Please be advised that my Arts-Related Small Business & Nonprofit Grant Relief Program is still active and accepting applications on a first come, first served basis!

Notification and disbursement of awards will continue until all funds have been expended. Applications are being screened in the order in which they were received, so please be patient. Congratulations to all of our 5th District arts-related grant award winners!

If you have any questions regarding the program, process or status, please visit the dedicated website. Additionally you may contact the program administrator via email or at (714) 597-6630 ext. 134. For more information, click on the image below.

Click the image above to enlarge.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated its Guidance for Face Coverings in response to new CDC guidance, recommending mask use for public indoor settings to slow the spread of COVID-19 and the delta variant.

Effective July 28, masks are required for all individuals in the following indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status:

• On public transit (examples: airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-shares) and in transportation hubs (examples: airport, bus terminal, marina, train station, seaport or other port, subway station, or any other area that provides transportation)
• Indoors in K-12 schools, childcare
• Emergency shelters and cooling centers
• Healthcare settings
• State and local correctional facilities and detention centers
• Congregate settings such as homeless shelters
• Long Term Care Settings & Adult and Senior Care Facilities 

Masks are required for unvaccinated individuals and recommended for fully vaccinated individuals in indoor public settings and businesses (examples: retail, restaurants, theaters, family entertainment centers, meetings, state and local government offices serving the public). It is important to wear a mask if you are around someone that is high risk, with unvaccinated children or with people whose vaccination status is unknown especially indoors. 

In settings where masks are required only for unvaccinated individuals, businesses, venue operators or hosts may choose to:

• Provide information to all patrons, guests and attendees regarding vaccination requirements and allow vaccinated individuals to self-attest that they are in compliance prior to entry.
• Implement vaccine verification to determine whether individuals are required to wear a mask.
• Require all patrons to wear masks.

For complete information and FAQs on the State’s current mask guidance, click here.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) also issued another new State Public Health Officer Order on July 26. Due to the current COVID-19 vaccination rate of Californians, along with the increase of the COVID-19 Delta variant, the Order directs employers to verify the vaccination status of all workers in certain limited settings. Employees that are subject to the new Order conduct work in the following areas:

A. Acute Health Care and Long-Term Care Settings:

• General Acute Care Hospitals
• Skilled Nursing Facilities (including Subacute Facilities)
• Intermediate Care Facilities

B. High-Risk Congregate Settings:

• Adult and Senior Care Facilities
• Homeless Shelters
• State and Local Correctional Facilities and Detention Centers

C. Other Health Care Settings:

• Acute Psychiatric Hospitals
• Adult Day Health Care Centers
• Adult Day Programs Licensed by the California Department of Social Services
• Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and PACE Centers
• Ambulatory Surgery Centers
• Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospitals
• Clinics & Doctor Offices (including behavioral health, surgical)
• Congregate Living Health Facilities
• Dental Offices
• Dialysis Centers
• Hospice Facilities
• Pediatric Day Health and Respite Care Facilities
• Residential Substance Use Treatment and Mental Health Treatment Facilities

The requirement in the new State Public Health Officer Order to verify vaccination status goes beyond the County’s current self-attestation process and requires all workers in the above-listed facilities to either provide evidence of being fully vaccinated from COVID-19, or to undergo regular COVID-19 testing until the Order is lifted.

There are also new face-covering requirements for unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated employees that work in “High-Risk Congregate Settings and Other Health Care Settings” identified above.

A talented multi-department team of County staff are currently reviewing the new State Public Health Officer Order to determine the most efficient ways of implementing it. The full new State Public Health Officer Order can be found here and goes into effect Monday, August 9.

This week, my Board colleagues and I had the great pleasure of recognizing the Orange County Incident Management Team and County staff with a Board Resolution for their incredible hard work and dedicated service to our residents during the unprecedented global pandemic. To view the presentation, click here.

Presenting a Board Resolution the Orange County Incident Management Team and County staff.

During our Board of Supervisors meeting, we also played a 'Thank You' video for our County staff and partners for their indispensable role in Operation Independence. Each Board member provided comments for the video, as we had footage from all of our POD sites and mobile POD sites woven in, along with our press conferences.

