I'm pleased to report that new funding rounds have been announced for the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program, including four new rounds to address ongoing need funding will support small businesses and nonprofits that have struggled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To that end, California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), recently announced four new funding rounds for the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program, following the Governor signing into law a comprehensive package of immediate actions that speeds much-needed relief to individuals, families, and businesses suffering the most significant economic hardship due to COVID-19.

The Program provides a crucial financial lifeline to traditionally underserved small businesses and nonprofits. In its first two funding rounds, the Program selected just over 40,000 small businesses and nonprofits to receive approximately $500 million in grant funding. More than 350,000 small businesses and nonprofits applied in a competitive process, with funding requests totaling more than $4.5 billion. For additional preliminary data click here.

The recently signed package provides $2.075 billion – a four-fold increase to that initial $500 million – for grants up to $25,000 for small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the pandemic. The new package also includes a $50 million allocation for nonprofit cultural institutions. Four competitive funding rounds will be conducted by CalOSBA’s selected intermediary, Lendistry. Additional information can be found at CAReliefGrant.com.

Applicants not selected to receive a grant in Rounds 1, 2, 3 & 5 do not need to reapply and will be automatically moved into Round 6. However, new applicants will need to apply at CAReliefGrant.com. For more information on grant requirements and eligibility, along with links to application tips and webinars, click here.

Please be advised that the State has updated its public health guidance in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy to allow for additional safe and sustainable reopening activities in California.

As such, beginning March 13, breweries, wineries and distilleries that do not serve meals may open outdoors only with modifications in the Purple (widespread) and Red (substantial) tiers. The modifications include ensuring that patrons have reservations and patrons observe a 90-minute time limit. Service for onsite consumption must end by 8 PM.

Last week, the Newsom Administration announced that California will lead with safety protocols and vaccine equity to end the pandemic and reopen the economy. To that end, the state has set aside 40 percent of vaccine doses for the hardest-hit communities and established a vaccine equity metric, which seeks to increase vaccinations in those communities. 

The Governor last week also signed an executive order, extending authorization for local governments to halt evictions for commercial renters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through June 30, 2021. The order also extends protections against price gouging for emergency supplies and medical supplies amid the ongoing emergency response to the pandemic. The text of the Governor’s executive order can be found here and a copy here.

Governor Gavin Newsom also signed a $6.6 Billion package last week to accelerate the safe return to in-person instruction across California and empower schools to immediately expand academic, mental health and social-emotional supports, including over the summer. The package was passed by the Legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support. 

Earlier today, the CA Department of Public Health announced Orange County will be able to move into the less restrictive Red Tier starting Sunday, March 14! This is a great step forward based off an effort across the state to slow the spread of the virus and ensure vaccinations are getting into the arms of our seniors and most vulnerable populations. If our numbers continue to improve, we should see movement to the Orange Tier in just a few weeks! 

As previously reported in my newsletter, the County of Orange has a 5th District COVID-19 Vaccine Super Point-of-Dispensing (POD) site in South County, located at Soka University in Aliso Viejo.

Operational Hours at Soka are Monday through Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Appointments are required through Othena. They are currently vaccinating all those eligible under Phases 1A & 1B, including all tiers and seniors 65+.

To better assist individuals with mobility issues, we also expanded services to include the Soka Drive-Thru POD. The Drive-Thru is intended for individuals with mobility issues, as they must also display a disabled placard or license plate on their vehicle.

Speaking at the opening of the Super POD at Soka.

I was very pleased to partner with Soka University to establish a Super POD site in South County, as we have a large number of seniors eligible to receive the vaccine, and having a location in the 5th District is most helpful in providing greater access to the vaccine.

Individuals notified to schedule an appointment through Othena can also select the vaccine type to receive (Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson) depending on the quantity of each brand received and doses available by location. Eligible individuals with an appointment must present identification and proof of eligibility at any Super POD site to receive a vaccine. 

Below is the POD site schedule for this weekend. It is subject to change. If changes to the schedule occur, information will be posted on my social media pages. 

