Based on updated guidance for youth and recreational adult sports issued February 19 by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), outdoor sports competitions may resume in Orange County with modifications starting Friday, February 26.

The State’s guidance applies to all organized youth and adult sports, including school and community-sponsored programs, and privately organized clubs and leagues. Outdoor sport competitions may resume in Purple Tier counties, including Orange County, with modifications that include testing requirements for certain outdoor high-contact sports. Outdoor moderate-contact sports, such as baseball, cheerleading and softball, can be played in OC without the testing requirement.

Youth and adult sports include varied activities that have different levels of risk for transmission of COVID-19 depending on the physical contact between players. Outdoor activities that allow for consistent wearing of face coverings and physical distancing are lower risk than indoor activities that involve close contact between participants and high exertion that increases spread of exhaled particles.

I've always been a strong supporter of exploring all options that would allow our youth to safely resume outdoor sporting activities. As such, I'm very excited that our youth, who have been anxiously waiting for months to get back to competitive sports, now have the opportunity to compete! For more information on examples of sports with different levels of contact and risk by tier, please click here. 

I'm pleased to report that starting March 1, vaccinations will be available to all school-based employees in Orange County, and the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) is working with local school districts to set up additional point of dispensing sites (PODs).

As these new PODs come online, educators and support staff will be able to receive vaccinations at any location as long as they have an appointment. Operational hours will allow participants to schedule times outside their normal work days, including weekends.

The State has opened eligibility to Phase 1B and requires local health departments to dedicate a specific allocation to this group. We will begin scheduling appointments for people eligible under Phase 1B when this vaccine supply is confirmed.

Please be advised that obtaining appointments may still take some time, depending on supply levels and the number of employees in the education sector, which includes public, charter and private schools, along with colleges, universities and child care centers.

For the education-specific PODs, OCDE will help school employees with the process of registering through Othena. Once their appointments are confirmed, candidates must bring a current paycheck stub showing proof of employment with an Orange County school or district, along with a valid driver’s license or state-issued I.D. that has their date of birth.

OCDE and its agency partners are discussing targeted POD locations, including the Saddleback Valley and Capistrano Unified School Districts in South County, to promote equity and provide convenience for school employees. If all goes as planned, OCDE expects to have seven school-based PODs up and running by mid-April. For more information, click here.

As previously reported in my newsletter, the County of Orange has a 5th District COVID-19 Vaccine Super Point-of-Dispensing (POD) site in South County, located at Soka University in Aliso Viejo.

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 also 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.

Speaking at the opening of the Super POD at Soka.

I was very pleased to partner with Soka University to establish a Super POD site in South County, as we have a large number of seniors eligible to receive the vaccine, and having a location in the 5th District is most helpful in providing greater access to the vaccine.

Eligible individuals with an appointment must present identification and proof of eligibility at any Super POD site to receive a vaccine. The image below shows which ODs are open the next few days in Orange County.

Orange County PODs open the next few days.

Additionally, we have updated the County's distribution channels webpage, including links to all of the other providers administering vaccines and how to get appointments. For more information, click here.

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.

As previously reported, 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 is maintaining vaccine eligibility to Orange County residents age 65+ and individuals eligible under Phases 1A and 1B. The County will reevaluate expanding eligibility to others as ICU levels stabilize and more vaccines become available. For more information, click here.

I'm pleased to announce that eligible businesses in the Unincorporated Communities of the 5th District may now receive up to $10,000 in grant funds on a first come, first served basis! My 5th District Unincorporated Communities include:

• Coto de Caza
• Emerald Bay
• Ladera Ranch
• Las Flores
• Rancho Mission Viejo
• Stonecliffe
• Wagon Wheel 

This funding is intended to help local for-profit small businesses in the Unincorporated Communities listed above mitigate economic losses resulting from COVID-19, sustain workforce levels, and promote economic recovery from pandemic-related matters.

The 5th District Unincorporated Community Grant Program is first come, first served! So don't delay, apply today! For more information, click here on the image below.

Click the image above to enlarge.

*Please note: The Unincorporated Community Grant Program announced above should not be confused with my previous 5th District Grant Program referenced in the update below, as that program is now closed.

*Please be advised that this grant program is closed and not part of our new Unincorporated Community Grant Program announced in the article above. 

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 3/4 of the available grants have been awarded and the recipients notified. 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, OCTA is once again seeking qualified volunteers to serve on the OC Go Taxpayer Oversight Committee (TOC).

The TOC is an independent 11-member committee that monitors OCTA’s use of revenue collected through OC Go, also known as Measure M, the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements. The TOC has spent more than a decade ensuring that all OC Go funds are spent on voter-approved transportation projects.

