I'm very pleased to announce the County of Orange has opened its second regional COVID-19 Vaccine Super Point of Dispensing (POD) site, located in South County at Soka University in Aliso Viejo, beginning Saturday, January 23 at 8:00 AM.

Orange County is moving as quickly as possible to make the COVID-19 vaccination available; however, the County faces ongoing supply limitations. The Orange County Health Care Agency is continuously requesting more doses from the State every day.

Named Operation Independence, the County is setting up regional vaccine Points of Dispensing (POD) sites. Due to the scope and size of these PODs, based on the high demand for vaccine, these sites are being referred to as County Super PODs. Since the Disneyland Resort Super POD site opened January 13, there have been approximately 21,782 vaccines distributed to eligible Orange County residents and those working in Orange County.

Other new Super POD sites will open as the supply of COVID-19 vaccines available in the County increases. The County anticipates the need for at least five Super PODs located throughout the County. Additional Super POD sites will open in a phased approach, ensuring access to all Orange County residents.

I'm grateful we were able to partner with Soka University to establish our second Super POD site in the Fifth District. My district has a large number of seniors eligible to receive the vaccine under Phase 1A, and having a location in South County will prove extremely helpful in providing greater and more convenient access to the vaccine. I strongly encourage all residents to click here for the latest information on who is currently eligible to receive the vaccination, and learn the facts about the vaccines’ safety and efficacy.

Vaccines dispensed at County Super PODs are currently available for individuals who live and work in Orange County and fall within the State’s Phase 1A, all tiers, including persons age 65 and older. Appointments are available through Othena.com based on vaccine availability. Eligible individuals with an appointment must present identification and proof of eligibility at the Super POD site to receive a vaccine. To view a list of those who are eligible to receive a vaccine, please visit the OC Health Care Agency’s website. 

The Operation Independence Incident Management Team (IMT) was established December 31, 2020. The IMT is a unified command with representatives from the Orange County Health Care Agency, Orange County Fire Authority and other fire service agencies in Orange County, Orange County’s Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies, the County of Orange County Executive Office and other County agencies.

Soka University has trained as a County Point of Distribution (POD) site since 2007, so as we mark our 20th Anniversary in 2021, how appropriate that we can start this year in solidarity with the County to support our front line workers, first responders and community members in this important endeavor,” said Archibald E. Asawa, VP, Finance & Administration, Soka University of America.

Othena platform specialists are responding to callers at the HCA Hotline to assist with questions related to the app and vaccine appointments. Call them at 714-834-2000, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM; or for questions specific to Othena and troubleshooting issues, email the creators of the app - Cura Patient. 

If you are registered for a vaccine notification, the current plan is for Othena to send an appointment notification in the late morning via email. At that time, you will have a 4 to 6 hour window to make an appointment. For a map and directions to Soka University, click here or see the image below.

On Monday this week, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) directed providers to pause dispensing COVID-19 vaccine Moderna Lot # 041L20A due to reported cases of adverse reactions in California.

Late Wednesday night, CDPH announced that after further discussions with the Western State Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, Allergy and Immunology specialists, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the manufacturer, CDPH found no scientific basis to continue the pause.

Providers that paused vaccine administration from this particular lot of Moderna vaccine can immediately resume dispensing. CDC further advised that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Many people don’t have any side effects after COVID-19 vaccines, but some people will have pain or swelling at the injection site or fever, chills, or a headache. These typically don’t last long and are signs that your body is building protection.

For answers to questions related to COVID-19, click here or follow HCA on Facebook and Twitter.

UCI Health has announced they will be scheduling COVID-19 vaccination appointments at the Bren Event Center. Appointments are required.

Those receiving an appointment must also bring a copy of their confirmation notice from UCI and a photo ID. This program is currently only for individuals 65 years of age and older. For more information, click here.

I'm pleased to report that the Laguna Woods COVID-19 Testing Kiosk is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 AM to 3 PM.

Testing is prioritized for people with symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, workers and residents of congregate settings, and other essential workers. Appointments are needed and can be made by clicking here or on the image below.

Click the image above to make an appointment.

As previously reported in my newsletter, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has launched phase 2 of its at-home, saliva-based COVID-19 testing program with Ambry Genetics for all Orange County residents. We also have the nasal swab option available to accommodate individual preferences.

To that end, all those who live in Orange County may click here and register to receive a test kit shipped directly to their home at no cost. Ambry Genetics is able to process 4,000 tests each day with a 48 hour turnaround time for notification of results. 

