As previously reported, John Wayne Airport (JWA) has announced the launch of Fly Friendly, an education and outreach program designed to minimize noise and environmental impacts from General Aviation (GA) –   or private use – jet aircraft around the surrounding communities.

Rooted in the concerns of the surrounding communities and the Newport Beach Aviation Committee, Supervisor Foley, Second District, took a proactive approach in establishing a program aimed at reducing measurable noise and pollution.

When Newport Beach and Costa Mesa became part of my district, both Supervisor Foley and I joined forces and enthusiastically committed to the continued progress toward the implementation and launch of the program. The process consisted of many months of collaboration with residents, aviation industry professionals, and County representatives culminating in the creation of the Airport’s first voluntary Fly Friendly program.

At JWA for the launch of Fly Friendly.

Though JWA already has one of the most stringent aircraft noise monitoring programs in the United States, Fly Friendly builds upon existing regulations by outreaching directly to GA jet operators using toolkit materials available here and seeking voluntary adoption of best practices for quieter, cleaner flights.

GA jet operators will receive points based on the following voluntary actions:

• Avoiding nighttime and early-morning operations, when possible;
• Producing the least amount of measurable noise per year;
• Engaging pilots with noise abatement education, distributing Fly Friendly materials, and/or attending Orange County community meetings focused on aviation impacts; and
• Contributing toward ecological restoration and habitat enhancement projects through the Irvine Ranch Conservancy or Newport Bay Conservancy.

The program goal is for community members living under and near the flight path to experience less noise by GA jet operators voluntarily adopting the recommended pilot instructions and best practices of the Fly Friendly program. 

John Wayne Airport has consistently ranked in the top three among large airports in the nation in terms of guest experience and customer satisfaction, and takes great pride in being a good neighbor. When planes fly in and out of John Wayne Airport, they are not just utilizing the Airport – they’re flying over neighborhoods. I ask our general aviation jet operators to keep this in mind and strongly encourage their voluntary participation in the Fly Friendly program.

A key component of Fly Friendly, as compared to other ‘’fly quiet” programs in operation at airports nationwide, is an environmental stewardship and sustainability category designed to support healthy, biologically-diverse ecosystems that provide residents with cleaner air, water, and recreational areas by offsetting some environmental impacts from GA jet aircraft. To learn more about Fly Friendly, click here or email FlyFriendly@ocair.com. To read the full press release, click here.

In addition to serving you on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, I'm also honored to serve you on the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors.

As such, I'm pleased to report the South Orange County Multimodal Transportation Study looks at a range of transportation needs and solutions over the next 25 years, including improvements to streets, bus and other transit options, highways and bikeways.  

Since the study’s launch in 2020, OCTA has remained engaged with the public, key stakeholders and partner agencies to develop long-term strategies for continuing to improve transportation for South Orange County. Potential solutions that are being analyzed include:  

• Improvements to streets, including traffic signal synchronization and upgraded technologies to accommodate for connected and autonomous vehicles 
• Improving bottlenecks on I-5 
• Offering additional high-frequency transit options 
• Continuing to fund programs for cities and communities to operate shuttle services 
• Enhancing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure 

OCTA will continue working with stakeholders and partner agencies over the next few months to develop a locally preferred strategy. The study is scheduled to be completed this month.  For more information, click here.  

I'm pleased to report that OCTA has issued its annual call for projects aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing congestion throughout Orange County.

Approximately $45 million is available through the Regional Capacity Program, which funds improvements that increase mobility at major intersections and provide smoother transitions to the highway system, and the Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program, which provides funding to time traffic lights along long stretches of street that can run through multiple cities.

Cities and the County can propose projects through both competitive programs, which are funded by OC Go, Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, also known as Measure M.

Project applications are due by October. 20, 2022 and are expected to be selected in spring 2023. For more information and to submit projects, click here.

Laguna Beach Trolley

For the next few weeks, there’s still time to enjoy car-free, carefree shuttle services to popular destinations throughout the Fabulous Fifth District. Most free summer shuttles end Labor Day weekend.

Funded in part by OC Go, the shuttles cost little or nothing to ride and provide convenient 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.

Dana Point Trolley

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.

