This Monday, May 31, marks our nation’s Memorial Day, a day of remembrance for the brave men and women of our armed forces, who gave their lives to protect our freedoms and liberties. As we take this national day of observance off of work, let us reflect on the solemnity and significance of the holiday.

Orange County is home to more than 130,000 veterans. 
As such, our Orange County Veterans Service Office serves nearly 20,000 veterans a year, and files over 6,000 claims for VA benefits. We assist veterans and their families with obtaining federal, state and county benefits they’ve earned. We also assess and provide linkages to critical support services such as mental health counseling, veterans housing and homeless assistance, transportation, employment and training programs, and one-time emergency assistance.

In addition to helping with access to VA benefits (including VA health care) we also provide services for DMV Diver’s License Veteran Designation, State Park Passes for Veterans, College Tuition Fee Waivers, burial benefits, County property tax exemptions for Veterans, and much more. For more information about our services offered through the Veterans Service Office, please click here. 

To that end, we extend our deepest condolences to the families whose courageous loved ones left this world far too soon, as we celebrate our great nation their sacrifices  afforded us. Let the ceremonies we attend and the flags we place on graves serve as reminders of the lives that were given to keep us safe and free.

For information on Memorial Day services in the 5th District, please visit the Out and About Safely in South County section of my newsletter. Wishing you and yours a safe, healthy and happy Memorial Day weekend!

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

As such, today I had the pleasure of speaking at an event which showcased one of the largest and most innovative zero-emission demonstration projects in the country: Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions).

Speaking at our South Coast AQMD event.

The Volvo LIGHTS project is a collaboration between the South Coast AQMD, Volvo Trucks and a variety of organizations to help pioneer a range of vehicles and charging infrastructure to demonstrate the commercial success of battery electric trucks. Albertsons, the 2nd largest grocery chain in the U.S., took delivery of two of these trucks and paired them with electric transport refrigeration units (eTRU). 

L-R: With Albertsons VP of Transportation Tim Burke, Senior Advisor and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development Dee Dee Myers, South Coast AQMD Board Member Gideon Kracov, and Volvo Regional Vice President of Sales Christina Ameigh.

Earlier today, Albertsons made the country’s first ever commercial 100% Zero Emission Grocery Delivery with a class 8 truck. This inaugural delivery was made to a LEED certified Albertsons store in Orange County and marks an exciting step towards achieving sustainable transportation goals.

L-R; With South Coast AQMD Board Members Michael Cacciotti (South Pasadena Mayor Pro Tem) and Gideon Kracov (CA Air Resources Board), and Executive Officer Wayne Nastri.

To learn more about the Volvo LIGHTS project, click here and here. For more information about South Coast AQMD and our efforts to promote cleaner air, click here. 

Dana Point Harbor

This week, I was pleased to participate in the South Orange County Economic Coalition's (SOCEC) May membership meeting, focusing on two Economic Engines coming to South County – the revitalization of Dana Point Harbor and the revitalization of Laguna Hills Mall. To watch the presentation, click here.

Laguna Hills Mall

In addition to the Orange County Board of Supervisors, I'm also pleased to serve you on the Orange county Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors. As such, I'm pleased to report OCTA continues to address south Orange County’s transportation needs with a long-term study and near-term projects as the area continues to grow and travel patterns evolve.

Three projects that form the cornerstone of an agreement among OCTA, Caltrans and TCA to improve mobility in south Orange County include:

• Widening Ortega Highway along a 1.1-mile pinch point
• Extending the I-5 carpool lanes from Avenida Pico to the border with San Diego County
• Extending Los Patrones Parkway as a non-tolled county street three miles to Avenida La Pata

Ortega Highway

Ortega Highway

OCTA approved an agreement with San Juan Capistrano to provide $5.25 million in OC Go funding for the preparation of plans, specifications and estimates to widen the portion of Ortega Highway.

That stretch of Ortega Highway is currently one lane in each direction between Calle Entradero and Reata Road, and a notorious choke point for traffic near the eastern end of San Juan Capistrano. The project calls widening it from one lane to two lanes in each direction.

