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 is studying mobility strategies that will help identify future improvements to our local streets, transit, freeways and bikeways for South County and we would like your feedback.

There are several ways to participate in the South Orange County Multimodal Transportation Study:

Telephone Townhall

On June 17, OCTA hosted a Telephone Townhall for residents to learn about study findings, provide input and ask questions. The Townhall was simulcast in Spanish. A recording of the presentation will also be available on the project website.

Virtual Meeting Room

A Virtual Meeting Room will be open through Monday, July 12 to help people learn more about the study, make comments and ask questions. Please visit here to access the Virtual Meeting Room.

Survey

Please take a short survey online or by phone at (833) 711-8070 to share your feedback on mobility strategies that will help improve transportation in South County in the future.

For more information, please click here.

The much-anticipated Ortega Highway Widening project has received the necessary funding to move forward with the design phase of the project. Ortega Highway serves as a key connection between Orange and Riverside Counties and currently has a major pinch point which will be alleviated with the 1.1 mile widening project. The project will add one lane in each direction from Calle Entradero to Reata Road in the city of San Juan Capistrano.

Both OCTA and the OC Board of Supervisors voted to commit funding to the project. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors voted to provide $1,750,000 million in pass through funding from Rancho Mission Viejo and OCTA has committed a total of $6,050,000 in Measure M2 and federal funding. These commitments will fund the design phase and ready the project for the right-of-way construction phase.

The widening project is an important regional transportation improvement which will enhance public safety and alleviate traffic in the area. The project could be open to drivers by 2028, based upon on future funding availability.  I will continue to provide updates as the project moves forward.

Now that Orange County is opening up, people are thinking about getting out and about. Of course, concerns about safety and cleanliness remain.

At Metrolink, safety is the top priority. Enhanced cleaning procedures, onboard sanitizers, socially distanced train cars, face covering requirements—these are just a few of the steps Metrolink has taken to keep passengers safe and make them feel confident about their travel choice.

A Metrolink Weekend Daycations day trip delivers fun and joy while keeping journeys safe and affordable. Travelers can find ideas, itineraries, deals and inspiration at the Metrolink Weekend Daycations website.

Take the train to stroll or surf the beaches of San Clemente or Oceanside, enjoy a socially distance bike ride, or take the kids to Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Adults ride anywhere Saturday or Sunday for only $10, and kids 17 and under ride free on weekends!

As we enter another dry summer, water use efficiency and water supply reliability are great concerns throughout South Orange County and the state.

The South Orange County Economic Coalition invites you to to hear from local water leaders about what is being done to ensure we have the water we need, when we need it, and what you can do to support this effort. For more information, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above for more info.

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.

I had the great pleasure of attending the El Presidenté Ball last weekend, held at the historic El Adobe Restaurant in San Juan Capistrano, to present a proclamation to Jim Taylor in honor of the longtime and outstanding efforts throughout the community by the Fiesta Association.

Presenting a proclamation to Fiesta Association President Jim Taylor at the El Presidenté Ball in San Juan Capistrano.
(Photos courtesy of Diana Schmitt / Accent Portraits)

I was pleased to join Mayor John Taylor and others in presenting commendations to the well-deserving organization, which also produces the ever-popular Swallows Day Parade and Mercado during the annual Fiesta de las Golondrinas, among many other community events and activities in San Juan Capistrano.

With Marianne and Mayor John Taylor at at the El Presidenté Ball.

The El Presidenté Ball celebrates the origins of the old west when San Juan Capistrano was in its early days. All colorful characters came dressed in Western, Spanish, Mexican or early California attire. The best-dressed man and woman contests were also held during the the Ball. Attendees also enjoy great food and old-fashioned fun while dancing under the stars to live country-western style music. For more information about the Fiesta Association, click here.

Fiesta Association President Jim Taylor presents a bouquet of flowers to his wife, Laurie, at at the El Presidenté Ball.

This week I was pleased to attend the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce's Open & Airy Annual Meeting of Members and Award Ceremony Luncheon, held at Bella Collina San Clemente, where I presented a proclamation to outgoing Board Chairman Burton Brown.

Presenting a proclamation to outgoing Chairman Burton Brown.

In addition, I joined San Clemente Mayor Kathy Ward and others in presenting certificates of recognition to Marc Popovich (Educator of the Year), Vicky Wilson (Citizen of the Year), Fred Swegles (Outstanding Lifetime Achievement), Triton Air (Business of the Year), San Clemente Downtown Business Association (Non-Profit of the Year), Karlena Rannals (Volunteer of the Year), and Isaac Camacho (Ambassador of the Year).

Presenting commendations to Educator of the Year Marc Popovich (3rd from left).
 

