This Monday, May 30, marks our nation’s Memorial Day, a day of remembrance for the brave men and women of our armed forces, who gave their lives to protect our liberties and our way of life. While we take this national day of observance off from work, let us reflect on the solemnity and significance of this most revered holiday.

Having served as your County Supervisor for the last 8 years, I'm proud of the fact that Orange County is home to nearly 130,000 United States military veterans, which represents the third largest veteran population in Southern California. 

Over the last year, our Orange County Veterans Service Office (VSO) served 20,770 veterans and their dependents, assisting them with access to the federal, state, and county benefits they’ve earned. This included filing over 9,300 claims for Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, resulting in nearly $4.8 Million in total awards paid out by the VA to Orange County veterans and their families. 

As the Veterans Service Office provides an indispensable service, the Board of Supervisors allocates $1.5 Million in funding for the VSO each year; and in 2020, our Board also added two new Veterans Claims Representative positions to further assist our veterans and their families.

Like most organizations, the COVID-19 pandemic required operational adjustments for our VSO, including offering virtual appointments with Veterans Claims Representatives and automating procedures that were previously completed manually.

One example of an automated process we developed during the pandemic is the online College Fee Waiver application. Launched in April 2020, the College Fee Waiver online portal allows veterans and their dependents to securely submit an electronic application for the benefit of having tuition and fees waived.  

I’m pleased to report this technology is the first of its kind and only available in Orange County, creating a high demand for Orange County veterans, as well as throughout California. To that end, in 2021, the VSO approved 892 applications for College Fee Waivers, saving veterans and students $5.75 Million in tuition fees to community colleges, CSU and UC systems around the state. 

As my Board colleagues and I continue to seek new opportunities to enhance our County services for veterans, I’m pleased to announce that this summer we will launch an online appointment system, where veterans and their families can self-schedule an appointment with an accredited Veterans Claims Representative to file for the VA benefits they’ve earned, so stay tuned for more information about when that feature will be available!

Artist rendering of the proposed Orange County Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon.

Additionally, AB 1595 has unanimously advanced out of the Assembly and is moving to the Senate, creating exciting forward progress for a Veterans Cemetery in Orange County, which will make Memorial Day will be even more meaningful, when we finally have our own cemetery to honor and remember those who served and could be laid to rest in a place they called home.  

I’m also pleased to announce that our last Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board unanimously approved my request for $5 Million in funding for the development of programs to support behavioral healthcare, prevent and respond to violence in response to the recent Laguna Woods Church shooting, and support the Laguna Niguel community as they rebuild and recover from the devastating Coastal Fire, as both of these horrific incidents occurred in my district. Moreover, the funding I requested will be used to support vulnerable residents, including our veterans, children and families, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

Lastly, throughout my tenure as your County Supervisor, I have tirelessly advocated for and supported our nation’s veterans. As such, I have sent a letter to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, requesting a full review of the current VA claim processing times and advocating for faster processing of veterans’ benefits.

Currently, the average processing time for claims at the VA is approximately five months, compared to the pre-pandemic processing time of three to four months. Needless to say, this is far too long, and we must do better. To that end, please be assured that as I approach the end of my term and move on from the Board of Supervisors, I will continue to fight the good fight on behalf of our esteemed veterans, to whom we all owe so very much!

So as we extend our condolences to the families whose courageous loved ones left this world far too soon, and celebrate our great nation that their ultimate sacrifice afforded us, let the ceremonies we attend and the flags we place on graves serve as constant reminders of the lives that were given to keep us all safe and free.

For information about Memorial Day services, please visit the Out and About Safely in the Fifth District section of my newsletter. Wishing you and yours a safe, healthy and happy Memorial Day weekend!

Starting tomorrow, Saturday, May 28, Orange County voters will have expanded options for casting a ballot in the June 7 Statewide Direct Primary Election when the Orange County Registrar of Voters (ROV) opens 43 Vote Centers throughout the County.

Voters may use a Vote Center to request a replacement ballot, vote in-person, drop off their voted mail ballot, update their registration, or take care of other voting needs. These same services have been available for this election at the Registrar of Voters’ Santa Ana office since May 9.

Beginning June 4, all 181 Vote Centers will be open. To find the nearest Vote Center, visit the ROV website at ocvote.gov/locate.

Vote Center Hours

• May 28 - June 3, 2022 (8 AM - 5 PM) select Vote Centers open
• June 4 - June 6, 2022 (8 AM - 5 pm) additional Vote Centers open
• June 7, 2022 (7 AM - 8 PM) 

Voters can find the Vote Centers in their neighborhood by visiting Voting Locations | OC Vote. The Registrar of Voters’ interactive mapping tool also shows the locations of the 120 ballot drop boxes in the county.

