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| Volume 2 | Issue 4 |
January 28, 2022 |
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New Committee Appointments
Dear Neighbor,
I had someone ask me this week how I maintain positivity throughout the pandemic. It is difficult to know that we, alongside our neighbors, healthcare workers, and loved ones are tackling the Omicron variant and trying to figure out how to work from home after family members or school-aged children are exposed to the virus. However, I remain resolute by keeping my focus on what we can do, including getting vaccinated and boosted, and to encourage all of you to lean into your community when you do face life's challenges.
At our Tuesday, January 25, 2022 Board of Supervisor Meeting, I was honored to be appointed to the following committees:
- CalOptima
- Emergency Management Council
- First 5 Orange County, Children & Families Commission
- Law Library Board of Trustees
- Newport Bay Watershed Executive Committee
- One Water, One Watershed
- Orange County Community Corrections Partnership
- Orange County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council
- Orange County Transportation Authority
- Santa Ana River Flood Control Protection Agency
- South Orange County Watershed Management Area Executive Committee
- Southern California Association of Governments
I thank Chairman Chaffee for listening to and entrusting me with the opportunity to address these important issues. I am committed to innovative solutions and will work hard alongside my colleagues throughout the coming year.
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“I look forward to having the opportunity to continue to work on issues that impact all Orange County residents. My priorities remain COVID-19 Relief, Homelessness & Housing, Sustainability & Transportation, Serving our Veterans, Workforce & Economic Development, and Transparency in Governance.”
On Thursday, January 27, 2022 we observed International Holocaust Remembrance Day to honor and remember the 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, along with the millions of other victims. We must continue to educate our world to prevent the atrocities of future genocides.
Please read the rest of our newsletter for the latest community news, more about our Board of Supervisors agenda items, and up-to-the-minute COVID health related news. Sign up for our Point-in-Time count to help the homeless in Orange County. See the flyer below!
Be well,
 Katrina Foley
Supervisor
County of Orange
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Board of Supervisors Meeting
 On Tuesday, January 25, 2022 we held our Board of Supervisors meeting and honored our Clerk of the Board, Robin Stieler, for her 25 years of service. I am thankful for her dedication to our County! You can watch the meeting: Here
We have three Board meetings in a row this month. Our next Board of Supervisor's meeting is on February 1, 2022 at 9:30 a.m.
Watch Live: Here
View the Agenda: Here
Approved Agenda Items
Agenda Item 1: The Board approved Chairman Chaffee’s re-appointment of our own District Director and Policy Advisor, Stephanie Wade, to a second term on the OC Veterans Advisory Council.
 Agenda Item 33: The Board approved a retroactive grant application to receive funds to address encampments at Talbert Regional Park. For years I have been working to address these issues and to return the area to its natural habitat. I’m thankful for the work of the Health Care Agency & OC Parks and look forward to addressing this critical public safety issue.
 Agenda S34D: The Board approved a resolution to join with law enforcement to eliminate the threat of fetanayl in our communities. Addressing the danger posed by fetanayl is a top priority. I will hold a public hearing on this issue on March 3, 2022 that includes Chairman Chaffee, Sheriff Barnes, Dr. Clayton Chau (OC Health Director), and Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris. More details will be announced soon!
Sustainability & Transportation
Alex Rounaghi, Policy Analyst
County Sustainability/Climate Action Plan Update
There are few issues more important to our office than protecting our natural resources—including our beaches, parks, and open space—and combatting climate change.
We are currently drafting the County’s first sustainability plan! Supervisor Foley allocated funds from her discretionary budget to hire a consultant who will be working with our office and the community to develop a detailed action plan. The goal is to present the plan prior to Earth Day (April 22).
We are currently recruiting residents to serve on our Climate Action Advisory Team (CAAT). Please email your resume and letter of interest to serve: alex.rounaghi@ocgov.com
 On Tuesday, the CA Assembly Select Committee on the Orange County Oil Spill held a hearing. We are thankful for the efforts of Chairwoman Cottie Petrie-Norris to lead this important work. You can watch the hearing: Here
Fly Friendly
Supervisor Foley and I had an incredibly productive Friday meeting with the Fly Friendly Working Group and Supervisor Bartlett. We received a scoring software demonstration from BridgeNet and an update on the timeline from JWA staff.
 As the consultant said, this program is "pushing the envelope" and will allow the community and operators to have real time data to make improvements that reduce noise. While there are potential delays from the FAA, we are still hoping for a late February-March launch and will update you as we learn more.