Ambry’s CARE for COVID Program was developed with the latest guidance from federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is an end-to-end screening, testing, and result-management solution, which includes:

• Ambry’s AVA™ virtual assistant supporting an online health questionnaire
• Online determination of essential worker status or medical necessity criteria (symptoms/exposure, etc.) that enables insurance billing or uninsured third-party billing for the test, ensuring there is no cost for the resident
• A HIPAA compliant software that enables users to register their test kit
• Medical provider ordered-testing and supervision (including return and review of results)
  Viral testing by Ambry’s RT-PCR test using saliva collection for a simpler and more convenient experience than nasopharyngeal swabs commonly used by other labs
• Most results reported directly through the CARE platform within 24 hours of receipt of the sample by the lab.

If an online order is placed for a kit by 1 p.m. Pacific Time Monday through Friday, the kit will arrive the next day. For orders placed after 1 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, or any time on Saturday or Sunday, the kit will arrive the following Tuesday. The Ambry Genetics lab receives kits every Monday through Saturday, runs testing, and reports out test results 7 days a week.

In our fight against COVID-19, we continue to leverage all available resources to provide convenient and reliable testing our residents. We anticipate the convenience of online test ordering and reporting, telehealth support, and at-home sample collection will provide greater support to OC residents as case counts continue to surge across the county. For more information, please click here.

Following record-setting turnout and shifts in voter behavior during the November 3, 2020 Presidential General Election, our Orange County Registrar of Voters (ROV), Neal Kelley, has released a report, detailing voter behavior and survey data from the election.

The November 3, 2020 Presidential General Election was both a unique and historic election as the COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for election administration nationwide. The presidential election results in Orange County show that Joseph Biden defeated Donald Trump by a 53.48% to 44.44% margin here.

"The November 2020 Presidential Election was unlike any in modern history, as here in Orange County we not only changed the way we voted in 2020, but we successfully implemented a new voting system during a global pandemic,” said ROV Neal Kelley. “My team and I will look for opportunities to continue providing excellent service and maintaining the public’s trust and confidence in elections in Orange County.”

At the time of the election, there were approximately 1.7 million registered voters who received a Voter Information Guide and an official ballot through the mail. In Orange County, a total of 1,546,570 ballots were cast for an 87.3% turnout in the November 3, 2020 Presidential General Election, one of the highest turnout elections in Orange County’s history and one of the highest in California.

The report highlights how, when and where voters were casting their ballots in addition to trends and changes from previous Presidential Elections. Analysis includes metrics from turnout, party participation, and voting methodology.

In addition to data from voter behavior, this comprehensive report comprises data from seven surveys, which include multiple categories from the election that provides insight into the performance of the Registrar of Voters’ operations. I want to congratulate and thank  Orange County Registrar of Voters Neal Kelley and his outstanding team for a job well done!

The Recap of the 2020 Presidential Election Report can be viewed in the ROV Election Library. For more information, click here.

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 share that working in collaboration with the State and Federal wildlife agencies, OC Go's Environmental Mitigation Program allocates funds to acquire land and fund habitat restoration projects to offset the environmental impacts and streamline the approval of OC Go freeway projects.

To that end, OCTA has purchased seven conservation properties (Preserves), funded 12 habitat restoration projects and established an endowment for the long-term management of the Preserves. In addition, a conservation plan was developed to guide the management of the program. The annual report on the implementation process was published in July and is available here. 

A recent update of efforts and progress pertaining to the OCTA Environmental Mitigation Program also included information about conservation, restoration, and fire management. To view the annual report, click here or the image below.

Click the image above to view the annual report.

Last week, I led efforts during our Board of Supervisors meeting to amend the Orange County Master Plan of Arterial Highways and the County’s General Plan to include the Los Patrones Parkway Extension, commonly referred to as LPPE. To read the Board Agenda Staff Report, click here.

The LPPE is a County of Orange project that will be built as a non-tolled arterial from Cow Camp Road to Avenida La Pata. These amendments are the foundation to kickstarting the project and lay the groundwork to receive grant money from the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to design the roadway. 

Artist Russell Pierce brings mixed media artwork to John Wayne Airport, featuring traditional art combined with digital design applications to create unique pieces in a new exhibit, fittingly called “Travelogue.” His work is on display in the Thomas F. Riley Terminal as part of the JWA Community Focus Space through February 16, 2021.

