This Monday, July 4, is the 246th anniversary of the birth of our nation. As such, Independence Day reminds us to put aside our differences, if only for a day, in the spirit unity and expression of our patriotism.

The Fourth of July is a day to celebrate community and our nation, as well as our hard-fought unalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, with which we are so blessed.

Please enjoy this celebration of our nation with family and friends, whether you're attending a parade, concert or fireworks show. To that end, I wish you and yours all the best for a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Visit the 'Out & About in the Fifth District' section at the bottom of my newsletter for Independence Day festivities taking place throughout the fabulous Fifth District!

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.

Laguna Beach Trolley

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.

Dana Point Trolley

Check out these fun, convenient summer fun travel options in the 5th District!

• Dana Point Trolley
• Laguna Beach Summer Breeze Service
• Newport Beach Balboa Peninsula Seasonal Trolley
• San Clemente Summer Trolley
• San Juan Capistrano Weekend Summer Trolley
• Laguna Niguel Summer Trolley

Shuttles are operated by local jurisdictions. OCTA continues to work closely with cities in monitoring ridership and evaluating costs. For more information, click here.

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'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.

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.

Click the image above for more information.

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.

Click the image above for more information.

Last weekend, I was pleased to join the Ladera Rancho Chamber of Commerce, California Highway Patrol, OC Sheriff's Dept., and Capistrano Unified School District to co-host a Bike Safety Clinic in Ladera Ranch.

The event was very well received by the community, as many local children and their parents attended this important event.

Stay tuned for information about our next Bike Safety Clinic coming soon!

This week, I had the honor of attending the South Orange County Economic Coalition (SOCEC) Board Installation and Reception, held in the VIP Lounge at Outlets at San Clemente.

Presenting a commendation to SOCEC Outgoing Chair Mike Balsamo.

During the reception, I was pleased to present commendations to SOCEC Outgoing Chair Mike Balsamo and Outgoing Board Member Kristen Camuglia. 

Presenting a commendation to SOCEC Outgoing Board Member Kristen Camuglia. 

In addition, I had the pleasure of administering the Oath of Office to the incoming SOCEC Board of Directors, including their new Chairwoman, Kelley Lee, who is also a former member of my 5th District staff.

Installing the 2022-2023 SOCEC Board of Directors.

It was wonderful to see many friends in attendance, including a number of local elected officials and candidates running for office in South County.

L-R: With Matt Gunderson (Candidate, 39th Senate District), OC Supervisor/Vice Chairman Don Wagner, and Assemblyman Steven Choi, running for reelection in AD 73.

My office was pleased to attend the kick-off event for the Dana Point Sister Cities Association International to present a commendation to its President & CEO, Bob Zasa. This outstanding new 501c3 nonprofit organization is to be highly commended for significantly enhancing the international cultural status of the City of Dana Point, as well as creating diplomatic partnerships with communities in other countries!

Dana Point Sister Cities Association CEO Bob Zasa receives a commendation from my Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, with Dana Point Councilman Jamey Federico.

My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to HOAG Urgent Care & Family Medicine in Dana Point, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony last week. Patients will surely benefit from their experienced staff, who are well trained to provide a variety of medical care, as Hoag is the perfect choice to help you feel better faster! Please join me in welcoming HOAG Urgent Care & Family Medicine to the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce!

My Field Representative, Dawn Kamber, presenting a commendation at the ribbon cutting for HOAG Urgent Care & Family Medicine in Dana Point.

The OC Health Care Agency continues to release daily COVID-19 case counts in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 604,055 positive cumulative cases and 7,126 deaths to date, as well as 212 currently hospitalized with 32 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.

On Sunday, July 3, let freedom ring and the celebration begin! March on into Pretend City in Irvine for some star spangled fun, as we learn about our nation’s day of independence. From Smart Art to relays, stories and more, your little firecracker is sure to love what they have in store. For more information, click here.

Celebrate the 4th of July in Aliso Viejo at Grand Park from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., featuring a live performance from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., including Community Booths, Children’s Crafts, Face Painting, Balloon Twisters, Airbrush Tattoo Artists, Carnival Games, and more! A low-level fireworks show will start at approximately 9:00 p.m. For more information, click here.

