County of Orange Subscribe  |   Unsubscribe
Lisa Bartlett - Supervisor, Fifth District
December 23, 2021 Volume 8 Issue 54
WE WISH YOU A SAFE & MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
A Holiday Message from Supervisor Lisa Bartlett

Needless to say, the coronavirus pandemic has been very stressful and isolating for so many people. As cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to rise throughout Orange County and the nation, the safest way to celebrate the holidays this year is to rejoice at home with those who live with you.

Gathering during Christmastime is always a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with loved ones. But unless they live with you, please consider ways your holiday plans can be modified this year to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and help ensure our families, friends and communities remain healthy and safe.

Keeping the Christmas Spirit alive is more important now than ever before, and celebrating virtually or with members of your own household (who are also taking the necessary safety measures to avoid spreading COVID-19) clearly poses the lowest risk for spread of the virus. 

For ways to enjoy the holidays this year, please visit the Out & About Safely in South County section located at the bottom of my newsletter. Wishing you and yours a very safe and Merry Christmas!

 
dotted line
BARTLETT BULLETIN
Mandatory Evacuation Order for Bond Fire Area!
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
HCA: Ocean Recreational Water Quality Update
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
HCA Urges to Get Boosted, Get Tested, Mask Up!
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
County of Orange New 5th Supervisorial District

As previously reported, the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance identifying new district boundaries for all five supervisorial districts. The ordinance was adopted following the Board’s action on November 22 to select Map 5A-1 as the preferred map for establishing new district boundaries. The ordinance will go into effect  January 6, 2022.

I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who participated in the process, as I truly believe Map 5A-1 was the best outcome for the County as a whole in that it minimizes division, creates fair and equitable representation, complies with the Federal Voting Rights Act, and keeps the majority of South County intact.

PDF
The new 5th District Map for Orange County.
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
Expanding Anti-Hate Efforts in Orange County
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
Orange County Increases Funding to Stop Hate
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
Winter Holiday Air Travel Tips from The Airport

Air travel during the winter holiday travel period is expected to be a busy one. Passengers traveling through John Wayne Airport (JWA) can expect to see increased passenger traffic and busier roadways.

To lessen the spread of COVID-19 during the holiday travel season, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) and John Wayne Airport have collaborated to distribute no-cost, self-collection COVID-19 testing kits to travelers at JWA. Test kits are available pre-security in Terminals A & C Sunday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), all travelers arriving in and returning to California from other states or countries are recommended to test for COVID-19 from 3 to 5 days after arrival.

Hoag Health provides onsite urgent health care services, COVID-19 vaccinations and rapid testing, prescriptions, vital screenings and more at the Fly Well Clinic located in the Terminal. More information can be found online here or by calling 949-557-0667.

For guests looking for travel guidance during this time, the latest travel advisory information from CDPH can be found here and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance can be found here. For more travel tips and additional information about John Wayne Airport, click here.

 
dotted line
OC Cold Weather Emergency Shelter Program
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
Flagpole Groundbreaking for Veterans Cemetery
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
See below for Flagpole Groundbreaking photos.

At the Flagpole Groundbreaking Ceremony.

With Elaine Brattain, American Gold Star Mothers, at the Flagpole Groundbreaking Ceremony.

Unfurling the American Flag at the Flagpole Groundbreaking Ceremony.
 
dotted line
Improving Interstate 5 in South Orange County

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

As such, I'm pleased to report this past year, OCTA, Caltrans District 12 and the cities of Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills and Laguna Niguel have continued working together to deliver the I-5 Freeway Widening Project from SR-73 to El Toro Road, one of our region’s largest freeway improvement projects.

Approved by nearly 70% of Orange County voters, this $580 million project spans 6.5 miles and is being constructed in three segments. Today, the overall project is more than 1/3 finished, with Segment 1 from SR-73 to Oso Parkway and Segment 2 from Oso Parkway to Alicia Parkway each 50% complete.

For more information, including what's down the road ahead, please click here or on the image below.

PDF
Click the image above for more information.
 
dotted line
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Expands Service

As previously reported, Orange County residents can now enjoy more reliable and frequent trips on the Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner®.

In late October, the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, which manages the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service, implemented one of the largest schedule adjustments for the Pacific Surfliner in years. It included further restoration of service across the corridor as well as sweeping adjustments to existing train schedules.

The improvements enhance the reliability and connectivity of trains that travel between San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

Pacific Surfliner trains have been operating on a reduced schedule since March 2020 due to a pandemic-related drop in travel demand. The schedule change builds on the partial service restoration that was implemented in June 2021, and also moves towards pulsed schedules, which evenly distribute trains to provide maximum service coverage.

