Earlier today, the California Department of Public Health issued new guidelines for outdoor and indoor youth and recreational adult sports. The new guidelines go into effect February 26 in counties with a case rate of less than 14 cases per 100,000 residents.

Given Orange County’s current trajectory, it is entirely possible that we will meet this threshold very soon. The new guidelines apply to all organized youth sports and recreation, including school- and community-sponsored programs, privately-organized clubs and leagues, and adult recreational sports. Stay tuned, as I will keep you posted of any new developments!

I'm also pleased to report that beginning next week, the County will start to vaccinate Educators; Child Care Providers; Food Service, Grocery and Agriculture Workers; and Emergency Services!

All entities receiving allocation from the State, including the Multi County Entities (MCE), will be required to use 70% of their allocation for 65+ and 1A, while the remaining 30% will be required for these newly announced industry workers. All providers must follow these allocation percentages. If you are a part of any of these groups, please contact your employer. 

As previously reported in my newsletter, the County of Orange recently opened its second regional COVID-19 Vaccine Super Point-of-Dispensing (POD) site in South County, located at Soka University in Aliso Viejo.

Speaking at the opening of the Super POD at Soka.

Please be advised that severe weather across the country has delayed delivery of COVID-19 vaccine supplies throughout the State of California, including to Orange County. As a result, the Disney Super POD site, which primarily dispenses the Moderna vaccine, will close today through Monday, February 22, pending receipt of additional supply on Monday.

The Soka University and Santa Ana College sites primarily dispense the Pfizer vaccine. Soka will remain open to provide a second-dose Pfizer vaccine, dependent on vaccine supply. Santa Ana College will close temporarily beginning Saturday, February 20; the reopening date is to be determined depending on receipt of additional Pfizer vaccine supply.

The reopening of the Anaheim Convention Center site, scheduled for Wednesday, February 24, is potentially delayed, dependent on Moderna vaccine supply.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance allows for second dose administration up to 6 weeks (42 days) after the first dose to maintain vaccine efficacy. For more information, please see the press release.

Operational Hours at Soka 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+.

To better assist individuals with mobility issues, we recently expanded services to include the Soka Drive-Thru POD. The Drive-Thru is intended for individuals with mobility issues, as they must also display a disabled placard or license plate on their vehicle.

At the Soka University Drive-Thru POD.

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.

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. For a map and directions to Soka University, please click here or see the image below.

I'm pleased to report that my office has been actively volunteering at the Anaheim Super POD (Point of Dispensing) site at Disneyland. In addition, my staff and I were happy to volunteer at the Soka University Super POD site last weekend.

Volunteering at the Soka University Super POD.

It was heartwarming to hear from some of our seniors who were overjoyed to receive the vaccine, and reassuring to see the onsite operations firsthand and the efficiency by the entire Soka POD Team.

A happy senior receives their vaccine at Soka. 

Many people who received vaccinations commented on how quickly they moved through the onsite process. From the time they entered the parking lot to the time they left the observation area, it averaged approximately 40 minutes.

My Chief of Staff, Doug Woodyard, volunteering.

I very much appreciate the collective efforts of our volunteers, fire services and medical personnel, and our sheriff’s department, along with my staff and all those involved in making this operation run like clockwork!

My Deputy Chief of Staff, James Dinwiddie (right), volunteering with my Executive Aide, Rosemary Contreras.

Please be advised that our County Super PODS and mobile clinics are not the only options to receive a vaccination. Other healthcare providers approved to dispense the vaccine, including hospitals, pharmacies and health clinics, also play an essential role in vaccinating Orange County’s population.

Click the image above to enlarge.

To continue reducing ICU levels, the County maintains vaccine eligibility to Orange County residents age 65 and over and individuals eligible under Phase 1a. The County will reevaluate expanding eligibility to others as ICU levels stabilize and more vaccines become available.

To that end, the University of California, Irvine (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. For information on other healthcare providers approved to dispense the vaccine, please click here.

As previously reported in my newsletter, the 5th District Small Business Grant Relief Program successfully launched February 1. Due to overwhelming interest from the community, the portal closed by mid-day, as the number of applications received greatly exceeded available funds.

This first come, first served program helps support small businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout South County that have been impacted by COVID-19 by providing $10,000 grant awards to successful applicants.

Please be advised that notification of awards and electronic funds transfers is still ongoing and will continue until all available funding has been expended. At this time, approximately half of the available grants have been awarded. Congratulations to all of our 5th District grant award winners!

If you have any questions regarding the program, process or status, please view the ‘frequently asked questions’ on the dedicated website. Additionally, you may contact the administrator via email or at (714) 597-6630, ext. 134.  

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.

In addition to serving 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, we are requesting your assistance in helping us communicate with stakeholders in your community for a Public Member seat on the OCTA Board. 

