With supply of vaccines expected to significantly increase in the coming weeks, the State this week announced it is expanding vaccine eligibility to more Californians!

Starting April 1, individuals ages 50+ will be eligible to make an appointment, and individuals 16+ will be eligible to make an appointment to be vaccinated starting April 15. Read the full story here.

People within those new eligibility groups are encouraged to register now in Othena to receive a vaccination from the County. Once registered, they will be placed in the virtual waiting room with other individuals who are already eligible within the State’s guidelines (Phases 1A and 1B, people over 65 and people 16-64 with underlying medical conditions). However, they will not be considered eligible for an appointment until April 1 and 15 respectively. 

Appointments are dependent on vaccine supply. As the County receives more vaccines, more appointments will open in Othena. 

There are more channels of distribution other than the County where people can get a vaccine. For more information on where you can find appointments through other medical providers and local pharmacies, visit vaccinefinder.org.   

I'm pleased to share that a new funding round has been announced for the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program, as Round 5 opened March 25 and will close March 31.

The Program provides a crucial financial lifeline to traditionally underserved small businesses and nonprofits. 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.

Testing continues to be a main priority of our COVID-19 efforts. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or if your employer is requiring testing as a part of their business reopening plan the County has many opportunities for FREE testing to all our residents.  

There are many options for testing, including our County Super Sites, testing kiosks located at various locations throughout the County (including Laguna Woods, Laguna Niguel, and Mission Viejo in 5th District), and even at home tests that can be delivered to you and mailed to the lab for processing.

All our testing services are free, simple, and produces results in roughly 24 to 48 hours. To schedule an appointment, click here. 

Below is the POD schedule for this weekend. Please be advised that it is subject to change. If changes to the schedule occur, information will be posted on my social media pages. Vaccine type and appointments are dependent on vaccine availability. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. At FEMA, their mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. They are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.

FEMA is working with stakeholder groups to get their input on ways we can best provide this assistance, and to enlist their help with outreach to families and communities. FEMA will begin to implement COVID-19 funeral assistance in April.

Additional guidance is being finalized and will be released to potential applicants and community partners as soon as possible. In the meantime, people who have COVID-19 funeral expenses are encouraged to keep and gather documentation.

In addition to the Orange County Board of Supervisors, I'm pleased to report that I now also serve as Co-Chair of a new coalition, Action for Spent Fuel Solutions Now.

The coalition provides an opportunity for stakeholders, including local governments, business and labor leaders, Native American leaders, environmental groups, and community members to join forces and make offsite offsite spent fuel storage and/or disposal from San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) a priority. 

Spent Fuel Cannisters at SONGS

Co-Founders of Action for Spent Fuel Solutions Now include the Counties of Orange and San Diego, along with the City of Riverside, San Diego Gas & Electric, and Southern California Edison.

It’s imperative that we come together as a coalition to strongly advocate for making offsite spent fuel storage a true and actionable priority. It’s time to act! To that end, our coalition members will work to advocate for federal legislation, funding, administration policies and programs that can advance both permanent disposal and offsite storage. For more information, click here.

In addition to the OC Board of Supervisors, I also serve you on the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors. As such, I'm pleased to report the I-5 South County Improvements Project continues to move forward as it widens 6.5 miles of the freeway between SR-73 and El Toro Road.

All three segments of the project are now under construction and are expected to be completed in 2025. Funding for the project comes from OC Go, also known as Measure M, Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements.

Night demo on I-5 South County improvements.

Improvements include:

• Adding one regular lane in both directions between Avery and Alicia parkways to ease congestion
• Extending the second carpool lane in both directions between Alicia Parkway and El Toro Road to improve the flow of traffic
• Widening sidewalks and adding regular lanes and bike lanes to the Avery Parkway and La Paz Road interchanges, and the Los Alisos Boulevard overcrossing
• Adding auxiliary lanes to help traffic smoothly enter and exit the freeway
• Improving on- and off-ramps to increase capacity
  Converting carpool lanes to continuous access, allowing drivers to enter or exit at any point along the route

For more information about the project, visit here.

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.

The deadline to submit comments on the Metrolink Serra Siding Extension Project Notice of Preparation (NOP) has been extended to Monday, May 10. The project proposes to extend 1.2 miles of railroad siding track from Victoria Boulevard to Beach Road in the City of Dana Point and replace the existing single-track railroad bridge over Coast Highway with two single-track bridges.

The proposed project, which is in the environmental phase, would provide safer and more reliable train service. Metrolink is preparing an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and is seeking comments regarding the scope and content of the document. You may share written comments via email at SerraSiding@octa.net or mail them to: 

Chris Haskell
SCORE Deputy Program Manager
900 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1500
Los Angeles, CA 90017

For more information about the project or to sign up for email alerts, 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.