To view our Thank You video, click the image above.

Needless to say, we are far from out the woods with COVID-19, but we feel it is important that our staff knows the vital role they played, and continue playing, in vaccinating our County residents. I also want to thank our County residents for doing your part in getting vaccinated, not only to protect yourselves, but your family and loved ones as well, from the ongoing threat of COVID-19!

In addition to the Orange County Board of Supervisors, I'm also proud to serve you on the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors. As such, I'm pleased to report that with help from OCTA, South County cities have brought back summer shuttle services as the county reopens after the pandemic.

Funded in part by OC Go, the shuttles cost little or nothing to ride and provide convenient car-free service to popular destinations including festivals, the beach and shopping. OC Go, also known as Measure M, is the County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements.

Dana Point Trolley

Many summer shuttles connect to one another, as well as OC Bus and Metrolink stops, making it easier to travel to popular destinations without a car. Shuttle services allow residents to avoid driving and parking hassles while enjoying what Orange County has to offer.

The Laguna Beach Trolley also includes the "Summer Breeze!"

Shuttles operating in the 5th District include:

• Dana Point
• Laguna Beach
• San Clemente
• San Juan Capistrano

San Clemente Trolley

Shuttles are operated by local jurisdictions. Some of the safety precautions they have in place include: requiring face coverings, operating at reduced capacity to allow for social distancing, equipping vehicles with hand-sanitizer stations and installing barriers between drivers and passengers. High-touch areas will frequently be wiped down and the shuttles will be fully disinfected at the end of each shift.

San Juan Capistrano Trolley

OCTA continues to work closely with cities in monitoring ridership and evaluating costs as the services return.

As previously reported in my newsletter, the Board of Supervisors earlier this year 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.

Join OC Human Relations for honest, powerful and sometimes difficult conversations on Race Relations, Equity & Justice. Dialogues are open to anyone in OC seeking to understand race relations through active listening and learning.

Explore, listen and learn from each other through respectful dialogue. Break-out rooms are used to create facilitated, small-group discussions between diverse individuals. The title of the Tuesday, August 24 Dialogue is “Race & Geography – Realities of Living in OC.”

This is one of a series of dialogues OC Human Relations will be offering over the next months and part of their 30th Anniversary celebration. For more information or to register, click here or on the image below..

Click the image above for more info.

This week, I had the pleasure of participating in the South Orange County Economic Coalition (SOCEC) Board Reception and Swearing-in Ceremony, held in the VIP Lounge at Outlets at San Clemente.

Swearing-in the SOCEC Executive Committee.

During the ceremony, I was honored to deliver the Oath of Office to the SOCEC Executive Committee, including new Board Chair Mike Balsamo of Rancho Mission Viejo. Afterward, Assemblywoman Laurie Davies swore-in the remaining Board of Directors.

Presenting a commendation to Outgoing Chair Steve LaMotte.

In addition, I was pleased to present commendations to Outgoing Chair Steve LaMotte, who completed to consecutive terms; and to Outgoing Director Curt Stanley for having served 21 years on the Board, including two years as Chair. 

Presenting a commendation to Outgoing Director Curt Stanley.

The South Orange County Economic Coalition (SOCEC) is the premier voice of business in South Orange County. Serving the region since 1969, they work diligently to promote a strong economic climate, providing current updates on issues discussed at the state, county and local levels. For more information, click here. 

With Steve LaMotte, Curt Stanley & Assemblywoman Laurie Davies.

My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to BrightLife Beverage Co. in Laguna Beach, where the Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony last week. Whether you're looking for a break from alcohol without a break from taste, seeking a hangover-free substitution, or after a new aperitif, BrightLife has you covered! Please join me in welcoming BrightLife Beverage Co. to the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce.

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presents a commendation to Jonny Cummings and Natalia Browne, owners of BrightLife Beverage Co. in Laguna Beach.

This week, my office bid farewell to our 5th District Intern, Joseph Meyers. We thank him very much for his outstanding service and extend our sincere best wishes for continued success in all future endeavors!

My outgoing office intern, Joseph Meyers. 

