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| Volume 2 | Issue 2 |
January 14, 2022 |
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Expanding Our Reach in New Cities
Dear Neighbor,
Last week, we welcomed 5 new cities to District 2. For our communities to continue to thrive, it is important that we come together during times of celebration and unite to face our challenges head on. This issue of our newsletter includes a special District 2 Progress Report with a summary of our important accomplishments and initiatives throughout the last year. Review it in full: Here
There has been a dramatic increase in COVID cases, both locally and nationally, that has placed a strain on our community hospitals and essential workers. Please read our COVID Update section, below, for more details on this unprecedented surge.
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Helping Our Communities Thrive!
You may have noticed my absence from our Tuesday Board of Supervisors Meeting. While there is no place I would (ordinarily) rather be, I found myself among the 5 million Americans facing sun damage that required me to have minor surgery.
While the surgery was a success, I am home for a few weeks as my office continues our hard work on District 2 initiatives. Like many in the County, I grew up spending much of my time in the sun. I just wish that I knew to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat as a child and young adult. As working parents and professionals, it can be difficult to make time for skincare and self-care, but please remember to get checked for sun damage annually!
 Our County’s Point-in-Time (PIT) count for sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness has been rescheduled to the last 10 days of February, due to the impacts of COVID-19. HUD requires each Continuum of Care (CoC) nationwide to hold this count, which provides vital information and guides how we respond to homelessness. Please join our office and other residents in our District and sign up to help complete this important work. You can volunteer, here.
 On Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom released his January budget proposal, Blueprint for California. The Blueprint presents a proposal that reduces taxes and reinstates innovation tax credits for businesses. It primarily focuses on COVID response (including ramping up vaccines, boosters, statewide testing, and increased medical personnel to meet surges), the climate crisis – (including worsening wildfires and drought), persistent inequality and homelessness, and keeping our streets safe. I appreciate the no new taxes approach and the funding allocations for counties to tackle these tough issues. I will advocate to ensure Orange County received our fair share.
 Photo Credit: OC Register (Photo by Michael Fernandez, Contributing Photographer)
While the holiday season may have ended, our office is continuing to serve the community. We recently donated packages containing saliva test kits, rapid antigen tests, boxes of disposable medical grade face masks, children’s masks, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen to the W.S.W Foundation. The mission of William Sherman Winseman Foundation is to help children and Veterans, along with the elderly, disadvantaged, and disabled. We are grateful for their dedication to raising awareness and increasing education opportunities through their 62 years as a nonprofit organization.
Please stay safe and healthy. We are here to serve.
Be well,
 Katrina Foley
Supervisor
County of Orange
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With great passion and goals, comes great responsibility. We hit the ground running in March of 2021, when I was elected to the Board of Supervisors, and we haven't slowed down since. How did we do? You judge for yourself! Just look at the incredible progress in our cities and communities, even with pandemic recovery, in our 2021 Progress Report!
Read and share: Here
Thank you to those who attended our Tuesday, January 11th Board of Supervisors meeting. Given the surge of Omicron and COVID cases in Orange County, you can safely attend BOS meetings online, from your own home: Here
Please use this link to attend upcoming Orange County Transit Authority Meetings (OCTA): Here
Board of Supervisors Meeting in 2021
Board Updates (1/11/21)
Supervisor Doug Chaffee was appointed as the Chair of the Board, with Supervisor Bartlett dissenting and Supervisor Foley absent (here). Supervisor Don Wagner was appointed as Vice Chair.
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Agenda Item 12: The Board approved a contract that will allow for analysis of the County’s business environment and the technology being utilized.
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Agenda Item 1: The Board approved a contract with Age Well Senior Services. This contract will expand seniors access to nutrition programs, transportation, case management, and in-home care services. Our seniors have been significantly impacted by the pandemic and finding solutions to address their needs is a top priority of our office.
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Agenda Item 30: The Board approved $404,604 in state funding for a truancy response program. The Department of Education will work with community organizations for programming and services that help fill gaps in our county’s truancy response system.
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Agenda Item 32: I’m pleased to learn that the Young Adult Court received $56,792 in federal grant funding to support its operation. The Young Adult Court is an innovative model for the nation. Read More: Here
Redistricting Update
At the end of last year, the Board adopted new boundaries. This means adding new cities to our District and I will now be the caretaker for Santa Ana and portions of Tustin, Garden Grove, Orange, and Anaheim. While I live in District 5, I look forward to representing the communities of the new District 2, while partnering with my colleagues to ensure that all Orange County residents continue to be served.
My 2022 Priorities
"As my District expands to encompass new cities, my priorities for the community remain constant. I continue to address concerns such as reducing homelessness and the community impacts, public health and economic recovery from the pandemic, climate action and workforce development, along with learning about any important issues our newly added cities need assistance on." - Supervisor Katrina Foley
- Prioritizing public health and expanding COVID-19 vaccine (and test kit!) distribution
- Helping small businesses recover and restoring local jobs in the community.