Artwork depicting pedestrians and food vendors on city streets, detailed architecture of buildings old and new, and well-known landmarks - such as Coney Island, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Disneyland Monorail, and Cabazon Dinosaurs - are some of the pieces featured in Pierce’s Travelogue exhibit.

Disneyland Monorail

Pierce was the recipient of a 2017 Laguna Beach Arts Alliance grant that provided him with an opportunity to feature his unique art in a one-person show called “Change Agents,” exhibited in Laguna Beach at the Seven-Degrees venue. The Community Arts Gallery in Laguna Beach also featured Pierce’s “Change Agents” showcase in 2018. Read a Stu News Laguna article about the gallery showing here. 

Pierce’s Travelogue exhibit may be viewed (pre-security) on the Departure (upper) Level near security screening areas in Terminals A, B, and C and on the Arrival (lower) Level adjacent to Baggage Carousels 1 and 4. To learn more about Russell Pierce and view additional pieces of his artwork, click here. For more information about the John Wayne Airport Arts Program, click here. 

As reported in my newsletter last week, OC Public Libraries (OCPL) is recognizing a major milestone in 2021, as it reaches its 100th year of service. The OCPL centennial is being commemorated with the tagline "Celebrate the Past, Inspire the Future: 100 Years of Possibilities." The yearlong celebration will also include virtual and safe programs, highlighting the OCPL's commitment to the community over the last century. 

On August 1, 1921, Orange County Free Library began operations with a staff of three people, headquartered at 508 N. Main Street in Santa Ana in a rented room, shared with the County Farm Advisor. This day marked the beginning of a 100-year history that has now expanded to 32 community branches throughout Orange County. 

OC Public Libraries will offer a year full of programming and activities that celebrate its centennial, including a commemorative library card and logo, in addition to providing print, audiovisual and digital resources, internet access, and skilled staff assistance. Special storytimes, take-home crafts, and reading programs will also highlight the library’s history and advocacy. 

OC Public Libraries provides enduring connections to the past and future of our communities, county and state, in a world undergoing constant change. Over its 100-year history, OCPL has instituted services and programs that directly respond to community needs and reflect the changing climate across Orange County. A virtual timeline detailing the history of OC Public Libraries is available here. 

In addition, OCPL continues to offer Grab & Go service, which allows patrons to use self-service checkout of requested and limited popular items, as well as contactless curbside pickup. Library buildings remain open with metered access for Grab & Go checkout, along with physically distanced single patron internet stations available by reservation for thirty-minute sessions. 

Residents are invited to join the yearlong celebration on social media by following and tagging the hashtag #OCPL100. For more information about OC Public Libraries and the centennial, click here or on the image below.

Click image above for more info.

Last week, I was pleased to participate in the annual Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Installation Ceremony via Zoom, where I had the pleasure of presenting a proclamation to their 2020 Chamber Champion, Annette Malinowski.
 
Annette is CRO of de Castellane Creative, a boutique marketing and consulting agency, and has been an invaluable and dedicated member of the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce since September 2013. I want to thank Annette very much for her years of outstanding service to the Laguna Beach Chamber, local businesses and the community! To view the ceremony, click here.

Presenting a proclamation to Annette Malinowski (left), 2020 Laguna Beach Chamber Champion, with Sandy Morales, Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce CEO/President.

We all love our local restaurants in South County and want to see them succeed during these unprecedented and most challenging of times. Whether you order takeout, delivery, or purchase a gift certificate, thank you so much for supporting our local restaurants and businesses! 

With the latest additional restrictions from the State, I want to assist our 5th District residents in identifying and locating their local restaurants to support. To that end, many of our Chambers of Commerce in South County are also promoting the restaurants and businesses in their respective communities.

Please see the following alphabetical listing of our local Chamber of Commerce websites featuring their respective restaurant members:

• Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce
• Dana Point Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce
• Ladera Rancho Chamber of Commerce
• Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce
• Laguna Hills Chamber of Commerce
• Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce
• Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce
• Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce
• Rancho Santa Margarita Chamber of Commerce
• San Clemente Chamber of Commerce
• San Clemente Downtown Business Association
• San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce

Needless to say, 2020 was an incredibly challenging year for all of us, but this is especially true of small businesses and restaurants that have been forced to continuously modify their operations in order to adhere to changes in guidance and stay-at-home orders issued by the State.

As a result, we have seen some local businesses remain resilient by utilizing creative ways to continue operating. If you are a small business owner or restaurateur, or have simply seen one doing something creative and unique, I want to hear from you. Please share these innovative ideas with us so we can spread the word!

