As reported in my newsletter last week, 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, which began Saturday, January 23 at 8:00 AM.

Speaking at our Soka University Super POD launch.

As such, I'm pleased to share that during our Super POD opening weekend at Soka University, we vaccinated more than 3,200 eligible individuals, including seniors 65 years of age and older. The event ran smoothly and we received very positive feedback on how well organized it was. 

Operational Hours are Monday through Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Appointments are required through Othena. They are currently vaccinating all those eligible under Phase 1A, including all tiers and seniors 65+.

Please be assured that Orange County is moving as quickly as possible to make the COVID-19 vaccination available; however, the County faces ongoing supply limitations. To that end, the OC Health Care Agency is continuously requesting more doses from the State daily.

Other new Super POD sites will also 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 to partner with Soka University to establish our second Super POD site in the Fifth District, as we have a large number of seniors eligible to receive the vaccine under Phase 1A, and having a location in South County is most helpful in providing greater access to the vaccine.

Eligible individuals with an appointment must present identification and proof of eligibility at the Super POD site to receive a vaccine.

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.

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.

Heavy rain, subsequent flooding and debris flows are always a threat during wet weather months, especially in the vicinity of burn areas following a major wildland fire in Orange County, such as the recent Bond Fire. As a result, evacuation routes can quickly become impassable due to mud, debris or flooding.

In the event of an evacuation, any person with disabilities and those with access and/or functional needs requiring evacuation assistance should call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) Dispatch at 714-647-7000. OCSD also offers the following emergency preparedness information:

• Resources Before a Disaster
• Resources During a Disaster
• Resources After a Disaster

Any person needing assistance with animal or large animal evacuations should call OC Animal Care at 714-935-6848. For more information on disaster preparedness for small or large animals, click here.

To report storm-related issues with a County road or flood control channel, call the Orange County Public Works Storm Center at 714-955-0200 during standard business hours, as well as 714-955-0333 during Flash Flood events and emergencies when the OC Public Works Department Operations Center is activated. OC Public Works also offers the following flooding preparedness resources:

• Flood Protection
• Flood Fighting (Before/During/After/Post-Burn)
• Emergency Information 
• Weather and Flood Watch
• Flood Protection Information
• Flood Plain Management

In September 2020, I hosted our first Virtual South County Emergency Preparedness Summit. The information provided is still very timely, including presentations from Orange County’s leading experts on emergency preparedness during the age of COVID-19, including:

• Dr. Clayton Chau, County Health Officer - "COVID-19 in the County of Orange"
• Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes - "County of Orange Emergency Response Efforts"
• Donna Boston, Director, Emergency Management Division, OCSD - "Personal Emergency Preparedness"
• Fire Chief Brian Fennessy, Orange County Fire Authority - “Wildland Fire Preparedness in Orange County”
• Caroline Choi, Senior Vice President, Southern California Edison - “Public Safety Power Shutoff Program”
• Doug Bauder, Vice President/Chief Nuclear Officer, San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) - “SONGS Emergency Preparedness”

I hope the information provided will help you to better understand some of the ways Orange County is working hard to protect our residents in the event of a major emergency during the age of COVID-19, as well as how you can also better prepare yourselves, your families and local businesses for disaster. To view the Virtual South County Emergency Preparedness Summit 2020, 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.

As previously reported in my newsletter, 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.

As reported in my newsletter last week, 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.

I recently had the pleasure of presenting a well-deserved proclamation to Jonathan Burke, who has retired after forty illustrious years with Laguna College of Art & Design (LCAD).

LCAD's Jonathan Burke with his proclamation.

LCAD was founded in 1961 as Laguna Beach School of Art, a nonprofit college of art & design, and has since grown to include eleven undergraduate majors, as well as three graduate degree programs, nine minors, and a Post-Baccalaureate program.

During Jonathan Burke's tenure, the LCAD campus expanded to include seven sites throughout Laguna Canyon and Laguna Beach that accommodate a student population of 700+ full-time students.

Jonathan Burke hosts my staff and I on a tour of LCAD.

