Earlier today, I participated in the Unified Command briefing for local officials on the status of cleanup and recovery efforts from the October 2 oil spill. While initial reports estimated 144,000 gallons of oil were leaked into the ocean, I am pleased to report that Coast Guard officials announced yesterday, this number was closer to 25,000 gallons.

Clean up and recovery efforts are going well. No free-floating oil has been observed in coastal waters for several days and authorities are in the process of removing all but one boom from Orange County. Air monitoring in Orange County looks good and, according to Unified Command, the water and sediment data received from Orange County samples do not indicate a public health concern for short term exposures from the use of beaches in the county.

All beaches in the County of Orange – including city beaches – are now fully re-opened, with the exception of Capistrano Beach and Poche Beach, both of which remain closed due to construction.

As the oil response teams continue to monitor, inspect, and clean the beaches to ensure appropriate cleanup actions are taken, beachgoers may continue observe residual tar balls that could wash ashore. Oil contains hazardous chemicals, and for safety reasons, the public is being asked not to handle any tar balls or oil.

If skin contact occurs, wash the area with soap and water or baby oil. Avoid using solvents, gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, or similar products on the skin. These products, when applied to skin, present a greater health hazard than the tar ball itself. If you see tar balls, please contact the cleanup teams at tarballreports@wildlife.ca.gov. More information about tar balls is available at SoCalSpillResponse.com/tarballs.

Once again, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all the men and women who have been working around the clock to clean up our coastline. The rapid response of all agencies involved in this crisis enabled us to resume operations at county beaches and harbor sooner than expected, and for that, we are truly grateful.

I will continue to keep you updated of any new developments. Official updates from Unified Command can be found at SoCalSpillResponse.com.

Click the image above for more info.

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of visiting Cal State University Fullerton (CSUF) as they celebrated the opening of the ASI Food Pantry. I was so pleased to have been a part of the effort to establish a student food pantry and grateful for the opportunity to give back to my Alma Mater.

Speaking at the ASI Food Pantry opening at CSUF.

Food insecurity continues to be a serious issue among the student population here in Orange County. While many colleges have introduced food pantries on campus, the growing number of participating students not only speaks to the effectiveness of such programs, but also shines a spotlight on a growing problem.

Participating in the ribbon cutting for the ASI Food Pantry.

We all want our students to be successful, enjoy the college experience, and fulfill the goal of graduating with a college degree. In order to achieve that, it is important they have the necessary resources to promote academic excellence, sustain a healthy mind and body, and minimize stress and anxiety.

With CSUF President Framroze Virjee.

Lack of access to wholesome, nutritious food can dramatically affect one’s ability to concentrate in class, persist in one’s studies and cause undue pressure and concern. No student should ever have to face the choice of buying a textbook or enjoying a healthy meal.

Through the collective efforts of CSUF students and faculty, non-profit organizations, local leaders, and private companies, we were able to provide an invaluable resource.

With John Votava, Director of Corporate Affairs, The Kroger Company.

I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to Second Harvest Food Bank and The Kroger Foundation for their outstanding support of this program. I know they receive many requests for donations and assistance, and I am deeply grateful they chose the ASI Food Pantry to lend their support.

Last week, I was proud to present, in partnership with all the Chambers of Commerce in the 5th District, a Townhall Webinar, featuring our Orange County Registrar of Voters, Mr. Neal Kelley. The Zoom presentation was attended by hundreds of viewers and graciously hosted by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, with Duane Cave of SDG&E serving as moderator.

The Zoom Webinar was held as a result of my office being informed that some members of the community were concerned about the integrity of the election process here in Orange County.

Regarding our elections, it is critical the voting public know, without a shadow of a doubt, when they cast their ballot here in Orange County, be it by mail, voter drop box or in person, that their ballot is secure and counted.

When rumors, innuendo, misinformation and conspiracy theories begin to erode public confidence in the process, it is important we set the record straight, so as to ensure the public’s continued faith and trust in our system.

Neal Kelley is arguably the most respected Registrar of Voters in the State of California and highly regarded amongst his peers across the country. The measures he and his excellent staff have implemented to protect the integrity of our election process in Orange County are second to none and serve as a model for the rest of the nation.