Remembering Baby Jolene Noelle Smith

This week, I was very saddened to adjourn our Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of Jolene Noelle Smith, who recently passed away at the tender age of two.

Baby Jolene, daughter of Miles and Justine Smith, was born March 22, 2019, at Saddleback Hospital in Laguna Hills. She was soon baptized at Mount of Olives Church in Mission Viejo, and regularly participated in worship services with her family, where her father is the Music Director and Senior Pastor John Steward is her great-uncle. 

In May 2020, Baby Jolene was diagnosed with very rare and aggressive tumors growing in her abdomen, on and around her kidneys, and other vital organs. After a hard-fought battle, on Thursday, June 17, Jolene Smith passed into the arms of the Lord.

Jolene was simply a light to all who knew her. She was complex. Even at two, she thought deeply, loved fiercely, and brought joy to all who heard her infectious laugh. Not many people truly knew Jolene, yet she has affected thousands through her short journey with us.

Baby Jolene battled and fought more in her two years than most do their entire adult lives. She inspired all who knew her and has changed their lives forever. Through God’s promise and grace, Jolene is now sharing that infectious laugh with her Abba and all that surrounds Him. She is healthy, beautiful, and excited for her loved ones to come home. Through Jesus, they will see her again.

To view Baby Jolene's memorial service, please click here or on the image above.

As Orange County continues to experience increasing COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the Orange County Board of Supervisors and the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) leadership are encouraging residents to stay vigilant with COVID-19 prevention measures, testing and vaccinations in order to keep our residents safe and businesses open.

Current data in Orange County shows that unvaccinated individuals are over six times more likely to become infected with COVID-19 than those who are fully vaccinated.

Prevention continues to be a critical piece of the HCA’s message for County residents. HCA also reminds those who experience COVID-19 symptoms to get tested, regardless of their vaccination status. Self-collection, at-home COVID-19 test kits can be ordered at no cost by clicking here. 

Individuals seeking information about the COVID-19 vaccines are encouraged to follow credible sources to learn more about their benefits, safety and effectiveness. The World Health Organization, for example, recently updated a list of questions and answers (Q&A) to address COVID-19 vaccine safety. Other sources include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDPH, Food and Drug Administration, and American Academy of Pediatrics.

Orange County COVID-19 case counts, and testing figures are updated daily, Monday through Friday. Individuals interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine can schedule an appointment by visiting Othena.com or calling the OC COVID-19 Hotline at (714) 834-2000.

The OC Health Care Agency continues to release daily COVID-19 case counts in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 264,171 positive cumulative cases and 5,141 deaths to date, as well as 252 currently hospitalized with 59 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.

The County of Orange Health Care Agency is conducting a survey on the impact of COVID-19, which will be of great assistance in determining the highest needs in our community.

We want your opinion and are asking you to take ten minutes to fill out a survey concerning how you’re doing one year after the COVID-19 pandemic. Please share your struggles and challenges so the County can know how to help. 

Just click here to access the survey, and hit submit when you complete it. You do not need to give your name or any other identifying information if you don't want to. All responses are confidential.

The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) recently 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 queue.  

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.

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’

Ladera’s going to be bringing the best of the ‘80s to Founders Park with Betamaxx, an ‘80s live music experience packed with high energy and nostalgia-filled rock. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and picnic and enjoy an evening of music in the park Friday, July 30 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Founders Park, 28275 Avendale Blvd, Ladera Ranch. For more information, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above for more info.

The City of Laguna Beach’s popular concert series comes to the Festival of Arts for 2021 with L.A. Sound Machine on Sunday, August 8 at 1 PM. For more information, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above for more info.

Bring your chairs and blankets to San Clemente Thursday, August 12 at 6 PM for LIVE music with Wigs & Ties, delicious food, and time with friends out in the fresh air at Vista Hermosa Sports Park, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa. This event is FREE. Registration is NOT required. For more information, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above for more info.

South OC Cars and Coffee is the world’s largest weekly car show, held every Saturday from 9 AM to 11 AM at Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W Avenida Vista Hermosa, attracting a mix of 1500-3500 plus hyper-cars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles. No registration is required. Spectators are welcome and meet every Saturday, rain or shine! For more information, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above for more information.

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+

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!