OC Realtors and affiliates are invited to attend a virtual training July 19 hosted by OC United Way that will debunk myths regarding homelessness in Orange County, how housing choice (Section 8) vouchers affect rent, and how you have the power to make a difference in our community. For more information, click here or on the flyer below.
OC Human Relations: Community Dialogue - 7/20
OCTA Moves Forward with Active Transportation
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, as well as 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
Call for Artists at John Wayne Airport!
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.
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.
OCPL Digital Newsletter: Author Connection
OC Microbusiness Grant Awards Re-Launch
5th DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT
Ladera Ranch Bike Rodeo & Safety Clinic
On June 25, 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!
South Orange County Economic Coalition
Last 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.
During the reception, I was pleased to present commendations to SOCEC Outgoing Chair Mike Balsamo and 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.
It was wonderful to see many friends in attendance, including a number of local elected officials and candidates running for office in South County.
Dana Point Sister Cities Association International
My office was pleased to attend the kick-off event last week 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!
ART-A-FAIR Fine Arts Festival in Laguna Beach
My office was pleased to present a commendation in honor of the grand reopening Art-A-Fair in Laguna Beach, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Laguna Art-A-Fair is to be be highly commended for maintaining a standard of excellence that is well respected within the local art community, much enjoyed by residents and visitors alike, and nationally recognized as a premier fine arts summer destination for over 55 years! Please join me in welcoming Laguna Art-A-Fair Fine Arts Festival to the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce!
YACHTY BY NATURE at Mason Park in Irvine
My office was pleased to introduce the headliner, Yachty By Nature, at the OC Parks Summer Concert held at Mason Regional Park in Irvine this week. Join us back at Mason Regional Park next Thursday, July 14, as the Summer Concert Series continues with DSB: The World’s Greatest Tribute to Journey!
APAC ATI in San Juan Capistrano
My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to APAC ATIin San Juan Capistrano, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony last week. APAC ATI is to be highly commended for their outstanding commitment to mentoring, training and creating opportunities for the next generation of automotive technicians. Please join me in welcoming APAC ATI to the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce!
FKN BREAD in San Juan Capistrano
My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to FKN Bread in San Juan Capistrano, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. FKN Bread customers will undoubtedly appreciate their use of the highest quality ingredients and taking time with each step in the process to produce the freshest bread! Please join me in welcoming FKN Bread to the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce!
SOVEREIGN LENDING GROUP in Costa Mesa
My office was pleased to present a certificate of recognition to Sovereign Lending Group in Costa Mesa, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. More than just another mortgage broker, Sovereign Lending Group is to be commended for developing a trustworthy, high touch process that considers the unique case of every loan applicant! Please join me in welcoming Sovereign Lending Group to the Costa Mesa 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 611,300 positive cumulative cases and 7,145 deaths to date, as well as 277 currently hospitalized with 34 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.
Preparing for COVID-19 Vax for Young Children
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.
CRITTER CHRONICLES
OC Animal Care is NOW OPEN for Appointments!
Orange County Animal Care Fact Checker
OC Animal Care Pet of the Week: Meet Halo!
Drive-Thru Pet Food Pantry at OC Animal Care
Promoting the Importance of Pet Licensing
Lost and Found Community Pet Information
Let's Paws: Coyote Awareness
OUT & ABOUT SAFELY IN THE FIFTH DISTRICT
Aliso Viejo: Summer Movies in the Park - 7/8
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:
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:
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. See a list of upcoming concerts below. 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)
OC Parks Sunset Cinema Series - July 12
Costa Mesa: 2022 Concerts in the Park - 7/12
OC Parks Summer Concert Series - July 14
Ladera Ranch: Concerts in the Park - July 15
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:
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.
Newport Beach: Summer Concerts - July 17
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)
San Juan Capistrano: Summer Nites - July 20
San Clemente: Summer Beach Concert - 7/21
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 below:
Come to Soka University in Aliso Viejo on August 4 from 7 PM to 9 PM for Shakespeare Under the Stars: Much Ado About Nothing. Love sizzles between Beatrice and Benedick - two opposites who definitely attract! Shakespeare’s rom-com plays out with witty barbs, hysterical banter, and sigh-worthy proclamations of love. Bring picnics, blankets, and low-backed beach chairs along with your friends and family to settle in for an evening of classic entertainment. For more information, click here.
Laguna Hills Chamber Car Show - August 7
San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival - August 14
Taste of Laguna Food & Music Festival - 10/13
Laguna Beach: Festival of Arts 90th Anniversary
55th Annual Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna
Laguna Art-A-Fair Fine Art Festival 2022
Nestled in beautiful Laguna Canyon, the Laguna Art-A-Fair is one of the premier fine arts summer destinations in Southern California and has been for more than 55 years. Our artists invite you to Celebrate Art with a full spectrum of original creations, affordable reproductions, art demonstrations, workshops, live music and excellent cuisine. For more information, click here.
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!
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