It has been an absolute honor to serve on the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board for the past 8 years. As many of you know, transportation and regional mobility has always been a passion of mine and I am so proud of the work we have accomplished together on this board! At my final OCTA Board Meeting, I was honored with a Resolution of Appreciation for my service on the Board. I am so thankful to work on important issues so close to my heart, thank you OCTA!
Honored by Soka University of America
With President of Soka University of America, Ed Feasel, PhD.
I was pleasantly surprised at Soka University of America when I was honored with their Highest Award of Honor. This award recognizes my contribution to the youth of the future and their development as global citizens in the 21st century. Additionally, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, when vaccines were still scarce, I spearheaded the identification of a south county location for a Point of Dispensing Vaccination site. Thankfully, Soka University was an enthusiastic partner in turning the world class university into a vaccine distribution center which provided an easy access location for south county residents. By June 5, 2021, Soka University had vaccinated nearly 300,000 residents. I am so thankful for Soka University's partnership with the County of Orange and I am grateful to receive this momentous award. Thank you!
Enjoy FREE Small Pet Adoptions until December 24th!
My office had a successful first week of our new adoption promotion! If you did not know, I will be sponsoring FREE pet adoptions for Cats, Birds, Bunnies, Hamsters and Guinea Pigs! This sponsorship will take place from now until December 24th, 2022. As you know, we had such a successful run with my sponsorship last month and I wanted to continue it for a limited time during the holidays. Help our shelter pets at Orange County Animal Care find their loving, forever home this holiday season!
The newest addition to your family is waiting for you at OC Animal Care! They are open 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Adoption hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For concierge service, please call (714) 935-6848.
Innovation and Ingenuity in Orange County
The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) honored Orange County with two Challenge Awards. Each Challenge Award entry serves as a great example of county ingenuity and innovation. CSAC received 370 entries and only 19 programs from 14 different counties won the award, and I am so pleased to see Orange County won two of those awards in the following categories: CSAC 2022 Innovation Award and Disaster & Emergency Response.
CSAC 2022 Innovation Award: Pathway for Lifelong Learning: Kindergarten Readiness. The goal of the Kindergarten Readiness Initiative (KRI) is to support the families of children entering kindergarten in acquiring the skills necessary to be successful. The Kindergarten Readiness Initiative makes learning accessible and fun for children and families through reading, singing, movement, and play. OC Public Libraries also launched a Kindergarten Readiness (KR) section on its website, which links caregivers to free community resources, book lists, and library e-media and digital content safely from home. The KR backpacks allow families to cultivate school readiness skills from the comfort and support of their home environment.
CSAC Disaster & Emergency Response Award: Public Libraries Going Digital Pandemic and Beyond. Library operations and services were impacted by COVID-19 during the restrictions and shutdowns. Dedicated OC Public Libraries (OCPL) staff rose to the occasion by restructuring and creating committees to respond to the pandemic focusing on virtual programs and engagement. In an effort to advance equity, and inclusion, OCPL began circulating Wi-Fi hotspots and Chromebooks to bridge the gap in digital access. OCPL has learned that enhancing communication, increasing community connection, and developing new and creative ways for outreach is how the library will continue to thrive. With this in mind, OCPL launched a chat service for patrons and a mobile app that allows library users to navigate digital services and the collection at their fingertips.
I am so proud of our County every single day and with Orange County winning these 2022 CSAC Challenge Awards, it truly shows our County's ingenuity and innovation!
OUT & ABOUT IN THE 5TH DISTRICT
Supporting Youth of the Future
With OCC President Angelica L. Suarez, Ph.D.
I provided Orange Coast College (OCC) in Costa Mesa and Soka University of America a grant award to support their students. Funds will be used for student housing, childcare assistance, technological accessibility for their multicultural center, mental health counseling for college students, and supporting language training and preparation for study abroad. I have always been a firm believer of students of the future, and I am so happy to support them anyway I can.
At Orange Coast College
At Soka University of America with President Ed Feasel, PhD.
Grant Award for Orange County Veterans
With Nelson Coburn, Detachment 22 Commandant
Members of the Marine Corps League join together in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving and promoting the interest of the United States Marine Corps. They band together those who are now serving in the United States Marine Corps and those who have been honorably discharged from that service that they may effectively promote the ideals of American freedom, and democracy. This organization voluntarily aides and renders assistance to all Marines and former Marines and to their widows and orphans; and to perpetuate the history of the United States Marine Corps and by fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines.
I’ve always been a big supporter of our Veterans, and today I was pleased to present a $400,000 grant to low income veterans to be able to apply for grant assistance through the League.
For more information on the Marine Corps League South Coast Detachment, click the image below.
