In addition to the Board of Supervisors, I'm also honored to serve you on the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors. As the regional coordinator of active transportation efforts in Orange County, OCTA provides information and programs that help residents stay active by walking and cycling in support of a multimodal transportation system.
Below are some efforts underway to help schools, cyclists and others enjoy more mobility throughout Orange County:
OCTA participates in STEP (Safe Transportation Education Program) and provides select schools in Orange County with free resources, activities, and events to encourage families to walk and roll to school safely and more often. The Step Campaign has enrolled 23 schools to participate and wrapped up delivering Safe Routes to School education and encouragement activities for the school year. Activities will resume in the fall as well as recruitment for the final two schools.
The Cyclic Bicycle Counts project will continue in the fall collecting bicycle counts around the county. This project collects data for grants, evaluates existing facilities, and informs decision making about where to locate facilities in the future.
The Bike Gap Closure Study is continuing with community outreach and is developing recommendations. The team will hold the second webinar this coming fall.
Please stay tuned, as development is also underway for e-bike safety materials, including videos, print materials, a social media campaign, and webpage updates.
Connect to Fun with Car-Free, Carefree Shuttles
With help from OCTA, Orange County cities in the 5th District are offering summer shuttle services. Many began Memorial Day weekend. Funded in part by OC Go, the shuttles cost little or nothing to ride and provide convenient car-free service to popular destinations including festivals, the beach and shopping. OC Go, also known as Measure M, is the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements.
Many summer shuttles connect to one another, and to OC Bus and Metrolink stops, making it easier to travel to popular destinations without a car. Shuttle services allow residents to avoid driving and parking hassles while enjoying what Orange County has to offer. And with the high cost of gas, low-cost transportation options should be more welcome than ever. All the shuttles are free on weekends.
Check out these fun, convenient summer fun travel options in the 5th District!
Shuttles are operated by local jurisdictions. OCTA continues to work closely with cities in monitoring ridership and evaluating costs. For more information, click here.
Go Wild This Summer with a Free Ride or Hike
In July, consider moving away from your air-conditioned comfort zone and into refreshing off-the-grid areas purchased and preserved by OCTA as open space.
On Saturday, July 16, OCTA will conduct an equestrian ride at Trabuco Rose Preserve, a 396-acre parcel located northwest of the City of Rancho Santa Margarita in Trabuco Canyon. It’s bordered by the Cleveland National Forest to the north and Trabuco Creek to the south, while Hickey Creek drains the western side. The Preserve features rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 1,120 to 1,650 feet above mean sea level. The equestrian rides are docent-led group rides. Riders must bring their own horse and stallions are not permitted. Learn more and register here.
On Saturday, July 23, OCTA will offer a docent-led hike through the Pacific Horizon Preserve, a 151-acre parcel located in the Southeast portion of the City of Laguna Beach. It is adjacent to Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, as well as Moulton Meadows Park. The Preserve serves as the final open space connection between the south end of the Laguna Greenbelt, Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, and the sea. Learn more and register here.
I-5 South County Project Construction Update
John Wayne Airport: Summer 2022 Newsletter
I'm pleased to report that John Wayne Airport has released its Summer 2022 Newsletter, featuring information on:
Success at First John Wayne Airport Job Fair
John Wayne Airport held its first Job Fair on April 26, and received more than 60 job seekers. Read more.
New Airport Director Joins JWA
Charlene Reynolds joins the Airport with more than 20 years of experience, most recently as Chief Commercial Officer for the Houston Airport System. Read more.
Airport Participates in Costa Mesa Fish Fry
John Wayne Airport was a Community Sponsor for the 2022 Costa Mesa – Newport Harbor Lions Club 75th Annual Fish Fry and Carnival held June 3-5. Read more.
New Contemporary Paintings Exhibition 4x4x15
Using a variety of shapes, colors, and textures, all original artworks are 4 ft. x 4 ft. abstract, non-representational paintings. Read more.