Orange County residents in in my supervisorial district - the 5th District - are eligible to apply. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and willing to serve for a three-year term. In their applications, potential committee members should also demonstrate a history of participating in community activities and knowledge of transportation. Elected or appointed city, district, county, state or federal officials are not eligible to serve.

Applications are due by May 2 and are available here. Interviews will be held via Zoom and conducted May 5 – 13, with final selection taking place at the OCTA Board of Directors meeting June 28.

The Grand Jurors Association of Orange County (GJAOC) is conducting the TOC recruitment and will recommend qualified candidates for membership. For additional information, please call 714-974-9699 or visit here.

OCTA has made $2.8 million available in grant funding for projects that will reduce the impacts of transportation-related street runoff and improve water quality for Orange County waterways.

The funding comes from OC Go, also known as Measure M, Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvement.

The measure includes funding for an Environmental Cleanup Program that awards money on a competitive basis to cities and the county to reduce the impacts of water pollution related to transportation by removing litter and debris from roads before it reaches the ocean and other waterways.

As such, I'm pleased to report that more than 1 million cubic feet of trash has since been captured to date!

Applications will be accepted until May 6, and the OCTA Board is expected to award funding by late summer of this year. Learn more and find the application here.

Completed ahead of schedule, a new passing siding railroad track in Laguna Niguel and San Juan Capistrano will reduce delays and enhance safety for rail traffic traveling through the area.

The project added 1.8 miles of new passing siding railroad track between the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Metrolink Station and Trabuco Creek in San Juan Capistrano, running adjacent to the I-5 freeway.

The $36.4 million project was led by OCTA, and built by Reyes Construction, in collaboration with Metrolink and the cities of San Juan Capistrano and Laguna Niguel. Enhanced safety measures were taken during the COVID-19 pandemic and, with strong collaboration between all partners, it was finished approximately three months ahead of schedule.

The passing siding track was constructed adjacent to the existing track, connecting to it at each end, which allows trains traveling in opposite directions to pass each other without stopping. Previously, trains often had to wait for rail traffic traveling in the opposite direction to pass before proceeding.

The new track will reduce delays and provide more reliable rail service for passengers traveling through the region.

Additional improvements as part of the project include:

• Relocating the existing side branch track, or spur track, south of the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Metrolink Station
• Improving the private crossing from Camino Capistrano to Saddleback Rancho Capistrano
• Raising approximately 600 feet of Camino Capistrano near the private rail crossing
• Paving a small area near Camino Capistrano to accommodate parking for train crews and maintenance personnel

For more information, visit here.

As your representative on the OCTA Board of Directors, I'm pleased to report the results of the first phase of a study regarding South County’s transportation needs are in. Respondents say they want less congestion, more multimodal transportation, and increased safety.

The South Orange County Multimodal Transportation Study is looking at a range of transportation needs and solutions over the next 25 years, including improvements to streets, bus and other transit options, highways and bikeways. 

The study encompasses about 40 percent of Orange County, generally south of State Route 55 to the San Diego County line, and from the coast to the foothills.

During the first phase of the study conducted in fall 2020, OCTA engaged with residents and stakeholders and offered a survey in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean and Mandarin.

Among the survey findings, respondents said they would like to see:

• Reduction in traffic congestion
• Increased frequency and accessibility of multimodal transportation
• Increased safety and efficiency for all modes of travel
• More work from home programs

Survey respondents also recognized the need to address transportation challenges and want to see an increase in alternative transportation frequency and accessibility.

The study continues into the second of three phases, scheduled through the end of 2021. Residents, business owners and other key stakeholders will be asked to participate to develop community consensus on transportation solutions that should move forward for further development.

For more information, visit here. Click the “stay connected” tab for updates.

In addition to serving on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, I also serve on the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Boards of Directors. As such, I'm pleased to report that last week we kicked off a pilot program with cattle grazing the land at TCA's Live Oak Plaza Conservation Area in Trabuco Canyon.

The first grazing period will continue for approximately two to three weeks. The program, approved by the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency (F/ETCA) Board of Directors last year, will help to mitigate wildfire risk and promote native vegetation.

Cattle grazing at TCA's Live Oak Plaza Conservation Area in Trabuco Canyon.

Conservation grazing, or targeted grazing, is the use of grazing livestock to improve and maintain the quality of biodiversity of natural areas. In May 2019, the F/ETCA adopted conservation grazing as the preferred, science-based approach to manage the 23.2-acre property acquired in 2005. In September, the Agency entered into a three-year agreement with 5 Bar Beef to perform the grazing.

The land is set to be grazed each year in late winter, spring and late summer. The next grazing will take place in April. Under the agreement, 5 Bar Beef will provide cattle, water, additional feeding and other functions necessary to properly graze the land. More photos of the grazing program are available for download at The Toll Roads Flickr site.

Cattle grazing at Live Oak Plaza.