Additionally, we have updated the County's distribution channels webpage, including links to all of the other providers administering vaccines and how to get appointments. For more information, click here.

Othena platform specialists are responding to callers at the HCA Hotline to assist with questions related to the app and vaccine appointments. Call them at 714-834-2000, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM.

For questions specific to Othena and troubleshooting issues, email the creators of the app - Cura Patient. For a map and directions to Soka University, please click here or see the image below.

As previously reported in my newsletter, vaccinations are now available to all school-based employees in Orange County, and the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) is working with our Orange County Health Care Agency and local school districts to set up additional point of dispensing sites (PODs).

As these PODs come online, educators and support staff will be able to receive vaccinations at any location as long as they have an appointment. Operational hours will allow participants to schedule times outside their normal work days, including weekends.

The State has opened eligibility to Phase 1B and requires local health departments to dedicate a specific allocation to this group. We will begin scheduling appointments for people eligible under Phase 1B when this vaccine supply is confirmed.

Please be advised that obtaining appointments may still take some time, depending on supply levels and the number of employees in the education sector, which includes public, charter and private schools, along with colleges, universities and child care centers.

For the education-specific PODs, OCDE will help school employees with the process of registering through Othena. Once their appointments are confirmed, candidates must bring a current paycheck stub showing proof of employment with an Orange County school or district, along with a valid driver’s license or state-issued I.D. that has their date of birth.

OCDE and its agency partners are discussing targeted POD locations, including the Saddleback Valley and Capistrano Unified School Districts in South County, to promote equity and provide convenience for school employees. If all goes as planned, OCDE expects to have seven school-based PODs up and running by mid-April. For more information, click here.

Click the image above to sign up for Othena.

As previously reported in my newsletter, Othena has a new Family Feature, which allows patients to manage vaccination scheduling and records for multiple family members.

Korean language translation is now available on both the Othena app and web portal, along with English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Chinese translations are also in the works.

The HCA hotline at (714) 834-2000 can also answer questions about vaccinations and Othena in Vietnamese, Spanish and English. If additional support is required, hotline staff can coordinate with Othena representatives. 

Othena also now features a Message Center in the top menu bar of the app and web portal to ensure essential information is readily available and won’t get caught in a spam filter or full inbox. Be sure to install the latest version of the app!

Click the image above to sign up for Othena today!

Individuals notified to schedule an appointment through Othena can select the vaccine type to receive (Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson) depending on the quantity of each brand received and doses available by location.

More than 852,000 people have registered through Othena and more than 545,000 have scheduled appointments. Please be advised that eligible individuals who have registered may not be able to immediately receive an appointment, as there are more people than available doses of vaccine. Please be patient.

As previously reported, our Orange County Super PODS and mobile clinics are not the only options to receive a vaccination. Other healthcare providers approved to dispense the vaccine, including hospitals, pharmacies and health clinics, also play an essential role in vaccinating Orange County’s population.

Click the image above to enlarge.

To continue reducing ICU levels, the County is maintaining vaccine eligibility to Orange County residents age 65+ and individuals eligible under Phases 1A and 1B. The County will reevaluate expanding eligibility to others as ICU levels stabilize and more vaccines become available. For more information, click here.

I'm pleased to report that the Laguna Woods COVID-19 Testing Kiosk is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 AM to 3 PM.

Testing is prioritized for people with symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, workers and residents of congregate settings, and other essential workers. Appointments are needed and can be made by clicking here or on the image below.

Click the image above to make an appointment.

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.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors is seeking candidates to serve on the First 5 Orange County Children and Families Commission.

Two Commission positions are in the education category and one is in the health category. Commissioners that fill these positions must have relevant experience or expertise in the category. New applicants and current members are invited to apply for the three seats for the 2021-2023 term.

The Commission meets six times annually on the first Wednesday of February, April, June, August, October, and December. Commissioners may also serve on ad-hoc committees to review programs and services, participate in site visits, and represent the Commission at community events.

