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| Volume 2 | Issue 16 |
April 29, 2022 |
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Caring for People & Our Planet
Dear Neighbor:
I end the month of April grateful for my overall good health, and access to quality healthcare and vaccines. I’m also encouraged by the progress of my team on our top priorities: eliminating homelessness and encampments from communities, helping our residents and businesses recover from the pandemic, planning for a sustainable future that protects our natural resources, supporting our veterans, the arts and local nonprofits that serve our County, and initiating workforce development programs to help train our incarcerated youth for earn and learn apprenticeships upon release, and help adult residents find careers leading to a path toward the middle class.
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In this week’s newsletter, you’ll learn more about the exciting $10.7 million dollars in Homekey funding that Costa Mesa received and how to purchase $5 tickets to our OC LIVE Concert Series featuring popular Orange County musicians at premier venues.
 As many of you know, I didn’t feel well, so I tested for Covid. My positive result surprised me, and I immediately left work to quarantine and isolate … where I’ve been ever since. I planned to work remotely, but the effects of the illness required rest. I’m feeling much better today and look forward to returning to work on Monday. Since taking office last year, I’ve encouraged our residents to get vaccinated and boosted to protect against severe illness from Covid. Contracting COVID really drove home the importance of getting vaccinated as a form of self-care. What felt like a bad cold or the flu - for me … as a vaccinated and boosted person - may be deadly for someone unvaccinated or facing preexisting conditions and comorbidities. However, while I joined the many Americans who experienced mild illness thanks to the vaccine, we are turning a corner in our approach to COVID. Learn more about the new phase we’ve entered, below.
Working remotely, I participated in the Asian American Bar Association meeting to give an update on the County’s efforts and funding related to homelessness.
 This week, I also challenged my staff and my appointed Commissioners to present a new, innovative solution to any problem that our residents face. These inspired ideas will evolve into several new community action plans that help our youth, combat climate change, support small businesses and foster safe communities. We want to hear from you. My challenge: “Pich a project, program or initiative that costs less than $1million and will immediately impact people or provide a long term benefit that no one is doing so we can fill a void.” Send us your ideas: Here
Find out more, below, about our current work, including my proposal to prohibit the use of Styrofoam within County facilities, an update on projects at OCTA and John Wayne Airport, and other upcoming community activities.
The team at County of Orange-OC Community Services shared a great photo showing the full scope of our very successful career fair, last week, with more than 260 attendees and 104 employers, including Veterans Service Providers. Sign up for our career fair mailing list: Here
This week, my office received our annual 7 year Capital Improvement Project update. This plan begin last fall. Although the Board only recently assigned me as caretaker for the new District 2, I noticed very limited funding for improvements in the District. I provided input and requested acceleration of a few park and active transportation projects. This District needs some attention, for sure.
Announced this week, UCLA grad, Jessica Watkins, will be joining the NASA space station crew as the first black woman. UCLA is my alma mater! I’m so proud of our Bruin family!
May will include Teacher Appreciation Week, Mental Health Awareness Month, National Nurses Day, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day. Watch for information about our first annual Army Birthday and Flag Day celebration in June in partnership with the Exchange Club of Newport Beach. We will also host a pet pantry in June. I hope to see you in person, soon.
Also, welcome to Cindy Tran-Chang as my office's new Policy Advisor. Cindy manages policy issues related to transportation and other Countywide issues. A graduate of UCLA pursuing her Master’s in Public Administration from Cal State University, San Bernardino, Cindy’s employment with the County began more than 24-years ago at the Orange County Department of Child Support Services. For nearly 3 decades, she worked as a business process analyst, policy analyst, and operations manager. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, the theater, and attending concerts.
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If you have a concern for me to address, please email: Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com
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Join us for our next Board of Supervisors meeting on May 10, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. View the agenda: Here
Be Well,
 Katrina Foley
Supervisor
County of Orange
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In This Edition
Read more about our District and County Initiatives in your community, along with
health and
community news.
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OC Live Concert Series
Our OC LIVE Concert Series is less than a week away. Buy $5 tickets today and support future art grants!
