Please be advised that all County of Orange offices will be closed Monday due to the Labor Day holiday. For fun activities taking place this weekend, please visit the Out and About Safely in the Fifth District section of my newsletter. Wishing you a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!

The new County Administration North (CAN) building

I'm excited to share that our office has moved into the new County Administration North (CAN) building, located at 400 W. Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92701. My staff and I look forward to seeing you soon! For more information, click here.

With my staff in front of the County Administration North building.

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 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 long-awaited ribbon cutting ceremony, celebrating the one-year anniversary of UCI Health - Laguna Hills, where I presented a commendation in honor of the occasion.

I'm so pleased that residents in my district, particularly those living along the coast and in the most southern part of the County, now have access to a leading academic health system and the highest quality care.

L-R: With Chad Lefteris (CEO, UCI Health) and Doug Niedzwiecki (Executive Director Ambulatory Care, UCI Health).

UCI Health has long played a unique and critical role in our community. In addition to highly rated primary and specialty care, as well as consultations for numerous surgical procedures, the Laguna Hills outpatient center offers patients expanded access to the highest ranked cancer services in Orange County.

A commitment to delivering world class care, including breakthrough medical research and clinical innovation,  powered by the University of California, Irvine, is a hallmark of UCI Health physicians, nurses and researchers. Please join me in congratulating UCI Health - Laguna Hills!

This week, I had the opportunity to tour the Bellingham Marine facility in Dixon, California, where the new boat docks are being constructed for Dana Point Harbor.

It was an absolutely fascinating process to see how these docks are being constructed, which will feature high strength, durability, stability, and load capacity ratings. Additionally, the general life span of these docks is expected to last for over 75 years.

At Bellingham Marine with my Senior Policy Advisor, Christian Abueg, and the project team.

Last 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.

My office was pleased to present a commendation in honor of Laguna Canyon Winery in Laguna Beach, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Wine lovers and connoisseurs alike will surely enjoy visiting Laguna Canyon Winery, renowned as Orange County’s premium winery and public Rock n’ Roll tasting room. Please join me in welcoming Laguna Canyon Winery to the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce!

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presenting a commendation at the ribbon cutting for Laguna Canyon Winery in Laguna Beach.

My office was pleased to present a commendation in honor of Delahunt Brewing Company in Dana Point, where the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Beer aficionados will surely appreciate their passion for brewing and outstanding beers at Delahunt Brewing Company, because life isn't always perfect, but your beer can be! Please join me in welcoming Delahunt Brewing Company to the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce!

My Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presenting a commendation at the ribbon cutting for Delahunt Brewing Company in Dana Point.

My office was also pleased to present a proclamation to AREO in Laguna Beach in honor of the 30-year anniversary in the city. Thoughtful of its customers and priding itself in outstanding service, AREO has always offered its complimentary gift wrap, featuring a lovely hand stamped craft box, satin ribbon and French gold wax seal. Please join me in congratulating AREO in Laguna Beach in honor of the 30-year anniversary!

My Field Representative, Dawn Kamber, presenting a proclamation to AREO in Laguna Beach.

My office was also pleased to present a commendation to Dr. Aziz Foot & Ankle Specialty Group in Newport Beach, where the Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Patients will surely benefit from their expert group of foot and ankle surgeons, who are able to treat every type of condition and injury. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Aziz Foot & Ankle Specialty Group to the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce!

My Field Representative, Dawn Kamber, presenting a commendation to Dr. Aziz Foot & Ankle Specialty Group in Newport Beach.

My office was pleased to present a commendation to Healthy Nails Salon in Laguna Niguel, where the Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Healthy Nails Salon is to be highly commended for being the quintessential nail spa, with outstanding dedication to providing customers a high-quality experience!  Please join me in welcoming Healthy Nails Salon to the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce!

My Field Representative, Dawn Kamber, at the ribbon cutting for Healthy Nails Salon in Laguna Niguel.

My office was pleased to present a commendation to Personalized Regenerative Medicine in San Clemente, where the Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Personalized Regenerative Medicine is to be commended for matching therapies and treatments to the individual, including their unique biochemical, genetic and other characteristics and features. Please join me in welcoming Personalized Regenerative Medicine to the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce!

My Field Representative, Dawn Kamber, at the ribbon cutting for Personalized Regenerative Medicine in San Clemente.

My office was pleased to present a commendation to Autism Fragile X Foundation in honor of the grand opening of Sarah's Attic Retail & Thrift Store in San Clemente, where the Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Sarah's Attic is to be highly commended for its outstanding and generous support of Autism Fragile X Foundation’s efforts to help individuals on the autism spectrum. Please join me in congratulating Sarah's Attic Retail & Thrift Store in San Clemente!

My Field Representative, Dawn Kamber, at the ribbon cutting for Sarah's Attic Retail & Thrift Store in San Clemente.

My office was pleased to present a commendation to Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream in San Clemente, where the Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Recognized as the #1 ice cream in the world, Handel’s is to be highly commended for using only the very finest ingredients available and always in great abundance! Please join me in welcoming Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream to the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce!

My Field Representative, Dawn Kamber, at the ribbon cutting for Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream in San Clemente.

The OC Health Care Agency continues to release daily COVID-19 case counts in Orange County. As of today, HCA is reporting 660,115 positive cumulative cases and 7,357 deaths to date, as well as 206 currently hospitalized with 28 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.

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!