As we enter the next election cycle, it is important we know fact from fiction, which was the purpose for the Townhall Webinar. To view the informative Zoom presentation with Orange County Registrar of Voters Neal Kelley, including extensive Q&A, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above to view the Zoom Webinar.

In addition to the Orange County Board of Supervisors, I'm also privileged to serve you on the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors. 

As such, I'm pleased to report the South Orange County Multimodal Transportation Study addresses South County’s transportation needs, as our area continues to grow and travel patterns evolve. It looks at a wide range of transportation needs and solutions over the next 25 years, including improvements to streets, transit, highways and bikeways.  

As part of our comprehensive efforts to engage the public, OCTA conducted an online survey earlier this year, asking respondents to prioritize potential future improvements to transportation in South County. More than 1,700 people responded to the survey. Respondents favored improvements to transit, walking and biking, and maintaining streets and freeways. To learn more about the study and survey results, visit here.

After evaluating potential improvements and receiving input from stakeholders, a set of recommended strategies will be considered later this year.  

In early 2022, OCTA will continue to engage with the public and other stakeholders to guide the development of potential transportation improvements.  

Improvements being considered include:  

• Expanding the OC Flex microtransit program and community shuttles 
• Investing in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure 
• Making existing streets and freeways flow better 

Stay tuned, as the final study recommendations will be presented to the OCTA Board for approval in spring 2022.  

I'm pleased to report the Orange County Transportation Authority is hosting a series of hikes and equestrian rides on some of the County’s most pristine landscapes and will continue through the end of the year!

The free hikes and rides are intended to showcase the open-space lands purchased and preserved by OCTA as part of the Measure M Environmental Mitigation Program. So far, more than 1,300 acres on seven properties have been purchased from willing landowners for preservation to offset the environmental impacts of OC Go freeway projects.

The OCTA preserves are only open to the public during the docent-led hikes and equestrian rides so that the land’s wildlife and important plant life can be protected for generations to come. The hikes and rides were halted as a safety precaution at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

All participants must be 12 years or older and equestrian riders must bring their own horse. Adults must sign a liability waiver and minors need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The following hikes and rides are scheduled:

November

• Hike at Wren’s View Preserve in Trabuco Canyon, Saturday, Nov. 6 at 9 AM.
• Equestrian ride at Trabuco Rose Preserve in Trabuco Canyon Sunday, Nov. 20 at 10 AM.

December

• Equestrian ride at Trabuco Rose Preserve in Trabuco Canyon, Sunday, Dec. 19 at 10 AM.

Equestrian rides are subject to cancelation due to bad weather conditions or changes in local health regulations. For more information and to register, click here.

As previously reported, I recently relaunched the Fifth District Nutrition Gap Program. Food insecurity continues to be a major challenge for many residents, as people struggle to get back on their feet and keep food on the table. The goal is to satisfy the continued demand for nutritious food and bridge the gap between hunger and the next meal.

The $2 million dollar program is being funded by the America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is available to residents living in my district. Priority will be given to those experiencing food insecurity due to age/disability, economic status, lack of familial or community support, lack of access to available resources, and those who have military service.

Enrollment is now open and, to make it as easy as possible for people to enroll in the program, we have three options by which they can enroll.

• Online by visiting: https://fdngp.211oc.org/
• Call 2-1-1
• Text their Zip Code to 898211

Program Details:

• Coordinated through the Office on Aging in partnership with 2-1-1 Orange County.
• Provides twice-weekly deliveries, via DoorDash, of restaurant-quality meals directly to participant’s homes.
• Each Monday, participants receive three fresh lunches and three fresh dinners.
• Each Thursday, they receive three fresh lunches, three fresh dinners, one frozen lunch, and one frozen dinner.

Restaurants participating in the program include:

• Ruby’s Diner
• Bella Collina
• Villa Roma
• Bamboo Bistro

Last weekend, my office had the great pleasure in participating in Rancho Family Fest 2021, held October 9 & 10 at Central Park in Rancho Santa Margarita.