Get Tickets: Here
Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley Announces $10.7 Million in New Funding for Motel Conversion Project in Costa Mesa
I am thrilled that my City of Costa Mesa is taking advantage of Project Homekey and converting a Motel 6 into supportive housing.
For years, we made attempts to address the blight and crime caused by many of these seedy Motels. When the residents of Costa Mesa elected me to the Board of Supervisors last year, I got to work right away work with our Mayor & City Council to secure funding from the State of California.
This is just one of several conversions in the works.
Learn more: Here
Governor Newsom’s CARE Court Proposal Cleared First Legislative Hurdle with Broad Support
The Governor’s Office invited a few Orange County elected officials to join him and Senator Tom Umberg to be included in the CARE Court Coalition.
I joined Chairman Doug Chaffee, Santa Ana Mayor Vincent Sarmiento and Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan on a Zoom call with public officials across the state to discuss this new concept to help move our chronically homeless into treatment and housing. Our current system fails to address the needs of our homeless population with severe mental illness and the CARE Court model promises an approach to fill that gap.
This paradigm shift allows us to develop and use a problem-solving approach to help the most chronically homeless get the supportive services they need. The status quo is unacceptable and must change for those living on the streets and the public who are forced to experience encampments.
I support Senator Umberg and the Governor’s leadership on CARE Court and commit to working with our County partners to comprehensively address homelessness in our communities.
Quarterly Commissioner Meeting
On April 25, 2022, we hosted our Commissioner Meeting and discussed our initiatives and work in the District and County.
Supervisor Foley Appointed Commissioners to the Following:
- Orange County Parks Commission
- Housing & Community Development Commission
- John Wayne Airport Arts Commission
- Emergency Medical Care Committee
- Orange County Historical Commission
- Behavioral Health Advisory Board
- Development Processing Review Committee
- Community Action Partnership of Orange County
- OCTA Citizens Advisory Committee
- OCTA Special Needs Advisory Committee
- Orange County Workforce Development Board
- Orange County Planning Commission
- Senior Citizen Advisory Council
Investigative Homelessness Hearing
On Wednesday, April 20, 2022, we hosted an investigative hearing on homelessness. There is still time to watch this eye-opening event including panelists discussing: Here
– The costs, causes, and consequences of countywide homelessness
– The efficacy of current shelters
– The role of cities & local Law Enforcement
– Housing options for youth and Veterans
– Opportunities & solutions that tackle the struggles faced by emergency housing voucher recipients, including the rising cost of rent and the lack of permanent and transitional supportive housing.
Watch now!
OCTA
You can still apply for OCTAS Taxpayer Oversight 11-member Committee!
Ensure that all transportation revenue collected from OC Go is spent on the projects approved by the voters as part of the plan, ratify plan changes, and much more!
Find out more: Here
Apply: Here
The Impacts of Sea Level Rise and Coastal Erosion
Alex Rounaghi, Policy Advisor
We urge you to voice your support for Supervisor Foley’s proposal to prohibit the purchase and use of Expanded Polystyrene or “Styrofoam” Food Service Products within County Facilities by emailing response@ocgov.com. On May 10, 2022, the Board of Supervisors will consider the Supervisor’s proposal.
The environmental impacts of Expanded Polystyrene (“EPS”) are significant. As a non-recyclable and non-biodegradable plastic, Expanded Polystyrene persists in the environment for thousands of years and fractures into microplastics that enter our streets, wilderness, waterways, oceans, and pollute other precious natural resources. Supervisor Foley participated in a recent community cleanup at the Back Bay and observed thousands of tiny particles in the protected marsh that are nearly impossible to remove.
As the steward of our precious County beaches, parks, open spaces, and trails, we have a responsibility to protect our vital natural resources. Prohibiting the purchase of Expanded Polystyrene food service products at County facilities represents common-sense intervention to ensure that our environment can be protected and preserved for future generations.
