Yesterday, I was pleased to join Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, Board of Supervisors Chairman Doug Chaffee, Laguna Woods Mayor Carol Moore, and representatives from the Anti-Defamation League and OC Human Relations at an Anti-Hate Town Hall in Laguna Woods. as the community is in need of comfort, security and fellowship after the horrific fatal shooting last Sunday at Geneva Presbyterian Church, which tragically took the life of Dr. John Cheng.

Speaking at the Anti-Hate Town Hall in Laguna Woods.

The County of Orange is very proactive when it comes to hate crimes and hate incidents, as we established the Orange County Human Relations Commission precisely for this purpose. The HRC, as it is known, does an amazing job educating the public and calming the waters when Hate Crimes & Incidents are reported. Their timely outreach and work over the years has been critical and very effective. 

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, hate crimes and incidents against the Asian American community rose dramatically. In Orange County, there has been an overall 42% increase in hate crimes since 2014, and the Orange County 2020 Hate Crimes report indicated a 1800% increase of incidents motivated by anti-Asian hate. In fact, it is why I brought a Resolution to my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors condemning hate.  

With the support of my Board colleagues, I also proposed the allocation of $1 million to initiate a campaign through the OC Human Relations Commission to stand against hate and bring an end to these fear-based hate incidents.

The goal was to increase multilingual resources for HRC, from answering calls to community outreach and work, but we discovered some people were afraid to call HRC and file a report because they didn’t speak English, so by adding multilingual staffing capability, we are now able to assist anyone who calls into the hotline.

No person should ever be denied having their voice heard, and language should never become a barrier to reporting a hate crime or hate incident and taking action in the community. It is for these very reasons that I continue to work closely with our Human Relations Commission in their tireless effort to unite people of all colors and creeds across Orange County.

To this end, next month Chairman Chaffee and I are hosting an event with the Human Relations Commission to launch this new initiative. Working with the Commission, our law enforcement partners and the community, we must create safe space for healing and lead conversations on reimagining ways we can fight hate as a community.  

If you have been a victim or know someone who has been a victim of a hate crime or hate incident, please call your local law enforcement agency.  You may also file a report through the OC Human Relations Commission by calling their confidential hotline at 714-480-6580.

Hate crimes and incidents like the one that occurred last Sunday are a stark reminder that our world, nation, state and county are not perfect and bad things happen, but there is so much we can do by being proactive and working together collaboratively.

Please be assured that I will continue to do everything in my power to deploy all possible resources to find workable solutions to help address these acts of hate and racism, bring the perpetrators of hate and violence in Orange County to justice, as well as healing to the communities that have been victimized. Let's stand together to bring an end to hate in Orange County!

May is National Water Safety Month and every year our health promotion team helps to provide education on drowning prevention and demonstrations on life vest/jacket wearing procedures among other water safety tips at the Annual Water Safety Challenge Day developed and organized by a global nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, Stop Drowning Now.

This year, Water Safety Challenge Day in the 5th District is Saturday, May 21, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM, 20 Santa Barbara Drive, Aliso Viejo 92656.

*Additional locations may be added as planning continues and cities sign up with the Task Force. All events are available here.

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for kids under five in Orange County. The community at large is invited to participate in various ways to prevent drowning.

Water Safety Challenge Day activities are especially geared for families of young children and is a fun, interactive and comprehensive water safety day designed to teach families and children important water safety lessons such as how to do a safe water rescue, how to properly use life vests, how to swim to the side of the pool, and importantly, helps parents identify their child’s particular strengths and weaknesses in the pool.

California has experienced an unprecedented number of catastrophic wildfires, with last year’s record wildfires illustrating the nature and extent of fire risk threat we are facing. SCE remains dedicated to keeping our communities safe by making our infrastructure more resilient against the increasing threat of extreme conditions driven by climate change.

SCE also implements Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) as a measure of last resort to reduce the threat of wildfires. During the last wildfire season, we know that PSPS had a significant impact to our communities with some customers experiencing multiple PSPS outages. SCE is committed to reducing the use and impact of PSPS to our customers.

