Spring is upon us, which means there is a certain magic in the air. Flowers are abloom, sunshine abounds, and Ladera Ranch residents are abuzz with excitement in anticipation of the biggest community party of the year.

Like you, I have been looking forward to this year’s 5th Annual Taste of Ladera "Rock the Park," taking place at Founders Park on May 2 & 3, which promises to be a weekend of non-stop fun for the whole family.

As the community’s signature fundraising event to support local schools, youth programs and other local nonprofits, Taste of Ladera has become a crown jewel event of the Fabulous Fifth District.

Not only does it celebrate the finest in local cuisine and music, but this is among my favorite festivals of the year because it is a testament to the rock-solid sense of community that Ladera Ranch has come to be known by.

To that end, I am pleased to be presenting at this year’s event a resolution in special recognition of Taste of Ladera.

I also have the distinguished privilege to participate in another special way. During a ceremony on Saturday, May 2, I will officially proclaim May as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the County of Orange on behalf of the Board of Supervisors.

Representatives from Laura’s House, a shelter that provides support services to more than 3,000 battered women and children and counseling, life skills education and legal aid to more than 20,000 victims throughout Orange County, will be on hand to receive the proclamation on behalf of all domestic violence shelters on the West Coast.

Lastly, I’m excited to host a booth at the festival to provide information about County services that are available to you and how my office may assist in helping you gain access to them. So while celebrating in the weekend’s festivities, please be sure to stop by and say "hi"!