First 5 Orange County oversees the allocation of Proposition 10 funds, which help pay for education, health care, and child development programs for children from the prenatal stage to age 5 and their families.

Applications must be submitted by 3 p.m. April 16. Email Tiffany Alva with any questions.

As your representative on the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors, I'm pleased to report the results of the first phase of a study regarding South County’s transportation needs are in. 

As such, this spring OCTA is launching the second phase of public involvement for the South Orange County Multimodal Transportation Study. The study is looking at a wide range of transportation needs and solutions in south Orange County beyond 2045, including improvements to streets, bus and other transit options, highways and bikeways.

The first phase was conducted in fall 2020. Respondents said they would like:

• Reduced traffic congestion
• Increased frequency and accessibility of multimodal transportation
• Increased safety and efficiency for all modes of travel, and
• Increased alternative transportation frequency and accessibility.

During Phase 2, several alternatives will be evaluated regarding travel choices, growing demand for travel, and sustainability issues. In addition, the study will consider the implications of COVID-19 and possible emerging technologies in the study area.

Feedback opportunities will begin in spring 2021 with a public webinar, online survey, online comment form, and a community hotline in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean and Mandarin.

In addition to serving on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, I'm also proud to serve you on the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors. As such, OCTA is once again seeking qualified volunteers to serve on the OC Go Taxpayer Oversight Committee (TOC).

The TOC is an independent 11-member committee that monitors OCTA’s use of revenue collected through OC Go, also known as Measure M, the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements. The TOC has spent more than a decade ensuring that all OC Go funds are spent on voter-approved transportation projects.

Orange County residents in in my supervisorial district - the 5th District - are eligible to apply. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and willing to serve for a three-year term. In their applications, potential committee members should also demonstrate a history of participating in community activities and knowledge of transportation. Elected or appointed city, district, county, state or federal officials are not eligible to serve.

Applications are due by May 2 and are available here. Interviews will be held via Zoom and conducted May 5 – 13, with final selection taking place at the OCTA Board of Directors meeting June 28.

The Grand Jurors Association of Orange County (GJAOC) is conducting the TOC recruitment and will recommend qualified candidates for membership. For additional information, please call 714-974-9699 or visit here.

OCTA has made $2.8 million available in grant funding for projects that will reduce the impacts of transportation-related street runoff and improve water quality for Orange County waterways.

The funding comes from OC Go, also known as Measure M, Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvement.

The measure includes funding for an Environmental Cleanup Program that awards money on a competitive basis to cities and the county to reduce the impacts of water pollution related to transportation by removing litter and debris from roads before it reaches the ocean and other waterways.

As such, I'm pleased to report that more than 1 million cubic feet of trash has since been captured to date!

Applications will be accepted until May 6, as the OCTA Board is expected to award funding by late summer. Learn more here.

Friday, March 26 at 8:30 AM, I will be speaking at the Dana Point Civic Association's Zoom “Coffee Chat"  to provide a brief County Update on COVID-19 topics, including vaccinations, moving into the Red Tier, mental health issues and testing.

Please click here or the link below to join the meeting March 26. You shouldn't need to enter the meeting ID or passcode, but here they are in the event you do:

Join Zoom Meeting:      https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81459085799?pwd=dE1xRWR1WnBpVTMzRERSNDlVTndMQT09

Meeting ID: 814 5908 5799 | Passcode: Dana

I’m very pleased to report that my office recently completed awarding $1.9 million in funding to numerous small businesses and nonprofit organizations in the fabulous Fifth District through my latest Small Business Grant Relief Program!

The 5th District Small Business Grant Relief Program launched February 1 as a first come, first served program to provide much needed economic support for organizations and businesses impacted by COVID-19, as successful applicants received $10,000 grant awards!

To that end, last week I had the pleasure of presenting a large ceremonial check to winners of the 5th District Grant Award, including the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, Proud Mary's Restaurant, and Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari. Be sure to check back as we feature more of our grant ward winners!

Presenting a $10,000 ceremonial check to Vickie McMurchie, Executive Director of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce.

