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| Volume 2 | Issue 8 |
February 25, 2022 |
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Upcoming Fentanyl Hearing, Point in Time Count Results, and Honoring Olympians
Dear Neighbor:
On Tuesday, my team and I participated in the Point in Time Count to survey the number of unhoused residents in Orange County. I want to thank our volunteers, law enforcement, and County staff for their hard work. Learn more about our volunteers, the results from the count, and what this means for our work to end homelessness in Orange County, below.
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 This week, we received confirmation from the State of California for a $3.6 million encampment removal grant we initiated in December of 2021 for Talbert Park in Costa Mesa. Read more about it: Here
Our local heroes include our first responders and we lost one of them last week. I joined the procession, this week, as we honored the life and service of Police Officer Nick Vella, a 14-year veteran of the department, who passed away in a helicopter crash. My thoughts are with all who knew him. To contribute to a fund for his family, go: Here
 As you noticed on Facebook, I am a big supporter of our Olympic athletes who bring so much pride to our County. On Wednesday, I joined Supervisor Bartlett and supporters from The Rinks & Great Park Ice in the City of Irvine to welcome back Men’s 2022 Figure Skating Olympian Nathan Chen. Find more pictures below.
Next Thursday, we host our important Fentanyl Hearing. Joined by Chairman Doug Chaffee (4th District), Sheriff Barnes, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie Norris, and others, our public hearing will address the County’s response to the fentanyl epidemic and drug threats that have emerged or changed as a result of COVID-19 and other factors. You’ll find a full list of our panelists and how you can submit a public comment in the “Fentanyl Hearing” section of this week’s newsletter.
I am happy to announce that OCTA has approved free bus passes for youth ages 6 to 18 years old. I am on the Board of Directors for the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and you can read my statement about the Youth Ride Free Pass becoming permanent. OCTA is the first large transit agency in the region to offer free bus rides to all youth ages 6 to 18 on an ongoing basis. Read more: Here
 March will usher in spring, but it will also include a series of public hearings and events.
My priorities include workforce development and economic recovery. Join us, on March 9, 2022, for our apprenticeship career pathways program. If you are looking for a job, please mark your calendars for the event: Here
 March is Women’s History Month. Let’s celebrate the contributions of women in our community! Please make your nomination by March 18, 2022: Here
Continue to read our weekly newsletter for more updates!
Be well,
 Katrina Foley
Supervisor
County of Orange
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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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Fentanyl Hearing
Our Fentanyl Hearing is just 1 week away on March 3, 2022. We want to do everything possible to stop fentanyl poisoning and hold those responsible for fentanyl-related deaths accountable. Our goal is to take testimony from a panel of experts and the public, then generate recommendations for public health and safety changes. Mark your calendar and support our efforts to keep our communities safe from Fentanyl. Remember, 1 pill can kill!
Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes
Costa Mesa Police Chief Ronald Lawrence
Dr. Clayton Chau, Director of the Orange County Health Care Agency & County Health Officer
Dr. Veronica Kelley, Chief, Mental Health and Recovery Services, Orange County Health Care Agency
Matt Holtzman, Chair of the County of Orange Behavioral Health Advisory Board, Chair of Government Relations for NAMI Orange County
Panel III – Public Policy
California State Assembly member Cottie Petrie-Norris, 74th District
California State Senator Patricia Bates, 36th District
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer
Board of Supervisors Meeting
Our next Board of Supervisors meeting is on March 8, 2022 at 9:30 a.m.
View the agenda: Here
View a list of all 2022 Orange County #BOS meetings: Here
Point In Time Count
Alex Rounaghi, Policy Analyst
Our 3-day 2022 Point in Time count resulted in a turnout of 600 volunteers.
While many residents faced considerable challenges during the pandemic, our housing resources in Orange County are more prevalent than ever before.
"According to early estimates, I believe that there will be fewer unhoused residents in Orange County than during out last countywide survey in 2019. Unfortunately, those remaining on the streets struggle with more serious issues including severe mental health disorders and drug addiction. " – Supervisor Katrina Foley
In 2019, we had larger encampments and have made big strides in offering more permanent or supportive housing and rental vouchers, including 1000 shelter beds and the use of COVID-19 resources to help residents. The County of Orange is also receiving an award of $3.6 million to provide shelter or housing for 60 individuals currently experiencing homelessness in local encampments.
The $3.6 million is part of $60 million dollars in funding from the state of California, provided to 19 counties across the state. We applied for these funds on December 30, 2021, for the Encampment Resolutions Notice of Funding Opportunity. Supervisor Foley welcomes these additional resources that will be used to clean up the Talbert Park encampment in Costa Mesa, California.
Read more of Supervisor Foley's Point in Time Count comments: Here
Read Supervisor Foley's Press Release About the $3.6 million in funding to clean up Talbert Park: Here
Volunteer Feature
 Point in Time Count Volunteers - Summer Soto, Jessica (Cal Optima)
Hello, my name is Summer Soto and I was one of the Team Foley’s volunteers for the Point in Time count.