In addition to the 181 Vote Centers, the Registrar of Voters will provide pop-up voting services to South County voters Sunday, June 5, 9 AM - 6 PM, at Laguna Niguel Regional Park, 28241 La Paz Rd., Laguna Niguel, in Parking Lot A. For more information, click 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.

Last weekend, I was honored to receive the first-ever Spirit Award for Community Service from the Orange County Nikkei Coordinating Council (OCNCC) at its Annual Awards Banquet held at Tanaka Farms in Irvine. OCNCC is an umbrella group for Japanese American civic/sports clubs in Orange County.

Accepting the inaugural OCNCC Spirit Award for Community Service.

My nomination for the inaugural OCNCC Spirit Award was made unanimously by the SELANOCO Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), which was bestowed upon me for my history of speaking up for women and other groups that might not ever have a voice in public policy, as well as for my tireless effort in helping set up the Orange County Hate Crime Network. I want to thank OCNCC and JACL for this great honor!

With members of the SELANOCO Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League at the OCNCC Awards Banquet.

During our May 10 Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Do and I 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 also 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 at our May 10 Board meeting 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.

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.

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.

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.

I was pleased to present a commendation this week to Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen in honor of the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly expanded South County Branch Office in Laguna Hills.

Speaking at the grand opening of the Orange County Clerk-Recorder's expanded South County Branch Office in Laguna Hills.

The new expansion suite will offer marriage services that include a larger ceremony room. Clerk-Recorder Nguyen also announced that two document examiners will be on site to provide real property recording services, eliminating the need for lunch closures. Customers will save time and money by not having to travel to the department’s central office in Santa Ana.

Presenting a commendation to Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen.

The Laguna Hills office will continue to offer free and convenient parking. Customers can still obtain birth, death, and marriage certificates, file fictitious business name statements, complete their notary public registrations, and much more at the department’s existing office in Suite 150 of the Laguna Hills Civic Center. For more information about the services available at the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department, click here.

Cutting the ribbon with OC Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen.

I was pleased to attend the Family Assistance Ministries (FAM) 'Mission Possible' Gala last weekend, held at the historic Casino San Clemente, to present a commendation in honor of the occasion. FAM is a wonderful faith-based charitable non-profit organization, assisting those in need with resources for food, shelter, and personalized supportive counsel and aid, as their programs help bridge the gap from dependency to self-sufficiency. Please join me in congratulating Family Assistance Ministries!

L-R: Presenting a commendation to FAM CEO Elizabeth Andrade and Chairwoman Nancy St. Pierre at the Mission Possible Gala.
(Photo courtesy of San Juan Photo & Digital)

I was pleased to attend the Honoring Our History event held at the Aliso Viejo Ranch last 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 this month 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.

My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Ultra Red Light Therapy in Newport Beach, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Patients will undoubtedly benefit from Ultra Red Light Therapy’s clinically proven, safe and effective alternative to traditional treatments! Please join me in welcoming Ultra Red Light Therapy to the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce!

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, participating in the ribbon cutting for Ultra Red Light Therapy in Newport Beach.

My office was pleased to attend a luncheon this week to present a commendation to Virscend University in honor of their Welcome Back to School Celebration in Irvine. Virscend University is a private, up and coming university that is offering an affordable, accessible, and accelerated education to those who want to further their careers. They are currently offering a No-Tuition Scholarship in hopes to attract qualified students and build up their reputation. Please join me in congratulating Virscend University!

My Field Representative, Dawn Kamber, presenting a commendation to Dr. Robert Chi, President of Virscend University in Irvine.

My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Assistance League of Capistrano Valley in honor of The Bargain Box Thrift Store in San Clemente, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. The Assistance League of Capistrano Valley is to be highly commended for its outstanding philanthropic programs that support children in Capistrano Valley and Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base! Please join me in welcoming The Bargain Box Thrift Store to the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce!

My Field Representative, Dawn Kamber, presenting a commendation at the ribbon cutting for The Bargain Box Thrift Store in San Clemente.

My office was also pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Made from Dirt in San Clemente, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Made from Dirt is to be highly commended for offering their customers the highest quality products that are safe and effective, made from their family for your family! Please join me in welcoming Made from Dirt to the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce!

My Field Representative, Dawn Kamber, presenting a commendation at the ribbon cutting for Made from Dirt 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 569,375 positive cumulative cases and 7,034 deaths to date, as well as 139 currently hospitalized with 17 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.

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!