As part of our commitment to a balanced and sustainable transportation future for Orange County, OCTA developed a Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan, acquired conservation properties, and funded habitat restoration projects to mitigate the impacts of Measure M2 freeway programs. Years in the making and requiring cooperation from multiple entities, the conservation plan ensures more than 1,300 acres of OCTA wilderness preserves will remain forever protected from development.

In addition, the conservation plan provides a path forward for OCTA's OC Go, formerly Measure M, Freeway Environmental Mitigation Program.

The program allocates funds to acquire land and fund habitat restoration projects in exchange for streamlined project approvals for the 13 OC Go freeway improvement projects. Acquired properties are purchased and permanently preserved as open space. Funded restoration projects restore preserved open space lands to their native habitat and include the removal of invasive plant species. For more information about the plan, visit here.

In addition to serving you on the OC Board of Supervisors, I also serve you on the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Boards of Directors. As such, I'm please to report that TCA recently instituted an innovative Cattle Grazing Program to heal the land at Live Oak Plaza, which began in February. What’s more, the cattle grazing program is innovative as the first of its kind in Orange County. 

Conservation grazing, or targeted grazing, is the use of grazing livestock to improve and maintain the quality of biodiversity of natural areas. At Live Oak, nonnative mustard plants have overtaken the land, pushing out coastal sage scrub and other native vegetation. 

Additionally, these nonnative species carry a heavy fuel load which, when combined with high wind conditions, creates a significant fire risk.   

Live Oak Plaza, located in Trabuco Canyon northeast of the 241 Toll Road, contains valuable oak woodlands, riparian and coastal sage scrub habitat for the threatened coastal California gnatcatcher and the endangered Riverside fairy shrimp. Prior to being conserved as permanent open space by TCA, the site had been zoned for commercial (including a gas station) and residential development.

It now provides natural wildlife movement corridors to and from the Cleveland National Forest approximately one mile north and east of the property, and O’Neill Regional Park and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Parks approximately 0.75 miles to the south and northwest, respectively. For more information, click here.

In addition to the Orange County Board of Supervisors, I'm also proud to serve you on the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) Governing Board.

As such, I'm pleased to report the South Coast AQMD continues its second year of the Why Healthy Air Matters (WHAM) education program by providing virtual videos and lesson plans where teachers can introduce the importance of clean air to their students even through remote distance learning. 

The program includes virtual lesson plans with fillable PDF worksheets and lecture videos. Students also have the opportunity to test air quality within their community and participate in other hands-on science experiments and activities. For more information, click here.

Take a trip down memory lane through a new exhibit at John Wayne Airport, featuring pastel paintings of the iconic landmarks and images of historic Route 66. The vibrant artwork of professional painter Ruth Kurisu is on display in the Thomas F. Riley Terminal as part of the JWA Community Focus Space through April 15.

Since 1926, driving down Route 66 has been an experience of a lifetime for travelers, adventurers, and dreamers alike, including Kurisu, who traversed through the “Mother Road” many times. She became inspired to create “Main Street America” to preserve its history and pay tribute to the individuals who created the iconic structures and continuously work to keep the highway’s culture alive.

Kurisu was recently juried into the Las Laguna Gallery in Laguna Beach and served as a former exhibiting member of the Brandon Gallery in Fallbrook. Her work hangs in galleries, office spaces, and private collections throughout Southern California. 

Kurisu’s exhibit may be viewed (pre-security) on the Departure (upper) Level near security screening areas in Terminals A, B, and C and on the Arrival (lower) Level adjacent to Baggage Carousels 1 and 4. For more information, click here.

I'm pleased to share that the Orange County Business Council (OCBC), OC United Way and OC Community Foundation have partnered to launch Humanity Starts Here, a new movement for good!

As we look to the health, economic, racial, social, and climate challenges confronting our community, we know Orange County can overcome them together with humanity! For more information, click here.

In times like these, it's important now more than ever to resolve conflicts, face down hate or level the playing field. To that end, I invite you to please join OC Human Relations as they embark on 30 years by kicking off a year-long celebration with events and dialogues on race relations!

On Tuesday, April 27, 5 PM - 7 PM, please join OC Together Dialogue on Race Relations for honest, powerful and sometimes difficult conversations on Race Relations, Equity & Justice. Dialogues are open to anyone in Orange County seeking to understand race relations through active listening and learning. Explore, listen and learn from each other through respectful dialogue. For more information, click here.

I had the pleasure this week of presenting a proclamation to James Lenthall, who after fifteen years of distinguished volunteer advocacy for the Dana Point Harbor community on matters affecting our beloved harbor, most notably the Harbor Revitalization Plan, recently retired from his positions as President of the Dana Point Boaters Association, as well as Chairman of the Dana Point Harbor Advisory Board.

Presenting a proclamation to James Lenthall at his retirement celebration.

