During our previous meeting of the Orange Board of Supervisors, two resolutions were unanimously approved, one from myself, titled “County of Orange Stands in Solidarity to Denounce All Hate Crimes,” and the other from Chair Andrew Do, Supervisor, First District, titled “OC Board of Supervisors Commitment to Action Against Racism.”

The action was prompted due to the alarming upsurge in COVID-related hate crimes against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, which has increased 10-fold over the past year, as presented by Orange County Human Relations during our Board meeting.

I’m pleased to have the support of my colleagues on this tremendously pressing issue, as people of all races and ethnic backgrounds have contributed greatly to the economic vitality and rich history of Orange County and should not be subject to such hateful acts. Furthermore, I’m grateful to the AAPI and other community leaders who provided direct input for my resolution, many of whom came to our Board meeting to speak in support of it or submitted letters to be read into the record.

My resolution also includes defined action items for our Board to take to confront all hate crimes committed against any marginalized group or sector of our society, as the people committing these hateful acts often do not discriminate against which groups they choose to attack.

As elected leaders, our words clearly matter, since we've learned all to well that many individuals do take their cues from us. As such, we must make it abundantly clear that perpetrators of hate have no place in Orange County and will not be tolerated, as our actions speak louder than our words. The time is now for people of goodwill to take action and strive to serve as role models of respect and kindness toward other communities that may be different than our own. We can and must do better!

To that end, in the coming weeks I look forward to working closely with my Board colleagues, County staff, OC Human Relations, and our community leaders in addressing this very serious issue. Additionally, I urge all Orange County residents who witness any incidents of hate crimes or social discrimination to report it to OC Human Relations at (714) 480-6580, as well as to local law enforcement so justice can be served. To view my Anti-Hate resolution approved unanimously by the Board, click here.

I'm very pleased to report that our South Orange County Virtual Jab Fair held Wednesday this week was a resounding success! To that end, I want to thank our OC Community Services staff and Orange County Workforce Development Board team for working with my office to make this the successful and productive event it was. 

I also want to thank our esteemed Job Fair Partners, who helped promote and recruit employers for the event. Our Partners included, the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce, Dana Point Chamber, Greater Irvine Chamber, Ladera Rancho Chamber, Laguna Beach Chamber, Laguna Hills Chamber, Laguna Niguel Chamber, Lake Forest Chamber, Mission Viejo Chamber, Orange County Business Council, Rancho Santa Margarita Chamber, Saddleback Church, San Clemente Chamber, San Juan Capistrano Chamber, and South Orange County Economic Coalition.

Preliminary reports for both jobseekers and employers indicate we had 846 jobseekers, as well 156 businesses in attendance, with 3,790 positions available. Staff sent surveys immediately after the event to both jobseekers and employers, with a 5-day response period, after which they will follow up with each employer within thirty days to track hires and other pertinent data. Please stay tuned, as I will share more results from our Job Fair they become available.

The South Orange County Virtual Jab Fair provided jobseekers with all manner of employment, from entry level positions to high-level corporate and technical career opportunities. In addition to the County of Orange, high-profile employers participating in our Job Fair included, AppleOne, Applied Medical, Biola University, Cox Communications, Golden State Foods, MicroVention Terumo, Quest Diagnostics, Saddleback Valley Unified School District, Waldorf Astoria, and many others!

Given the very positive reviews my office has received to date, we look forward to hosting another South Orange County Virtual Jab Fair later this year. If you are an interested employer and would like to participate in our next Job Fair, please don't hesitate to let me know!

This is your reminder from the OC Treasure-Tax Collector (TTC) that Monday, April 12 is the last day to pay the second installment of property taxes without penalty. If not paid, a 10% delinquency penalty plus a $23 fee will be added to the amount due. Check the payment status of your property taxes on the TTC's 24/7 secure website by inputting your APN or property address. If you are having difficulty accessing the website, please telephone the TTC Call Center at 714-834-3411 between 9 AM and 5 PM.

The State has not changed the April 12 deadline, and the Treasurer has no authority to make this change.  If not paid by April 12 at midnight, a 10% delinquency penalty plus a $23 fee will be added to the amount due. Late penalties may be cancelled under certain limited conditions, i.e. residential real property owned and occupied by the homeowner (as evidenced by a Homeowner's Exemption) or real property owned by a small business.