Changes include:

  • One additional round-trip was added that travels the length of the corridor. 
  • Most train departure and arrival times were shifted to evenly space them out across the day for more consistent frequencies. Many train numbers changed.
  • The schedule is now consistent for both weekday and weekend travel.

Travelers now have predictable departure times between trains, and improved connections to other train services.

Passengers are encouraged to follow safety measures and any important public health orders in place during their trip and at their destination. Per federal law and Amtrak policy, face coverings must still be worn while onboard trains and in stations.

The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner passes through Orange County as part of its 351-mile coastal rail route from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. The LOSSAN Agency is managed by OCTA in an agreement with the state. For more information, click here

 
dotted line
Best Family Present? A Fun Metrolink Train Ride!

There’s a reason so many holiday stories feature trains. There’s something magical about sitting together in the comfortable seats and watching the world go by on the way to a special destination.

Below are some of our favorite Metrolink trips for the holidays or any time of year...

Everyone loves San Juan Capistrano, and for good reason. Within an easy walk from the station, there are one-of-a-kind restaurants and shops, and a petting zoo. The famous mission is a must-see and features fascinating history.

San Juan Capistrano Train Station

Some of California’s best stretches of wide sandy beaches are within minutes of the Metrolink station in San Clemente. Bring your friends, your kids and a willingness to relax and explore. Take a side trip to beautiful Casa Romantica and view the coastline from a different perspective.

San Clemente Pier Station

Oceanside is an authentic beach town with quiet beaches, a quaint New England-style harbor, historic wooden pier, plenty of craft breweries and relaxing seaside dining. Take the day to chill out in this southern-most destination on the Metrolink line.

Metrolink Oceanside

Last but never least, Los Angeles is packed with fun places to visits like Chinatown, historic Olvera Street, museums and amazing restaurants.

L.A. Union Station

Discover more about these destinations and other Metrolink Daycations here. On weekends, adults ride throughout the Metrolink system for only $10 Saturday or Sunday and kids 17 and under ride free. Through December 31, enter here to win two Metrolink tickets to holiday fun!

 
dotted line
Enjoy Free OCTA Bus Rides on New Year's Eve!

To help Orange County residents celebrate safely, OCTA is once again offering FREE rides on fixed-route buses on New Year’s Eve between Friday, December 31 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, January 1 at 2:30 a.m.

More than 162,000 boardings have been recorded since this special free bus service began almost 20 years ago. OC Bus is one the safest and most convenient ways to get around on New Year’s Eve or any other day of the year. Please remember to wear a face mask when waiting for or riding OC Bus. Face masks are also available onboard.

On New Year’s Day, OC Bus will operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule. For more information about free rides on New Year’s Eve, click here.

 
dotted line
5th DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT
Lake Forest Celebrates 30 Years of Cityhood!

This week, I had the great pleasure of attending the Lake Forest City Council meeting to present a proclamation in honor of the City's 30-year anniversary celebration. I also took the opportunity to express my deep regret in losing Lake Forest as a a 5th District city due to the recent redistricting process, effective January 6, 2022. 

Speaking to the Lake Forest City Council.

Founded by Don Jose Serrano, the City incorporated December 20, 1991 under the name "Lake Forest" with reverence to the eucalyptus forests and the community’s man-made lakes, and officially became Orange County’s 31st City.

Working with other south Orange County cities, the City of Lake Forest played a vital role in opposing and successfully stopping the redevelopment of the former Marine Corps Air Station at El Toro into a massive international airport, considered the single greatest threat to the quality of life in the City; and in 2002, Orange County voters rejected plans for the proposed El Toro Airport at the former Marine base.

L-R: With Lake Forest Councilman Doug Cirbo, Mayor Pro Tem Robert Pequeño, Mayor Scott Voigts, and Councilman Mark Tettemer, presenting the City's 30-year anniversary proclamation. 

As Lake Forest’s population continued to grow, new developments and subdivisions were added, and in 2000, the communities of Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills officially became part of the City,. In 2006, Lake Forest celebrated completion of its largest capital improvement projects - the El Toro Road Traffic and Landscape Improvement Project and the Arbors at El Toro. And in 2014, the Lake Forest Sports Park and Recreation Center officially opened to the public.

The crowning achievement of the last 30 years came in December 2019 with completion of the $80 million Lake Forest Civic Center, which was built without debt and coined the City's 100-Year Home, boasting a state-of-the-art Senior Center, Community Center, Performing Arts Center / City Council Chamber, and new City Hall!

With current and past Lake Forest City Council Members, local Water District, City and County elected officials at the 30-year anniversary celebration. 