HeloPods for Orange County Fire Authority
Whenever there’s a wildfire, we always rely on Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) on providing superior fire protection for our residents. Which is why I provided OCFA with a $100,000 grant award to station HeloPods in South Orange County. HeloPods free up water tenders resources and allow for additional dip sites for helicopters to be able to hover and fill their water tank quicker. It will help reduce the spread of a fire, property loss, and protect lives.
Drug Use is Life Abuse
Bill Eldien, the Chairman of Drug Use is Life Abuse
Drug Use is Life Abuse partners with the Orange County Sheriff's Department on Educational Drug Prevention programs. I was happy to fund $150,000 to expand the new drug prevention program for our community, focusing on educating students, parents, and staff at K-12 schools in south Orange County.
Funding Mental Health and Patient Care
Mental health has always been a very important topic for me. It is vital that we understand the importance of addressing mental health and reducing the stigma associated with it. I’m pleased that in the past months, I’ve had the opportunity to work with several great organization like College Hospital of Costa Mesa and OMID Institute in Irvine to bring to attention and support to this growing problem. By awarding part of our discretionary funds to these organizations, I am ensuring that our residents who struggle with mental illness and their families will received the professional mental health care and training they need to navigate this complicated and emotionally exhausting problem.
OMID Multicultural Institute for Development
With OMID Multicultural Institute for Development Director, Maryam Sayyedi, PhD.
The OMID Multicultural Institute for Development's mission is to improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable in our community, those who struggle with mental illness and/or have survived traumas and adversities due to family discord and relational violence. I awarded a $100,000 grant to help fund their mental health professionals. Thank you for all the work you do in the community!
Click the image below to find out about the great work OMID does for our community.
College Hospital in Costa Mesa
With Renee Lewis, incoming CEO of College Hospital
The $500,000 of discretionary funds I allocated to College Hospital will assist in Community Education and Outreach especially for Families Affected by Mental Health or Mental Disabilities, Increased Observation and Quality and Safety of inpatient care, and funding their telehealth program expansion. This ultimately benefits families and individuals who need help the most.
Families Forward Grant Award
(L-R): Gina Cunningham from HomeAid Orange County and Madelynn Hirnese from Families Forward
Families Forward is an amazing organization that provides families access to food assistance, mental health counseling, career coaching and much more. They recently opened ”The Bungalows”, in Costa Mesa that provides 8 units of permanent affordable housing to families experiencing homelessness. I provided over $200,000 of ARPA Grant Funds to Families Forward, $80,000 of which went to support this project!
(L-R): Nishtha Mohendra and Madelynn Hirnese from Families Forward
Pacific Marine Mammal Center
With Glenn Gray, CEO of Pacific Marine Mammal Center
One of the great projects I have supported throughout my tenure as Supervisor, is the reduction of water usage in our district. By awarding funds to the Water Reclamation Project for Pacific Marine Mammal Center, I’m ensure that this none profit organization will reduce their water usage by up to 15,000 gallons per day while they continue their great work of rescuing, rehabilitation, and releasing marine mammal such as seals.
47th Annual Boat Parade of Lights in Dana Point Harbor
I always enjoy Dana Point Harbor during the holidays! Especially, the 47th Annual Boat Parade of Lights featuring amazing displays of this year’s theme, “Surfin’ U.S.A.” The annual holiday light display, consists of over 700,000 LED lights illuminating the Harbor.
Laguna Niguel's Annual Christmas Parade
Thank you City of Laguna Niguel for inviting me to join the community at your annual Christmas Parade. What a fun way to celebrate the holiday season and spread cheer among friends, family, and community!
Newport Beach Mayor's Reception and Volunteer Recognition
It's wonderful to see members of the community engaged and active in their local chamber. At the Newport Beach Mayor's Reception and Chamber Volunteer Awards Ceremony, we honored four individuals with a passion for and commitment for their business community. These individuals below have been truly exceptional in their dedication to Newport Beach:
Ambassador of the Year: Marianna Sotnichenko
Navigate Young Professional of the Year: John Livas
Silver Anchor: Andrew Smith
Silver Anchor: Lori Morefield-Berg
With Newport Beach's newly appointed Mayor, Noah Blom.
Meeting with Representatives from Alzheimer's Orange County
My Deputy Chief of Staff, Pauline Colvin, met with representatives from Alzheimer's Orange County to discuss the 2022 Report on Aging for Orange County.
Laguna Beach Senior's Holiday Event
(L-R): My Deputy Chief of Staff Pauline Colvin, Executive Director of Laguna Beach Seniors Nadia Babayi, President of Laguna Beach Seniors Ranae Hinchey, and my Senior Policy Advisor Christian Abueg.