After April 12, if a qualified taxpayer with demonstrated economic hardship or medical issues due to COVID-19 is unable to deliver payment timely, then as soon as the taxpayer is able to pay, they may request a cancellation of the second installment late penalty using the Penalty Cancellation Request Form, but no later than May 6. All requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Taxpayers will need to complete and sign the form, include a check for the base property tax amount due (without penalties or costs), provide third party documentation and other supporting financial documentation justifying the request and mail the items to the address on the form. 

See FAQs and Penalty Cancellation Request Examples to determine whether you qualify for penalty cancellations.  For more Property Tax information, click here.

As California surpasses a major milestone in the fight against COVID-19 — administering more than 20 million vaccine doses, including 4 million in the State’s hardest-hit communities, and with hospitalizations continuing to steadily decline — earlier this week. the Governor outlined the next step in the COVID-19 pandemic recovery, moving beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. 

On June 15, California will fully open its economy if the following two criteria are met: 

• Vaccine supply is sufficient for Californians 16 years and older who wish to be inoculated; and
• Hospitalization rates are stable and low. 

Californians will still need to wear masks and will still be encouraged to get vaccinated after that date, state officials said, but the state plans to end its color-coded tier system that has governed county-by-county reopening for several months. Read the press release here. 

As reported in my newsletter last week, with supply of vaccines expected to significantly increase, the State has announced it is expanding vaccine eligibility to more Californians. As of April 1, individuals ages 50+ are now eligible to make an appointment!

Starting Thursday, April 15, everyone ages 16 and over in Orange County will also be eligible to receive a vaccine. Parental consent is required, and people under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive the vaccine. If you have not already done so, be sure to get register with Othena ahead of time to ensure your place in the virtual waiting que.  

People within those new eligibility groups are strongly encouraged to register now with 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.   

As reported in my newsletter last week, the State has issued a new Travel Advisory with the following recommendations, which supersedes the Travel Advisory issued January 6, 2021 and shall apply prospectively from April 1, 2021:

• All travelers arriving in or returning to California from other states or countries should follow CDC travel guidance.
• All travelers should get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before travel.
• All travelers who test positive or develop symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate and follow public health recommendations.

Non-Essential Travel [i]

• Except in connection with essential travel[ii], Californians should avoid non-essential travel outside of California,  to other states or countries. Avoiding travel reduces the risk of virus transmission, including by reducing the risk that new sources of infection and, potentially, new virus strains will be introduced to California.
• Non-essential travelers from other states or countries, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status, are strongly discouraged from entering California, and should adhere to the quarantine procedures set forth below.
• Non-essential travelers should get tested 3-5 days upon arrival into California and stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel, even if their test is negative.
• Non-essential travelers who don't get tested should stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel

For more information, click here.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) last week announced that Orange County has moved into the Orange Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, having successfully achieved Orange Tier metrics for two weeks. As a result, many local businesses and activities in Orange County are now allowed to expand capacity or resume operations. To read the County of Orange press release, click here.

This news offers much welcomed relief for County businesses and services that have struggled over the past year to stay afloat. While not ideal, it is certainly a step in the right direction as we continue to push forward in our battle against COVID. Details of activities and business tiers can be found here.  

Last week, the County opened a vaccine Super POD at the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa and is vaccinating initially 2,000 people per day. That daily number is expected to increase as additional vaccine supplies become available. Hours of operation are from 8 AM to 5 PM daily. 

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

Click the image above for more information.

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

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 offers FREE testing to all of 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.

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 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.

April is a wonderful time to celebrate the environment. Spring is here and Earth Day, an annual event that demonstrates support for environmental protection, will be celebrated around the world on April 22.

At OCTA, every day is Earth Day. OCTA protects Orange County’s air, land, water and community to create happier, healthier lives today while putting the wheels in motion to shape a resilient future for generations to come.

A new website shares OCTA’s culture of sustainability and commitment to a green future, including piloting a zero-emission bus program, preserving 1300 acres of wilderness and encouraging walking and biking along a nearly 1,000-mile network of Orange County pathways.

During April, site visitors will have the opportunity to win a $100 gift card while learning more about OCTA’s commitment to a healthy environment for all those who call Orange County home. Participants will be automatically entered to win after taking a short quiz.

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.

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.

I'm also pleased to report the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Oso Parkway Bridge Project was recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Orange County Branch as Outstanding Bridge Project of the Year at a virtual ceremony recently.