Presenting a ceremonial check to Steve Zdrakus, proud owner of Proud Mary's in Dana Point Harbor.

With Dave & Giselle Anderson, owners of Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari in Dana Point Harbor.

Congratulations to all of our 5th District Small Business Grant award winners! To view a complete list of our grant award recipients, click the image below.

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

Last weekend, I had the great pleasure of presenting a proclamation in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Dana Point Festival of Whales, which I was honored to present to the Festival's originator, Don Hansen. 

Don Hansen - who is also the original owner and founder of Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching, as well as the first tenant in Dana Point Harbor - established the Dana Point Festival of Whales in 1971. Since then, he has seen this most beloved community event grow to become the longest running festival of its kind in the world! To see the 50th anniversary video, click here!

Presenting the Festival of Whales' Golden Anniversary Proclamation to Don Hansen, as daughter Donna Kalez looks on.

During the yearly migration of the majestic California Gray Whale, these 35-ton leviathans splash through the beautiful seaside community of Dana Point, well-known as the West Coast’s premier location to meet and greet these incredible creatures each year during the annual Festival of Whales celebration.

Over the past half-century, the Dana Point Festival of Whales celebration has paid tribute to the California Gray Whale, as well as the amazing Blue Whale and our other extraordinary marine life species, offering many ocean-themed events and activities that emphasize education and environmental responsibility.

The majestic California Gray Whale.

It is most fitting that the annual Festival of Whales is celebrated in Dana Point, as the City was recently recognized as the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World. And this year, Dana Point received the honor of being designated the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas, as established by the World Cetacean Alliance, the world's largest marine conservation partnership, dedicated to the promotion of safe and sustainable whale watching.

The Dana Point Festival of Whales has truly become a time-honored tradition over the past 50 years under the leadership of its originator, Don Hansen, who devoted many decades of service to promoting community appreciation in South County and conservation of the iconic whales we celebrate. as well as the countless volunteers who worked tirelessly to support this cherished community event. Happy Golden Anniversary to the Dana Point Festival of Whales!

L-R: With Susan Lieb (Dana Point Harbor Partners), Vickie McMurchie (Dana Point Chamber of Commerce), Donna Kalez (Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching), Don Hansen (Festival Founder), Congressman Mike Levin, Dana Point Mayor Pro Tem Joe Muller, and members of the Hansen family at the Festival's 50th anniversary celebration.

Last week, I also had the pleasure of attending a special ceremony, held on the beach at Killer Dana, to present proclamations in honor of Dana Point recently being designated the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas, as established by the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) - the world's largest marine conservation partnership, dedicated to the promotion of safe and sustainable whale watching.

A Whale Heritage Site is a premier location, where cetaceans (whales, dolphins, or porpoises) are embraced through the cultural, economic, social, and political lives of associated communities, as well as where people and cetaceans coexist in an authentic and respectful way.

L-R: Presenting proclamations to Dana Point Mayor Pro Tem Joe Muller, as well as to Donna Kalez and Giselle Anderson, Co-Directors of the Dana Point Whale Watching Company.

To that end, I presented proclamations the City of Dana Point, as well as to Donna Kalez and Gisele Anderson, Co-Directors of the Dana Point Whale Watching Company, who began the application process with WCA in early 2020, after also successfully trademarking Dana Point as the Dolphin and Whale Capital of the World® in 2019. For more information, click here.

Whale Heritage Sites provide tourists a transparent and easy way to select responsible whale and dolphin watching destinations, thus encouraging them to experience these animals in their natural habitat.

Humpback Whale breaching near the Ritz Carlton.

The criteria for acceptance as a Whale Heritage Site is extraordinarily challenging, focusing on protection, sustainability, education, research, public access and awareness, in addition to requiring a community effort that furthers the purpose of a Whale Heritage Site.

Being designated the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas is truly a remarkable accomplishment and a great honor for the City of Dana Point - including Dana Point Harbor and our harbor businesses that focus on good stewardship of the ocean, our harbor and coastline.