Rancho Family Fest 2021
(Photos courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)

On Saturday, I was pleased to work with the RSM Chamber of Commerce and City Council Members in serving beverages to attendees; and I also introduced the outstanding Kelly Rae Band, who performed prior to the main act that evening, Hollywood U2.

Introducing the Kelly Rae Band

In addition to being a proud sponsor of Rancho Family Fest 2021, my office also had a booth at the event, where we provided information about the County of Orange and the 5th District, as well as gave out our ever popular hand sanitizers and thermal tote bags.

Greeting attendees at our booth with my Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, and new field representative Dawn Kamber.

A wonderful time was had by all at this signature family event of the year in Rancho Santa Margarita, as Sunday also featured several well-known OC bands, including The Reflexx and Tijuana Dogs, in addition to delicious food and drinks being served by many of the city's best eateries. 

My staff, Dawn Kamber and Sergio Prince at Rancho Family Fest.

I was pleased to attend the grand reopening of the iconic Hotel Laguna, which opened its doors to invited guests for a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week. Attendees and dignitaries celebrated the return of this crown jewel of Laguna Beach, restored with the class and style of the original 1930 building but with modern touches.

With Hotel Laguna owner Mo Honarkar and City Manager Shohreh Dupuis inside the new restaurant, Larsen.
(Photo courtesy of Laguna Beach Photographer Mary Hurlbut)

Among the new amenities guests enjoyed were Larsen, the signature Hotel Laguna restaurant, as well as Fin, a modern Japanese restaurant serving the freshest local seafood, both offering spectacular ocean views.

L-R (front): With Congresswoman Michelle Steel, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, Hotel Laguna owner Mo Honarkar, his grandson and daughter, Hasty, City Manager Shohreh Dupuis, Councilwoman Toni Iseman.
Back: Family, Mayor Bob Whalen, Mayor Pro Tem Sue Kempf.

Prior to the ribbon cutting conducted by Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen, I had the great pleasure of presenting a plaque in honor of the occasion to Hotel Laguna owner Mo Honarkar, and was also joined by Congresswoman Michelle Steel and Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris. For more information and photos, please visit Stu News Laguna.

As COVID-19 has negatively impacted so many of our small businesses and restaurants, I was pleased to sponsor the Taste of Laguna Food & Music Festival 2021 this week, hosted by the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce and KX FM Radio. 

My office was pleased to attend this year's joyous event, held at the Festival of Arts grounds in Laguna Beach, where attendees enjoyed a night of delectable bites and signature dishes from various local restaurants and chefs, as well as music and fun under the stars. 

L-R: Mo Honarkar (Founder of Laguna Beach Company), Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen, and my Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, at the Taste of Laguna 2021.

My office had the pleasure of attending an Orange County Historical Commission recognition event this week, held at the Old County Courthouse in downtown Santa Ana, honoring retired Commissioners for their years of service in the preservation of history for the people of Orange County.

During the event, my office presented a certificate of recognition to Mechelle Lawrence Adams, Executive Director of Mission San Juan Capistrano, who recently retired from the Commission as one of my 5th District appointees. Mechelle also received a certificate of appreciation from Barbara Johannes, who currently serves as Chair of the Commission and is also President of the Dana Point Historical Society, as well as a 5th District appointee.

L-R: My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presents a commendation to Mechelle Lawrence Adams, along with Commission Chair Barbara Johannes and OC Parks Director Tom Starnes. 

Legendary South County historian and preservationist Ilse Byrnes, a former Commissioner and 5th District appointee, was also honored at the event with the prestigious Preservation Award from the Orange County Historical Commission, as well as a well-deserved proclamation from my office. Her recognitions were accepted by Mechelle Lawrence Adams, as Ilse was unable to attend the meeting.

I am very proud of our 5th District appointees on the Orange County Historical Commission and thank them for their outstanding public service and tireless efforts to preserve our South County history!

My office was pleased to attend a Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce multi-member ribbon cutting event this week, held at City Hall, to present certificates of recognition to several new Chamber members, including: 

• Alles Technology
• DADEN LLC
• Gary Mills Photography
• Lyla Hassel Real Estate
• Web Vision Partners 

Please join me in welcoming these businesses to the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce!

