As previously reported, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved my request for $5 Million in funding for the development of programs to support behavioral healthcare, prevent and address 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 events 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. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!
Traffic Management Center Fiber Optic Project
At this week’s Board meeting, my fellow Supervisors and I voted to support a project that will improve transportation safety and mobility throughout South County. The Traffic Management Center Fiber Optic Expansion Project will modify 17 traffic signals and various portions of fiber optic interconnect systems throughout the unincorporated areas of Crown Valley Parkway and Cow Camp Road. The fiber optic network provides real-time data, which will help improve the flow of traffic and reduce congestion. Let's keep South County moving!
Laguna Canyon Channel Replacement Project
I'm pleased to report the Laguna Canyon Channel will soon be undergoing construction to replace approximately 1,200 feet of Laguna Canyon Channel from Laguna Canyon Frontage Road to Woodland Drive. The Channel wall collapsed during a heavy rainstorm in February 2019, with a temporary fix implemented the following month. This project will replace the temporary repairs with a permanent solution and ensure the Channel is providing flood protection.
$3 Million Available for Environmental Cleanup
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 byJune 16 and are expected to be selected by the OCTA Board in the fall. For more information, click here.
Shape the Future of Orange County Bus Transit
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is reimagining OC Bus service to better connect Orange County residents, workers and visitors to the places they want to travel, and OCTA wants the public’s input to ensure that the bus rider experience is optimized.
The OCTA Board recently approved a draft service plan that proposes to increase bus service on high ridership routes, reduces wait times and simplifies the structure of bus routes.
The Making Better Connections draft service plan came as a result of the initial phase of public input and extensive staff analysis.
Additional public input will be sought during the coming weeks with community meetings, outreach at community events and on board heavily used bus routes, and through an online questionnaire
The draft service plan, including proposed route changes, can be reviewed online. Other ways to give feedback include completing an online questionnairebyJuly 25.
Participate in an in-person community meeting:
Tuesday, June 14 at 6 p.m. Laguna Hills Community Center, Heritage Room 25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills CA 92653 (Served by OC Bus routes 87 and 91)
Wednesday, June 15 at 6 p.m. Virtual Community Meeting via Zoom RSVP here Meeting ID: 886 0055 2644
Participate in the in-person public hearing:
Monday, July 25 at 9 a.m. OCTA Headquarters, Board Room 550 S. Main St. Orange CA 92863 (Served by OC Bus routes 53, 56, 83)
Those interested in providing feedback can also submit comments by phone at (714) 636-7433 or find a postage-paid questionnaire onboard OC Bus to mail-in by July 25.
The same questionnaire can also be picked up at the OCTA Store, 600 S. Main St. in Orange during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, click here or on the image below.
I-5 South County Project Construction Update
SMWD: Recycled Water is Coming to Las Flores
Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) is piping recycled water to Las Flores for watering common areas and parks! The drought-proof supply will help save more than 65 million gallons of drinking water for essential indoor use.
Phase one of construction runs from June 8 through July 31 on Antonio Parkway from Sweetwater to Meandering Trail. Crews will work Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 10 PM to complete the work while school is out.
There will be traffic delays and lane closures during construction. SMWD is available to answer your questions at (949) 459-6420 or CustomerCare@smwd.com. For more information, click here or on the image below.
The Orange County Children's Health Survey
Sign Up for Alert OC Today!
AlertOC is a County System managed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department capable of notifying thousands of subscribers by phone, email, text message during an emergency incident.
Each AlertOC account can have multiple addresses registered to it, so you can be notified of potential disasters impacting your home, work, child’s school, or other important locations.
Notifications via AlertOC are sent based on the subscriber's address and proximity to an emergency or disaster. If you did not receive any notifications or would like to check or update your contact information, visit AlertOC.com or click on the image below.
OC Microbusiness Grant Awards Re-Launch
Healthcare: Industry Partnership Meeting - 6/22
"Hiring Right the First Time" Webinar - June 24
"Mid-Year Labor Law Update" Webinar - June 28
Manufacturing: Industry Partnership Mtg - 6/29
ICT & Digital Media Partnership Meeting - 6/30
5th DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT
OC Social Services Agency Resource Fair
My office and I worked along side our Orange County Social Services Agency (SSA) and a number of other Community Based Organizations (CBO) last week to host a resource fair in Laguna Woods. The event provided an opportunity to sign up for benefits, learn more about resources from various CBOs, and select fresh fruits and veggies, as well as shelf stable foods and beverages.
Los Molinos Beer Co. in San Clemente
My office was pleased to present a commendation in honor of Los Molinos Beer Co. in San Clemente, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Visitors and locals alike will appreciate Los Molinos' outstanding commitment to crafting the ideal beer for the perfect day in the most incredible location in California! Please join me in welcoming Los Molinos Beer Co. to the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce!
Sonder La Ensenada in Laguna Beach
My office was pleased to present a commendation in honor of Sonder La Ensenada in Laguna Beach, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Guests will certainly appreciate Sonder La Ensenada's hospitality that is both remarkable and accessible, because everyone should be able to afford and enjoy an extraordinary place to stay! Please join me in welcoming Sonder La Ensenada to the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Polly's Pies in Laguna Hills
My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Polly's Pies in Laguna Hills, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Polly's Pies is to be commended for continually offering excellent service, as well as the freshest, tastiest “homestyle” cooking and baking, all at very reasonable prices! Please join me in welcoming Polly's Pies to the Laguna Hills Chamber of Commerce!