Live Oak Plaza, located in Trabuco Canyon east of the 241 Toll Road, contains valuable oak woodlands, riparian and coastal sage scrub habitat for the threatened coastal California gnatcatcher and the endangered Riverside fairy shrimp.

Prior to being conserved as permanent open space by TCA, the site had been zoned for commercial, residential and gas station development. It now provides natural wildlife movement corridors to and from the Cleveland National Forest. For more information, click here. To learn more about Live Oak Plaza as well as TCA’s other award-winning environmental sites and initiatives, 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 annually 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. April 16. Email Tiffany Alva with any questions.

Seeking Input from Orange County Parents

First 5 Orange County 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.

Barbara Diamond of Laguna Beach - Rest in Peace

This week, with a heavy heart I adjourned the Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of my friend, Barbara Diamond of Laguna Beach, who passed away February 10 at the age of 88.

Barbara Diamond was a beloved figure in the community and an iconic reporter with Stu News Laguna, as nobody knew Laguna better than her!

Barbara visited Laguna Beach in 1980, which turned into a stay that graced the city for 41 years; and when she bought her historic home on Diamond Street in 1985, she became affectionately known as “The Diamond of Diamond Street!” 

In 2013, Barbara left Laguna to care for her terminally ill son. By the time she returned three years later, Stu Saffer had successfully developed the popular online newspaper, Stu News Laguna. He and his business partner, Shaena Stabler, welcomed her back with open arms, as Barbara resumed her career at age 83, continuing to cover City Council meetings and all things Laguna. 

Barbara receives a proclamation from Mayor Kelly Boyd.

In 2018, Barbara received a proclamation from the City stating, “Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Kelly Boyd, Mayor of the City of Laguna Beach, do hereby proclaim that Barbara Diamond is a highly-respected, trusted and talented Laguna Beach legend, resident and journalist.”

And in 2019, she was deservedly named the Grand Marshal of the annual Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade. Barbara was always fashionably dressed, wore her signature red glasses with style, and will be missed all who knew her!

Barbara as Grand Marshal of the 2019 Patriots Day Parade.

She is survived by 2 sons, Kevin & Kenny, 6 grandchildren and a great-grandson. Rest in Peace, Barbara.

San Clemente High School Football Coach Joe Wood

I also adjourned this week's Board meeting in memory of San Clemente High School assistant football coach Joe Wood, who passed away February 12 at Mission Hospital after a month-long battle with COVID-19. He was 71.

Coach Wood joined the San Clemente High School Triton staff in 2005 as a teacher and coach, and over the last 16 years, he had a huge impact on the students, athletes, and community. He was a vital part of Triton Football, and much of their success was due to his hard work and dedication on and off the field, serving the San Clemente community.

With over 34 years of coaching with the Capistrano Unified School District - including at San Clemente, Aliso Niguel, and Capistrano Valley High Schools - Joe won numerous league championships, multiple CIF Championships and a State Championship.  

In 1996, he led the first senior class in Aliso Niguel High School history to a CIF Championship with a 16-0 undefeated record and was named “Coach of the Year” by various organizations.

At San Clemente, he played a major role in 3 league championships, including a CIF and State Championship in 2016. At that time, I was pleased to present the entire team and coaching staff commendations for their outstanding victory.

Joe Wood was a loving coach who addressed his students not only as athletes, but also as individuals. He cared for them as if they were his own sons, and it was very evident by the way they played for him.

Coach Wood’s passing and presence will truly be missed by the entire football community and all those who knew him. A candlelight vigil was held February 13 in his honor, adjacent to Mission Hospital where he had passed away.

Vigil in honor of Triton Football Coach Joe Wood

Coach Joe Wood is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl, and six daughters. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and loved ones for their loss.

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!

Click the image above to Vaccine News.

As previously reported in my newsletter, the County of Orange Health Care Agency (HCA) has launched a COVID-19 Vaccine Newsletter, which includes their Vaccine News Roundup, Dashboard, Facts & Tips, COVID-19 Resources and more! 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 245,983 positive cumulative cases and 3,892 deaths to date, as well as 453 currently hospitalized with 137 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.

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.

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: Banjos and Bluegrass!

This week’s video introduces us to Willow Osborne, a talented teenage banjo player from Tennessee who will charm you with her music. Willow can be seen in MFF's film, America’s Musical Journey (now streaming on YouTube). Watch here!

Click image above to meet Willow Osborne!

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

The 23rd Psalm (Dedicated to My Mother) 

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.

Visit Laguna Live! for great live music in virtual concerts! Their musical offerings include Live Music Insights, Live at the Q, Live at the Museum, and Beth's Tuesday's. For more information or to register for their FREE performances, visit Laguna Live!

Click the image above to enjoy Laguna Live!

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.

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.

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!