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Volume 2 | Issue 6 |
February 12, 2022 |
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Showing Our Care Through County Initiatives
Dear Neighbor:
With Valentine's Day just days away, our office is focused on making a positive impact on every resident in Orange County. If you know someone who is looking to get married, I will have the honor of officiating weddings through the OC Clerk-Recorder office on February 14th.
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While I am new to being a caretaker for Santa Ana, in addition to being in our District, it is also the city that my staff and I (along with the other Supervisors elected to the Board) work in. On Wednesday morning I attended a meeting with the City of Santa Ana about the small businesses impacted by the OCTA streetcar project.
Helping small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic remains a top priority for our office. Some of the most innovative incubator businesses are the hardest hit by the pandemic, due to low cash reserves. We want to help them stay in business and succeed.
My team and I listened to concerns, including concerns from businesses about their customers being ticketed. That same day, I also met with OCTA and the Santa Ana Mayor, Vicente Sarmiento, to find solutions to the impact of construction on businesses, parking, signage, security, and ticketing. While we work out a strategy that helps both the businesses and the city's renovation, please visit the shops on 4th Street in Santa Ana. They are open for business!
We continue to look for opportunities to serve Orange County Veterans and, this Valentine's Day, we want to show our thanks!
Help us spread joy to local Veterans with a Valentine's Day card! All you have to do is send a Valentine's Day card (or several) for a Veteran to c/o Supervisor Foley's Valentines for Veterans, 333 Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92701 or drop it off in our "V-Day" box at the same address (located in the downstairs lobby). We will distribute the Valentine to a Veteran, on your behalf, and brighten their day!
Be well,
Katrina Foley Supervisor County of Orange
Do you have a question or comment? Please email us for assistance at Katrina.Foley@OCGov.com.
Ps.There is still time to register for our pre-count Point in Time training. This biennial count is in big need of volunteers. Please register and encourage friends and family to join your team and volunteer: Here
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In This Edition
Read more about our Transparency in Governance, Team Updates, Health News, and Community News.
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ARPA funds
While a large part of my role as Supervisor is taking action to support our communities and the people who live in them, a key step in that process is listening. We each have experiences as community members and ideas about our needs and the needs of our families.
With your thoughts in mind, I want to hear from you! How should the Board of Supervisors vote to spend the balance of our $308.4 million in ARPA funds?
Your input matters to me. Please vote: Here
Laguna Beach Wildfire
Photo Credit: Stella Chan, Cheri Mossburg and Amir Vera, CNN, 2022
On Thursday morning a fire broke out in Laguna Beach, in the Emerald Bay Area. Strong winds and heat made the situation even more formidable and evacuation orders were put in place. Local schools, highways, and parks were closed and the City of Laguna Beach opened a reception area for displaced residents, along with an informational hotline. By the day's end, more than 145 acres burned but containment and structural defense remained strong, leading to the evacuation order being lifted.
Thank you to Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie Norris, for the last year's investment in an early fire detection system to warn of a fire start. We also benefitted from the immediate deployment of the Chinook helicopters with 3,000 gallons of water and the heroic ground game of the multi-agency Fire Departments who saved property and lives. Not a single Laguna beach home was damaged or destroyed.
Board of Supervisors Meeting
Watch this week's February 8, 2022 Board of Supervisors meeting: Here. View our agenda or a list of 2022 Orange Count #BOS meetings: Here Our next meeting is on March 8, 2022.
Approved Agenda Items
- The Board approved a contract with Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation for substance use disorder training and education programs. This organization does great work and I am looking forward to ensuring that a best practice approach is followed when it comes to substance use disorder treatment.
- The Board approved the use of MHSA funds for permanent financing to Paseo Adelanto—a 50 unit affordable housing project in San Juan Capistrano. This project will help us address our County's homelessness challenges and I’m grateful for the work of Jamboree, the city, and County partners.
- The Board approved the County’s 2022 Legislative Priorities. During the discussion, I emphasized the importance of open space, parks, and coastal resources; I will advocate for the inclusion of these important priorities in the future. I'm also pleased that the following priorities were included.
State:
• Mental Health & Recovery Services • Homelessness & Housing • OC CARES/Criminal Justice • Veterans Cemetery • Health & Social Services
Federal:
• Mental Health & Recovery Services • Homelessness & Housing • OC CARES/Criminal Justice • Infrastructure Funding • Homeland Security & Public Safety Funding
Check out the full legislative bulletin: Here
Developing our Climate Action Team
Alex Rounaghi, Policy Analyst
I am currently working with the Supervisor on our Fly Friendly initiatives, Homelessness initiatives, preparation for our Fentanyl Hearing, and our sustainabiliity action plan with the help of our consultant.