Read our full proposal for Agenda Item 52: Here
Expanded Polystyrene (“EPS”)
Interim Airport Director, Rick Francis, just released John Wayne Airport’s 2021 Annual Report. Check it out Here. And, as always, feel free to reach out to alex.rounaghi@ocgov.com with any questions about policy issues related to the Airport.
Team Foley In the News This Week
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Supervisor Foley announces $10.7 million in new funding for motel conversion project in Costa Mesa
OC Breeze
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Costa Mesa’s sober living laws don’t discriminate against the disabled, jury says
OC Register
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Orange County needs uniform approach to homeless issues, experts say
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O.C. housing agencies struggle with ‘unprecedented’ number of housing vouchers about to expire
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New OC Live Concert Series Debuts In Orange County To Support The Local Music Scene, May 10-15
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Orange County tries to sell landlords on housing vouchers
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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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Supporting Local Cities
On Wednesday morning, I joined the City of Garden Grove staff for a Denim Day group photo. Denim Day occurs every year on April 27, 2022to show support for Survivors of Sexual Assault by wearing Denim in recognition of a 1998 Italian Supreme Court decision that overturned a rape conviction because the victim wore tight jeans. Our office condemns all sexual assault, sexual harassment and sexual abuse and I was honored to attend on behalf of Supervisor Katrina Foley.
Special thanks to Garden Grove Councilwoman Kim Nguyen for organizing the event and inviting our office. Other dignitaries included Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Bacerra and Council Member Penaloza.
Later, on Wednesday evening, I attended the Costa Mesa Pedestrian Master Plan Community Meeting. The City presented a comprehensive plan to expand sidewalks and focus on specific walking nodes, such as Harbor Blvd, 19th Street, and 17th Street. Every person who walks or bikes locally is one less car on the road and helps to lower our emissions.
Thursday, I attended the Showtime Dance Academy Grand Opening in Santa Ana. Showtime Dance Academy shares the joy of dancing with Orange County children since 2001, with the goal of providing top-quality, age-appropriate dancing training in a positive, supporting and loving environment. If your children are interesting in dancing lessons, please consider joining!
Friday, I attended the Grand Opening of Roman’s Party Rentals. We are excited to support small business in Orange County. If you want to have our office attend a ribbon cutting please reach out to me at manuel.chavez@ocgov.com
Love Costa Mesa Day
Saturday, May 14th
We love the city Supervisor Foley was elected by the voters to represent in 2021 and where half our office team lives. Let’s support all of our Orange County cities by joining together to serve and improve our County for the good of all.
The 5th annual “Love Costa Mesa” City-Wide Serve Day will take place on Saturday, May 14, 2022.
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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, Animal Services.
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CalFresh Enrollment and Resource Fair
It was an honor to be featured as Supervisor Foley’s employee of the month this week.
I first met Supervisor Foley when I attended Costa Mesa High School and shadowed her as a lawyer for my Senior exit project.
A little bit about me: in addition to working full-time for our office to support our constituents, animal services, and community events, I attended Cal State University Fullerton. I also work closely with Orange County Animal Care as our Animal Services representative.
Please look for updates on the #OCAnimalCare pet pantry for the month of June. We hope that this event helps get pet food to pet owners who desperately want to keep their pet(s) yet face financial struggles.
Please see the CalFresh Enrollment Fair flyer below.
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Stephanie Wade – District Director & Policy Advisor
Great week! I was especially proud to represent the Supervisor at two important events. First, on Saturday, I attended the LGBTQ Center OC's awards gala where we honored Jill Aguiling and Ella Camarena for their work helping LGBTQ students in our schools. We also recognized Ken Jillson and his late husband - Al Roberts-lions of LGBTQ philanthropy - who helped pay the very last payment on the Center's Santa Ana Morgage.
The Center's Director and Board Chair, Peg Corley and Meagan Cooper, updated the crowd about how the Center more than tripled the number of pro bono mental health appointments since the start of the COVID crisis. I also spoke for the Supervisor in support of Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva's AB 1595, which is paving the way for State funding of the Orange County Veterans Cemetery that the Supervisor championed.
