I'm pleased to announce great news regarding South County traffic relief! To that end, I have convened a key stakeholder working group to create local transportation solutions and discuss congestion relief projects.

This collaborative effort resulted in a Cooperative Agreement, which was approved by County of Orange Board of Supervisors, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors, and the San Clemente City Council to support the following projects as recommended by the South County Traffic Relief Effort study, which concluded in 2020:

• Construction of the Los Patrones Parkway Extension as a non-tolled county arterial from its current terminus at Cow Camp Road to Avenida La Pata in San Clemente
• OCTA and Caltrans efforts to complete high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane improvements on Interstate 5 between Avenida Pico and the San Diego County Line
• The Ortega Highway (SR-74) Widening Project in San Juan Capistrano from two lanes to four lanes between Calle Entradero and the city/county border

These projects will address near-term congestion and safety concerns to identify a broad range of longer-term improvement recommendations for all modes of transportation, including streets, transit, freeways and bikeways, as OCTA is conducting the South Orange County Multimodal Transportation Study. This study is a collaborative and strategic transportation study which is currently underway and will address mobility needs beyond the year 2045.

Click here for additional facts about the Cooperative Agreement.

Click here for a status update on the three projects.

I'm pleased report the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) recently hosted a very informative meeting with Fifth District City Mayors to discuss the approximately $2 billion investment in South County transportation, safety and mobility projects.   

L-R: With OCTA CEO Darrell Johnson, Laguna Niguel Mayor Fred Minagar, San Clemente Mayor Kathy Ward, Lake Forest Mayor Scott Voigts (front), San Juan Capistrano Mayor John Taylor, Dana Point Mayor Jamey Federico, and Laguna Woods Mayor Pro Tem Carol Moore.

As Immediate Past President of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), I had the pleasure of representing Orange County at the recent CSAC Executive Committee retreat.

At the CSAC Executive Committee retreat.

Together with my colleagues from across the State, we worked collaboratively to solidify CSAC’s 2021-22 legislative priorities, engage in strategic planning for the future, and brainstorm on innovative ideas and solutions to ensure successful advocacy on behalf of our respective counties in Sacramento.

Working with my CSAC Executive Committee colleagues at the retreat. 

As previously reported in my newsletter, the application portal for my Arts-Related Small Business & Nonprofit Grant Relief Program closed September 30. Congratulations to all of our 5th District Arts Grant Award winners! For more information and to view a complete list of our grant ward winners, click on the image below.

Click on the image above to view a complete list of our Fifth District Arts Grant Award Winners.

Are you a senior age 60 or older, living in South County, and looking for ways to connect online but don’t have a device or the training necessary to do so? Then look no further, as the County’s Technology Solutions for Seniors program may be able to help!

The program offers qualifying seniors a free iPad with data plan and training included, as well as access to online virtual classes, activities and programs. If you’re homebound, living alone or in a care facility, have health issues, limited mobility, functional disability or limited English skills, then you might be a candidate for this program. Devices are limited, so don’t delay!

Call (800) 510-2020 or (714) 480-6450 to see if you qualify. If you already have a device and would like to sign up for free online classes, click here (Coupon Code: OC). For more information click on the image below.

Click the image above to enlarge.

Last 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.

The map submittals for 2021 County of Orange Redistricting are now available to the public by clicking here. The submittal period ended on October 15. In addition, the public may also visit the interactive web map that includes each map proposal’s district boundaries along with other geographic and demographic reference information.

The County’s Redistricting Website contains information on the redistricting process, along with a general calendar and timeline of actions, public comments and meeting minutes. Members of the public may provide comments on the proposed maps by clicking here, emailing redistricting@ocgov.com or by calling (714) 834-6000.

On Tuesday, November 2 at 10 AM, the Board of Supervisors will receive the proposed 2021 County of Orange Redistricting Maps submissions and public comments. A link to Agenda Item 23 may be found by clicking here.

For information on how to address the Board of Supervisors, click here. This meeting will be streamed and may be found by clicking here. Translation services will be provided in Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese upon request made 72 hours in advance of the workshop by emailing redistricting@ocgov.com or calling (714) 834-6000.

Redistricting is the regular process of adjusting the lines of voting districts, including Orange County’s Supervisorial Districts, in accordance with population shifts. The redistricting process is done every 10 years for local, state and federal governmental bodies by using updated Census data.

The 2021 County of Orange redistricting process will use data from the 2020 Census. Local jurisdictions, including the County of Orange, must complete the redistricting process no later than December 15 to allow for the new supervisorial districts to be ready for use in the June 7, 2022 primary election. 

Information on upcoming redistricting activities will be updated on the County’s website. In addition, the County has created a dedicated email address and phone line for members of the public to submit questions or comments regarding the County’s redistricting process. The email address is redistricting@ocgov.com and the phone number is (714) 834-6000.

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.

Presenting a commendation to County Librarian Julie Quillman in honor of RSM Library's grand reopening.

As this year marks the 100th anniversary of OC Public Libraries (OCPL), I was pleased to preside over the grand reopening celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Rancho Santa Margarita (RSM) Branch Library.

Cutting the ribbon with OCPL staff and community members at the grand reopening of RSM Library.

Opened in 1994, OCPL's RSM Branch Library has served
the community and its over 48,000 residents for 27 years. In 2020, the County saw an opportunity to enhance RSM Library user experiences and closed temporarily to begin tenant improvements. This improvement project is an excellent example of County agencies working together, as OC Public Works and OCPL staff collaborated to improve the facility.