At the beginning of the meeting, Supervisor Foley introduced Supervisor Bartlett, whose District now includes the airport. Our offices look forward to working together and making real progress on issues impacting the airport and surrounding communities.
OCTA
Moving Toward Cleaner Vehicles
This week, Supervisor Foley participated in the Orange County Transportation Agency Board Meeting. The Board ratified their goals for the year, which included expanding ridership by working with Coastline College to provide discounted bus passes for students, receiving the final eight of ten plug-in battery-electric buses, and working on assesments that study a new rail station south of the existing Laguna Niguel Metrolink Station.
Supervisor Foley also met with the Teamsters who represent the Coach Operators to listen to their concerns about lack of breaks, COVID impacts, and unfair wages. I value the hard work of our Coach operators.
We look forward to sharing more updates on the Board moving forward. You can watch the Board meeting: Here
It's time to take advantage of the OCBus "Youth Ride Free" program. Through February 28, 2022, kids (ages 6 to 18) can catch a free ride to their job, shopping, practice or school on an OC Bus. It’s great for them and easier on you. Take advantage of this Youth Ride Free pass so your kids can safely get to important destinations on our County's clean reliable buses.
Get a pass: Here
Team Foley In The News This Week
Learn more about what's happening in your community and Supervisor Foley's efforts with District 2 initiatives!
Headlines
- Orange County Officials Pledge to Fight the 'Fentanyl Epidemic' Amid Rising Deaths:
The Epoch Times
- Don't Be Fooled By Fake COVID Test Scammers. Here's What to Avoid
LA Times
“While we have not heard any direct reports of fake pop-up sites, I encourage anyone with concerns to contact our office to verify the location and report any suspected fraud to local authorities.” - Supervisor Katrina Foley
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The Groundbreaking Sober Living Registry That Wasn't
OC Registry
“Improved coordination and transparency would help law enforcement and the Insurance Commissioner enforce the law against unscrupulous operators. These objectives could be advanced through a revised county registry, a model city ordinance, or another policy initiative. All options are on the table.” - Supervisor Katrina Foley
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People Deserve Better Public Engagement on COVID Data to Confont Omicron Surge
Voice of OC
“My office was calling for testing in early December, before anyone else – and handed 10,000 test kits in December and nearly 1,500 already so far in January. We led the charge on John Wayne airport testing and keeping clinics going – including our in-person presser at the Costa Mesa senior center.” - Supervisor Katrina Foley
- New County Supervisor Voting Map Gives Stronger Voice to OC's Latino Community
Voice of OC
- Country Trying to Staff Hundreds of Empty Jobs in OC Health Care Agency
OC Register
- Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley Announces 40 Hours of COVID-19 Emergency SIck Leave for County Employees
OC Breeze
Press Releases
"As a strong advocate for earn and learn apprenticeship programs, I want to expand programs that provide an opportunity to learn a trade and start on a path toward middle class stability. Apprenticeships benefit our communities by creating a better trained and skilled workforce, thereby increasing company revenue and worker satisfaction. These programs are structured, successful, and motivate apprentices and businesses for success." - OC Supervisor Katrina Foley
- Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley Appointed to Key Committees for 2022
Read more: Press Release
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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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$20,000 Senior Meal Grant Program
This week, in addition to attending the OCTA Board meeting, I reached out to all the City Managers of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Orange, Santa Ana, Tustin for updates on county related projects such as Project Homekey, bikeway projects connecting to county property, and upcoming plans for COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics. I look forward to partnering with our District 2 cities to address these critical issues.
The Office of Aging is currently accepting applications for a $20,000 Senior Meal Grant Program. The application opens January 31 at 8am and closes February 7 at 5pm. The grant can be used to augment existing home-delivery meals, grab and go meals, or onsite Meals. For more information please send us an email: Here
On Tuesday, I attended the Garden Grove City Council meeting and shared about our upcoming March 3rd Fentanyl Hearing, along with explaining more about our community vaccine clinic initiatives. During my comments I also informed the public that our office can direct staff to create a community vaccine clinic. If you or anyone else would like to set up a community vaccine clinic please contact our office at (714) 834-3220
As always, if you need assistance please call our office at (714) 834-3220 or email me directly at manuel.chavez@ocgov.com.
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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, Animal Services.