With San Clemente Mayor Kathy Ward and others, presenting commendations to Citizen of the Year Vicky Wilson (3rd from left).

Presenting commendations to Triton Air (Business of the Year).

Presenting commendations to San Clemente Downtown Business Association (Non-Profit of the Year).

Presenting commendations to Volunteer of the Year Karlena Rannals (3rd from left).

Presenting commendations to Ambassador of the Year Isaac Camacho (4th from left).

The luncheon was held at Bella Collina, hosted by owner Mark Zane, with former Mayor Tim Brown serving as Master of Ceremonies.

L-R: With Bella Collina owner Mark Zane and the  Master of Ceremonies, former San Clemente Mayor Tim Brown.

I was also pleased to attend the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Annual Installation Banquet to present a commendation to outgoing President Brandon Wise in recognition of his outstanding service to Rotary and the community. The breakfast was held at Laguna Cliffs Marriott in Dana Point, where Brandon is Director of Food and Beverage. Great job, Brandon!

Presenting a commendation to outgoing President Brandon Wise at the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Annual Installation Banquet.

The Laguna Beach Sister Cities Association (LBSCA) held the 14th annual Fête de la Musique in Laguna Beach, where my Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, joined Mayor Bob Whalen in providing welcoming remarks for this ever-popular World Music Day event. Special thanks to LBSCA Founder Karyn Philippsen! For more information about the 2021 Fête de la Musique in Laguna Beach, click here. For more information about LBSCA, click here.

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, providing welcoming remarks at Fête de la Musique in Laguna Beach.
(Photo courtesy of Mary Hurlbut Photography)

My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Jody Salamirad, owner of Core Town Pilates in Rancho Mission Viejo, where the Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony last weekend. In the heart of South County, Core Town Pilates is the game changing studio that's guaranteed to exceed your fitness goals! Please join me in welcoming Core Town Pilates to Rancho Mission Viejo!

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presents a commendation at the ribbon cutting for Core Town Pilates in Rancho Mission Viejo.

My office was also pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Josh & Melissa Fisher, owners of Escape Craft Brewery in Laguna Niguel, where the Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony and mixer this week. Escape to your happy place! With over 20 house-made craft beers on tap, Escape Craft Brewery is a great place to meet up with friends for a pint. Please join me in welcoming Escape Craft Brewery to Laguna Niguel!

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, participating in the ribbon cutting for Escape Craft Brewery in Laguna Niguel.
(Photo courtesy of Mark Montgomery Photography)

The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) has launched a new feature on the Othena platform, which streamlines the process for any interested individuals, groups, employers and businesses to request an onsite, mobile COVID-19 vaccination service.

To begin the application process, individuals can visit the Mobile Vaccine Service section of the Othena website or smartphone app and provide the following intake details:

• Name of the organization or group 
• Primary point of contact 
• Estimated number of patients at event (at least 50 preferred)
• Ability to register patients ahead of time
• Ability to supply a climate-controlled location 
• Preferred day(s) of the week

Once the application has been submitted, HCA will assign a dedicated Community Liaison to work directly with the primary point of contact to engage in a collaborative planning process. 

Additionally, the Mobile Vaccine Service feature enables community members who are homebound and meet specific criteria (or their caretakers) to schedule at-home vaccinations. To learn more, please visit Othena.com, call the OC COVID-19 Hotline at (714) 834-2000, or see the flyer below.

Click the image above to enlarge.

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. 

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 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.   

The purpose of the COVID-19 Community Impact and Needs Survey is to gather information on how COVID-19 has impacted our community. The results of this survey will be used to recommend policies that will address the greatest needs of the County. Participation is voluntary, confidential, and will only take about 10 minutes. 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 256,052 positive cumulative cases and 5,114 deaths to date, as well as 49 currently hospitalized with 9 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 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.

If you or someone you know or work with is having difficulty paying their rent, financial assistance may be available. The Emergency Rental Assistance program helps renters and landlords by providing money for housing costs through organizations in your community.

Not sure where to start? The answers to common questions about Emergency Rental Assistance can help you learn:

• How to apply for emergency rental assistance?
• What emergency rental assistance covers?
• If you are eligible for emergency rental assistance?
• How to show that you are eligible?

If you’re having a hard time paying your rent during the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re not alone. Click here to find out what steps to take to get the help you need.

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’

The Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center cordially invites you to their new Recital Series, "Opera Reimagined", featuring Laguna Tenor, Rick Weber and some of Southern California's up-and-coming voices. In a most exclusive setting, right in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach, you'll hear arias from renowned operas, Neapolitan classics, musical standards, and learn more about the stories behind the songs!

Celebrate the arts, support our local music scene, and mingle with fellow classical music lovers! For more information, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above for more info.

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.

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.

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.

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+

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!