The City’s motto, “Remember the Past, Challenge the Future,” is the Lake Forest way of life and ensures it will always be an ideal place for businesses to prosper and people to live, work and play. Congratulations the the City of Lake Forest on clebrating 30 years of cityhood! For more information about the rich history of Lake Forest, click here.

During the meeting, I also presented a commendation to outgoing Mayor Scott Voigts upon completing a most successful term. 

Presenting a commendation to outgoing Mayor Scott Voigts.
 
dotted line
COUNTY OF ORANGE COVID-19 UPDATE

 
dotted line
COVID-19 Orange County Case Counts by Cities

The OC Health Care Agency continues to release daily COVID-19 case counts in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 322,550 positive cumulative cases and 5,864 deaths to date, as well as 217 currently hospitalized with 58 in ICU.

 
dotted line
HCA on Best Prevention Measures for COVID-19

As scientists continue to learn more about the Omicron variant and detect cases in the U.S., the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) encourages the public to stay the course on all public health prevention measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, including vaccination, getting tested and wearing a mask indoors or in large gatherings.

“Our public health labs have not yet detected any cases of Omicron here in Orange County but we are seeing a slight rise in cases and hospitalizations, which is expected due to increased gatherings and travel during the holidays,” says Dr. Clayton Chau, HCA Director and County Health Officer. “It is only a matter of time before the new variant arrives in our county. We have all the tools available to fight the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, through vaccination, testing and prevention measures.”

The HCA continues to encourage the following precautions to protect loved ones from getting sick or hospitalized due to COVID-19:

  • Get your vaccine and booster shot - Residents who are not yet fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or are eligible for their booster dose should access the most convenient option available to them to get their shot. 
  • Get tested after returning from travel - Regardless of vaccination status, those returning from travel over the holidays are strongly encouraged to get a COVID test 3-5 days after travel. Self-collection, at-home COVID-19 test kits are being distributed to travelers at John Wayne Airport in Terminals A and C and are available at no cost by visiting here.
  • Wear a mask - Slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask over your nose and mouth when you are indoors in public settings, in crowded outdoor settings, or in close contact with others who may be unvaccinated or higher risk of getting sick with COVID-19 (such as the elderly, infants and immunocompromised). 
  • Adhere to all other COVID-19 safety precautions - Limit large and indoor gatherings, keep a safe distance from others who may be unvaccinated, wash and sanitize your hands often and thoroughly, regularly self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and stay home if you are sick.

“With over 90% of COVID hospitalizations occurring in those who are unvaccinated, vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce the likelihood of getting sick, being hospitalized or dying from COVID-19,” says Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, Deputy County Health Officer. “We hear many people saying that they are concerned about side effects in children and fertility issues; however, please know that most side effects are common and mild, and that the benefits of vaccination for both pregnant persons and their fetus or infant outweigh known or potential risks. We ask that if you are eligible for a vaccine or booster, please do not delay in getting your shot.”

Individuals seeking additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine before making a decision to get vaccinated are encouraged to learn more about the benefits of getting vaccinated through sources they trust. These may include family members, friends, and colleagues who have been vaccinated. Health professionals are also available to answer questions at various community events and webinars; for the latest information on local town hall events and video recordings, click here

Individuals looking for information and assistance on where to receive a vaccine can visit here or call the OC COVID-19 Hotline at (714) 834-2000, Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. You can also use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) new texting feature to locate a nearby vaccination site by using your mobile phone and texting your ZIP code to 438829 (GETVAX).

Between December 1 and December 8, the seven-day average COVID-19 case rate increased from 7.1 to 7.3 per 100,000 people and the average number of daily COVID-19 cases increased from 229 to 234. The positivity rate also increased from 2.4 to 3.4 percent, hospitalizations from 169 to 183, and ICU admissions from 55 to 57 per day. 

For more information on COVID-19 information and resources, including case counts, vaccination and testing in Orange County, visit here.

 
dotted line
HCA and JWA to COVID-19 Test Air Travelers

To lessen the spread of COVID-19 during the holiday travel season, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) and John Wayne Airport (JWA) have now begun no-cost, self-collection COVID-19 testing kits to be distributed to travelers at JWA.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, travelers arriving in the U.S. are advised to get a viral test 3-5 days after travel, regardless of vaccination status. 

As a County, we have conducted over 5.8 million COVID tests to date, which means many have done their part to support their loved ones and the community. This collaboration between HCA and JWA will help ensure that people continue to have the resources available to keep getting tested and prevent the spread of COVID.