OCTA is working on a funding agreement for the Ortega Highway project, which could open by 2028, with funding contributions from the County of Orange, San Juan Capistrano, the state and OCTA.

Los Patrones Parkway

Los Patrones Parkway

A conceptual alignment of the non-tolled extension to Los Patrones Parkway has been added to the county’s Master Plan of Arterial Highways and general plans of the city and county.

As part of the Comprehensive Transportation Funding Program, OCTA awarded more than $1.8 million to help build the extension.

The preliminary engineering phase is expected to begin as early as this fall.

HOV Lanes from Pico to County Line

HOV Lanes from Pico to County Line

OCTA recently awarded a contract to prepare environmental documents for extending the carpool lanes in each direction between Avenida Pico and the border with San Diego County.

This improvement would build on the six miles of carpool lane opened in 2018 in each direction of I-5 through the cities of San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point and San Clemente.

The environmental phase is expected to be completed by early 2024. OCTA is planning extensive public outreach with residents of San Clemente and other stakeholders.

South County Study

In addition to the three planned projects, OCTA continues work on longer-term solutions through the South Orange County Multimodal Transportation Study, now in the second of three phases.

OCTA is compiling and analyzing input and is planning a roundtable discussion with elected area leaders and other stakeholders later this year. Those efforts will help refine locally preferred alternatives for regional transportation.

Learn more about the study here and click on the “stay connected” tab to sign up for updates.

As previously reported in my newsletter, the Board of Supervisors recently approved two resolutions, 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 in Orange County against the Asian American community, which increased over 10-fold in the past year, as presented to our Board by Orange County Human Relations.

In addition, our local Jewish community has also seen an uptick in anti-Semitic attacks and harassment since early May. In Orange County, 52% of reported hate crimes and 65% of hate incidents that were motivated by religion targeted Jewish people, according to the OC Human Relations 2019 hate crime report.

As elected leaders, our words clearly matter, since we've learned all to well that many individuals continue to 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 ultimately speak louder than our words. The time is now for people of goodwill to lead by example and 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, I look forward to expeditiously and diligently working with my Board colleagues, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Office of the Orange County District Attorney, County of Orange staff, Orange County Human Relations, community leaders of color, as well as all people of goodwill regardless of color, in addressing race-based hate together.

I also urge all Orange County residents who witness any incidents of hate or social injustice to report it to OC Human Relations at (714) 480-6580, and to local law enforcement so justice can be served. For more information on how to be part of the solution in Orange County, please visit OCHumanRelations.org.

OC Human Relations is conducting a study to obtain and examine community members' understanding and/or perception of local law enforcement in an effort to develop and engage in community dialogues. This research is being conducted by Orange County Human Relations Council (OCHR) in collaboration with University of California, Irvine, School of Social Ecology, Advanced Field Study Program.

The findings from this research project will be compiled into a report and published to better serve the Orange County community in facilitating dialogues and bringing our communities together. Please click here to take this short survey anonymously and safely, and please share it with your Orange County friends and family!

Bill Hart of San Clemente

This week, I was saddened to adjourn our Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of Bill Hart of San Clemente, who passed away May 15 surrounded by his loving wife, Christy MacBride-Hart, and twin sons, Andy and Bob, along with his brother, San Juan Capistrano Councilman Howard Hart. He was 67 years old.

Bill Hart was an active member of his community and an instrumental figure in the San Clemente Beach Trail development. For the past several years, Bill had been civically engaged in San Clemente, and was well known by many to generously dedicate his free time to helping the community. Bill previously sat on multiple City of San Clemente committees, including the Coastal Advisory Committee and Public Safety Task Force. He also led and participated in various groups and nonprofits, such as Derail the Trail, the Watershed Task Force, and the Pier Pride Foundation.

Bill’s prominent area of focus was preserving San Clemente’s coastal charm, as well as its beaches and waters. One of his shining achievements was his effort to improve railroad safety, an endeavor that led to the creation of the San Clemente Beach Trail. Last year, Bill campaigned for a city council seat and came in fourth in the race. He will be remembered for his civility - most notably when speaking with others whose views ran contrary to his.