Trio of New Tastes Now Open at the Airport
I'm also pleased to report that Jamba Juice, Qdoba Mexican Eats, and OC Pizza are now part of the dining and beverage offerings at John Wayne Airport. Each option brings distinct flavors and choices to the Terminal. New menu offerings for travelers will include tasty blended fruit smoothies, flavorful Mexican-inspired cuisine, and oven-fresh pizzas. For more information, click here.
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 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.
HCA: Ocean Recreational Water Update
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
National HIV Testing Day is Monday, June 27
"Mid-Year Labor Law Update" Webinar - June 28
Manufacturing Industry Partnership Mtg. - 6/29
ICT & Digital Media Partnership Meeting - 6/30
OC Human Relations: Community Dialogue - 7/6
5th DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT
Live Mas Day! Taco Bell Celebrates 60 Years!
I was pleased to present a Board Resolution this week in honor of the 60th anniversary celebration for Taco Bell, which has its international headquarters located in the 5th District. To celebrate its 60th anniversary, Irvine-based Taco Bell hosted an employee celebration at its headquarters, dubbed “Live Más Music Feast-For-All.' The Orange County Board of Supervisors recently declared June 23 as “Live Más Day” to mark the company’s local history in the community at the celebration.
In 1962, Glen Bell opened the first Taco Bell in Downey, California, where he introduced tacos in a burger world, setting the stage for what it means to “Live Más.” Taco Bell began as a small taco stand, lovingly referred to as “Numero Uno," inspired by a local Mexican restaurant that crafted a version of the hard-shell taco we now know across the global brand.
Taco Bell not only feeds people, but also enacts change and drives creativity in its outstanding team members and devoted fans, as this 60th anniversary “Live Más” celebration served as a well-deserved thank you to everyone who has supported the brand over the past six decades. Congratulations to Taco Bell!
ACEC Elected Official of the Year Award
This week, I was honored to receive the Elected Official of the Year Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). The award recognizes elected officials who commit themselves to bettering their communities through strong leadership, vision and partnership with the engineering and surveying community, delivering vital infrastructure projects to our region. This was the second time I have recognized by ACEC with this award, the first time being in 2018.
PAUSE TOGETHER in Laguna Beach
My office was pleased to present a commendation in honor of Pause Together in Laguna Beach, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Pause Together is to be commended for promoting mental wellness and positive mindsets for youth through connection to nature, self-care, experiential learning, and mentorship. Please join me in welcoming Pause Together to the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce!
DOHO CAFE at Doheny State Beach
My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Doho Café at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Visitors and locals alike will surely enjoy dining at Doho Café, the best and only ON-The-BEACH café in SoCal, while enjoying the beautiful sunshine and waves! Please join me in welcoming Epic Doho Café to the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce!
RAYA'S PARADISE in San Clemente
My office was also pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Raya's Paradise in San Clemente, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Raya's Paradise is to be commended for improving the quality of care for the seniors in our community and setting the highest industry standards for their comfort and happiness! Please join me in welcoming Raya's Paradise to the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce!
THE NOBLE PATH in San Clemente
Lastly, my office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to The Noble Path Foundation in San Clemente, where the Chamber of Commerce also held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. The Noble Path Foundation is to be commended for their dedication to helping the youth of our communities reach their highest potential via healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices, safe and fun social activities, as well as motivational mentoring! Please join me in welcoming The Noble Path Foundation 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 596,541 positive cumulative cases and 7,097 deaths to date, as well as 179 currently hospitalized with 25 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 Martin!
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 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
Dana Point Sister Cities Kick-Off Event - 6/27
Laguna Bluebelt: 11th Annual Photo Contest
Ladera Ranch Farmers Market is Every Sunday!
OC Parks Summer Concert Series Calendar
OC Parks Sunset Cinema Series Calendar
OC Public Libraries: Services, Events & Activities
Laguna Hills: 4th of July Decorating Contest
SUMMER JAMS at Ocean Institute - July 8
The Taste of Laguna Food & Music Festival
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!
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