This week, I participated in the annual CALAFCO Conference, which was held in the 5th District at the Hyatt Regency John Wayne Airport, Newport Beach, where I was pleased to provide welcoming remarks.
The Association provides statewide coordination of LAFCO activities, serves as a resource to the State Legislature and other bodies, and offers a structure for sharing information among the various LAFCOs and other governmental agencies.
OC LAFCO, which I also serve on, has been an active member of CALAFCO since its inception over 50 years ago and proactively participates in the Association’s activities through representation on the Board of Directors and as a member of the CALAFCO Legislative Committee and Advisory Committees as well as other working groups.
The Opioid Crisis and Poisoning in OC - Oct. 24
Enjoy FREE Pet Adoptions During November!
I am excited to announce that my office will be sponsoring FREE pet adoptions and a starter bag of pet food during the month of November to help our shelter pets at Orange County Animal Care find their loving, forever home.
In addition to the month-long pet adoption sponsorship, my office will also be sponsoring the Drive-Thru Pet Food Pantry, which will be held at Orange County Animal Care on Saturday, November 12 from 8 AM to 10 AM. Come pick up some FREE food for your dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds, as well as a FREE collapsible water bowl for your pet!
The newest addition to your family is waiting for you at the Orange County Animal Shelter! To view the 5th District Pet Adoption video, click here or on the image below.
All Pet Adoptions to be Sponsored in November!
Family Furst Drive-Thru Pet Food Pantry - 11/12
D5 Projects Approved by Coastal Commission!
As reported last week, two important projects were unanimously approved and received Coastal Development Permits by the California Coastal Commission – the Niguel Shores Revetment Repair and the Doheny Desalination projects.
What makes these projects so important?
The Doheny Desalination Project will create a new, reliable, local, and drought-proof water supply that will also provide emergency water supplies if the delivery of imported water were to be disrupted.
The Doheny Desalination Project will reduce the area’s reliance on imported water, which currently provides 90% of the total supply. South Coast Water District (District) will be able to accomplish this without impacting marine life, making this particular design the first in the state!
Rick Erkeneff, South Coast Water District Board President, stated “Clearing the Coastal Commission hearing with a unanimous approval is huge step forward in the permitting process. This greatly needed base loaded supply of new water will be welcomed to our region.”
The second project to receive approval is the repair and maintenance of the existing rock revetment located at Niguel Shores. This revetment was originally constructed in the late 1960’s and protects approximately 1,250 feet of shoreline fronting the Niguel Shores community. The work will involve restacking existing stone where over-steepened and undersized riprap stones occur and place new rock limited to 1,000 tons of imported material.
The project will include plans to repair the deteriorated northern stairs and stabilization of the north and south access ramps to ensure continued and safe public access to the beach. The project will include replacement of deteriorated signage, installation of new educational signage and a commitment by the County to implement a shoreline monitoring program.
Next, construction documents will be finalized and the project will be advertised for contractor bids in Spring 2023. Construction will likely occur in Fall 2023 when the beaches see less visitors and typically have less sand to minimize excavations and construction impacts.
Emergency Track Stabilization Work Set to Begin
Ladera Ranch: Fiber Optic Equipment Installation
2021 Orange County Hate Crimes Report
The OC Human Relations Commission recently released the 2021 Orange County Hate Crime Report. The report provides valuable statistical information and resources pertaining to hate crimes and hate incidents that occurred throughout Orange County. A copy of can be found by clicking the graphic below or visiting the OC Human Relations Commission webpage.
Information Sought in Laguna Niguel Homicide
OC Sheriff’s Department Addresses DOJ Report
Warning to Schools of “Rainbow Fentanyl” Trend
California Great ShakeOut: Drop, Cover, Hold On!
This week on October 20 at 10:20 AM, the County of Orange joined millions of people worldwide to practice how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” during the California Great ShakeOut. It’s important to practice how to be safe when the earth shakes.
How to protect yourself in various settings:
Indoors - Drop, Cover, and Hold On! Avoid exterior walls, windows, hanging objects, tall furniture, televisions, and cabinets with heavy objects or glass. Do not try to move more than 5-7 feet before getting on the ground. Do not go outside during shaking! (Exterior building materials and glass can fall and may hit you as you exit.) If seated and unable to drop to the floor: bend forward, cover your head with your arms, and Hold On to your neck with both hands.
In bed - Do not get out of bed. Lie face down to protect vital organs, and cover your head and neck with a pillow, keeping your arms as close to your head as possible, while you Hold On to your head and neck with both hands until the shaking stops. You are less likely to be injured by fallen and broken objects by staying where you are.
In a multiple-floor building: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Avoid windows and other hazards. Do not use elevators. Do not be surprised if sprinkler systems or fire alarms activate.
In a classroom - Laboratories or other settings may require special considerations to ensure safety. Students should also be taught what to do at home or in other locations. Students should drop to the ground and go under a desk then cover your head with your arms (as best as possible) and hold on to your neck with both hands until the shaking stops. After shaking subsides, come out from under the desk slowly, watching for anything that could fall during aftershocks.
In a stadium or theater - Drop to the ground in front of your seat or lean over as much as possible, then cover your head with your arms (as best as possible) and Hold On to your neck with both hands until the shaking stops. Then walk out slowly, watching for anything that could fall during aftershocks.
In a store - Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Getting next to a shopping cart, beneath clothing racks, or onto the bottom shelf of a large multi-shelf unit to provide extra protection from falling objects.
Outdoors - Move to open space if you can safely do so; avoid power lines, trees, signs, buildings, vehicles, and other hazards. Then Drop, Cover, and Hold On. This protects you from any objects that may be thrown through the air, even if nothing is directly above you.