More importantly, he was a great father and husband, who also spent time as a Scout Master for his two sons when they were growing up to become Eagle Scouts.

To that end, I adjourned our Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of Bill Hart of San Clemente and asked that we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and loved ones for their loss. May he Rest in Peace.

Bill Hart - Rest in Peace

My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Daily's Sports Grill in San Clemente, where the Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony today. With a great kitchen that serves high-quality meals at moderate prices, sports fans will surely enjoy a delicious beverage & burger in their “Cheers” type of atmosphere! Please join me in welcoming Daily's Sports Grill to San Clemente!

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presents a commendation to owner/operators Carrie & Steve Vlahos and their partner, Jesse Rehmeier, at Daily's Sports Grill in San Clemente.

My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Doheny Builders Supply in Dana Point, where the Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. As a staple of Capo Beach since 1975, they are the One-Stop shop for residential & commercial building materials in South County! Please join me in welcoming Doheny Builders Supply to Dana Point!

L-R: My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, with Rod Giacomini (manager), Kyle Goerlitz (owner) and Gennie Neidermayer (director of sales) at Doheny Builders Supply in Dana Point.

My office presented a certificate of recognition to PorchBox in Laguna Hills, where the Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Reminiscent of family dinners and home cooking, PorchBox prepares nutritious, fresh, wholesome and flavorful American-Comfort food! Please join me in welcoming PorchBox to Laguna Hills!

L-R: My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, with co-founders Amanda Lacher and Julia Li at PorchBox in Laguna Hills.

My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Plumeria Cake Studio in Mission Viejo, where the Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Plumeria Cake Studio skillfully designs unique and delicious cakes for their clients, reflecting their vibe & tastes, as well as bringing their ideas and sugar dreams to life! Please join me in welcoming Plumeria Cake Studio to Mission Viejo!

Owner Jennifer Stonebarger receives a commendation from my Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, at Plumeria Cake Studio in Mission Viejo.

My office presented a certificate of recognition to Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists in Mission Viejo, where the Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony last week. PNS provides the highest quality neuropsychiatric treatment to their patients and ensures continuity of care for them. Please join me in welcoming Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists to Mission Viejo!

With CEO Alejandro Alva and his wife at Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists in Mission Viejo.

The County of Orange anticipates an increased demand for first dose COVID-19 vaccinations after Governor Newsom’s announcement this week that the State of California has launched “Vax for the Win,” a COVID-19 Vaccine Incentive Program.

The County Super Point-of-Dispensing (POD) sites have been dispensing the second dose of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines and the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. To meet the anticipated increase in demand for first dose COVID-19 vaccinations, the County Super PODs will also offer the first dose of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines through the Anaheim Convention Center, OC Fair & Event Center, Santa Ana College, and Soka University from Tuesday, June 1 through Saturday, June 5. For information about which vaccines are available at each location, please click here starting Tuesday. 

As all County Super PODs are scheduled to close operations Sunday, June 6, individuals who receive a first dose at a County Super POD next week will be connected on-site with information about how to schedule their second dose. That information includes:

• The Othena platform will automatically select your second dose date; you will need to log-in to select your preferred location at one of the County’s mobile events or call the OC COVID-19 Hotline at (714) 834-2000 for assistance. 
• Alternatively, you may receive your second dose at a location like a pharmacy or health care provider and can access a list here. 

In order to ensure that each location is staffed appropriately, individuals are encouraged to visit www.Othena.com or call the OC COVID-19 Hotline at (714) 834-2000 to make an appointment; however, walk-ins will also be accommodated. The Hotline can also assist with arranging transportation to and from each Super POD, if needed. 

To learn more about the “Vax for the Win” incentive program, please click here or see the flyer below. 

The OC Health Care Agency continues to release daily COVID-19 case counts in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 255,164 positive cumulative cases and 5,059 deaths to date, as well as 62 currently hospitalized with 14 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.