Laguna Beach Seniors is the hometown nonprofit that operates The Susi Q and reaches beyond its walls with Lifelong Laguna. This week my staff attended their Annual Holiday Luncheon at the Women's Club of Laguna Beach.
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Operation Santa Claus & Senior Santa and Friends
Friends of the Fifth District, it's that time of year again! The Operation Santa Claus (OSC) and Senior Santa and Friends (SSF) holiday gift drives have served Orange County’s most vulnerable children, seniors and disabled adults for 60 and 30 years, respectively.
This year organizers are hoping to raise $35,000 in total donations by the end of this year. Orange County residents can support Operation Santa Claus and Senior Santa and Friends by: Donating new and unwrapped toys at the collection boxes placed in many County buildings, including most County libraries.
Click the image below for more information on how you can donate!
John Wayne Airport Holiday Music Program
Did you know that John Wayne Airport travelers and guests can enjoy the sounds of the season? Orange County high school musical groups bring live holiday music to the Thomas F. Riley Terminal each December. All performances take place in Baggage Claim located on the Arrival (lower) Level of Terminals A, B, and C. Click the image above for the schedule.
CRITTER CHRONICLES
OC Pet of the Week
Meet Sweet Sapphire!
Sapphire is a two-year-old, Belgian Malinois Mix. She was very nervous upon arrival, but our staff and volunteers were patient, giving her the space and time she needed to adjust. Since her arrival, we have witnessed her tremendous growth as she has become more and more comfortable with the people that she meets. Don’t be fooled by Sapphire's initially shy demeanor though! This sweet girl absolutely loves playing fetch and spending time with her best human friends! She will make the most loyal and loving companion to whoever is lucky enough to adopt her. While in our care, Sapphire did well when meeting other dogs. Due to her shy personality, Sapphire is looking for a home with older kids
If you think Sapphire would be a perfect addition to your family, call (714) 935-6848 to schedule an adoption appointment today! While appointments are available for convenience, walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.
Animal ID#: A1782347
Pooches on the Patio
Pooches on the Patio, a new meet-and-greet event, where volunteers and staff will have dogs out on the patio ready to meet their forever family! Visit OC Animal Care on Saturdays to participate.
Disasters Don't Wait
Plan Ahead and Be Prepared this Winter Season!
Orange County is subject to heavy rainfall this time of year which could lead to potential flooding and debris flow near burn scar areas. OC Animal Care is urging residents located in the Bond Fire burn scar areas to implement and activate their personal plan to get their pets out safely and early. Prepare now to ensure you and your pets are safe by following these steps:
• Have a plan – know where your pets can go and how they’ll get there
• Pack their bags – have your pet's supplies packed and ready to go
• Don’t delay – Large animal owners should move their pets prior to the rain so roads are clear
• Access OC Animal Care's free toolkit and resources with information available in 6 languages Click Here
Remember to also sign up here for ALERTOC so you will be notified if an evacuation order is placed.
May Your Holidays Be Furry & Bright Adoption Promotion
May your holidays be FURRY & BRIGHT with the addition of a four-legged family member! OC Animal Care is excited to waive adoption fees for dogs 25 pounds and over throughout the month of December 2022. Click the image above for more details.
FUN IN THE FIFTH!
Orange County Public Library's Discover & Go
Get two free tickets to a live performance at the Cabrillo Playhouse in San Clemente with OCPL’s Discover & Go program! The Cabrillo has been producing quality live theater since 1953.
Did you know that OCPL's Discover & Go lets you check out discounts to Orange County attractions like San Clemente's Casa Romantica? Stroll through oceanfront gardens, take part in fun family activities, experience live music and dance, and more at the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens.
Zip Books provides library users with speedy access to books that are not available in the library collection. Similar to InterLibrary Loan service but much faster! Simply request an eligible item and the book is shipped directly to your home from Amazon. When finished, return it to the library. Click the image below for more information.
Stay informed, be prepared, and keep connected while you’re traveling in, or outside, of the country. Make sure to have local currency on hand and a list of numbers to contact.
Click the image above for information on their Meals on Wheels and Congregate Lunches for Seniors.
Click the image above for information on their Drive-Thru Food Distribution, weekdays in San Clemente.
Click the image above for information on their Drive Through Food Bank, Monday - Friday in Irvine.
Click the image above for information on their Food Pantry, Monday - Friday in Laguna Beach.
Click the image above for info on their Food Pantry held on the first & third Wednesday of every month.
Click the image above for information on their PEACE Community Resource Center Food Pantries.
Click the image above for information on their Food Pantry Services weekdays in Irvine.