The 18-member Board is comprised of all five Orange County Supervisors, ten elected city council members, two members of the public and a non-voting member representing Caltrans. Public Members are selected by the OCTA Board.

Candidates for this seat must be residents of Orange County. Other considerations for a candidate may include, but are not limited to, a familiarity with transportation issues, finance, and OCTA priorities, as well as having an interest in serving the public. 

Any person who is currently serving as an elected official within Orange County (any local jurisdiction or special district) or who has held any such position in the past four years, is not eligible to apply.

The Board of Directors Public Member application process is available to view here. Submittals for the Public Member position should include the application, letter of interest, and resume, and are being accepted through Friday, February 26, 2021 at 5 p.m. 

In addition, OCTA is conducting a recruitment process to fill vacant positions on the Taxpayer Oversight Committee, including an opening in my district - the 5th District. Applications are due by May 2. Interviews will be held via Zoom May 5–13, with final selection taking place at the OCTA Board of Directors meeting June 28. For more information, click here.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors is seeking candidates to serve on the First 5 Orange County Children and Families Commission.

Two Commission positions are in the education category and one is in the health category. Commissioners that fill these positions must have relevant experience or expertise in the category. New applicants and current members are invited to apply for the three seats for the 2021-2023 term.

The Commission meets six times on the first Wednesday of February, April, June, August, October, and December. Commissioners may also serve on ad-hoc committees to review programs and services, participate in site visits, and represent the Commission at community events.

First 5 Orange County oversees the allocation of Proposition 10 funds, which help pay for education, health care, and child development programs for children from the prenatal stage to age 5 and their families.

Applications must be submitted by 3 p.m. Feb. 26. Email Tiffany Alva with any questions.

Seeking Input from OC Parents

First 5 OC is also inviting Orange County parents to take a short 5-minute survey about the child care issues that are impacting them.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted, child care is crucial. First 5 Orange County will use the survey to understand the extent of the pandemic's impact on Orange County families and to inform us about what needs to be done to address the problems. Responses can be submitted anonymously.

The Parent Survey is offered in English and Spanish and will be open until February 28.

John Wayne Airport is pleased to announce the debut of a new OC Parks display, showcasing 60,000 acres of parkland and historical space now featured in the Orange County: Destination Art & Culture exhibit through December 2021.

The OC Parks exhibit highlights various activities available at its locations like family recreation, docent-led tours, and educational opportunities, as well as past and present artwork of its historical sites, including Heritage Hill Historical Park. This park features 4.1 acres of four fully restored and furnished historic buildings spanning the early history of the Saddleback Valley and El Toro area in South County.

Stroll through the pedestrian walkway, connecting Terminals B and C (pre-security) to view the art, history, and culture of Orange County's award-winning parks and programs! For more information, click here.

Kate Polezhaev: 5th District Intern Extraordinaire

Today, my office bid a fond adieu to our 5th District Public Policy Intern, Kate Polezhaev. Kate has done a wonderful job assisting me and my staff since December 2019, and she will be greatly missed. Thank you so much, Kate!

Below are Kate's kind words about her experience with our office: 

"Hello to the great and fearless District 5 staff,

From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank each one of you for letting me intern at your office.

This was my first time being in the public service field, and being part of the D5 office was an amazing learning experience for me.

Knowing how hard your jobs are, I would like to thank each of you for the incredible work you are doing for the County, and for your patience and strength.

Recently, after few interviews, I got an offer to go back to the City of Irvine, where I was previously doing an internship in the Public Works department. Now, I will be working for a City Clerk's Office!

Since D5 represents part of Irvine, I am sure our paths will cross again. If you ever need anything in the future from the City of Irvine, please contact the City Clerk's office, and I will help with any information or needs you might have.

Thank you again for your dedicated public service. Your office has inspired me to continue doing public service work, and I feel blessed for the opportunity to work with each one of you, especially Rose, who was my mentor each and every week.

Sincerely,

Kate P."

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

With outdoor dining permissible once again, 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 their restaurant and business members within their respective communities.

To that end, 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, the past year has been incredibly challenging 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.

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!

As previously reported in my newsletter, our Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) recently launched its COVID-19 Vaccine Newsletter. In this week's edition, HCA shares:

• In addition to the County Super Point-of-Dispensing (POD) sites and mobile clinics, other healthcare providers - such as hospitals, pharmacies and health clinics - also play an essential role in vaccinating Orange County’s population. Click here for more information on OC's COVID-19 vaccine distribution channels.
• CBS Los Angeles, 2/11/21 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will give the State of California $823 million to open more than 100 community vaccination sites that will be selected by the State.
• CNBC, 2/16/21 - Biden administration increases the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses shipped weekly to states and pharmacies.
• WebMD, 2/16/21 - The World Health Organization authorized the AstraZeneca-University of Oxford COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, which will allow the United Nations to distribute doses to low- and middle-income countries.