With OC Public Works staff at the grand reopening.

Improvements include the addition of new flooring, interior lighting, paint, ADA compliant public spaces, improved technology and new furniture. Thank you to County staff for their hard work in improving the library to better serve the community, and a big thank you to our residents for their patience during the renovation!

With a member of the community inside the RSM Library.

I also want to express my appreciation to the Rancho Santa Margarita City Council and RSM Chamber of Commerce for their support while the County worked on the many library improvements, as well as for their active participation in the grand reopening celebration! For more information, please click here.

L-R: With RSM Councilman Brad McGirr, Mayor Pro Tem Anne Figueroa, "Pete" The Cat, and RSM Chamber President Curt Stanley.

L-R: With Senator Dave Min and Assemblyman Steven Choi at the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon.
(Photo Courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of once again serving as a panelist, along with Senator Dave Min and Assemblyman Steven Choi, at the annual Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce Legislative Legislative Luncheon.

Speaking at the Lake Forest Legislative Legislative Luncheon.
(Photo Courtesy of Takata Photo & Design)

Presentation topics discussed during the program included affordable housing, homelessness, education, and the economy. I want to thank the Lake Forest Chamber and it's CEO, Mary Visconte, for organizing this excellent event!

My office was pleased to attend the City of Laguna Niguel’s State of the City Luncheon yesterday, held in the ballroom of the City’s new Crown Valley Community Center, where Mayor Fred Minagar delivered the State of the City address.

Laguna Niguel Mayor Fred Minagar delvers the State of the City.

The annual event was held in partnership with the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce, and included Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer as Master of Ceremonies.

Mayor Fred Minagar also introduced an excellent video, featuring himself and his fellow Council Members discussing the City’s outreach, projected capital improvement projects, plans for parks and recreation programs, responses to the COVID-19, and much more.

L-R: My Deputy Chief of Staff, Yasie Goebel, Mayor Fred Minagar, and my Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, at the Laguna Niguel State of the City Luncheon.

Check back next week to view the State of the City video presented at the luncheon, as well as additional photos.

My office was pleased to participate in the Family Assistance Ministries (FAM) 34th Annual Hunger Walk last weekend, where we presented commendations to FAM CEO Elizabeth Andrade in honor of the occasion, as well as to this year's FAM honoree, Sara Sullivan, who has served as Chair of this event for the past 10 years. They are to be highly commended for bringing hope and help to the needy in our community.

L-R: FAM CEO Elizabeth Andrade and Chair / Honoree Sara Sullivan receive commendations from my Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince.

The Walk began at the San Clemente Community Center and ended at the San Clemente Pier Bowl, as Family Assistance Ministries' mission is to combat hunger and homelessness in South Orange County. Established in 1999, FAM provides food, shelter, housing, and financial support to tens of thousands of children and adults. Last year FAM provided over 5,000,000 pounds of food to hungry neighbors!

My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Wild Fork in Mission Viejo, where the Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Wild Fork offers quality beef, pork, chicken, lamb and seafood, as well as specialty meats, like bison, goat, goose, quail and duck year-round. Please join me in welcoming Wild Fork to Mission Viejo!

My Field Representative, Dawn Kamber, at the ribbon cutting for Wild Fork in Mission Viejo.

My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Jerky & Cali Gifts in Outlets at San Clemente, where the Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Customers can rest assured that the products at Jerky & Cali Gifts are hand crafted with care & quality, as well as made with their taste buds & health in mind! Please join me in welcoming Jerky & Cali Gifts to the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce!

My Field Representative, Dawn Kamber, at the ribbon cutting for Jerky & Cali Gifts in San Clemente.

My office was also pleased to present a certificate of recognition to The Toy Box in Outlets at San Clemente, where the Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. If you're shopping for a special little one but not sure what to give them, you can always find the gift of choice at The Toy Box! Please join me in welcoming The Toy Box to the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce!

The Toy Box in San Clemente receives a commendation from my Field Representative, Dawn Kamber.

In 2014, Rancho Santa Margarita City Councilman Brad McGirr, with the assistance of the Bell Tower Foundation, founded the RSM chapter of ZeroTrash. ZeroTrash RSM is an all-volunteer community organization dedicated to ridding city streets and wilderness areas of trash, reducing waste, supporting local business, and taking personal responsibility for our community and the environment.

RSM Councilman Brad McGirr with ZeroTrash RSM volunteers.

The ZeroTrash movement continues to expand to additional cities in Orange County, with the hope that ZeroTrash will be implemented countywide. For more information, click here. To view an informative video about ZeroTrash RSM, click here.

The OC Health Care Agency continues to release daily COVID-19 case counts in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 302,735 positive cumulative cases and 5,562 deaths to date, as well as 190 currently hospitalized with 43 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 que.  

People within the eligible groups are strongly encouraged to register now with Othena to receive a vaccination from the County. Once registered, they will be placed in the virtual waiting room with other individuals who are already eligible within the State’s guidelines. Appointments are dependent on vaccine supply. As the County receives more vaccines, more appointments will open in Othena. 

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

Please be aware that there are more channels of distribution other than the County where people can get a vaccine. For more information on where you can find appointments through other medical providers and local pharmacies, visit vaccinefinder.org.   

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.

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!

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.

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

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!