If you are interested in volunteering to help with any of these issues or would like to join our Climate Action Advisory Team (CAAT) please email me: alex.rounaghi@ocgov.com
Save the date for our upcoming Fentanyl hearing to put an end to Countywide fentanyl poisoning and overdose.
OC Parks Commission Update
Michael Wellborn OC Parks Commissioner
The OC Parks Commission met on February 3rd and heard an update on the new rights and arrangements between OC Parks, the Irvine Company, the Irvine Ranch Water District and the Serrano Water District for the utilization and management of Irvine Lake and adjacent property. This has been a long awaited step forward for the County.
OC Parks Director, Tom Starnes, and his staff introduced 9 new park ranger recruits who will be graduating from their training courses in March. The recruits will be a valued addition to the ranger ranks in our parks.
The Commission also approved two changes to their bylaws to move the meeting start times from 7:00 pm of the first Thursday of each month to 6:00 pm; and they approved an addition to the bylaws to specify that actions are subject to a majority vote of those commissioners present.
Finally, the Commission elected officers for the 2022 year. Member John Koos (representing the 4thSupervisorial District) was elected the new Chair, and Member David Shawver (representing Inland Cities) was elected as Vice-Chair. Former Chair, Joe Muller (representing Coastal Cities) was noted for his contributions in leading the Commission.
OC Parks Director Starnes concluded the meeting noting that a number of the County parks are holding public events in February. Information on the events is at www.OCParks.com/events.
The next meeting of the Commission is scheduled to be held at 6:00 pm (the new time) on March 3, 2022 at the OC Parks headquarters in Irvine.
Team Foley In The News This Week
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Downtown Santa Ana Small Business Owners Block OC Streetcar Construction Over Lost Profits
Voice of OC
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Santa Ana Merchants Protest the Fallout From Trolley Construction
OC Register
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Laguna Beach Brush Fire Prompts Evacuation Orders, Warnings, School Closures
My News LA
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Santana: As Omicron Eases, Orange County Ponders The Future of The Public Health Department
Spectrum News
- 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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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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My Week in Review
Last weekend, I attended the Black History Parade & Unity Festival in where our office distributed information on County agencies and boxes of masks. It's important for Supervisor Foley that our residents have the personal protective equipment that they need to stay safe.
On Tuesday, I had the honor of joining the Orange City Council in recognizing the family of Lorenzo Ramirez who filed a joint lawsuit in Mendez et.al vs. Westminster to desegregate Oange County schools in 1945. This case would eventually be used by the Supreme Court to rule on Brown v. Board of Education desegregating the entire county. Thank you for Councilwoman Ana Gutiérrez for inviting us to attend this beautiful recognition, it is important to recognize our local county heroes.
On Wednesday morning I joined the Supervisor in visiting with local business owners who were impacted by the OC Streetcar on 4th Street and Bush. We heard from residents who were scared that their business would not survive the 6-month-old construction. Our office is looking into getting more signage and expanding the County parking lot hours to help alleviate the concerns of patrons not knowing where to park. We will keep you all up-to-date with any changes.
Grant opportunity! The County is administering a grant that will provide up to $2,500 to microbusinesses facing barriers to accessing capital. Application period: Feb 14 - Mar 15. To apply, visit: Here
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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, North Tustin (unincorporate), Animal Services.
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Staying Engaged In Every City
As we continued our work with constituents across the County, I wanted to let you know about some resources in each of the cities I represent.
If you live in Tustin, make sure that you download the "Engage Tustin" app. This app is powered by GPS technology to make communicating with Tustin's city government and staff easier than ever!
Next, If you're local to Anaheim, consider checking out the Honda job fair on February 15-18. Our office will also be hosting a job fair within the next few months and I will provide more details as that approaches.
Last, if you or a family member is looking for fun, summer job, the City of Orange is accepting applications for the following positions – Assistant Pool Manager, Lifeguard/Swim Instructors, Swim Attendants, Recreation Services Leader, and Recreation Services Specialists: Here
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Mobile Vaccine Pods
During the last 10 months, we’ve partnered with the OC Health Agency to bring multiple vaccine pods to Orange County, including the Orange Coast College Vaccine Pod where we have passed out masks and test kits to residents. We are now working to bring mobile vaccine pods to the cities below:
New California Department of Health Guidelines
On February 15, 2022 our statewide indoor mask requirement will end. Learn more: Here However, there are a few exceptions: certain settings require masking and those who have not been vaccinated should still wear a mask indoors for their own protection and to protect others.