To inform our communities about our wildfire safety efforts and the actions SCE is taking to reduce the impact of PSPS, we would like to invite you to a community live stream meeting for Orange County communities. SCE will share information on their work to protect and harden the grid, Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), customer care programs, and resources. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.

SCE Wildfire Safety Live Stream for Orange County

Tuesday, May 24, 2022
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Click here to register for the live stream. For more information, please visit here. 

Earlier this month, I had the great pleasure of delivering the State of the 5th District Address at a luncheon held at the beautiful Crown Valley Community Center in the City of Laguna Niguel, which was filled to capacity. 

Delivering the State of the 5th District.
(Photo courtesy of The Capistrano Dispatch)

As the event was held on Cinco De Mayo, attendees were treated to a delicious Tex-Mex Salad catered by Rancho Capistrano Winery. At the end of the event, I presented my outgoing Chief of Staff, James Dinwiddie, a well-deserved proclamation in honor of his outstanding service to my office. 

L-R: With my staff, Sergio Prince, Rosemary Contreras, Vasila Ahmed, James Dinwiddie, Pauline Colvin, Yasie Goebel, Nicole Garcia, and Christian Abueg at the State of the 5th District.

I'd like to express my deep gratitude to our generous sponsors, 5th District Chambers of Commerce, and the South Orange County Economic Coalition, who all helped make the event a great success! For more information, visit The Capistrano Dispatch. To view the State of the 5th District video, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above to watch the State of the 5th District.

During our Board meeting last week, Supervisor Do and I also brought forward a resolution in honor of May as Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Being the first Japanese American elected to the Orange County Board of Supervisors, I’m particularly proud to pay tribute to the many generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have enriched our nation’s history and are instrumental in its future success, as well as right here in Orange County.

Last year, Supervisor Do and I brought forward a Board Resolution condemning the hate crimes being committed against Asian Americans in Orange County, as well as all other groups that have experienced acts of hate or racism, which was passed unanimously by our Board.

In producing the language for that Board Resolution, I was honored to collaborate with many of our Asian American and Pacific Islander groups and leaders in Orange County, as well as our Orange County Human Relations members and staff, who we deservedly acknowledged during the Jewish American Heritage Month presentation.

President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration on Oct. 5, 1978. 

In 1990, George H.W. Bush signed a bill passed by Congress to extend Asian American Heritage Week to a month.

On May 14, 1991, a law was passed unanimously by Congress and then signed by President Bush, proclaiming May 1991 and May 1992 as Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month. And by 1992, May was officially designated as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

The month of May was chosen because it commemorates the migration of the first immigrants from Japan to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to celebrate the completion of the transcontinental railroad by over 20,0000 Asian immigrants on May 10, 1869.

However, the first Asian immigrants arrived in the U.S. in 1587, when Filipinos first began migrating to California. Immigrants continued to come from the Asian continent and the Pacific Islands through 1920, when the first Samoans were documented in Hawaii.

Needless to say, I am personally honored and proud to celebrate May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the County of Orange, and I urge all Orange County citizens to please join us in this important observance.

I was also pleased to bring forward a Board Resolution last week in recognition of May as Jewish American Heritage Month. The resolution was co-sponsored by myself and Vice Chairman Don Wagner.

On April 20, 2006, President George W. Bush proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month in recognition of the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to our nation, as well as to pay tribute to the many generations of Jewish Americans who have helped shape the fabric of American history, culture and society.

The Jewish American experience is a story of faith, resilience, and evolution.  It is a truly an essential American experience, which also includes our nation’s commitment to freedom of religion. This month, we honor Jewish Americans from throughout our history, who have woven their remarkable experience and accomplishments into our national identity, as well as here in Orange County.

Presenting Board Resolutions to Rabbi Richard Steinberg and Eric Ludwig, Jewish Federation of OC (center).

To receive the Board Resolution, we invited Erik Ludwig, President & CEO of the Jewish Federation of Orange County, which is headquartered in my District, and Rabbi Richard Steinberg, Vice Chairman Don Wagner’s appointee on the Orange County Human Relations Commission. My office had been in discussions with the Jewish Federation of Orange County since last year regarding the Board Resolution we presented to our distinguished guests, and Rabbi Steinberg has long been an esteemed member of our OC Human Relations Commission.