As such, receiving this prestigious international award fittingly recognizes the significant work and collaboration  of the many stakeholders and sends a powerful message to the world that Dana Point is a place that loves, protects and responsibly watches cetaceans. Congratulations to Dana Point!

Blue Whale spy-hopping near Dana Point.

With Lynlea Michaels, logo design winner for the Dana Point Festival of Whales' golden anniversary.

I was also very pleased to present a commendation last week to Lynlea Michaels of Irvine, who's winning design became the official logo for the Dana Point Festival of Whales' golden anniversary celebration, held March 6 & 7.

"For this design I wanted to capture the energy of the ocean and the thrill of seeing such amazing animals playing and enjoying the California sun,” Michaels said. “The groovy text and mid-century colors give a nod to Dana Point’s history as a thriving surf community and the city’s eclectic vibes. I hope you love it!" 

And love it, they did! Michaels’ win cements her place in the Dana Point Festival of Whales’ half-century-long history, placing her among a distinguished and talented group of logo designers, including local amateur artists, Dana Hills High School art students, and internationally known professional artists, such as John Van Hamersveld and Wyland. Congratulations, Lynlea!

Lynlea Michaels' winning logo for the 50th Festival of Whales.

My Community Relations Advisor presented a commendation on my behalf Sunday in honor of the grand opening ceremony for Compass Bible Institute (CBI) in Aliso Viejo. CBI provides a thorough biblical education to prepare men and women for leadership in Christian Ministry. Please join me in welcoming Compass Bible Institute to our community!

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presents a commendation to Senior Pastor Mike Fabarez of Compass Bible Church.

Click the image above to Vaccine News.

As previously reported in my newsletter, the County of Orange Health Care Agency (HCA) has launched a COVID-19 Vaccine Newsletter, which includes their Vaccine News Roundup, Dashboard, Facts & Tips, COVID-19 Resources and more! To subscribe to HCA's COVID-19 Vaccine Newsletter, click here. For more information, click here. 

The OC Health Care Agency continues to release daily COVID-19 case counts in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 248,389 positive cumulative cases and 4,408 deaths to date, as well as 245 currently hospitalized with 74 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.

Click the image above to enlarge.

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.

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.

A recorded webinar on financial protection of older adults during the COVID pandemic was held February 23 and is now available for on-demand viewing. The webinar included a panel discussion of experts from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and Health and Human Services (HHS).

If you are behind on your mortgage, beware of mortgage relief scams. There is free foreclosure help. If anyone tries to charge you in advance for help or guarantees they can stop your foreclosure, they’re not legitimate. The CFPB has information on how you can avoid foreclosure and tips for working with your mortgage servicer. For more information on COVID housing protections and important deadlines, click here.

Challenges COVID-19 has brought include a higher risk of identity theft. In 2020, the FTC received about 1.4 million reports of identity theft, double the number from 2019. Repeatedly, identity thieves targeted government funds earmarked to help people hard hit financially by the pandemic. 

During the pandemic, we’re doing more online – working, connecting with family and friends, shopping, and banking. If something goes wrong with your device, you want to fix it right away. Scammers are preying on this, offering phony tech support services. Here’s what you should know about tech support scams.

Be on the lookout for fake calls, texts, and emails, as 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.

The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) last year conducted a survey of attitudes toward the vaccination for COVID-19 and thanks 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.

Ocean Institute, located in beautiful Dana Point Harbor, is thrilled to announce they will host a FREE Virtual Marine and Environmental Sciences College Fair March 27.

During the Fair, there will be live presentations, small session chats, student and alumni panels, exhibits, and much more! The interactive day will inform and encourage students about post-high school, college, and career opportunities.

SPACE IS LIMITED. To complete the form, receive updates and be among the first to register, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above to register.

Soka University in Aliso Viejo is happy to share its Signature Encore Series to help you experience some wonderful past performances held in their spectacular Performing Arts Center! For more information, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above for more info.

MacGillivray Freeman Films (MFF), based in Laguna Beach, has the inspiration you need for your next adventure.