OC Health Agency Press Release: Here
*For children 5 years through 17 years of age, a primary series consists of 2 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. For persons 18 and older, a primary series consists of:
A 2-dose series of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or
A single-dose COVID-19 vaccine (Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine)
COVID CASES: We shared, last week, that a sublineage of the Omicron variant has been detected in California. The updated 7-day average positivity rate (2/9/22) in our County is 11.3%. Of our 2,412,117 fully vaccinated residents, less than half have received their booster, whcih means that we have a ways to go to get our communities fully #vaccinated and #boosted.1,162,927 are boosted or have received additional doses.
Helpful Links for Getting Vaccinated
Hello Everyone,
I wanted to share all of the relvant vaccine and clinic links to visit or share on social media for friends and family.
Have a great week and stay safe,
Michele
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Local Museum Exhibition
Local residents can attend Bower Museum's breathtaking Everest: Ascent to Glory exhibition, featuring more than 20 original objects and 60 stunning photographs of Everest’s illustrious history. From climbing rope found with the remains of George Mallory, to one of the first oxygen sets ever employed in high-altitude climbing, the exhibition takes visitors on an epic journey reflective of the true triumphs and tragedies intertwined with Everest.
The Exhibition will run from February 12th – August 28th 2022 and you can find more details: Here
“The Bowers museum provides exhibits and programming for all ages. I encourage families to visit and learn about the treacherous journey, bravery and determination of the Everest sherpas and climbers. It’s the perfect exhibit to start the new year with optimism and a showing of strength,” – Supervisor Katrina Foley.
A Night to Celebrate Youth
Last weekend we attended the Samueli Academy event "A Night to Celebrate Youth." It was an honor to present a Certificate to a school that helps our kids with a research-based 'best practice' approach!
The Samueli Academy began 20 years ago with the intention of providing kids with the care, attention, and education that would help them graduate high school and go on to college and a successful future. Orangewood Foundation's Youth Connected Program has on-campus housing dorms and academic assistance.
Community Celebrations
Our diversity remains our strength. I enjoyed the many cultural celebrations this week for Black History Month and the Lunar New Year. At the wishing wall at Tet, I wished that this #YearoftheTiger bring bravery, courage, an agile nature and strength to us all. 🐅
The Black History Month parade was a wonderful opportunity to recognize the many black Americans that have made the world a better place as inventors, leaders, and caring citizens.
Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year and a future that is filled with equality for all.
Clerk-Recorder to Offer Extended Valentine's Day Hours
You now have more time to get married this Valentine's Day! While Supervisor Foley is officiating marriage ceremonies on behalf of the OC Clerk-Recorder office, you can tie the knot with extended hours at the following locations: Anaheim, Laguna Hills, and at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana (through 5 p.m.).
Complete an application and/or make an appointment: Here Walkins welcome but an appointment is recommended.
For more information, call (714) 834-2500 or visit OCRecorder.com.
Pet of the Week: Lucy Animal ID: A1737159
Lucy is a beautiful year-and-a-half old Vizsla mix who has had difficulty finding a loving family to call home. Lucy’s adorable grin and cheerful personality will definitely melt your heart. Her love of playing and treats will always keep you active! Lucy is an energetic girl who would love a running or hiking partner who likes to stretch their legs as much as she does! Lucy would make a great exercise buddy, but she also knows how to spend quality time with humans and curl up on the couch after a long day. Our favorite things about Lucy are her adorable floppy ears, her genuine love of the outdoors, and the way she will plop on the ground and roll in the grass! Lucy can come across a little shy at first, but don’t let that fool you! This sweet girl is quick to give love and affection to the humans she trusts the most. Due to her energetic personality, we think Lucy will do best in an active, adult-only home, where she can be the only pet.
Interested in giving Lucy a loving home? Call (714) 935-6848 to set up an adoption appointment today! (Animal ID: A1737159)
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Supervisor Foley's Committee Appointments
I am committed to innovative solutions and will work hard alongside my colleagues throughout the coming year. If you have questions or comments that you'd like to share in relation to the committees below, please email me at Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com
- 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
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! Facebook, Instagram, Twitter @SupervisorFoley
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