The self-collection test kits continue to be available to order online at no cost by visiting here, come with a prepaid shipping label, and are able to be dropped off at any FedEx drop-off location or scheduled for a pickup by calling (800) 463-3339.

 
dotted line
Happy Holidays Neighbor! Campaign Toolkit
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
Response to Emergence of New Omicron Variant
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
Difference Between a Booster Shot and 3rd Dose
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Engagement Program!

My Board colleagues and I 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.

 
dotted line
County Offering Othena Mobile Vaccine Service

The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) launched a 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.

PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
Do You Need a Ride to Get Your Vaccination?
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
FAQ: COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
Preparation to Vaccinate Children Ages 5 to 11
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
Pfizer Vaccine Eligibility Includes Ages 12-15

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.

 
dotted line
COVID-19 Vaccinations Available for Ages 16+

As previously reported, everyone ages 16 and over in Orange County is 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.   

 
dotted line
FREE COVID Testing Opportunities in The OC!

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.

 
dotted line
Get Your FREE At-Home COVID-19 Testing Now!
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
While You're Home, Beware of COVID-19 Scams!

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.

 
dotted line
County of Orange Mental Resiliency Resources

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:

 
dotted line
CRITTER CHRONICLES
Disaster Preparedness for Animal Owners!
Click the image above for more info.
 
dotted line
Let's Paws: Pet Safety Tips - Christmas Trees

 
dotted line
Pet Safety Tips - Holiday Hazards

 
dotted line
OC Animal Care Pet of the Week: Meet Cora!
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
Merry CATmas!: 2-for-1 Kitty Adoption Fees!
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
HOPPY Holidays: Rabbit Adoption Fees Waived
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
Lost and Found Community Pet Information
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
OUT AND ABOUT SAFELY IN SOUTH COUNTY
Capistrano Lights Returns to the The Mission!
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
2021 Laguna Hills Holiday Lights Map
PDF
Click the image above to enlarge.
 
dotted line
RSM New Year's Eve: Celebrating Family/Friends
Click the image above for more info.
 
dotted line
Irvine: Holidayz at the Park thru January 2

‘Tis the season for family fun and holiday cheer at the Great Park. Enjoy Holidayz at the Park through January 2, 2022, as the park will be transformed into a winterscape featuring holiday-themed events, displays, and lights. For more information, click here.

 
dotted line
OC Public Libraries: Services, Events & Activities
PDF
Click the image above for this week's Author Connection!
 
dotted line
FOOD RESOURCES IN THE FIFTH DISTRICT

 

Click the image above for information on their
Meals on Wheels and Congregate Lunches for Seniors.

 

Click the image above for information on their
Drive-Thru Food Distribution, weekdays in San Clemente.

 

 

Click the image above for information on their
 Drive Through Food Bank, Monday - Friday in Irvine.

 

Click the image above for information on their
 Food Pantry, Monday - Friday in Laguna Beach.

 

 

Click the image above for info on their Food Pantry
held on the first & third Wednesday of every month.

 

 

Click the image above for information on their
PEACE Community Resource Center Food Pantries.

 

 

Click the image above for information on their
Food Pantry Services weekdays in Irvine.
 
dotted line
Nutrition Gap Program Relaunched with 211 OC

As previously reported, I'm pleased to have relaunched 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.

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
 
dotted line
NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES
Check Out The Fifth District Dispatch Archives!

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!

 
dotted line
 
For questions or comments regarding my E-Newsletter, please contact my office staff at (714) 834-3550 or email my Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, at Sergio.Prince@ocgov.com .
 
In This Issue
orange arrow WE WISH YOU A SAFE & MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
orange arrow BARTLETT BULLETIN
orange arrow 5th DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT
orange arrow COUNTY OF ORANGE COVID-19 UPDATE
orange arrow CRITTER CHRONICLES
orange arrow OUT AND ABOUT SAFELY IN SOUTH COUNTY
orange arrow FOOD RESOURCES IN THE FIFTH DISTRICT
orange arrow NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES
DISTRICT STAFF
 
James Dinwiddie
Chief of Staff

Yasie Goebel
Deputy Chief of Staff

Sergio Prince
Community Relations Advisor

Pauline Colvin
Communications Director

Nicole Garcia
Policy Advisor

Christian Abueg
Policy Advisor

Rosemary Conteras
Office Manager

 
Stay Updated!
house icon http://ocgov.com/gov/bos/5/
envelope icon Lisa.Bartlett@ocgov.com
phone icon 714.834.3550
arrow icon View Online Version
 
Copyright 2021 County of Orange, California
You are currently signed up to the 5th District newsletter. To unsubscribe, click here.