Meet the Flying Elvis skydivers! Yes, there is a group of ten Elvis impersonators who love to skydive together. Called The Flying Elvi, these adrenaline junkies are featured in MFF’s film America’s Musical Journey about the evolution of America’s musical heritage (now streaming on YouTube). See if this doesn’t make you smile!

Click image above to meet the Skydiving Elvis Impersonators!

Irvine Barclay Theatre (IBT) invites us to enjoy some of their top music events that glued us to our seats or made us want to get up and dance!

As they continue looking back over their past 30 years, some of IBT's favorite musical moments, artists and concerts include Elvis Costello, Arlo Guthrie, David Hidalgo & Louie Perez of Los Lobos, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and Tower of Power. To relive these musical moments, click here or on the image below.

Click image above to enjoy IBT's musical moments.

The King's Singers

In another FREE offering from IBT, demonstrating their great versatility, The King's Singers prove in this recital from London's Cadogan Hall in 2005 that, although they have many imitators, they remain the masters.

In this concert, they share some of their favorite works, a mixture of songs old and new, including madrigals by Byrd and Monteverdi, a Rossini overture, and tunes from the Beatles, Freddie Mercury, Duke Ellington, and more! Billy Joel's "Goodnight My Angel" is very moving and one of the highlights!

Click the image above to enjoy The King's Singers.

All-Star Swing Festival

But wait, here's more from IBT! Recorded at Lincoln Center in 1972 for broadcast on NBC, the All-Star Swing Festival, hosted by Doc Severinsen, features Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Dizzy Gillespie, Gene Krupa on drums, Lionel Hampton on vibes, Earl Hines on piano, among so many others! In addition, this full-length gala concert marks the first and only performance of the original Benny Goodman Quartet on television.

It would be nearly impossible today to arrange for so much A-list talent in a single concert. So kick back, crank up the sound, and let the legends take you on a trip of a lifetime. You won't be sorry... you'll be swingin'!

Click the image above for the All Star Swing Festival.

The Leading Ladies of Broadway

IBT also wants to share a Broadway time capsule that was recorded at Carnegie Hall in 1998, featuring all the women performing on Broadway that season. Hosted by Julie Andrews, the video contains an amazing array of talent, from stalwarts like Dorothy Loudon, Nell Carter, and Elaine Stritch, to young talents hitting their stride like Audra McDonald, Linda Eder, Marin Mazzie, and Rebecca Luker.

It also includes a number by a then 13-year-old Anna Kendrick, who was making her first appearance on Broadway and was nominated for her first Tony that year. And those names are just the beginning, as there are also performances by Liza Minnelli, Faith Prince, Jennifer Holliday, Andrea McArdle, Bebe Neuwirth, and many more!

Click the image above to see The Leading Ladies of Broadway.

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! Keep checking back for new musical experiences!

Current additional performances include:

• Beethoven's "Eroica" Symphony (through 3/13) 
• Virtual Lunar New Year (through 3/14)
• Virtual Lantern Festival

PacificSymphony+ is a new way to experience your Pacific Symphony online and on-demand, so you can enjoy the magic of music whenever and wherever you can. In addition, newly recorded footage from the Concert Hall will be premiered every Thursday! For more information, click here or on the image below. 

Click the image above for PacificSymphony+

From Pacific Chorale's "UnSung Heroes" concert that featured the works of lesser-known female composers, here is the stirring “To See the Sky” by Jocelyn Hagen, a setting of a text by Sara Teasdale, recorded live in concert March 2019. To watch the performance, click here or on the image below.

Pacific Chorale's “To See the Sky” by Jocelyn Hagen

The 23rd Psalm (Dedicated to My Mother) 

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 December 2019.

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 the image above to view the video.

Visit Laguna Live! for great live music in virtual concerts! Their musical offerings include Live Music Insights, Live at the Q, Live at the Museum, and Beth's Tuesday's. For more information or to register for their FREE performances, visit Laguna Live!

Click the image above to enjoy Laguna Live!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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