In addition to the OC 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 OCTA has made approximately $3 million in competitive funding available through our Environmental Cleanup Program. Qualifying projects reduce the impacts of water pollution related to transportation by removing litter and debris before it reaches the ocean and other waterways.

Cities and the County of Orange can propose projects through the program, which is funded by OC Go, Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, also known as Measure M.

Since 2011, nearly $58 million has been awarded for 221 projects from all 34 cities and the County of Orange. Through these projects, it is estimated that the equivalent of nearly 105 football fields one foot deep in trash has been captured!

Project applications are due by June 16 and are expected to be selected by the OCTA Board in the fall. For more information, click here.

OCTA also continues to make progress on the 2022 CEO Initiatives and Action Plan. Approved in January, the plan consists of three board initiatives and nine CEO initiatives monitored through 96 milestones throughout the year.

The initiatives benefit Orange County in a variety of ways from increasing transit and transportation options to advancing equity and inclusion.

From January through March, 16 of the 96 milestones outlined in the action plan have been completed. Highlights include:

• Continued progress on the I-405 Project including the completion and opening of the first half of the Brookhurst Street bridge
• Negotiated and reached new agreements with coach operators as well as parts clerks and facilities technicians to ensure the continuation of safe and reliable OC Bus service that is essential to the people of Orange County
• Added the Youth Ride Free Program to OCTA’s fare policy, making OCTA the first large transit agency in the region to offer free bus rides to all youth ages six to 18 as part of its regular fare policy
• Expanded the College Pass Program to include students at Coastline College
• Graduated the fourth cohort of OCTA’s internal Management Development Academy
• Submitted the 2023 Federal Transportation Improvement Program project list and financial plan
  Launched an online version of unconscious bias training for all new administrative employees

I'm pleased to report an OCTA-funded habitat restoration project in San Juan Capistrano was one of seven innovative projects across the region that received a 2022 Sustainability Award from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).

As part of the Green Region Initiative, OCTA partnered with the City of San Juan Capistrano to transform a 53-acrea area plagued by illegal dumping, graffiti and non-native weeds into an ecosystem supporting native plants and wildlife. Threatened wildlife such as the coastal California gnatcatcher and the Bell’s Vireo have been found in the new habitat.

The restored area also provides greater protection against wildfires now that weeds and debris have been removed. One of OCTA’s 12  Environmental Mitigation Program restoration projects, the $1.5 million project is funded through OC Go, Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements. 

OCTA Plug-In Battery Electric Bus

OCTA remains committed at all times to protecting what makes the county such a special place to live and to keeping people moving with a balanced and sustainable transportation system.

The latest effort toward a greener Orange County is the introduction of the first two plug-in battery electric buses into the county’s fleet of OC Buses.

The two plug-in electric buses have begun operating on routes throughout various parts of the county, part of a pilot program of 10 plug-in electric buses that will be tested. The remaining eight buses are expected to be delivered later this year.

In 2020, OCTA also began operating 10 hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses. This new pilot will help determine which technology – or mix of technologies – will work best for Orange County moving forward. The move is part of OCTA’s plan to convert the OC Bus fleet to 100% zero-emission technology by 2040. For more information, click here.

Are you looking for a way to get around this summer? The City of San Clemente is bringing back its weekend trolley service, and residents of all ages are encouraged to hop aboard starting this weekend.

The San Clemente Trolley is a free public transportation ride service that regularly runs from Memorial Day weekend to the last Sunday in September. According to the city, the system is made up of two routes: a Downtown Red Line and a North San Clemente Blue Line.

Funding for the San Clemente Trolley service came from a grant from the Orange County Transportation Authority, according to the city. The grant covers much of the cost to operate the trolley, and the City of San Clemente pays for the rest.

Daily trolley services begins May 27, and residents interested in riding the trolley can check out the City's website for information on route maps, schedules and a trolley tracker. For more information, visit the San Clemente Times.

With Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, just around the corner, Dana Point has announced the return of the summer trolley. The trolley will run from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

The City also announced upcoming summer activities and events, as well as the lineup of artists to perform at Concerts in the Park and the slate of movies to be screened during Movies in the Park.

The summer trolley will kick off May 27, running noon to 9 PM Monday through Thursday, and noon to 10 PM Fridays. During weekends, the trolley will operate 10 AM to 10 PM Saturdays, and 11 AM to 8 PM Sundays. For more information, visit the Dana Point Times.

I'm pleased to share John Wayne Airport’s 2021 Annual Report, which highlights our accomplishments and day-to-day operations. I want to acknowledge that 2021 was another challenging year for the travel industry. However, we are proud of the positive progress we made and of our focus on Rebounding Stronger.

As you read about our accomplishments from 2021, please know that we continue to practice smart fiscal stewardship while delivering a superior guest experience. To read the John Wayne Airport 2021 Annual Report, click here. To view a YouTube message from the Interim Airport Director, click here.

For 39 years, Speak Up Newport has hosted the Newport Beach Mayor’s Dinner, where the Mayor delivers the Annual State of the City Address. As 2022 marks its 40th Anniversary Celebration, this year featuring Kevin Muldoon as Mayor, it was my pleasure to present a proclamation in honor of the occasion to Ed Selich, Speak Up Newport President and former Mayor.

Presenting a proclamation to Speak Up Newport President Ed Selich at the Newport Beach Mayor's Dinner.

Speak Up Newport is a nonprofit, non-partisan citizens group that organized over 40 years ago to promote the common good and general welfare of the Newport Beach community. Speak Up Newport also presents topics and speakers of interest to the Newport Beach community at a monthly meeting open to everyone free of charge.

With current Mayor Kevin Muldoon (front left) and various former Mayors at the 40th annual Newport Beach Mayor's Dinner.

For the past four decades, Speak Up Newport has presented timely programs, ranging from local civic issues to countywide and regional issues affecting the quality of life of Newport Beach residents. The Speak Up Newport Foundation also grants thousands of dollars annually in scholarships to outstanding graduating seniors from Newport Harbor High School and Corona de Mar High School. Congratulations to Speak Up Newport on its 40th anniversary celebration!

I was pleased to attend the Honoring Our History event held at the Aliso Viejo Ranch this week, where I presented a certificate of recognition to former Mayor Bill Phillips in honor of his 20 years of distinguished public service to the citizens of Aliso Viejo and the County of Orange.

Presenting a commendation to former Mayor Bill Phillips.

In addition, the City received a bronze plaque from the Orange County Historical Commission in honor of the Aliso Viejo Ranch.

The Orange County Historical Commission presenting a plaque in honor of Aliso Viejo Ranch.

As I hold the brave men and women of our military in the highest esteem, I was honored last week to provide welcoming remarks at the the annual Disabled Veterans Benefit Golf Tournament hosted by the Joe Grohman Foundation at the San Juan Hills Golf Club.

I applaud the Joe Grohman Foundation and San Juan Hills Golf Club for feeling it is their duty to give back to those who have given so much and from whom much has been taken by putting on this wonderful annual tournament in support of our disabled veterans.

L-R: With Joe Grohman, Roberto Brutocao (SJHGC owner), and disabled veteran Don Jackson.

Last week, I attended the Dana Point State of the City Address, presented by Mayor Joe Muller at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point Harbor.

As a former Mayor of Dana Point myself, I'm very proud of the progress the City has made and its exciting plans for the future. To view Mayor Muller's presentation, please click here. To view the Dana Point State of the City video, click here.

With Mayor Joe Muller at the Dana Point State of the City.

I was pleased to serve as the Title Sponsor earlier this month for the San Clemente State of the City Address, which was delivered by Mayor Gene James at Bella Collina - San Clemente.

L-R: With Mayor Gene James, Donna Kalez (Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching), and former Mayor Tim Brown at the San Clemente State of the City.

During the luncheon, Mayor Gene James provided a very informative PowerPoint presentation and introduced an excellent video produced by the City. To view the Mayor Gene James' presentation, click here. To watch the San Clemente State of the City video, click here on the image below.