Driving to Laguna Beach from inland OC?
Hop on the SUMMER BREEZE in Irvine!

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.

Between the high cost of gas and inflation, some families are foregoing their summer vacation. But why stay home when world-class destinations are an affordable train ride away?

A Metrolink train trip can put your vacation back on track; and right now, there’s a chance to win four round-trip tickets and a $100 gift card. Enter for a chance to win here!

On weekends, a family of four with two kids 17 and under can travel all day Saturday or Sunday for only $20. And the travel itself is part of the fun! Metrolink train cars are cool, safe and comfortable for a relaxing journey with no traffic and time to focus on family.

Metrolink fans give these destinations two thumbs up for families:

San Juan Capistrano - Within an easy walk from the station, there’s a lovely area called the Los Rios District,  the oldest neighborhood in California. Walk the shady lane and visit one-of-a-kind restaurants and shops, and a petting zoo. Also in town is the famous Mission, featuring many programs for kids.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

San Clemente - Some of California’s best stretches of wide sandy beaches are within steps of the Metrolink station. Bring your boards and bikes. it’s easy on the train! The train stops at the beach and restaurants are nearby.

San Clemente Pier

Los Angeles - The City of Angels is packed with fun places to visits like Chinatown, historic Olvera Street, museums and amazing restaurants.

Olvera Street

Buena Park - Summer isn’t complete without a visit to Knotts Berry Farm and its very cool roller coasters. For jousting and knights in armor, check out Medieval Times.

Check out other family-friendly ideas here. For inspiration about places to go and great deals at restaurants and more, stop by the Metrolink Daycations website.

On weekends, adults ride throughout the Metrolink system for only $10 Saturday or Sunday and kids 17 and under ride free. On any one weekday, the adult fare for unlimited rides throughout the Metrolink system is only $15. Check out 42 trip ideas from 14 stations and enter to win today.

This week, I had the great pleasure of attending the 50th anniversary celebration for the iconic Wind & Sea Restaurant in Dana Point Harbor, where I present owner/operator Bob Mardian with a proclamation in honor of the joyous occasion. 

Bob Mardian bypassed law school in lieu of becoming a restaurateur, as he opened Wind & Sea on August 22, 1972, making it Dana Point Harbor’s oldest restaurant, and one of a select few in the United States of America featuring the same owner/operator continuously for five decades.

Presenting a proclamation to Bob Mardian in honor of the golden anniversary of Wind & Sea Restaurant in Dana Point Harbor.

Bob Mardian continues to diligently run the day-to-day operations for Wind & Sea, in addition to three others he's opened along the way, including Harpoon Henry’s, also in Dana Point Harbor, as well as Kona Inn and Kona Canoe Club in Hawaii.

Wind & Sea proudly serves delicious Hawaiian-inspired, chef-prepared seafood dishes and other culinary favorites, boasts a beautiful banquet facility that is perfect for weddings and special events. The restaurant is also renowned for its refreshingly delicious Mai Tai’s, which helped bolster the restaurant during the COVID-19 crises, when California approved take-out and delivery of cocktails.

With longtime Wind & Sea General Manager, Jay Styles.

Wind & Sea is an important part of the south Orange County community and has been like family to multiple generations of staff, including a number who have continued to work at the restaurant for three or more decades. The restaurant also has numerous legacy employees, who have at least one parent that also worked at the restaurant, as well as double legacy employees who are the children of two Wind & Sea staffers that met while working at the restaurant!

Please join me in congratulating Bob Mardian and Wind & Sea Restaurant on their golden anniversary and wishing them at least 50 more years of great success in Dana Point Harbor! For more information, visit the Dana Point Times.

Bob Mardian gives a celebratory speech at the golden anniversary celebration for Wind & Sea.

Earlier this month, I had the great pleasure of presenting a proclamation in honor of the 90th anniversary celebration for the Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach. The proclamation was presented to Festival of Arts (FOA) Board President David Perry.

Presenting a proclamation to FOA Board President David Perry.

Since its founding during the Great Depression in 1932, the Festival of Arts Fine Art Exhibit has become a world-renowned destination for art-lovers from around the globe, drawing millions of visitors over the last nine decades to Laguna Beach. The Festival has also been instrumental in exhibiting the work of thousands of local artists and artisans, over its 90-year history.