In 2006, with no expectation to become an advocate for the community, James attended his first public forum held by the County of Orange, as plans were presented for the renovation of Dana Point Harbor, and he soon found a sense of community in championing the interests of Dana Point boaters, often testifying at hearings by the California Coastal Commission and the Orange County Board of Supervisors, in addition to speaking at numerous Dana Point City Council and Planning Commission meetings.

James Lenthall speaking at a Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Plan meeting.

James was invited to join the Board of the Dana Point Boaters Association and was later elected its President. In this role, he continued striving to represent boater interests in day-to-day harbor operations and governance, as well as the evolving plans for the $300 million harbor revitalization. In collaboration with other harbor stakeholders, such as the Dana Point Harbor Merchants Association, the County of Orange and Dana Point city officials, the Boaters Association greatly contributed to reshaping Dana Point Harbor under his leadership.

In 2017, as plans were announced by the County to partner with a private developer to undertake the Harbor Revitalization Plan, James worked to co-found the Dana Point Harbor Advisory Board, establishing a forum to represent the interests of all Harbor stakeholders and serving as a central voice and resource for the community during this hugely transformative era. James was subsequently appointed to a three-year term as a boater representative and was also elected its inaugural Chair. Throughout 2018, the Advisory Board served as the primary platform for community input on the vetting and selection of a private developer and their plans for renovating our harbor, setting us on the course we undertake today.

At his retirement celebration, held at the beautiful Dana Point Yacht Club, where he was joined by his family and friends, I was pleased to present James a well-deserved proclamation, congratulating him for his distinguished service on the Dana Point Boaters Association and Dana Point Harbor Advisory Board, and highly commending him for his outstanding contributions to the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Plan.

With James Lenthall and his family at the Dana Point Yacht Club.

Last Friday, my office had the great pleasure of participating in the St. Joseph's Day and Return of the Swallows celebration at Mission San Juan Capistrano. My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, joined Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence-Adams to attend the festivities and present a commendation to Reverend Monsignor J. Michael McKiernan, commemorating the Mission's first-ever virtual Swallows Day and reopening. 

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, with Monsignor J. Michael McKiernan and Mechelle Lawrence-Adams.
(All photos courtesy Karen Reuter Photography)

The St. Joseph's Day and Return of the Swallows celebration officially kicked-off with a warm welcome message from Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams and the singing of the National Anthem by Darren Huntting. To view the welcome video, click here.

Mechelle Lawrence Adams greets guests with a welcome message.

Attendees were also treated to a live ringing of the Historic Mission Bells in honor of St. Joseph and the Return of the Swallows to Capistrano. The ringing of the bells is the oldest tradition at Mission San Juan Capistrano being carried out by bell ringers, Michael Gastelum and Nathan Banda. This year is especially significant as it marks Michael Gastelum's 40th anniversary as a bell ringer at the Jewel of the Missions! To view the video, click here.

With Bell Ringers, Michael Gastelum (2nd) and Nathan Banda (4th).

Guests were invited to join Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams and virtually explore the Mission's beautiful grounds and glorious historic past. From the cultural traditions of the local Acjachemen people, to the picturesque gardens, and one-of-a-kind Serra Chapel, there was something for everyone to enjoy on this virtual tour. To view the video, click here.

Mechelle Lawrence Adams leads guests on a Virtual Tour.

Festivities included performances by students from the Mission Basilica School, as the school continues its rich traditions of participating in the St. Joseph's Day celebration. Students began the day attending a special St. Joseph's Day Mass at the Mission Basilica where the Royal Court, a boy and girl of outstanding nature are crowned King and Queen followed by traditional dance performances.

The St. Joseph's Day Royal Court and traditional dance performers.

A wonderful day was had by everyone who attended the St. Joseph's Day and Return of the Swallows celebration, as guests enjoyed all the wonderful activities and rejoiced in once again being able to spend quality time visiting the Jewel of the California Mission system - our very own beloved Mission San Juan Capistrano! 

A family enjoys St. Joseph's Day and the Return of the Swallows.

The Mission also welcomed the return of Dr. Charles Brown, an acclaimed swallows expert and professor of biological sciences at the University of Tulsa, who provided a virtual lecture on the Swallows of Capistrano. Please make plans to visit our beautiful Mission again soon! For more information about Mission San Juan Capistrano, please click here.

I was saddened to adjourn our March 23 Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of Dennis Mulvaney of Laguna Niguel, who passed away Sunday, March 14. Dennis was a founding member of American Legion Post 281 and its Student Speaker Scholarship Fund. He also served as the Post's 3rd Vice Commander for six years.

In 2016, Dennis Mulvaney was the driving force in  establishing the American Legion Post 281 College Scholarship for graduating high school seniors from a local military or veteran family, which is now known as the Dennis Mulvaney Memorial College Scholarship Program.

