A "newsflash": A Day of Service @ the Orange County Fair

On Wednesday July 24,  The Orange County Fair had its' "Laguna Niguel Day".   Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts joined the City's Mayor, Robert Ming, along with Council Member Davies and the City Manager, Rod Foster, as another beautiful day began at the Fair.

Around Town in South Orange County: Weekly Reflections

South Orange County is a very blessed and beautiful place.    As I drove around town and walked the beautiful trails and streeets, I could not help but realize and recognize how blessed I am for having lived in such a community.

This past week saw me visit the local VW dealer, Capistrano VW.   They have a very unique way to reach out to clients.  What particularly caught my eye was an initiative by the owner of the dealership to raise the awareness of the dangers of texting and driving.   As someone who had to be reminded of it, I was particularly impressed by what he had done by investing in a Motor Home that traveled all around getting folks to commit to not texting and driving.  He was driven by it as he observed his daughters doing the same.  The stories about how such careless acts have caused so much wreckage on people's lives is too much to mention.  Someone had the foresight to do something about it--and I was very very glad to add my name to that list.

The level of humanity shown by members of the Community also continues to amaze me.  Although the Community of South Orange County is one of the most affluent, many are suffering.  I am privy to such misery as I observe folks who visit the St. Timothy's Outreach Ministry to garner a week of food.  I could not shake off an older gentleman who came in one week who was living in his car with his wife and was begging for anything.       All challenges that I had before me seemed to somewhat disappear--it was as if the almighty had reminded me how truly good I had it.

I also continue to be amazed at how the Public School System continues to be at the forefront of innovation. This amazement is ever more as I see weekly reports from Capistrano Unified School District on the level of achievement done by students and how they move on to College.   I have also been quite amazed by the initiative by the School District to provide free lunches to children in South County.     This is all in spite of the push back by many more conservative elements who have not been as keen on Public Education.       With the new California State Budget, I am hopeful that some semblance of stability is at hand for Public Education as they continue onward with their mission.   

I have also been quite impressed with the evolution of the local paper, the Orange County Register.   I have especially been keen to read up on their focus on Faith.   This has been especially so as their columnist Mona Shadia has done a wonderful job to reflect upon the life of Muslims in South County.   I was especially quite impressed with her moving column about her experience as she began her spirtiual reset during the Holy Month of Ramadan.     

This is also a community that would see changes in leadership in 2014.    As it stands, the current Mayor of Laguna Niguel, Robert Ming, will be running for the County Supervisor Seat being vacated by Patricia Bates.    It is a sign of change to come.    

A fascinating community to be a  part of..beyond a doubt....

A "thought 4 the Week"

Rumi

never lose hope
when the Beloved
sends you away.
If you’re abandoned
if you’re left hopeless
tomorrow for sure
you’ll be called again.
If the door is shut
right in your face
keep waiting with patience
don’t leave right away.
Seeing your patience
your love will soon
summon you with grace
raise you like a champion.

Rumi image: Norvhic Fernandez

Week-End Notations: The 24th Annual "Run in the Park" @ The City of Laguna Niguel

On July 4, the City of Laguna Niguel and the South Coast YMCA sponsor an Annual Run in the Park.   This  year saw a record number of participants.   Local Businesses were also on hand to showcase their products and services.   It was quite a scene to see the Community come together yet again as it did.

I had the pleasure to join the event along with a contingent of Scouts from my Scout Troop supporting the event.  Member of the City Council--including the Mayor, Robert Ming-were on hand and Mayor Ming made the rounds and joined the Scouts briefly: 

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The celebrations at the City culminated with beautiful fireworks at La Paz Park.   Other cities throughout South Orange County also celebrated the 4th of July as well with fireworks.  

As I saw the Community and all who had come together, I was reminded of this by Zayed Yasin as he noted that "...a life lived for yourself has little value".     Laguna Niguel proved it on July 4.

Thought 4 the Week

Live so that when your children think of fairness,

caring and integrity, they think of you.

- H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

As Summer is Before Us: 41 Summer Safety Tips (Courtesy of All Pro Dad)

I wanted to share this great resource courtesy of the All Pro Dad Team that has some very crucial ideas that we must all embrace to be "safe".

I also wish everyone a Happy and safe 4th of July:

41 Summer Safety Tips This week we’re doing a summer series to help you stay safe and enjoy the summer with your family. Here’s day one: Following a guide, or an instruction manual, is not typically listed as a dad’s strength.  However, when it comes to pool, water, and sun safety we may want to rethink that. Spending time at the pool, or the beach, with your kids is sure to be fun in the sun.  But it doesn’t come without risk.  Here are some alarming stats about pool and water accidents: •    Children ages 1-4 have the highest drowning rates, second to only birth defects. •    Among those ages 1-14, fatal drowning remains the second-leading cause of unintentional, injury-related death behind motor vehicle crashes. As you are enjoying the summer with your kids, don’t neglect to follow safety guidelines.  Avoid adding to the number in the stats listed above. Here are some resources to help you have fun, and keep from being a statistic: •    16 Swimming Pool Safety Tips •    15 Beach, Boat, and Open Water Safety Tips •    10 Sun Safety Tips