At the  Laguna Niguel Chamber multi-member ribbon cutting.

As reported in my newsletter last week, the Orange County Business Council (OCBC) recently co-authored a letter from 11 statewide business leaders, asking the State Attorney General (AG) for more clarity on protections for businesses that implement vaccine requirements.

To that end, the AG’s response offers these resources to employers considering vaccine and/or COVID-19 testing mandates:

• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Laws FAQs
• CA Fair Employment and Housing Vaccine Guidance for Employers
• CA Labor Commission’s FAQs on Employer Obligations re: Testing and Vaccines

The U.S. Chamber, National Business Roundtable and healthcare partners also created excellent resources and a comprehensive toolkit for employers on how to effectively communicate with employees about getting vaccinated.

The OC Health Care Agency continues to release daily COVID-19 case counts in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 301,188 positive cumulative cases and 5,518 deaths to date, as well as 210 currently hospitalized with 39 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.

My Board colleagues and I recently approved the launch of the OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) Vaccine Equity Engagement Program in an effort to accelerate the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, with a continued focus on the most vulnerable high-risk populations in Orange County. 

The program provides an opportunity for community members to nominate collaboratives, volunteers and other organizations (especially smaller groups in hard-to-reach communities) for an opportunity to earn a coordination fee of $20 for every individual who receives either their first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (with a preferred minimum of 50 individuals registered per event). The program’s $4.5 million in funding is made available from the State of California’s Government Operations Agency.

Through the Vaccine Equity Engagement Program, HCA will oversee the criteria for organizations to host clinics, provide them with public health messaging resources to help them promote their events and communicate the importance of the vaccine to their community members, and collaborate with them on innovative ideas to increase engagement with residents such as donation and gift matching opportunities. 

Interested organizations will be able to sign up to participate in this program and host vaccine clinics in partnership with HCA through the Mobile Vaccine Service feature on the Othena platform. Additionally, the Othena platform now offers a new feature for any eligible individual who has scheduled a vaccination appointment to request free roundtrip rides to their appointment. They can now log in to Othena.com or the smartphone app to request a ride to their appointment (residents are encouraged to request rides 3 to 5 days in advance and rides are subject to availability). 

To sign up for the Vaccine Engagement Program and host a community clinic, interested organizations can click here.

Individuals looking to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment or complete their second dose can do so by visiting Othena.com or calling the OC COVID-19 Hotline at (714) 834-2000. For additional information on free or discounted rides to vaccination appointments, please visit the Lyft or Uber websites. For more information and resources on the COVID-19 vaccine in Orange County, click here. 

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.   

Testing continues to be a main priority of our COVID-19 efforts. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or if your employer is requiring testing as a part of their business reopening plan, the County offers FREE testing to all of our residents. 

There are many options for testing, including our County Super Sites, testing kiosks located at various locations throughout the County (including Laguna Woods, Laguna Niguel, and Mission Viejo in the 5th District), and even at home tests that can be delivered to you and mailed to the lab for processing.

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

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

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

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

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

A recorded webinar on financial protection of older adults during the COVID pandemic was recently held and is available for on-demand viewing. The webinar included a panel discussion of experts from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and Health and Human Services (HHS).

If you are behind on your mortgage, beware of mortgage relief scams. There is free foreclosure help. If anyone tries to charge you in advance for help or guarantees they can stop your foreclosure, they’re not legitimate. The CFPB has information on how you can avoid foreclosure and tips for working with your mortgage servicer. For more information on COVID housing protections and important deadlines, click here.

Challenges COVID-19 has brought include a higher risk of identity theft. In 2020, the FTC received about 1.4 million reports of identity theft, double the number from 2019. Repeatedly, identity thieves targeted government funds earmarked to help people hard hit financially by the pandemic. 

During the pandemic, we’re doing more online – working, connecting with family and friends, shopping, and banking. If something goes wrong with your device, you want to fix it right away. Scammers are preying on this, offering phony tech support services. Here’s what you should know about tech support scams.