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Seeing Last Year's Impact & Forming New Relationships
It's been a pleasure getting to know the new cities in our District, as well as their city staff, community leaders, and organizations. This week, I met with several of my fifth-floor colleagues who previously represented the cities we now represent to get insight and partner with them on any initiatives they began. I gained a better understanding of each community's issues through these meetings, and I'm eager to work with them to continue their efforts with the overall goal of improving our community.
While we've been getting to know the new cities in our District, we have continued work on our District 2 initiatives. It is inspiring to see the feedback and impact from our work over the last year. I invite you to read a detailed report written by Muriel Ullman, a member of our Homeless Commission, on the positive changes that have occurred in Fountain Valley from our assistance with meal programs that benefit seniors, Veterans, families, and more.
I am also very excited to make progress on our Project Homekey initiatives, as well as the newly approved grants aimed at revitalizing Talbert Park in Costa Mesa. I hope we can do the same for other natural areas and resolve the issue in a way that benefits everyone in the community.
If you need assistance for yourself, your family or neighbors, or even a furry friend, please don't hesitate to reach out to me for assistance. Please contact me at (657) 270-1013.
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Commissioner Update
A Record Breaking Food Distribution & Grocery Gift Cards Dispersed
Muriel Ullman - Homeless Commission Appointee, OC Community Consulting at Fresh Beginnings Ministries
 Fresh Beginnings Ministries would like to thank District 2 Supervisor, Katrina Foley, and the County of Orange for providing local nonprofits with gift cards to local grocery stores over the holiday season. Thanks to the outreach efforts of the City of Fountain Valley, Fresh Beginnings Ministries was able to pick up grocery store cards for individuals who listed their names on a Meal Gap Services roster at "The Center" at the Founders Village Senior & Community Center (17967 Bushard St., Fountain Valley). At least 10 senior Fountain Valley residents were assisted through this program, which certainly helped make the holiday season more joyous!
 Meanwhile, Thanksgiving 2021 was a record-breaking event! Thanks to help from over 100 volunteers, 1200 family food boxes, 1200 turkeys, and 39,600 meals were provided to 24 different nonprofit and Veterans organizations located in Orange Country.
Additionally, thanks to the generosity of the County of Orange and District 2 Supervisor Katrina Foley, 385 turkeys and family food boxes were distributed from Costa Mesa to District 2 residents.
 We also appreciate our other amazing donors such as Restaurant Depot, Grocery Outlet, Congregation B'nai Israel, the Jewish Community Center of Orange County, Reiner Corporation, Wimbish Foundation, and the Harlow Foundation for making this event possible for families and individuals in need in our community.
Fresh Beginnings Ministries is so grateful for so many great people who put in three months of time and effort to show compassion to neighbors they don't even know personally. This shows that, even during a crazy time, community matters! Let's do it again next year!
"I want to personally thank Pastor Bill Nelson, Executive Director, who led us to all of these accomplishments." - Muriel Ullman, OC Community Consulting at Fresh Beginnings Ministries
Courtesy & Safety On County Park Trails
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With the great increase in visitors to our County parks during the COVID pandemic, the use of park trails has skyrocketed, especially on weekends. Trails in the County's wilderness parks are typically open to walkers, equestrian riders, and mountain bike riders. On the weekends, in particular, popular trails have become crowded and this has occasionally resulted in conflicts among the participants. OC Parks is aware of the high user volume and is working on new approaches to manage the trails in ways that minimize such conflicts.
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A key message to all park users is the need to encourage courtesy and safety when enjoying these "gems of Orange County." Suggested actions for park users include runners slowing down when near equestrian riders and mountain bikers slowing down when near all other trail users. These common sense actions help reduce conflicts, and greatly assist OC Parks in managing our many wonderful parks.
Follow Orange County Parks on social media and check out their website to learn about excellent programming offered for residents.
Veterans Advisory Committee
Stephanie Wade, District Director and Policy Advisor
 Former Marine Corps Captain and D2 District Director, Stephanie Wade, pictured with Dongwoo “Joe” Pak of the Memorial Comittee where she attended in her role as Vice Chair of the OC Veterans Advisory Committee
Stephanie Wade, here! Let's take a moment to talk about supporting Veterans and how folks can help me in that work. In addition to working with the Supervisor’s internal Veterans Committee, I serve as the Vice Chair of the Orange County Veterans Advisory Committee or OCVAC. OCVAC is the County’s official liaison to the Veterans’ community and advises both County agencies and the Board of Supervisors on what Veterans want and need. Originally appointed to the Committee by Supervisor Chaffee in 2020, I am proud to be reappointed (as of this week) to work alongside Supervisor Foley’s appointee and Afghan War Veteran, Alex Gonzalez of Costa Mesa. We meet monthly and want your public input.
