful spirits of Christmas and brings all the magic of live theatre home for the holidays. For more information, click here.

 
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Pacific Chorale: "Tis The Season" Concert & Gala

Although Pacific Chorale was not able to gather in the beautiful Segerstrom Concert Hall this year, their first-ever "Tis The Season" virtual holiday concert and gala touched everyone's hearts with music, goodwill, and cheer. Now available FREE on demand through January 1. If you were unable to join them previously, or simply want to experience the magic all over again, here's your chance!

 
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Pacific Chorale: Bobby McFerrin, The 23rd Psalm

In their first self-produced virtual choir, Pacific Chorale sings a stirring performance of Bobby McFerrin's heartfelt 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. Sara McFerrin passed away last December 2019.

Sara and Bobby McFerrin

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

Click the image above to view the video.
 
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Pacific Symphony: Watch+Listen in 2021!

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 always being added! To see the Holiday Greeting from Music Director Carl St.Clair, click here.

Pacific Symphony performing with Pacific Chorale.
 
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Segerstrom Center Presents Virtual Holiday Fun!

Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa is happy to offer Virtual Holiday Fun for the New Year, featuring the incomparable Liz Callaway, Shoshana Bean, and Holidaze Harmony! for more information, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above for more info.
 
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'Twas The Night Before Christmas with Cirque!

Cirque du Soleil is proud to present an escape from everyday life through the delight and whimsy of their shows, including an all new 'Twas The Night Before Christmas! Now more than ever, they want to do their little part to spread holiday joy, even from afar, directly to your safe spaces. Let them welcome you into their magical 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 and enjoy Cirque du Soleil!
 
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National Geographic: Be Inspired in 2021!

For over 130 years, National Geographic has hosted some of the leading scientists, conservationists, photographers, and storytellers to share their stories live at their headquarters in Washington, D.C. Now you can watch their inspiring and thought-provoking stories from anywhere in 2021! 

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 info, click here or on the image below to Be Inspired in 2021!

Click the image above to Be Inspired in 2021!
 
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FOOD RESOURCES IN THE FIFTH DISTRICT

 

Click the image above for information on their
Meals on Wheels and Congregate Lunches for Seniors.

 

Click the image above for information on their
Drive-Thru Food Distribution, weekdays in San Clemente.

 

 

Click the image above for information on their
 Drive Through Food Bank, Monday - Friday in Irvine.

 

Click the image above for information on their
 Food Pantry, Monday - Friday in Laguna Beach.

 

 

Click the image above for info on their Food Pantry
held on the first & third Wednesday of every month.

 

 

Click the image above for information on their
PEACE Community Resource Center Food Pantries.

 

 

Click the image above for information on their
Food Pantry Services weekdays by appointment in Irvine.

 

 
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5th DISTRICT DISPATCH
Check Out The Fifth District Dispatch Archives!

For those of you who may have missed any of my previous Fifth District Dispatch newsletters, featuring up-to-date COVID-19 facts and other information pertinent to South County, click here

Thank you for your outstanding and continuing efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Orange County, as we're all in this together!

Wishing You & Yours a Safe, Healthy & Happy New Year!

 
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For questions or comments regarding my E-Newsletter, please contact my office staff at (714) 834-3550 or email my Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, at Sergio.Prince@ocgov.com .
 
In This Issue
orange arrow HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE 5TH DISTRICT!!
orange arrow BARTLETT BULLETIN
orange arrow 5th DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT
orange arrow CRITTER CHRONICLES
orange arrow COUNTY OF ORANGE COVID-19 UPDATE
orange arrow OUT AND ABOUT SAFELY IN SOUTH COUNTY
orange arrow FOOD RESOURCES IN THE FIFTH DISTRICT
orange arrow 5th DISTRICT DISPATCH
DISTRICT STAFF
 
Doug Woodyard
Chief of Staff

James Dinwiddie
Deputy Chief of Staff

Sergio Prince
Community Relations Advisor

Yasie Goebel
Policy Advisor

Megan Dutra
Policy Advisor

Pauline Colvin
Communications Advisor

Rosemary Conteras
Staff Aide

 
Stay Updated!
house icon http://ocgov.com/gov/bos/5/
envelope icon Lisa.Bartlett@ocgov.com
phone icon 714.834.3550
arrow icon View Online Version
 
Copyright 2020 County of Orange, California
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