- Ensuring safe neighborhoods and enhancing public safety.
- Protecting the coastline and open spaces while combating climate change.
- Prioritizing transparency and accountability for taxpayers by ensuring our county's budget is managed responsibly.
- Reducing homelessness, developing innovative housing options, improving veterans services, and encouraging increased workforce development.
Monthly Meeting with Local Mayors
Last week, we hosted my monthly meeting of the Mayors to welcome new cities to our District, update them on what we've been working on, and find out about each city's priorities and needs as we begin a New Year. While we have previously held these meetings in person, we held the meeting on Zoom for everyone's safety. We will continue to hold these meetings, monthly, and look forward to a great year!
Fly Friendly Program Taking Off!
 Starting in early 2022, residents that live near the John Wayne Airport will experience more peace of mind and less noise, due to our Fly Friendly program. Over the last year, our advisory appointees have been hard at work looking for solutions and the airport has committed to an 'impact' report for future agenda items.
The Fly Friendly program will...
- Educate aircraft operators about ways to reduce their noise at and around the airport.
- Encourage aircraft operators to voluntarily adopt more sustainable practices that reduce pollution.
- Incentivize these voluntary actions through scoring and rewards.
The Fly Friendly Program is the direct result of a collaborative effort between Supervisor Foley, our District 2 John Wayne Airport Advisory Team, the Fly Friendly Working Group, and the staff at John Wayne Airport.
Our Office Helped District 2, As Follows...
COVID-19 Recovery
We have spent the last year helping our communities navigate the pandemic and get back on their feet with nutrition and arts grants. Our cities and local nonprofit organizations have benefited immensely from our funding and support. We will continue to address issues, as they arrive, particularly in light of the Omicron and Delta surge.
Click on the graphic below or read our 2021 Progress Report for all of our COVID-19 Recovery efforts.
“At a time when food, gas, and housing costs are rising, more than 400,000 Orange County residents struggle to get enough to eat. The dispersement of our American Rescue Plan funds support local families, seniors, Veterans and those that contribute to our communities as our cherished neighbors.” – Supervisor Katrina Foley
Saliva Test Kit Delays
The surge in COVID cases across our County has been relentless and our essential healthcare workers, hospitals, and COVID testing facilities have been put to the test. Even FedEx, the company that we rely on for mailing our at-home test kits, has faced staffing shortages trying to keep up with the demand.
"When OC Health Care Agency informed me of the FedEx shipping delay for at-home testing this week, I immediately contacted our County to come up with a solution. We are looking into multiple avenues to provide better testing options. I believe that getting a COVID test should be convenient and testing readily available." - Supervisor Katrina Foley
While we source new couriers and solutions, find a local testing location: Here
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COVID Data
 A look back to when Orange County first opened up coronavirus vaccinations to anyone 65 and older (Source: OC Register, 2021)
 While the current surge in COVID cases was anticipated, the toll that the Omicron and Delta variants have taken on our communities is unprecedented. With roughly 5,661 residents testing positive for COVID daily, it seems as though we all know someone who has been exposed to the virus or has an active COVID case. For comparison, last winter's daily positivity case peak was about 3,171 cases per day.
The percent of individuals seeking care at the emergency department, specifically related to COVID, rose to over 30% in the past week.
"While we may feel powerless against the spread of Omicron, there are important steps that we can take to protect ourselves and others: get vaccinated, tested, and boosted." - Supervisor Katrina Foley
COVID Vaccination Rates by City
Find out how many people are vaccinated in your city. Click Here!
Tips to stay protected from COVID-19 and any variants:
- Your insurance will pay for at-home rapid tests, beginning Saturday 15, 2022: Here
- Our county is working rapidly to overcome supply chain problems and slowed shipment times, to get test kits to those who need them.
- Rapid antigen tests arrived at Orange County schools this month, with more on their way, to help keep students safe: Here
- The FDA authorized Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 booster shot for 12-to-15-year-olds.
- The state of California has extended the indoor mask recommendation through February 15th, due to the Omicron surge:
- Please get vaccinated and boosted, as this will protect you against severe illness.
- If it has been five months since you were fully vaccinated, please schedule an apppointment to get your booster shot. (Ages 12 and up)
- For immunocompromised children 5 to 11, such as solid organ transplant recipients, a third vaccine dose is approved. Read More
- Continue to stay home if you have any symptoms and contact your doctor. If you have a question about COVID, please call our COVID-19 hotline at (714) 834-2000.
- If you do experience trouble breathing or any serious symptoms of concern, please call 9-1-1 or immediately go to the nearest emergency room.
- Consider wearing a medical grade mask or a N95 mask, when possible: Here
If you are exposed to COVID or any variants, plan to travel, or feel il, please get tested.