The monthly meetings are—at least for the foreseeable future—held via Zoom, on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at noon. Please join us on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, as we discuss and take public comments on several important issues, including a proposed “Post 9-11 Heroes Ceremony,” staffing & policy issues at our County Veterans Service Office, as well as welcoming Veterans from our most recent conflicts.
Zoom Link to attend: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81210064168
Webinar ID: 812 1006 4168
To learn more about the Committee, go to: www.veterans.ocgov.com/advisory
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Orange County Surpasses 500,000 COVID Cases And 6,000 Deaths
"I am grateful to our reisdents for making the choice to get vaccinated and boosted, not only for their health, but to prioritize the health of those around them. We may wish for life to return to normal and things will get better, but we need to manage surges with reasonable precautions.” - Supervisor Katrina Foley
The 7-day average positivity rate in our County is 23.3%. In total, 2,385,501 Orange County residents are fully vaccinated, while 1,095,438 reisdents have received their booster shot or additonal vaccines. Read more about the unfortunate milestone of surpassing 500k COVID-19 cases: OC Register
Remember, Omicron is a highly transmissible variant that is still circulating in our community.
N95 masks are available at all local pharmacies and will arrive in mailboxes soon.
Preventative Measures Against COVID-19 Are Still Necessary as Lunar New Year Celebrations Anticipated.
Learn More: OC Health, California Department of Public Health
If you've been in close contact with someone who has COVID, please self-quarantine.
If you have tested positive for COVID or have COVID symptoms, please self-isolate.
A detailed description of isolation vs. a quarantine is found: Here
Vaccination Rates
 Click Here to see the COVID-19 vaccination rates comparison, above, in full.
To view the vaccination rates, per city, go Here
Please get vaccinated and boosted ... or tested for COVID if you are feeling sick.
- Find testing site near you: Here
- Get 4 free test kit for your household through the U.S. Federal Government: Here
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Orange County residents can also order a free self-collection PCR test kit: Here
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South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa
 Select South Coast Plaza restaurants will celebrate Year of the Tiger with special dishes. Asian favorites such as Din Tai Fung, and AnQi Bistro will offer their crowd-pleasing menus. Knife Pleat and Water Grill will once again commemorate the holiday with symbolic dishes, find out more details: Here
Celebrate the Year of the Tiger
Be sure to attend the Lunar New Year exhibit on display at the Balboa Island Museum during the month of February. It showcases the fascinating history of Wing Lam, his parents, Cheong Kwong Lee and Lee So Ching, and their family, who immigrated from China to Balboa Island.
You can also learn more about the local Lee Family (Wahoo’s Fish Taco and Shanghai Pine Garden). As a reminder, Wing was also a major contributor to our holiday coat drive that helped local children and families.
 Pet of the Week: Marvel Animal ID: A1748818
This heroically handsome 1-year-old boy is ready to fly right into your heart! Marvel may come across as a little shy when he first meets you but, given some time to warm up, he is ready to snuggle right into your life! Marvel loves everything from curling up for a nice nap in his house, to playing hide and go seek in his hay! Marvel’s adorable little squeak will always let you know when it’s time for dinner, and his expressive eyes will definitely convince you to give him healthy treats! Now is the perfect time to adopt a SUPER cute friend like Marvel thanks to our Hoppy New Year adoption promotion! Through the end of January, all adoption fees have been waived for rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters!
Think Marvel would be a good fit for your family? Call (714) 935-6848 to set up an adoption appointment today! (Animal ID: A1748818)
Santa Ana
Santa Ana Zoo
Looking for outdoor activity? Visit the Santa Ana Zoo featuring over 80 species of animals, including some of the smallest monkeys in the world, and the Golden Headed Lion Tamarins. The Zoo is a place to play, a place to learn, and a place to spend time with your family.
Hall of Administration, Santa Ana
For those visiting the Hall of Administrations:
The Promenade closure has been continued to May 2022, due to the continued ongoing construction of the County Administration North building. See a map, below:
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Thank you, from Team Foley
 Thank you for being an active member in your community.
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@SupervisorFoley
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