Click the image above to view the video.

Last week, I presented a County Update at Wake Up Newport, a breakfast meeting hosted by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce at the Newport Beach Central Library.

Presenting a County Update at Wake Up Newport.

During my presentation, I provided an update on items of mutual interest to the City of Newport Beach and the County of Orange, including John Wayne Airport, Newport Harbor Patrol, and much more.

With Steve Rosansky, CEO of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, at Wake Up Newport.

I want to thank the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity to provide a County Update to their members and the community at large. To view my presentation, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above to view the video.

My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Rancho Capistrano Winery in Ladera Ranch, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting this week. Rancho Capistrano Winery is to be commended for being Orange County's largest winery as well as an award-winning restaurant featuring outstanding cuisine options! Please join me in welcoming Rancho Capistrano Winery to Ladera Ranch!

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presenting commendation to Kyle Franson, owner of Rancho Capistrano Winery in Ladera Ranch.

The Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce this week held its annual Les Miller Outstanding Awards Dinner, where my office was pleased to present certificates of recognition to the student honorees. 

The Costa Mesa Chamber honors their City’s talented and highest performing graduating high school seniors and notable local college students through the annual Les Miller Outstanding Student Awards. These students are nominated by their teachers and principals for their outstanding academics and community involvement.

My Field Representative, Dawn Kamber, presenting commendations to the Les Miller Outstanding Students.

My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Tea & Turmeric in Laguna Beach, where the Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Tea lovers will undoubtedly delight in the outstanding selection of wellness herbs, herbal teas, green teas, rooibos, black teas, and much more at Tea & Turmeric! Please join me in welcoming Tea & Turmeric to the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce!

My Field Representative, Dawn Kamber, participating in the ribbon cutting for Tea & Turmeric in Laguna Beach.

My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Fusion Hydration in San Clemente, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Fusion Hydration is to be commended for promoting wellness as a proactive way to empower and protect their patients’ overall health. Please join me in welcoming Fusion Hydration to the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce!

My Field Representative, Dawn Kamber, presenting a commendation to Fusion Hydration in San Clemente.

My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to RG by the Sea in San Clemente, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. RG by the Sea is to be commended for handcrafting simple yet timeless jewelry made for the modern and the eco-conscious. Please join me in welcoming RG by the Sea to the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce!

My Field Representative, Dawn Kamber, presenting a commendation to RG by the Sea in San Clemente.

The OC Health Care Agency continues to release daily COVID-19 case counts in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 563,962 positive cumulative cases and 7,028 deaths to date, as well as 113 currently hospitalized with 13 in ICU.

PLEASE BE ADVISED: HCA has transitioned to publicly reporting COVID-19 data to two days a week following the change in reporting by CDPH. Specifically data on COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, ICU numbers and bed availability, and deaths will be reported on our dashboards Tuesdays and Fridays. Other data (e.g. testing positivity, variants, vaccinations) will continue to be updated on a weekly basis.

Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer at the OC Health Care Agency (HCA), has a video message to help explain why it's important to get vaccinated. To view the video, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above to view the video.

For informational town hall events and more educational videos related to COVID-19 vaccination, visit the OC COVID-19 homepage.

Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer at the OC Health Care Agency (HCA), has a video message to help explain why it's important to get vaccinated. To view the video, click here or on the image below.

Click the image above to view the video.

For informational town hall events and more educational videos related to COVID-19 vaccination, visit the OC COVID-19 homepage.

The CDC has updated its guidance on COVID-19 booster shots and additional doses for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, including recommendations for people who received the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine as well as updated time intervals between doses.

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has an updated infographic to help you understand all of the information about boosters and additional doses. Click here or on the image below to download the information.

Click the image above to enlarge.

Registration is currently open for the popular CdM Scenic 5K & 2-Mile Fun Walk that will once again highlight the event’s charming ocean view course and delicious restaurant row of local eateries. On Saturday, June 4, the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating the event’s 40th Anniversary, and will be introducing new participation medals, themed celebrations throughout the day. For more information, click here or on the image below..

Click the image above for more information.

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!