I noticed the request for volunteers on social media and a follow up email, and knew that I wanted to help. My inspiration for volunteering comes from my grandmother, Carmen. During her lifetime, she supported many worthy causes and taught me that, in order for things to change, we must be willing to give our time to a greater cause. I am happy to continue this tradition, in her honor.
I chose the Point in Time count as I know how important it is to have a real-time count of our homeless population. The PIT count becomes a voice for those who are otherwise voiceless. The survey directly impacts funding allocations, countywide, and gives our County a clearer picture of the many resources that are needed.
When I’m not volunteering, I enjoy spending time with my fiancé, family, and my two fur babies. I also enjoy bike riding along the Newport Back Bay, skiing, playing golf, and donating time to local pet rescues. If you are interested in joining me in volunteering, email the Supervisor at: katrina.foley@ocgov.com
Welcoming Home Nathan Chen
Nathan Chen is an American figure skater and the 2022 Olympic Champion, a three-time world champion, amongst many other titles. Chen is nicknamed "the Quad King" due to his ability to perform quadruple jumps with ease. It was great to join his followers, fans, friends from the community, and The Rinks & Great Park Ice in the City of Irvine in honor him upon his return to the John Wayne Airport.
Pathways to Apprenticeship – Informational Fair
 https://www.oconestop.com/featured-events
County of Orange opens public comment period for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding
The County of Orange opened the public comment period for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The public may submit comments during the FY 2022-23 Budget development process starting on February 1, 2022 through March 11, 2022 by clicking: Here.
Team Foley In The News This Week
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Volunteers Fan Out Across Orange County to Count Homeless People After COVID-19 Upended Biannual Census
Daily Pilot
- Procession for Huntington Beach Operator Killed in Helicopter Crash Brings Out Hundreds of Volunteers
OC Register
- Poll: Orange County Residents on Homelessness
Spectrum News
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OCTA And Coach Operators’ Union Reach Tentative Agreement, OC Bus Service Continues As Usual
OC Breeze
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Orange County Takes Free Public Transit Leap With ‘Permanent’ Youth Bus Passes
Voice of OC
OCTA board directors like Katrina Foley, also an elected Orange County Supervisor, at the Feb. 14 meeting said the “ultimate goal” is “creating a public transit-going culture” where “people can be confident in the public transit system taking them to school, work, etc.”
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Orange County Awarded $3.9M to Help Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
Laguna Beach Independent
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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
I hope that everyone had a great Presidents' Day break! On Tuesday, I had the privilege of joining OEM Materials and Supplies, a local woman-owned business, as they celebrated their 17-years in business. I applaud OEM Materials and Supplies for their amazing achievement and look forward to seeing them grown in the future.
Early Tuesday evening, I represented Supervisor Foley at the El Modena High School STEM Complex unveiling. This project was funded by the Orange Unified School District using Measure S funds. It was a heartwarming moment, seeing all the young Orange Vanguards in anticipation of entering their new classroom facilities.
Later that night, Billy Tettemer, from Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris' office, and I took part in the County’s Point in Time Count. It’s a critical survey that gives us an accurate depiction on the state of homeless in Orange County.
That’s it, for me, this week. See everyone next week!
  El Modena High School STEM Complex unveiling
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Constituent Services Manager
Please reach out to me at any time with questions or concerns: Kalvin.Alvarez@ocgov.com
Representing Anaheim, Orange, Tustin, North Tustin (unincorporate), Animal Services.
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Nominate An Everyday Hero for Orange County's 2022 Red Cross Awards
Here in District 2, we had another busy week! Our office was all hands on deck for the County's 2022 Point-In-Time Count, where the Supervisor and I went out at 4 a.m. on Tuesday morning, to survey the streets of Costa Mesa. By identifying and communicating with our residents experiencing homelessness, I had the honor of meeting a man who shared a heartbreaking story of losing his home and contact with his two daughters. Hearing first-hand stories truly helps me empathize with our unfortunate residents who become homeless.
I strongly advise you to participate in the next Point in Time count in two years. This is genuinely eye-opening work that is critical to the improvement of our community.
Later this week, I had the opportunity to join the Supervisor at John Wayne Airport in greeting American figure skater and 2022 Olympic Gold Medalist Nathan Chen. The pride in the room was palpable as our County’s Olympian returned home. Thank you, to everyone at John Wayne Airport, for planning such a wonderful surprise for him.
Make a nomincation for Orange County's 2022 Red Cross Awards: Here
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Stephanie Wade, Deputy Director, Policy Advisor
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The biggest event for our Community Services Team, this week, was the County’s Everyone Counts survey of our unsheltered neighbors, as the Supervisor and my team members noted. What stood out for me most from the count were the stories from some of the unsheltered folks I met.