The project, which celebrated its grand opening in January, enhances mobility for South Orange County residents and commuters by connecting the 241 Toll Road and Los Patrones Parkway. A new sidewalk and dedicated bike lanes improve safety for students and families traveling to Tesoro High School. Additionally, businesses in cities such as Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente benefit from increased connectivity provided by the roadway.

Oso Parkway Bridge Project

The project is the culmination of a dynamic partnership between the Transportation Corridor Agencies, which funded the nearly $40 million project; OC Public Works, which oversaw construction; and Caltrans, which owns the 241 Toll Road. This project, which enhances mobility throughout the region, was funded by TCA with zero taxpayer dollars and zero new debt.

To view the virtual grand opening, which includes a unique virtual ribbon-toss ceremony that garnered a record-setting number of views for The Toll Roads, click here. For more information on the project, including a fact sheet, photos, map and timeline, click here. To read the full press release, 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.

5th District resident Ava August shining brightly on American Idol.

In October 2019, young Ava August of Laguna Niguel performed the National Anthem at our Dana Point Harbor 50-year time capsule monument unveiling ceremony. As a constituent of my District, I was very proud of her then, but all of our hearts should be bursting with even more pride for her now, as less than 18 months later, at the tender age of 15, she is on the brink of advancing in ABC’s American Idol!

Ava August performing Olivia Rodrigo’s “Driver’s License.”

Earlier this week, the second night of Top 24 performances on Season 19 of ABC’s American Idol confirmed America has a tough choice to make, dwindling a groundbreaking talent pool down to only 16, as Laguna Niguel's Ava August proved both wisdom and talent beyond her 15 years. Ava opened her showcase with a soulful performance of Olivia Rodrigo’s “Driver’s License.” The song is a global smash hit and an age-appropriate selection for this emerging artist who will get her driver’s license later this year!

Ava with Josh Groban performing Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.”

Later in the evening, Ava joined Josh Groban for an amazing performance of Joni Mitchell’s enduring hit from 1966 “Both Sides Now.” Judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, visibly stunned by the young artist’s performance, confirmed that Ava, the youngest contestant in the running, deserves to compete.

“Do you realize you are singing far beyond your age?” asked Lionel Richie. “If this is you at 15, then you with your driver’s license, you’re going to be terrifying,” he laughed. Katy Perry, who was clearly entranced by the duet, told Ava she's an “old soul.” “I think your soul is saying I’m coming back this time. I’m going to do it right, 100 percent, ace this test of life and become that queen.” She added, “You better buckle up honey, all those licenses are coming!”

Dana Hills High School freshman Ava August.

Still in her freshman year at Dana Hills High School, and the youngest contestant on American Idol's Season 19, Ava is up for one of 16 remaining spots, which will be unveiled in a future show. Please join me in wishing Ava all the best in her incredible musical journey. To that end, let's all keep an eye on her and, if she is blessed to be able to advance, let's give her a our enthusiastic support. While it's too late to vote for her now, if she does make it to the next round, please vote for her at that time and tell all your friends to do so as well. Best of luck, Ava! Win or lose, you've already made us all very proud!

Keep your eye on our 5th District American Idol, Ava August!

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 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 251,698 positive cumulative cases and 4,826 deaths to date, as well as 114 currently hospitalized with 32 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.

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 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’

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

This week, we go on location to the Great Wall of China for a behind-the-scenes peek at the MFF film crew during production of Dream Big: Engineering Our World. Braving countless steep steps with the heavy IMAX film equipment, the crew captured remarkable footage of this incredible engineering feat, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Watch it now!

Click above to Dream Big: Great Wall of China Behind the Scenes

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!

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.

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.

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.

Unforgettable, With Love

IBT has uncovered another concert gem from the youtube archives for you to enjoy! Natalie Cole was an unforgettable talent. A winner of 9 Grammys, among other awards, her legacy lives on in recordings that sold more than 30 million copies and won worldwide acclaim.

Emmy-winning Unforgettable, With Love: Natalie Cole Sings the Songs of Nat King Cole, is a concert of pop and jazz standards from her Grammy-winning tribute album to her legendary father, Nat King Cole. This is a timeless concert featuring great vocals and the lush sound of a full orchestra... truly Unforgettable!

Click the image to enjoy "Unforgettable, With Love: Natalie Cole Sings the Songs of Nat King Cole."

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+

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!