Beginning in 1933, the Festival has presented “living pictures” at the first “Spirit of the Masters” Pageant, which later became known as, and remains, Pageant of the Masters. And in 1941, the Festival built and dedicated the Irvine Bowl amphitheater and grounds, home to the annual Fine Art Show and Pageant of the Masters.

In the Irvine Bowl, home of Pageant of the Masters.

In 1947, the Festival established the Junior Art Gallery, showcasing the works of thousands of Orange County students, highlighting the value and importance of arts education. And since its establishment in 1957, the Festival of Arts Scholarship program has provided nearly $3.5 million in financial assistance to hundreds of qualifying Laguna Beach college-bound students.

In 1962 the Festival participated in the founding of the Laguna Beach School of Art, which later became the Laguna College of Art and Design.

And in 1989. the Festival of Arts provided a $1.5 million donation establishing the non-profit Laguna Beach Festival of Arts Foundation in order to assure annual support for the arts in Laguna Beach.

In 2010, the Festival opened and dedicated the foaSOUTH gallery, which serves Laguna Beach visitors and residents throughout the year by the Festival-related exhibitions.

The Festival is an art institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting artwork significant to the rich cultural history of the Festival of Arts and Laguna Beach.

In 2017, the Festival completed a spectacular multi-million dollar, award-winning renovation project of its façade and grounds for use not only by the organization, but also by various local non-profits. To that end, the Festival of Arts has been and remains a beloved cultural and community partner. I was honored to recognize the Festival of Arts on the milestone of its 90th anniversary. For more information, click here.

Congratulating the Festival of Arts on its 90th anniversary.

Last week, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens celebrated its 95th anniversary with a special commendation from my office, recognizing the center's commitment to history, culture, and community. The proclamation was presented by my Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, during a President’s Circle event, where philanthropic supporters of the iconic cultural center and arts destination gathered across the stunning Casa Romantica grounds for an exclusive event to thank them for their support. 

L-R: Casa Romantica Executive Director Amy Behrens and Board President Ruth Denault receive a 95th anniversary proclamation from my Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince.

The magnificent estate was built 95 years ago for the San Clemente city founder, Ole Hanson and his family, which became the building blocks for the development of the rest of the city.

“We are proud to be a vibrant destination for people of all ages to share special, inspiring experiences. As a historical landmark bringing together generations, we can’t think of a better way to reflect on Casa Romantica’s past than through unique events and experiences that represent the history and cultural evolution of Southern California,” shared Casa Romantica Executive Director Amy Behrens. “Casa Romantica offers something for everyone to enjoy throughout the year, with both free and fundraising events of all types. We hope you will come celebrate the beauty of art, culture, and history with us for our 95th year.”

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens

The 95th anniversary proclamation declared, “Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett does hereby take great pleasure in congratulating Casa Romantica upon the momentous occasion of celebrating its 95th anniversary in San Clemente, commends Ole Hanson’s home for continuing to serve as an invaluable cultural and civic resource, and further extends sincere best wishes for continued success in all future endeavors.”

Casa Romantica invites the public to join them with FREE admission Sunday, September 4 from 10 AM to 2 PM for its D. Yoder Family Sunday 95th Anniversary Celebration. There will be tile decorating, special docents located throughout the grounds sharing the history of the estate, live music, and celebratory cake.

For a complete list of events, more information, or to purchase tickets to upcoming events visit CasaRomantica.org and follow on social media at @CasaRomanticaSC.

My office was pleased to present a commendation in honor of Mercer Advisors in Newport Beach, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Mercer Advisors is to be highly commended for guiding its clients on the path to grow their wealth, attain Economic Freedom, and succeed in their life journey! Please join me in welcoming Mercer Advisors to the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce!

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presenting a commendation at the ribbon cutting for Mercer Advisors in Newport Beach.

The OC Health Care Agency continues to release daily COVID-19 case counts in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 655,512 positive cumulative cases and 7,330 deaths to date, as well as 259 currently hospitalized with 35 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 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.

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:

• 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.

• September 18 - Britain’s Finest (Beatles Tribute)
• October 2 - Stone Soul (At Marina Park)

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!