Be on the lookout for fake calls, texts, and emails, as scammers are pretending to be Social Security Agency employees. They may threaten you and demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or other legal action. Do not be fooled!

Additionally, a large-scale coronavirus scam has erupted, as impostors are filing claims for unemployment benefits using names of people who have not filed claims. Victims learn about the fraud when they get a notice from their state unemployment benefits office or employer about their supposed application for benefits.

Sadly, people exploiting older adults are often family members or other trusted people who are handling the financial affairs of an incapacitated parent, relative or friend. As such, caregivers and assisted living and nursing facilities can also work together to help protect elderly residents from financial exploitation, both during the pandemic and after life returns to a new normal.

Lastly, if you’re having trouble paying your rent during the coronavirus pandemic, there are relief options and protections available for many renters. Additionally, through the California COVID-19 Rent Relief Program, both income-eligible renters who experienced pandemic related financial hardships, or landlords who experienced income loss due to unpaid rent, are eligible for financial assistance.

As the spread and far reaching impacts of COVID-19 continue to dominate the world news, we have all witnessed and experienced the parallel spread of worry, anxiety, and uncertainty. The way to overcome this natural tendency is to build our mental resilience, the ability to refocus, clear our minds, and discard negative thoughts.

Here's what you can do...

1) Remember that knowledge is power. Understanding the factors that affect a person’s immune response to COVID-19 will matter as much as, or more than, understanding the virus. There is great information available on the Orange County Health Care Agency's What You Feel is Real webpage. 

2) Don’t accept everything you read or hear. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information and frequent updates on the COVID-19’s spread, severity, risk assessment, etc., on the CDC's website. 

3) Get your emotional support system in place:

• Maintain familiar routines in daily life as much as possible; take care of your basic needs and employ helpful coping strategies; rest during work or between shifts, eat healthy food and engage in physical activity.
• Stay connected with friends and family, even virtually connected, and maintain your social networks.
• Have the emails and phone numbers of close friends and family handy.

4) Take control, incorporate preventative measures:

• See the CDC’s list of preventative measures.
• The constant stream of news reports can cause anyone to feel anxious or distressed. Instead, seek updates and practical guidelines at intervals during the day.
• Be supportive to others. Assisting others in their time of need can benefit the person receiving support as well as the helper.

If you or a loved one are feeling anxiety, worry or fear related to the social disruption caused by COVID-19, you can also reach out to these resources for support:

• Call (855) OC-LINKS or visit the OC Links website Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM to talk or chat with a trained clinical navigator.
• The NAMI Warmline is also here to provide non-crisis support for anyone struggling with mental health concerns Monday through Friday from from 9 AM to 3 AM, and Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 3 AM. Call (877) 910-WARM or visit www.namioc.org.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Download the NAMI HelpLine Coronavirus Information and Resources Guide
• American Psychological Association (APA) ‘Building Your Resilience’

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.

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!

I'm excited to announce the relaunch of the Nutrition Gap Program. Food insecurity continues to be a major challenge for many residents, as people struggle to get back on their feet and keep food on the table. The goal is to satisfy the continued demand for nutritious food and bridge the gap between hunger and the next meal.

The $2 million dollar program is being funded by the America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is available to residents living in my district. Priority will be given to those experiencing food insecurity due to age/disability, economic status, lack of familial or community support, lack of access to available resources, and those who have military service.

Enrollment is now open and, to make it as easy as possible for people to enroll in the program, we have three options by which they can enroll.

• Online by visiting: https://fdngp.211oc.org/
• Call 2-1-1
• Text their Zip Code to 898211

Program Details:

• Coordinated through the Office on Aging in partnership with 2-1-1 Orange County.
• Provides twice-weekly deliveries, via DoorDash, of restaurant-quality meals directly to participant’s homes.
• Each Monday, participants receive three fresh lunches and three fresh dinners.
• Each Thursday, they receive three fresh lunches, three fresh dinners, one frozen lunch, and one frozen dinner.

Restaurants participating in the program include:

• Ruby’s Diner
• Bella Collina
• Villa Roma
• Bamboo Bistro