The saying, “Shop and Dine Local,” has never been more appropriate, and I urge our Fifth District residents to please do so now and throughout 2021!

The OC Health Care Agency continues to release daily COVID-19 case counts in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 218,741 positive cumulative cases and 2,547 deaths, as well as 1,896 currently hospitalized with 516 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.

Case counts are also not reflective of all disease transmission in any given community because testing is prioritized for those at greatest risk or most sick. Asymptomatic and persons with mild disease may not be reflected due to not being tested.

Because transmission occurs throughout the County, it is important for all residents to practice social-distancing as directed by our County Health Officer, regardless of the case count in their city. Doing so will help to reduce the spread of infection, ease the burden on our hospitals and healthcare system, as well as protect those most vulnerable in our county.

I understand this is a very stressful time for people as we try to figure out which phase and what tier we fall under for vaccine distribution. Rest assured, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and anyone who wants a vaccine will get one. That being said, there are specific Federal and State protocols the County is mandated to follow.  I recognize the distribution process and timeline has caused some confusion and I hope this information will provide some clarity.

The State of California is utilizing a “phased approach” for vaccine distribution. Currently, within each “phase” there are “tiers” that determine who gets the vaccine and when. At this time, the tiers have been defined for all three phases. To see which phase you fall under and the process for distribution of the vaccine, click here.

If you fall into Phase 1A, please contact your employer or long-term care facility for vaccine instructions. If you are age 65+, you may register online.

The County and our health care providers will continue to work through the phases as quickly as supplies are available. I am committed to working toward greater efficiency and expediency at the local level as the state continues to develop each phase.

The County has activated an Incident Management Team, which will be in charge of setting up regional vaccine points of dispensing (POD). Due to the scope and size of these PODs, based on the high demand for vaccines, these sites are being referred to as County Super PODs.

Our first Super POD opened last week at Disneyland, which when fully operational should have the capacity to distribute 7,000-8,000 doses per day. 

At the opening of our Super POD at Disneyland.

This week, we announced the opening of our second Super POD right here in South County at SOKA University, where appointments will start this Saturday. Appointments are necessary and required. Anyone showing up without an appointment will not be seen, even if you fall within the eligible group. Appointments can be made through registering at www.Othena.com.

Due to the high demand for vaccines, users may experience a delay in getting an appointment. The system is designed to only offer appointments when there are sufficient vaccines available, and this fluctuates daily.

Once an individual is registered, they will be placed in a digital line or “queue”. Appointments are prioritized based on age, chronic health conditions, and time of registration. Appointments will become available periodically and a limited amount of vaccines are released daily to ensure waste doesn’t occur.

Please know that once you have registered and put your contact information into the system, you do not have to keep revisiting the site. You will be contacted when you're able to book your appointment. We do encourage you to check your email frequently for notification of an appointment.

If you are having issues with the Othena website or need additional assistance, please call the OC COVID-19 Hotline at 714-834-2000 or email support@compositeapps.net. Staff is trained and ready to help.

The County and our partners are continuing to work around the clock on these endeavors. We will be announcing more Super PODS, mini PODs and mobile sites in the coming days, as more vaccines become available.

For more information, please visit our OC COVID-19 Vaccine Website or contact the COVID Hotline at 714-834-2000.

County Health Officer Dr. Clayton Chau last week announced that all Orange County residents ages 65 and older are now eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19.  

OC Emergency Medical Services polled 25 hospitals with emergency departments on January 10, 2021, and 13 of those hospitals responded with data based on age group of patients currently hospitalized, in the ICU, and dependent on ventilators. Additionally, they provided the County Health Officer with weekly survey data from the hospitals that received CARES Act funding from the County of Orange.

Findings include:

• Older adults have dramatically higher death rates in Orange County.
• Deaths to older adults from COVID-19 have increased dramatically since November, exceeding those in July and August.
• Currently, 54% of persons hospitalized for COVID-19 are over age 60; 72% of patients in the ICU and 72% of patients on ventilators are over age 60.
• Hospital cases are rising most rapidly among persons 65 to 84 years of age.
• Older adults from low Health Equity census tracts are almost twice as likely to die from COVID-19, as compared to seniors who live in more affluent areas. 

All residents are encouraged to register to be notified when the County of Orange’s vaccine and testing management app, Othena, has appointments available and is ready for their use by filling out the online form.