Dennis was also instrumental in helping Post 281 establish the Boys State American Legion Program to send deserving high school juniors to Boys State for civic and government experiences. In addition, Dennis was extensively involved with Boy Scouts of America, working with numerous Eagle Scout candidates on their projects.

Dennis and his wife, Donna.

His list of community service honors also include:

• President of the Laguna Niguel Rotary Club from 2004 to 2005.
• Laguna Niguel Citizen of the Year in 2005.
• Niguel Botanical Preserve, creating the Trail to Eagle and developing many future Eagle Scouts.
• And he was Instrumental in the coordination the Laguna Niguel Holiday parade for many years.

I adjourned our Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of Dennis Mulvaney and asked that we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and loved ones for their loss. In doing so, the Board collectively signed an Adjournment in Memoriam, which my office then framed and had delivered to his loving wife, Donna. May he rest in peace.

Donna and Dennis Mulvaney.

My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Upscale Resale in Laguna Hills, where the Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. South County Outreach operates Upscale Resale Thrift Store to support the agency’s mission. If you love to hunt and are thrilled by the catch, then shop at Upscale Resale!

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presenting a certificate of recognition to Bunni Ikes, Manager of Upscale Resale.

Click the image above to Vaccine News.

As previously reported in my newsletter, the County of Orange Health Care Agency (HCA) also has a COVID-19 Vaccine Newsletter, which includes a 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 250,095 positive cumulative cases and 4,684 deaths to date, as well as 172 currently hospitalized with 31 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.

While many of you are at home working or self-isolating and spending more time on the internet, thieves are taking advantage of this situation and coming up with new and innovative ways to separate you from your money. Now is 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 recently held 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. Additionally, through the California COVID-19 Rent Relief Program, both income-eligible renters who experienced pandemic related financial hardships, or landlords who experienced income loss due to unpaid rent, are eligible for financial assistance.

As the spread and far reaching impacts of COVID-19 continue to dominate the world news, we have all witnessed and experienced the parallel spread of worry, anxiety, and uncertainty. The way to overcome this natural tendency is to build our mental resilience, the ability to refocus, clear our minds, and discard negative thoughts.

Here's what you can do...

1) Remember that knowledge is power. Understanding the factors that affect a person’s immune response to COVID-19 will matter as much as, or more than, understanding the virus. There is great information available on the Orange County Health Care Agency's What You Feel is Real webpage. 

2) Don’t accept everything you read or hear. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information and frequent updates on the COVID-19’s spread, severity, risk assessment, etc., on the CDC's website. 

3) Get your emotional support system in place:

• Maintain familiar routines in daily life as much as possible; take care of your basic needs and employ helpful coping strategies; rest during work or between shifts, eat healthy food and engage in physical activity.
• Stay connected with friends and family, even virtually connected, and maintain your social networks.
• Have the emails and phone numbers of close friends and family handy.

4) Take control, incorporate preventative measures:

• See the CDC’s list of preventative measures.
• The constant stream of news reports can cause anyone to feel anxious or distressed. Instead, seek updates and practical guidelines at intervals during the day.
• Be supportive to others. Assisting others in their time of need can benefit the person receiving support as well as the helper.

If you or a loved one are feeling anxiety, worry or fear related to the social disruption caused by COVID-19, you can also reach out to these resources for support:

• Call (855) OC-LINKS or visit the OC Links website Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM to talk or chat with a trained clinical navigator.
• The NAMI Warmline is also here to provide non-crisis support for anyone struggling with mental health concerns Monday through Friday from from 9 AM to 3 AM, and Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 3 AM. Call (877) 910-WARM or visit www.namioc.org.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Download the NAMI HelpLine Coronavirus Information and Resources Guide
• American Psychological Association (APA) ‘Building Your Resilience’

The Dana Point Boaters Association recently co-sponsored an informative webinar on whale watching success and safety in conjunction with Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari and Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching.

What a delightful evening hosted by Gisele Anderson and Donna Kalez with whale watching and safety tips from Captain Dave Anderson and Captain Corey Hall. 

We hope you didn’t miss it, but if you did, Dana Point Boaters Association came to the rescue with a link to the webinar. The video is full of great advice to novice boat owners using their own vessels to whale watch with tips on how to do it safely. 

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.

Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid (100th Anniversary!)
Tue., April 6 at 6:00 PM
FREE with Reservation!

Casa Romantica also invites you to enjoy a FREE movie night featuring the silent film The Kid, starring Charlie Chaplin, which is about a man, The Tramp, who adopts an abandoned child and they become partners in crime. This movie was Chaplin’s first full-length film as a director and was the second-highest-grossing film in 1921. BUY YOUR FREE TICKETS HERE!

Click the image for your FREE tickets to see The Kid!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 the 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+

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.

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.

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!