Orange County parents and legal guardians of minors ages 12 to 15 can now schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment or walk-in to County of Orange Point-of-Dispensing (POD) sites offering Pfizer. 

On May 10, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the Pfizer vaccine’s Emergency Use Authorization to allow administration for 12 to 15-year-olds, following clinical trials that proved it safe for this age group with only non-serious side effects like fatigue and headache.

Subsequently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine safety review panel and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup recommended this week that the vaccine is safe and highly effective in protecting this age group against COVID-19. 

Individuals who would like to receive the Pfizer vaccine for themselves or their children ages 12 and older can do so through:

• A Primary Care provider or Pediatrician with whom your children or family is already familiar
• Pharmacies
• Visiting myturn.ca.gov
• Visiting othena.com - If further assistance is needed with selecting a site, scheduling, or arranging for transportation to and from the site, community members can call HCA’s OC COVID-19 Hotline at (714) 834-2000
• Walking-in to a County POD site that is administering the Pfizer vaccine

For more information, click here.

As previously reported, everyone ages 16 and over in Orange County is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Parental consent is required for youth under 18; however, they 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 the eligible 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. Appointments are dependent on vaccine supply. As the County receives more vaccines, more appointments will open in Othena. 

For more information on COVID-19 vaccine resources in Orange County, including this weekend's POD schedule, click here. 

Please be aware that 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.   

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. 

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 the 5th District), and even at home tests that can be delivered to you and mailed to the lab for processing.

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.

If you lost a loved one to COVID-19, you may be eligible for a government program that pays for funeral expenses. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will pay up to $9,000 for funeral expenses for loved ones who died of COVID-19. Survivors can apply for benefits by contacting FEMA, toll-free, at 844-684-6333. To find out if you qualify, read FEMA’s Funeral Assistance FAQs.

Unfortunately, FEMA reports that scammers are contacting people and pretending to offer to register them for assistance. To avoid those scams, here are some tips:

• FEMA will not contact you until you call or apply for assistance.
• The government won’t ask you to pay anything to get this benefit. 
• Don’t give your own or your deceased loved one’s personal or financial information to anyone who contacts you out of the blue.

If you think you got a scam call, hang up and report it to the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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’

This year’s Memorial Day Services in Dana Point will feature the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Color Guard, classical trumpeter David Longoria, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9934 Rifle Team, and the VFW “Boots and Rifle” Ceremony. Program speakers include U.S. Rep. Mike Levin, Dana Point Mayor Jamey Federico, Dana Point Police Services Captain Kirsten Monteleone, Sergio Prince from Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett's office, as well as a squadron Commander and Chaplain from Marine Aircraft Group 39.

The program will include special recognition to veterans of World War II and the Korean War. For more information, call VFW Post 9934 at 949-248-1419. The event will be held at Pines Park, 34941 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach.

Get running this Memorial Day and participate in the City of Laguna Hills 5K and 10K events, while honoring the United States Marine Corps Dark Horse Battalion! Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the usual half-marathon and kids events will not be held in person. The in-person events will be operating at 50% capacity compared to past attendance.

Participants may also opt for the virtual option, in which participants may run or walk the race on their own time. However, it is encouraged to run and walk together virtually on Monday, May 31 regardless of where in the country participants are. Registration for race distances is now open and can be bought online for $45 through race day. 

In observance of Memorial Day, Mission San Juan Capistrano is teaming up with Homefront America to put together A Field of Honor - a special display of four hundred 7-foot community-sponsored American flags, commemorating fallen military heroes, veterans and first responders. Visitors can sponsor an individual flag to add to the exhibit and honor their loved ones. Sponsorships begin at $50 per flag with all proceeds benefiting Homefront America.

The Field of Honor will be open at Mission San Juan Capistrano from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will run through Memorial Day. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time online. All active military, veterans, first responders and those with memberships to the Mission’s Preservation Society will receive free admission. For more information, click here.

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.

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.

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!

PacificSymphony+

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+

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!