Enjoy Southern California's BEST fireworks display in Dana Point! Fireworks are shot from a barge located off Doheny State Beach beginning at 9 PM. Listen to music during the show on Spotify: bit.ly/DPFireworks. Prior to the fireworks display, the Condor Squadron, consisting of WWII North American AT-6 airplanes, will be making a flyover Dana Point from 5:55 PM to 6 PM, so look to the skies for this annual tradition! For more information, click here.

Known for one of the best fireworks displays in South County, Ladera Ranch will present a fun-filled day of activities at Founders Park, including a 10K & 5K Freedom Run, Pancake Breakfast, Community Parade, Games & Activities, Food Trucks, Teen Zone, Concert (Undercover - Top 40), and Fireworks! For more information, click here.

The City of Laguna Beach fireworks show will originate from Monument Point at Heisler Park and will begin at approximately 9 PM on July 4. Reminder: Parking meters and City parking lots are enforced on July 4. City Trolleys will operate under a modified schedule. For more information, click here.

The City of Laguna Hills Fireworks Show will begin at 9 PM on July 4. All other festivities begin at 4 PM, including a live band (Straight 78) preforming throughout the evening leading up to the Fireworks Show. Multiple food trucks onsite and local nonprofits selling grub. Two carnival rides will be onsite with tickets costing $2, as well as FREE bounce houses, obstacle course, and carnival games. For more information, click here.

Newport Beach has various Independence Day celebrations this year, which include parades, festivals and fireworks. There will be street closures and limited parking; however, the City offers free trolley service for the Balboa Peninsula. For more information, see the list of 4th of July events below:

• 4th of July is for Families Festival
• Mariners Park Independence Day Celebration
• American Legion’s Old Glory Boat Parade
• Fireworks Extravaganza at Newport Dunes

Aliso Viejo Community Association (AVCA) is again hosting their Summer Concert Series a at Grand Park/Town Center Amphitheater in Aliso Viejo! Concerts are from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. See below for upcoming concerts, dates, and more information:

• Undercover Live - Sunday, July 10
• Flashback Heart Attack - Sunday, July 24
• Common Sense - Sunday, August 14

Music in the Park is a free public concert series held Sunday evenings July 10 - August 21 at Bluebird Park in Laguna Beach. Concerts start at 5:00 p.m. For more information, click here.

Performers:

• 7/10 - Party Foul (Ska)
• 7/17- The Great North Special
• 7/24 - Stone Soul (Motown)
• 7/31 - Upstream (Reggae/Soca)
• 8/7 - ABBA LA 
• 8/14 - Los Pinguos (Argentinian Latin)
• 8/21 - LA Sound Machine (Gloria Estefan)

Bring a blanket and lawn chairs, pick up dinner and treats from local restaurants, and enjoy an evening of music in the park this summer in Ladera Ranch. See below for a list of upcoming concerts and more information:

• July 15 - Slapbak
• July 22 - The Mighty Untouchables
• July 29 - Katelyn Marie Band
• Aug. 5 - Flashback Heart Attack
• Aug. 12 - 90s Rock Show
• Aug. 28 - Symphony on the Go

The City of Newport Beach presents its annual Summer Concerts Series on the Green, featuring an array of performers for your entertainment. Unless otherwise noted, all concerts are held on the Newport Beach Civic Center Green (100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach). Admission and parking are free, on a first come, first served basis. See the list below for upcoming concerts. For more information, click here.

• July 17 - Billy Nation (Billy Joel Tribute)
• August 21 - Young Guns (Country Cover Band)
• September 18 - Britain’s Finest (Beatles Tribute)
• October 2 - Stone Soul (At Marina Park)

Bring your towels and low back chairs to the San Clemente Summer Concert Series for live music with the beach as your backdrop! These events are free and open to everyone. For upcoming concerts and more information, see the list below:

• July 7 - Kelly Boyz Band
• July 21 - Wigs & Ties
• August 4 - Common Sense

Aliso Viejo Community Association (AVCA) is again hosting their Summer Movie Nights at Grand Park/Town Center Amphitheater! Movies begin at sundown. Pre-Movie activities begin at 6:00 PM. See below for upcoming movies, dates and more information:

• ENCANTO - Friday, July 8
• LUCA - Friday, July 22
• Honey, I Shrunk the Kids - August 12

Bring family, friends and neighbors out to Buffalo Hills Park in Newport Beach on July 15 to enjoy some fresh air, free popcorn, free candy, free activities, and a live screening of The Croods: A New Age. The event begins at 7 PM. For more information, click here.

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!