|
| Volume 1 | Issue 37 |
December 31, 2021 |
|
|
A Year of Change & Growth
 Happy New Year from our District 2 Team!
Dear Neighbor,
What a year 2021 has been. When I took the oath of office on March 26th, I outlined six key priorities, COVID-19 Relief,Transparency in Governance, Homelessness & Housing, Serving our Veterans, Sustainability & Transportation, and Workforce & Economic Development. In less than 9 months we have accomplished so much.
When I was sworn-into office less than 20% of District 2 residents were vaccinated. We opened a Super- POD Vaccination site at the Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa and worked around the clock to host 203 local vaccine clinics. We educated the public to combat misinformation, offered incentives, and focused on going into our most vulnerable communities to ensure that they received the care they needed. Today, 73% of all residents, including 84% of all adults, have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
|
I launched first of its kind homeless audit and survey to evaluate how we can best utilize our resources to address the homeless crisis. We led the effort to convert old motels, which are often crime magnets, into permanent supportive housing that will keep people off the streets and give them the opportunity to become productive members of our community.
The Oil Spill disaster in October showed all of us that we must do everything we can to protect our coastline for both our environment and economy. Our office was an official partner in Unified Command, along with the amazing teams at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Public Works, the Health Care Agency, and so many others.
We brought together community leaders to develop the Fly Friendly initiative at John Wayne Airport, which will contribute to quieter skies in our neighborhoods.
We provided $2 million dollars in direct aid to residents facing food insecurity and $1 million to aid the arts community, which was greatly impacted by the pandemic.
Our County made an investment to finally bring a Veterans Cemetery to Orange County. We worked with community leaders to propose a pilot program to address rising cases of suicide among older veterans and help veterans get back into the workforce.
Although we have accomplished so much over the last 9 months, we still have much work ahead of us. It is an honor of a lifetime to serve as your Orange County Supervisor and I look forward to fighting for your communities in 2022 and for years to come!
Happy New Year to all!
Be well,
 Katrina Foley
Supervisor
County of Orange
|
|
Oil Spill Update
 CNN Wolf Blitzer and Supervisor Katrina Foley Discuss the October Orange County Oil Spill
On October 1st, an oil slick was reported off the coast of Huntington Beach. By taking swift action, we were able to reverse or halt many of the ill effects of the oil spill. However, despite the improvements, the toll for wildlife, boat owners, businesses, community members, and ocean enthusiasts was large. Businesses impacted by the oil spill were able to fill out an Economic Injury Worksheet and apply for a Business Impact Recovery Claim. While fisheries and beaches reopened, it was just this week that officials declared all O.C. oil spill cleanup complete. Read more: Here
My focus is on finding improvements to how we respond and prevent future oil spills. As for who was responsible for the oil spill, Amplify Energy Corp. and its companies (that operate several oil rigs and a pipeline off Long Beach) were charged by a federal grand jury with a single misdemeanor count of illegally discharging oil.
During the #OctoberOilSpill more than...
-
24,000 gallons of oil were released
-
13 barrels of tar balls recovered (approximately 57 gallons!)
-
530,000 pounds of oily debris and sand collected
Also...
- Vessel decontamination sites operated in coastal cities (Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and Long Beach), while more than 240 vessel claims were submitted.
-
7 mammals, 1 reptile, and 99 birds were collected--- of the birds, 82 were dead; 34 were survived, and 22 were released.
Following the oil spill, we then tackled 2 oil sheens that were swiftly investigated, thought to be from the prior oil spill, and contained. Read more: Here
|
|
The Covid-19 risk for unvaccinated people is very high in Orange County
 Source: NYTimes
OC Health Care Agency Press Release: COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations Are Rising, Test Kits Available Online at No Cost, Updated Health Orders and Guidance From CDC and the State, Oral Antiviral Treatments Authorized by FDA.
Read more: Here
"Over the last few weeks, so many of our residents have been vaccinated, tested, and boosted. If you gathered with others for the holidays or are concerned that you have contracted COVID-19 or the Omicron variant, please get tested immediately and contact your doctor." - Supervisor Foley
Stay Safe This New Year's Eve
Dr. CK Encourages Safe Gatherings Over the Holiday Weekend
Watch the Video Message: Here
 Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, right, deputy health officer for Orange County, goes over items in a saliva collection kit with Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, left, during a COVID-19 update regarding the Omicron variant at the Costa Mesa Senior Center.(Photo Credit: Kevin Chang / Staff Photographer)
These are the facts you should know ...
 Visit any of these District 2 testing sites!
 |
My name is Michele Mullen and, since coming on board as the Community Outreach Director for Supervisor Katrina Foley in October, I have been distributing restaurant gift cards and COVID saliva test kits at our District 2 Vaccine Clinics as a "thank you" for getting vaccinated.
Earlier this year, Supervisor Foley received emergency COVID-19 funding and used the money to purchase gift cards to encourage residents to get vaccinated and help local small businesses through any economic setbacks related to the pandemic. This initiative was popular and, once the gift cards were distributed, we worked hard to make sure that every resident in Orange County who wanted a free take-home saliva test kit could stop by a clinic and pick one up.