Royal Gold Group in Dana Point
My office was also pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Royal Gold Group in Dana Point, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Customers and investors alike will surely benefit from Royal Gold Group's 20+ years of experience, as well as their expansive inventory that includes, gold, silver, platinum and more! Please join me in welcoming Royal Gold Group to the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce!
Cruise Planners - Voyages by Ginger
Lastly, my office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Cruise Planners - Voyages by Ginger in San Clemente, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Cruise Planners - Voyages by Ginger is to be commended for living their best life both personally and professionally with their passion for cruising and travelling the world, in addition to creating magical memories, one great trip at a time! Please join me in welcoming Cruise Planners - Voyages by Ginger to the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce!
COUNTY OF ORANGE COVID-19 UPDATE
COVID-19 Orange County Case Counts by Cities
The OC Health Care Agency continues to release daily COVID-19 case counts in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 582,507 positive cumulative cases and 7,068 deaths to date, as well as 188 currently hospitalized with 20 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.
HCA: Why Is It Important to Get Vaccinated?
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.
For informational town hall events and more educational videos related to COVID-19 vaccination, visit the OC COVID-19 homepage.
HCA Update on Boosters and Additional Doses
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.
Latino Health Access (LHA) COVID-19 Testing
CRITTER CHRONICLES
Promoting the Importance of Pet Licensing
OC Animal Care is NOW OPEN for Appointments!
Orange County Animal Care Fact Checker
OC Animal Care Pet of the Week: Meet Gabby!
Drive-Thru Pet Food Pantry at OC Animal Care
Lost and Found Community Pet Information
Let's Paws: Coyote Awareness
OUT & ABOUT SAFELY IN THE FIFTH DISTRICT
Dana Point: Movies in the Park - Friday, June 10
Enjoy Disney's "Encanto" on Friday, June 10 from 8 PM to 10 PM at Lantern Bay Park, 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. These FREE movie nights bring back the nostalgic feel of a drive-in movie, but without the car. Bring your low back lawn chair or blanket. Refreshments available to purchase. For more information, click here.
Laguna Niguel: Summer Concerts - June 10
Dana Point: OCR Concours - Saturday, June 11
Aliso Viejo: Summer Concert - Sunday, June 12
Enjoy the sounds of Mark Wood & the Parrot Head Band on Sunday, June 12 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Grand Park/Town Center Amphitheater, 6101 City Lights Drive, Aliso Viejo. This band is the next best thing to Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band in concert! For more information, click here.
Ladera Ranch Farmers Market is Every Sunday!
Laguna Bluebelt: Photo Contest 2022
San Juan Summer Nites - Wednesday, June 15
Dana Point: Movies in the Park - Friday, June 17
Enjoy Disney's "Jungle Cruise" on Friday, June 17 from 8 PM to 10 PM at Lantern Bay Park, 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. These FREE movie nights bring back the nostalgic feel of a drive-in movie, but without the car. Bring your low back lawn chair or blanket. Refreshments available to purchase. For more information, click here.
Fête de la Musique in Laguna Beach - June 18
Costa Mesa: Juneteenth Festival - Sat., June 18
This Juneteenth (Saturday, June 18) at 2 PM, Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa is celebrating the vibrancy and versatility of our voices with a family reunion-style celebration weekend. In celebrating freedom this year, we celebrate and honor individual voices that make up the larger community in which we thrive and live together. For more information about this FREE event, click here.
Irvine: Juneteenth Freedom Celebration - 6/19
The City of Irvine invites the community to its inaugural Juneteenth Freedom Celebration. The FREE event will take place Sunday, June 19 from 11 AM to 3 PM. at the Great Park Palm Court. The celebration of freedom, hope, and joy honors the history and contributions of African Americans to the cultural fabric of our community and nation. The community is invited to learn about Black culture as well as the history and significance of Juneteenth through interactive activities, local organizations, and live performances. The event is FREE and open to the public. FREE parking is available on site. Food trucks will be available for visitors to purchase food. For more information, click here.
Laguna Beach: Juneteenth Freedom Day - 6/19
Aliso Viejo: Summer Concert - Sunday, June 19
Enjoy Classic Soul & Motown hits with STONE SOUL on Sunday, June 19 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Grand Park/Town Center Amphitheater, 6101 City Lights Drive, Aliso Viejo. STONE SOUL will have you dancing to smash hits from Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Otis Redding, James Brown and more! For more information, click here.
Dana Point: Movies in the Park - Friday, June 24
Enjoy Addams Family 2 on Friday, June 24 from 8 PM to 10 PM at Lantern Bay Park, 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. These FREE movie nights bring back the nostalgic feel of a drive-in movie, but without the car. Bring your low back lawn chair or blanket. Refreshments available to purchase. For more info, click here.
Doheny Surf and Art Festival - June 25 & 26
Farmers Market on The Ranch - First Saturdays!
Laguna Hills: 4th of July Decorating Contest
OC Parks Summer Concert Series Calendar
OC Parks Sunset Cinema Series Calendar
OC Public Libraries: Services, Events & Activities
FOOD RESOURCES IN THE FIFTH DISTRICT
NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES
Check Out The Fifth District Dispatch Archives!
For those of you who may have missed any of my previous Fifth District Dispatch newsletters, featuring up-to-date COVID-19 facts and other information pertinent to South County, click here.
Thank you so much for your outstanding and continuing efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Orange County, as we're all in this together!
For
questions or
comments
regarding my
E-Newsletter,
please contact
my office staff
at (714)
834-3550 or
email my
Community
Relations
Advisor, Sergio
Prince, at
Sergio.Prince@ocgov.com
.