Our Orange County Veterans, including Katrina Foley's Veterans Advisory Members Nick Berardino, Bobby MacDonald, and Chase Wickersham, cheered as the bill passed in committee 8-0. Newport Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris voted and also spoke powerfully in support of the bill. Thanks to lawmakers like this, we will have a long-deferred, honorable County resting place for Veterans soon!
Health Updates
COVID-19 Updates
This week, Anthony S. Fauci, President Biden’s Chief Medical Advisor announced that we are out of the full-blown pandemic phase that led to nearly 1 million deaths from COVID-19.
Fauci stated that we are now entering transitional phase, from a deceleration of the numbers into (hopefully) a more controlled phase and endemicity.
Said Fauci, “Namely, we don't have 900,000 new infections a day, and tens and tens and tens of thousands of hospitalizations, and thousands of deaths. We are at a low level right now."
If you or a family member are in need of a COVID-19 vaccination or booster, find more information below.
Tired of nasal swabs and saliva tests? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued an emergency use authorization for the first COVID-19 diagnostic test that detects chemical compounds in breath samples associated with a COVID-19 infection.
Read the Press Release: Here
As of April 29, 2022, 2,301,942 Orange County residents are fully vaccinated and 1,274,022 received their 4th shot or booster dose. The 7-day average positivity rate (4/29/22) in our County is 2.3%. This equals out to 6.7 daily positive COVID cases per 100k residents or 348.8 positive PCR tests received per day.
Vaccine Clinics
Please call (714) 834-2000 to schedule an appointment. at one of our mobile vaccine clinics. Walkins are also welcome! Find a mobile vaccine clinic: Here
 
Pet of the Week
 Amelia – Animal ID# A1757164
Our OC Animal Care’s Pet of the Week is George! George's owner moved and could no longer care for this sweet, friendly, handsome boy! The staff and volunteers at OC Animal Care quickly fell in love with George’s adorable and curious personality! George will always let you know when he’s ready to play or wants attention with a cute little meow, and he never passes up an opportunity to chase a feathered toy! George loves a good scratching post and likes affection from his human friends even more! He is a happy, curious cat who enjoys exploring hiding places and checking back in with his human friends so they can tell them what he found!
Interested in adopting George? Call (714) 935-6848 to schedule an adoption appointment today! Animal ID#: A1762265
Go to OC Animal Care online: Here
OC Marathon & Celebrate OC
Beginning Friday April 29 through May 1, the OC Fair & Event Center will host the 18th Annual OC Marathon and Celebrate OC Festival. Mayor John Stephens will be on hand to start the marathon and will be at the finish line. The OC Marathon Course will start in front of the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa just south of Santa Barbara Drive and finish at the OC Fair & Event Center.
Join this event weekend, including the OC Half Marathon, Full Marathon, Kids Run the OC, the Celebrate OC 5K, and the Celebrate OC festival!
OC Lifestyle and Fitness Expo – Friday, April 29, 4 -8 p.m. & Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Kids Run the OC – Saturday, April 30, 8 a.m.-noon
Celebrate OC 5K – Saturday, April 30, 5 p.m. (Finish Line Festival is 1-7 p.m.)
SDCCU OC Marathon start – Sunday, May 1, 5:30 a.m. (Finish Line Festival is 8 a.m.-noon)
SDCCU OC Half Marathon start -Sunday, May 1, 6:15 a.m. (Finish Line Festival is 8 a.m.-noon)
Admission to OC Lifestyle & Fitness Expo is FREE. Parking at OC Fair & Event Center is $10.
Bowers Museum
OC Parks Summer Concert Series
OC Microbusiness $2,500 Grant
 We are relaunching the OC Microbusiness $2,500 Grant due to a low number of qualified applicants received in the first round. There is funding remaining for an additional 794 qualified microbusinesses. The relaunch is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 9, 2022.
Apply Now: Here
Supervisor Katrina Foley's Current Committee Appointments
Innovative solutions require hard work and that is exactly what I will be working on, 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
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Team Foley
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