Each of the stories I heard demonstrates how all 6 of the Supervisor’s priorities for good County government intersect around the issue of homelessness.
My team of four surveyed 19 homeless individuals in Santa Ana in a 4-hour shift that lasted from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.. The people we met were mainly the chronically homeless who have mental health and/or substance abuse issue. Each of the 19 people we encountered were kind to us, but what stood out most was how very isolated and vulnerable they were to crime, disease, and the elements.
One of the saddest interactions was with a young man who was overdosing on drugs outside of a 7-11 store. It was Tuesday night and, as you may recall, the weather was down in the 40’s with rain and bitter winds. The man was unkempt and flailing about on the ground, in a tattered blanket, while shouting incoherently. He was not wearing shoes and only dressed in a thin polo shirt and sweatpants. I called 911 and, within 5 minutes, a Santa Ana fire engine and a paramedic ambulance were on scene.
The senior firefighter explained that the man was being taken to the emergency room where he would, most likely, be stabilized and released within 24-hours. This brought home the social and moral cost to our community when residents struggle, right on the streets ... many who we may not even notice. How many people walked past this man without calling for help?
Supervisor Foley has been instrumental in promoting Project Homekey. Project Homekey has already been successful in Stanton, and new projects are underway in Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, and Anaheim: Here
I couldn’t help but wonder how much better off this man would be (and how much more likely he would be to enter treatment for his addiction and mental health), if he was at a sheltered Homekey location. Homekey uses generous state funds to acquire buildings—often distressed hotel properties—and rapidly converts them into single room occupancy units that serve as bridge or interim housing. This puts our unsheltered neighbors in a place where they can receive a variety of housing, addiction, job, mental and medical services required to help get them back on their feet and off our streets. We will continue to encourgae cities to work on Project Homekey proposals. It is time to use these tools to solve issues in this ongoing crisis. |
A Steep Decline In COVID-19 Cases
 Cases of Omicron in Orange County have dropped dramatically, with more than a 70% drop over a two-week period. Learn more: Here
OC Heath Care Agency Updates: State Issues Updated COVID-19 Child Care Guidance, FDA Advises Against Using Recalled Powdered Infant Formulas
Read more: Here
The CDC has updated their vaccine boosters and additional doses guidance. Find OC Health Care Agency's infographic with all the details: Here
Read the CDC's mask guidance: 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: As of now, we have 2,430,510 fully vaccinated residents and 1,194,500 have received their booster shot or additional doses. The 7-day average positivity rate (2/25/22) in our County is 4.1%.
Stop By & Pick Up A COVID Cheek Swab Test
Please stop by the Orange Coast College COVID Vaccine Clinic on Mondays from 8:30 - 4:30 p.m.(excluding holidays) and Thursdays from 12:00 - 8:00 p.m where I am passing out cheek swab COVID tests. You can also get your vaccine or booster shot at the OCC location or any of the locations below.
Find District 2 clinics: Here
 Did you pick up a N95 mask yet? Find out more: Here
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Microbusiness Grants
Bowers Museum
The Bowers Museum is proud to present Eat Like Walt author Marcy Carriker Smothers in a FREE virtual cooking lesson, just for Santa Ana parents! Tune in at 7 pm on Monday, February 28 to follow along on a cooking lesson inspired by dishes from Disneyland!
From cooking lessons to career pathways, home safety and more - the Parent Support System series is a bilingual program made just for Santa Ana families to address the needs of our local community. Virtual Cooking Lesson with the Parent Support System
RSVP mlopez@bowers.org or (714) 567-3678
Learn more: Here
 Bowers Museum in Santa Ana
 Pet of the Week: Honey Buns Animal ID#: Animal ID#: A1729741
Say hello to Honey Buns! This beautiful German Shepherd/Rottweiler mix is about 2-years-old and is so full of happiness! Honey was brought to the OC Animal Care back in July of 2021 when her owner developed some health complications that prevented them from being able to fully take care of their beloved pet. Since being in our care, we’ve been able to experience just how sweet Honey Buns truly is! Honey can take a little bit of time to warm up to new people but, when given the proper patience and space, she will become your best friend and never leave your side!
Honey Buns loves to do zoomies around the play yard and is always ready to accompany you on a walk (or a run!) ...with some couch potato time afterward of course! This beautiful girl enjoys her treats, but she would much rather spend time right next to the people she loves than sit down and chomp on a bone all day. Honey is an incredibly sweet girl who has been looking for a new place to call home for 227 very long days. Can you help her find her furr-ever family?
Due to her energetic style of play, Honey Buns will do best in a home with kids ages 15 and older, where she can be the only pet.
Interested in giving Jade a loving home? Call (714) 935-6848 to set up an adoption appointment today! (Animal ID: A1729741)
National Women's History Month
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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
My office is also recruiting commissioners to appoint to our Orange County Historical Commission and Waste and Recycling Commission. You can find more information: Here To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com.
Thank you for being an active member in your community.
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@SupervisorFoley
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