We have been seeing over 500+ patients a day get vaccinated at the Orange Coast College POD and patients are beyond thrilled to easily obtain an 'at home' test kit!
I am so proud to be part of Supervisor Foley's team and know that we are making a huge impact on the health and well-being of our local citizens. It is an honor to meet all of you and to support the Supervisor and the Orange County Health Care Agency in the fight against COVID and any variants!
Need Another Reason to Get Vaccinated?
- Unvaccinated people are 7.6 times more likely to get COVID-19.
- Unvaccinated people are 11.7 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 (data from November 25, 2021 to December 1, 2021).
- Unvaccinated people are 14.8 times more likely to die from COVID-19 (data from November 18, 2021 to November 24, 2021).
Source: California Department of Public Health, 2021
"The current indoor mask requirement is not forever, so please do your part today!" - Supervisor Foley
|
|
Team Foley In The News This Week
 Supervisor Katrina Foley represents Orange County’s 2nd District, including Costa Mesa, Cypress, Huntington Beach, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Stanton, the unincorporated area of Rossmoor & portions of Buena Park and Fountain Valley (OC Board of Supervisors Photo, 2021)
Learn more about what's happening in your community and Supervisor Foley's efforts with District 2 initiatives.
|
|
 Photo Credit: OCTA, OCTA.net
Last week, I shared the ongoing benefits of OC Go, also known as Measure M, the 30-year one half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in Orange County through 2041. This week, let's talk about how OCTA can help you easily connect with fun, school and other activities using public transportation. OCTA has special transit options that include the OC Fair Express, the Angels Express, free summer trolleys, and the College Pass Program.
OCTA Keeps Orange County Moving with Focus on Safety and Sustainability
Manuel Chavez, Constituency Services Manager, and Supervisor Katrina Foley with our
- OCTA will convert the OC Bus fleet to 100 percent zero-emission technology by 2040.
- OCTA has invested in 10 plug-in battery-electric buses and 10 hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses. This will help to determine which technology - or mix of technologies - will bring even cleaner air quality to Orange County, California.
- OCTA will begin to phase in additional zero-emission buses as part of future bus purchases beginning in 2023.
- The staff at OCTA will continue to analyze emerging technologies and work with partners to secure funding for purchase, operations, and maintenance of the buses.
- OCTA's Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Program aligns with California's Innovative Clean Transit Rule, a first-of-its kind regulation in the U.S. that sets a goal for public transit agencies to gradually transition to 100 percent zero-emission bus fleets by 2040.
|
|
Constituent Services Manager
Cypress, Huntington Beach (Oak View Neighborhood), Stanton, Rossmoor
|
A Great Year in District 2
 Proud of our work within the District 2 cities!
I had a blast working on behalf of Supervisor Foley and the Second District this year! I was proud to support our constituents through the Supervisor’s many accomplishments, including helping Rossmoor update their street sweeping protocols to a more convenient schedule, honoring our friends, neighbors, and loved ones who lost their lives to COVID-19 with a touching memorial service, assisting seniors and low-income families through COVID-19 holiday care packages and grocery store gift cards, and much, much more! I wish each of you a safe New Year’s Eve and hope that 2022 is a better year for everyone!
Please reach out to me at any time with questions or concerns: Manuel.Chavez@ocgov.com
|
|
|
Constituent Services Manager
Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Newport Beach, La Palma, Los Alamitos, and Animal Services
|
Excited for the New Year
 What a whirlwind year 2021 has been! From getting hired and joining Supervisor Foley's in March … to dealing with an oil spill crisis off the coast of Huntington Beach in October (amidst a pandemic), serving the wonderful residents of District 2 has been a dream come true for me and I'm eternally grateful for this incredible opportunity. As the Constituent Services Manager for the beautiful cities of Buena Park, Fountain Valley, La Palma, Los Alamitos, and Newport Beach, I've helped to strengthen the bonds between our local cities, the County of Orange and its numerous agencies/departments, and their residents.
Some of my favorite moments on the job include:
Above all, our office is dedicated to protecting our community's interests and assisting you in any way that we can. As you can see, we've been very busy and we are only getting started! Thank you District 2 for a spectacular year.
Have a wonderful New Year's Eve and remember to stay safe!
|
|
 Pet of the Week: Mucho! Animal ID: A1739092
Meet Mucho, a 1-year-old Great Dane and Akita mix who loves nothing more than to run, play, and be affectionate. Mucho is a bundle of love who can’t decide if he would rather run alongside you or climb right into your lap! This super-smart boy already knows how to sit nicely for treats and he LOVES learning new things! He would enjoy mastering even more behaviors during training with you! Mucho is an active boy who would find the most fun accompanying you on walks, hikes, or runs, and then ending the day with some good, old-fashioned ball time! Due to his bubbly personality, we think Mucho would do best in a family with kids who are old enough to handle his energetic style of play.
Think Mucho would be a good fit for your family? Call (714) 935-6848 to set up an adoption appointment today! (Animal ID: A1739092)
|
|
Thank you for being an active member in your community.
Please share this newsletter with family and friends!
Stay Up to Date with Important Announments in Your Community!
Follow us on social media today!
|
|
|
|
|