Driving - Pull over to the side of the road, stop, and set the parking brake. Avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs, trees, and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops, then proceed carefully by avoiding fallen debris, cracked, or shifted pavement, and emergency vehicles. If a power line falls on the car, stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.
Last weekend, I was pleased to participate in the opening ceremonies for the Family Assistance Ministries (FAM) 35th Annual Hunger Walk in San Clemente, an annual 2-mile walk raising awareness and funds for hunger relief in South Orange County.
Before the Hunger Walk commenced, I made welcoming remarks during the opening ceremonies and presented FAM CEO Elizabeth Andrade a well-deserved commendation in honor of the occasion, where I was also joined by San Clemente Mayor Pro Tem Chis Duncan and Aliso Viejo Mayor Ros Chun.
In 2022, FAM served over 4,000 residents in San Clemente who were facing hunger. For more information, click here.
Dana Point Chamber Celebrates 75th Anniversary
This week, my office was pleased to participate in the 75th anniversary celebration for the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, held in beautiful Dana Point Harbor, where my Community Relations Advisor, Sergio Prince, presented the Chamber a well-deserved proclamation in honor of the occasion.
Today, the Dana Point Chamber features nearly 425 business members and is among the largest Chambers in South Orange County, as it continues to be a valuable resource and strong advocate for local businesses, offering a variety of excellent programs and services to assist small business owners.
The Dana Point Chamber is also the proud owner and producer of the Dana Point Turkey Trot, an annual Thanksgiving Day race, bringing 10,000+ participants to Dana Point Harbor to run/walk a 10K, 5K or the Kids 1-mile Gobble Wobble. This year the Turkey Trot commemorates the 45th anniversary of this beloved Thanksgiving Day tradition! For more information, click here.
SJC Chamber Legislative Committee Meeting
This week, my office was pleased to participate in the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee meeting, held at Bad to the Bone BBQ and featuring Senator Pat Bates as the keynote speaker. Following the presentation, my office provided a 5th District update.
PierPride Project Reception in San Clemente
Last week, my office was pleased to participate Pier Pride Project recognition event, held at the beautiful Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens in San Clemente. PierPride is proud to announce this year’s project is a salute to improving San Clemente's beach environment.
Dana Point Historical Society Founders Day 2022
Last week, my office was pleased to attend the Dana Point Historical Society (DPHS) annual Founders Day event to present a well-deserved proclamation to their 2022 honoree, Joyce Hoffman, arguably the greatest female surfer of all time.
The presentation was held in the Dana Point City Council chambers, where DPHS President Barbara Johannes and Special Events Committee Chair Elizabeth Bamattre also presented Joyce with a wonderful book by the late, great local historian, Doris Walker.
After the presentations, Founders Day attendees moved to the Dana Point Historical Society Museum to continue the celebration with Joyce Hoffman. For more information about Joyce Hoffman, please visit the Dana Point Times.
Laguna Niguel Chamber Ribbon Cutting Event
This week, my office was also pleased to participate in the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce multi-member ribbon cutting ceremony held at City Hall. During the event, my office presented commendations to the following new member business:
MNJ Insurance Solutions
N2 Publishing – Stroll Niguel Shores
Nice Chaperones
US Alliance Group
Venture Outbound Productions
Mobile Notary – Julie Correa
New Costa Mesa Chamber CEO Scott Mikelonis
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 672,033 positive cumulative cases and 7,495 deaths to date, as well as 116 currently hospitalized with 11 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.
New Bivalent Booster Vaccine Available for Kids
Don't Hesitate. Let's Vaccinate.
No Ride? No Problem.
COVID-19 Messages from Health Care Agency
HCA: Why Is It so 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.
CRITTER CHRONICLES
Orange County Pet of the Week: Meet Frank!
Enjoy FREE Pet Adoptions During November!
I am excited to announce that my office will be sponsoring FREE pet adoptions and a starter bag of pet food during the month of November to help our shelter pets at Orange County Animal Care find their loving, forever home.
In addition to the month-long pet adoption sponsorship, my office will also be sponsoring the Drive-Thru Pet Food Pantry, which will be held at Orange County Animal Care on Saturday, November 12 from 8 AM to 10 AM. Come pick up some FREE food for your dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds, as well as a FREE collapsible water bowl for your pet!
The newest addition to your family is waiting for you at the Orange County Animal Shelter! To view the 5th District Pet Adoption video, click here or on the image below.
All Pet Adoptions to be Sponsored in November!
Family Furst Drive-Thru Pet Food Pantry - 11/12
OC Animal Care is NOW OPEN for Appointments!
Orange County Pet Licensing Information
Lost and Found Community Pet Information
Large & Small Animal Evacuation Emergency Kit
Let's Paws: Food Safety
Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworm Prevention
Let's Paws: Coyote Awareness
OUT & ABOUT SAFELY IN THE FIFTH DISTRICT
A Night of Greek Culture in Laguna Niguel - 10/23
Pacific Marine Mammal Center Gala - October 23
Ladera Ranch Farmers Market is Every Sunday!
The Opioid Crisis and Poisoning in OC - Oct. 24
Newport Beach Chamber Honors - October 28
Taste of San Clemente 2022 - October 28
Saddleback College Foundation Gala - Nov. 5
Woman's Club of Laguna Beach Centennial 11/11
247th Marine Corps Birthday Ball - November 12
45th Annual Turkey Trot in Dana Point Harbor
Laguna Dance Festival: Home for the Holidays!
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!
For
questions or
comments
regarding my
E-Newsletter,
please contact
my office staff
at (714)
834-3550 or
email my
Community
Relations
Advisor, Sergio
Prince, at
Sergio.Prince@ocgov.com
.