The success of the County’s phased, tiered vaccination plan depends on everyone being patient and allowing priority groups to be vaccinated first. Overwhelming the appointment system will make it even more challenging to dispense the limited supply of vaccine currently available. As vaccine becomes more plentiful, additional appointments will become available, and eligibility will open-up to other groups.

To learn more about the County’s Phased Distribution plan, please click here. 

The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) recently conducted a survey of attitudes toward the vaccination for COVID-19 and wishes to thank the more than 25,000 people who completed the questionnaire.

How willing are different geographical, demographic and occupational groups in Orange County to be vaccinated, and what issues contribute to their willingness?

To examine vaccine hesitancy within Orange County by city, gender, age, race/ethnicity, education level and occupation, please read the report on the HCA Survey on COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy.

Many of you are at home working or self-isolating and spending more time on the internet. Unfortunately, thieves are taking advantage of this situation and coming up with new and innovative ways to separate you from your money. Now would be a good time to educate yourself on the various ploys used by scammers for COVID-19.

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.

The Disneyland Resort recently kicked-off a public service awareness campaign across Orange County to encourage all residents to adhere to current health and safety guidelines to help protect local communities.

The campaign, Together We Can Be Incredible, features characters from Disney and Pixar’s “The Incredibles,” sharing tips and reminders of important health and safety measures. As such, the PSA reiterates current health and safety measures based on guidance from health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and appropriate government agencies, including our OC Health Care Agency (HCA).

The scope of the campaign was made possible in part by existing relationships across Orange County, including with the Los Angeles Angels, Anaheim Ducks and more. In addition, the Disneyland Resort is working with local school districts to provide tools and resources to share with students.

For more information, click here. To watch the “Together We Can Be Incredible” video, click the image below.

Click the image above to watch the video.

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’

Soka University in Aliso Viejo is excited to share a their new Signature Encore Series to help you experience some of their wonderful past performances! For more information, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above for more info.

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

This week, MFF offers traditional spirituals with the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Fisk University was founded in Nashville in 1866 as a university for freed slaves. Today, it is the home of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, an a cappella ensemble that keeps alive the traditional spirituals first sung by enslaved people across America. In this video, we meet some of the Jubilee singers, as we are introduced to the rich history behind their music. Watch here!

Click the image above for the Fisk Jubilee Singers.

Visit Laguna Live! for great live music in virtual concerts! They recently welcomed Triada Guitar Trio in a prerecorded concert at Laguna Art Museum. As a special bonus, they also recorded a video of how to produce interesting sounds on the guitar. The concert and Music Insights program are both available on Laguna Live!

On January 28, you are also invited to enjoy a FREE Zoom chamber music performance at the Suzi Q with rising stars, Matthew Yee (violin) and Zara Amendt (viola). For more information and to register for the FREE Zoom performance, visit Laguna Live!

Click the image above to enjoy Laguna Live!

Camino Real Playhouse, located in San Juan Capistrano, will discuss how they are managing while not being able to offer any live theater performances during the coronavirus pandemic, as part of an OC Theatre Roundtable hosted by OC Theatre Guild and Project La Femme. The event will be live-streamed Saturday, January 23 at 11 AM on Facebook.

Ocean Institute, located in beautiful Dana Point Harbor, is thrilled to announce they will host a FREE Virtual Marine and Environmental Sciences College Fair on March 27.

During the fair, there will be live presentations, small session chats, student and alumni panels, exhibits, and much more! The interactive day will inform and encourage students about post-high school, college, and career opportunities.

SPACE IS LIMITED. To complete the form, receive updates and be among the first to register, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above to register.

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. For more information, click here.

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.

Mission San Juan Capistrano invites all to visit their Digital Resource Center (DRC) for continued ways to experience, learn, and interact with the Mission through many digital events and video tours. For more information, click here.

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 is excited to bring to your attention a free streaming of Romeo and Juliet. This contemporary version of Shakespeare's most famous and best-loved tragedies is staged at the intimate and atmospheric setting of London’s Globe Theatre. Romeo and Juliet is available to stream for free on YouTube until February 28!

Packed with love, family feuds and a dose of comedy, Romeo and Juliet is a full-scale, fast-paced 90-minute performance designed to introduce students and families to Shakespeare. Headed by an excellent cast, this engaging production adds immediacy and passion to Shakespeare's timeless teenage love story. Click here or the image below to watch the show!

Click the image above to watch Romeo and Juliet performed at London’s Globe Theatre.

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! Check back regularly as new musical experiences are always being added!

Pacific Symphony performing with Pacific Chorale.

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 last 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.

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 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!

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!