Vaccine Clinic Update
"As we learn how to best respond to surges, we must continue to participate in school, work and life. If we take reasonable precautions, things will get better.”- Supervisor Katrina Foley
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As you well aware, the Omicron variant is surging through our community which has increased the increased the number of residents coming to Orange Coast College's Vaccine Pod for vaccinations and, when available test kits. This week, we distributed 400 saliva kits and 407 vaccinations at Orange Coast College, while the vaccine site at St. Anthony Claret Catholic Church had 580 vaccinations on Tuesday alone.
I also want to extend my gratitude to the 49+ health care workers and auxiliary staff that I regulary see at Orange Coast College. This week, Supervisor Foley worked with Miguel’s Jr. Homestyle Mexican Food to provide lunch, as a thank you for their dedication and hard work to the clinic workers. Thank you to Miguel's Jr. for their generous donation to staff that has worked tirelessly and relentlessly to help keep our community safe.
I say it often, but these workers are our heroes and should be continuously honored and thanked!
Reporting live and signing off from Costa Mesa, California,
Michele.
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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.
- OC Supervisor Katrina Foley Resting At Home After Medical Procedure: Daily Pilot
- Shipping Issues Causing Delays of COVID-19 Test Results in Orange County: CBS Los Angeles/KCAL 9
- The People Deserve Better Public Engagement on COVID Data to Confront Omicron Surge: Voice of OC
- OC's COVID Surge Impacting Staffing At Hospitals; Outbreaks Hit Public Agencies: Voice of OC
- Around Town: Foley Presents $13k to Costa Mesa's Wilson Street Learning Center: Los Angeles Times
- COVID-19 Test Demand Spikes in Orange County During Omicron Surge
Read More: Los Angeles Times
- Orange County Residents Must Wear Masks for Another Month Under State-Issued Mandate
Read More: Orange County Register
- Authorities Announce Cleanup of October's Oil Spill Off Orange County Complete
Read More: Daily Breeze
- Free COVID-19 Testing Opens at OC Fairgrounds
Read More: Patch
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Constituent Services Manager
Please reach out to me at any time with questions or concerns: Manuel.Chavez@ocgov.com
Representing Garden Grove and Santa Ana.
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Hello District 2!
 So many accomplishments and so many to come!
On Tuesday, I attended the Buena Park City Council Meeting. On behalf of our office, I presented a $10,000 check to Buena Park for their Summer Concert Series and $70,000 to the city's Nutrition Program. The Supervisor and I look forward to working with the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Orange, Santa Ana, and Tustin.
As of last week, Rossmoor has a new street sweeping system. The street sweeper will alternate weekly between cleaning the odd and even sides of the street to allow residents to park on one side of the street. Supervisor Foley and I are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to assist the Rossmoor Community on this issue.We learned this week that the signs were wrong and are working with public works to correct. So sorry!
Read more: Here
Recently, the Supervisor, Council Member Arlis Reynolds and I presented the Wilson Street Learning Center with a $13,298 check to augment their existing community garden. This community garden will serve communities on the westside of Costa Mesa and is a creative way to encourage access to healthy fruits and vegetables
I hope you have a wonderful week. Please stay safe!
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Constituent Services Manager
Please reach out to me at any time with questions or concerns: Kalvin.Alvarex@ocgov.com
Representing Anaheim, Orange, Tustin.
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Looking At My Contribution
 Omicron may have crashed our 2022 New Year, but I remain very hopeful that the year will be a great one. I am particularly excited that my fellow Constituent Services Manager and Costa Mesa Council Member, Manuel Chavez, and I will be representing the Supervisor in the cities of Garden Grove, Tustin, Orange, and the city I call home, Anaheim.
This is our opportunity to do our part to eliminate homelessness through our Project Homekey motel renovation, advocate for better oversight of sober living homes, help local businesses access government resources, and support Orange County Veterans.
Through my work at the county and on behalf of Supervisor Foley, I have met so many great people in the cities of Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Los Alamitos, La Palma, and Newport Beach. I will continue to eat, drink and play in your great businesses and parks!
Please reach out to me with any questions.
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 Pet of the Week: Charlie Animal ID: A1728051
Say hello to Charlie a pup with a personality as cute as his blue and red sweater! This sweet dog arrived at OC Animal Care over 200 days ago when a good Samaritan rescued him off the streets. Charlie is a 3-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix who will do anything for a treat and some scratches behind the ears! He takes full advantage of his nap time and loves sprawling out on his comfy bed, but he’s up and ready with a wagging tail and a grin when it’s time for a walk with his best human friends! Charlie is a true gentleman who knows how to sit nicely and will do his best in a house where he can be the only pet and can curl up next to you as you watch your favorite movie!
Think Charlie would be a good fit for your family? Call (714) 935-6848 to set up an adoption appointment today! (Animal ID: A1728051)
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