To subscribe to HCA's COVID-19 Vaccine Newsletter, click here. For more information, click here. 

The OC Health Care Agency continues to release daily COVID-19 case counts in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 243,989 positive cumulative cases and 3,726 deaths to date, as well as 636 currently hospitalized with 215 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.

Click the image above to enlarge.

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.

The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) last year conducted a survey of attitudes toward the vaccination for COVID-19 and thanks 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.

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.

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 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.

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

This week's video offers a quick peek at the unusual art of Bandaloop - artists who take traditional dancing and quite literally flip it on its side. This beautiful, aerial style of dance is performed on the side of buildings and can be seen in MFF's film, America's Musical Journey. We imagine this is what dancing among the clouds must be like! Watch here! 

Click image above to watch the Bandaloop Vertical Dancers.

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 looking back over their past 30 years, some of IBT's favorite musical moments, artists and concerts 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.

The King's Singers

In another FREE offering from IBT, demonstrating their great versatility, The King's Singers prove in this recital from London's Cadogan Hall in 2005 that, although they have many imitators, they remain the masters.

In this concert, they share some of their favorite works, a mixture of songs old and new, including madrigals by Byrd and Monteverdi, a Rossini overture, and tunes from the Beatles, Freddie Mercury, Duke Ellington, and more! Billy Joel's "Goodnight My Angel" is very moving and one of the highlights!

Click the image above to enjoy The King's Singers.

All-Star Swing Festival

But wait, here's more from IBT! Recorded at Lincoln Center in 1972 for broadcast on NBC, the All-Star Swing Festival, hosted by Doc Severinsen, features Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Dizzy Gillespie, Gene Krupa on drums, Lionel Hampton on vibes, Earl Hines on piano, among so many others! In addition, this full-length gala concert marks the first and only performance of the original Benny Goodman Quartet on television.

It would be nearly impossible today to arrange for so much A-list talent in a single concert. So kick back, crank up the sound, and let the legends take you on a trip of a lifetime. You won't be sorry... you'll be swingin'!

Click the image above for the All Star Swing Festival.

The Leading Ladies of Broadway

IBT also wants to share a Broadway time capsule that was recorded at Carnegie Hall in 1998, featuring all the women performing on Broadway that season. Hosted by Julie Andrews, the video contains an amazing array of talent, from stalwarts like Dorothy Loudon, Nell Carter, and Elaine Stritch, to young talents hitting their stride like Audra McDonald, Linda Eder, Marin Mazzie, and Rebecca Luker.

It also includes a number by a then 13-year-old Anna Kendrick, who was making her first appearance on Broadway and was nominated for her first Tony that year. And those names are just the beginning, as there are also performances by Liza Minnelli, Faith Prince, Jennifer Holliday, Andrea McArdle, Bebe Neuwirth, and many more!

Click the image above to see The Leading Ladies of Broadway.

Romeo and Juliet

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 until Feb. 28. 

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

Although Pacific Symphony has suspended live concerts in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall as a public health precaution, Pacific Symphony will stay in touch online, serving up culture and entertainment. Current additional performances include:

• Beethoven's "Eroica" Symphony (through 3/13) 
• Virtual Lunar New Year (through 3/14)
• Virtual Lantern Festival (beginning 2/27)

Their Watch+Listen page provides you with a central overview for all of the Symphony’s offerings online! Keep checking back for new musical experiences!

Pacific Symphony performing with Pacific Chorale.

From Pacific Chorale's "UnSung Heroes" concert that featured the works of lesser-known female composers, here is the stirring “To See the Sky” by Jocelyn Hagen, a setting of a text by Sara Teasdale, recorded live in concert March 2019. To watch the performance, click here or on the image below.

Pacific Chorale's “To See the Sky” by Jocelyn Hagen

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.

Camino Real Playhouse in San Juan Capistrano invites you to enjoy a "A Virtual Who Dunnit?" Thursday, February 25 at 7 PM. 

"Augustus Sterling is hosting a Zoom meeting with his family and closest staff to celebrate his birthday. The bitter billionaire is threatening to change his will, when he is suddenly electrocuted through his cellphone. Through a series of Zoom conferences, Rockford Sloan, homicide detective, questions each suspect and discovers that absolutely everyone has a motive."

This is a free performance with the link coming soon. For more information, click on the image below.

Click the image above for more info.

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.

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). This month enjoy Christina Linhardt and Joshua Chandra! For more information or to register for their FREE performances, visit Laguna Live!

Click the image above to enjoy Laguna Live!

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.

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!

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 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!