Jonathan Burke joined LCAD as a Fine Arts instructor in 1980, as his rapport with students and extraordinary artistic talents positioned him for growth and leadership within the College for the next forty years.

Leadership roles on Jonathan Burke’s journey to the top include serving as Chair of Fine Arts, Dean of Fine Arts, Interim Dean of Visual Communications, and Co-Vice President of Academic Affairs, as well as serving as President and CEO the last ten years, dubbing him the “Lucky 13th” President of LCAD.

Under Jonathan Burke direction, LCAD grew to become one of the leading colleges of art and design in the nation, as during his remarkable administration as President he:

• Opened East Campus, housing Suzanne Chonette Senior Studios and the Administration Building.
• Opened South Campus, offering housing, graphic design, fine arts, photography and recording studios.
• Expanded classrooms and studios at Big Bend Campus to support the growing demand for courses of study in animation, graphic design and game art.
• Established MFA programs in drawing and game design, a Post-Baccalaureate program, as well as new BFA majors, including entertainment design and experimental animation.

To that end, I take great pleasure in congratulating Jonathan Burke upon the occasion of his retirement after forty years of distinguished service with Laguna College of Art & Design, including the last ten years as the esteemed President and CEO of the College, and further extend my sincere best wishes for continued success in all future endeavors!

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! 

To that end, I want to assist our 5th District residents in identifying and locating their local restaurants to support. Additionally, 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, we want to hear from you. Please share these innovative ideas with us so we can help 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 the year!

Thank you for continuing to be patient as we move through this vaccine distribution process. I recognize the process and timeline has caused some confusion and I hope this information, which will be updated weekly, 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.

We now have two County Super PODs open at Disneyland and Soka University. When fully operational, it is the County’s goal to have the capacity to distribute 7,000-8,000 doses per day at each POD. The Super PODs operate from 8 AM to 5 PM, 7 days a week.

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 waiting room. Eligible individuals will be notified to schedule an appointment by email or notification through the Othena app. We advise all who are registered and eligible to regularly monitor their email and the Othena app for an update. Appointments are prioritized based on age, time of registration and other factors

Click the image above to enlarge.

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.

While the County of Orange is actively administering approximately 20% of the vaccines available for Orange County residents and workers through Othena, traditional healthcare providers, including hospitals and community health centers, have received the other 80% of vaccine doses. More than 509,000 people are currently registered with Othena, and over 89,000 people have received a vaccination appointment through the website/app.

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. Trained operators are available Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The hotline also offers automated responses to frequently asked questions 24 hours a day.

Please note: The hotline cannot schedule appointments or register users in the Othena system, but it can help you through the process.

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.

The OC Health Care Agency continues to release daily COVID-19 case counts in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 229,757 positive cumulative cases and 2,975 deaths (including 107 today alone), as well as 1,521 currently hospitalized with 426 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.

On Monday last 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.

Later last week, 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 recently announced they are 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.

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.

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 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.

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

This week, in their recent film, America’s Musical Journey, singer/songwriter Aloe Blacc explores the musical heritage of America, as he traces the footsteps of the legendary jazz musician Louis Armstrong from New Orleans to Chicago and New York City. In this short video, Blacc eloquently describes the impact Armstrong had both in the U.S. and around the world. Watch here!

Click the image above for Aloe Blacc on Louis Armstrong.

Irvine Barclay Theatre (IBT) invites us to enjoy some of their top music events that glued us to our seats or made us want to get up and dance! As they continue the journey of looking back over their past 30 years, some of IBT's favorite musical moments, artists and concerts that kept us glued to our seats or made us want to get up and dance include Elvis Costello, Arlo Guthrie, David Hidalgo & Louie Perez of Los Lobos, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and Tower of Power. To relive these musical moments, click here or on the image below!

Click image above to enjoy IBT's musical moments.

Irvine Barclay Theatre is also 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. 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.

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 (coming soon). For more information or to register for their FREE Zoom performances, visit Laguna Live!

Click the image above to enjoy Laguna Live!

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

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 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!