|
|
| Volume 2 | Issue 20 |
May 27, 2022 |
|
|
Dear Neighbor:
We faced incredible challenges over the last year. On Wednesday, I hosted my first State of the County address, where I discussed all the progress we made as a District and County in the last 14 months. In this short time, I directly represented more than 1.2 million Orange County residents and worked on issues that impact all of Orange County.
|
State of the County
We held our event at the Old Orange County Courthouse, which was completed in 1901 and stood the test of time, even as Orange County has dramatically changed around it. Like the Courthouse, Orange County families demonstrated incredible strength and resilience throughout the course of the pandemic and while facing many other challenges that impact our local families each and every day.
We've made incredible progress in Orange County but - to keep Orange County strong - we must always look to the future and make intentional efforts to address the issues of public health, homelessness, public safety, and so much more.
We also saw what can happen when corruption takes hold in our government. The Mayor of Anaheim resigned after I and other officials called on him to do so, upon learning of the F.B.I.'s investigation into alleged bribery and corruption related to the attempted sale of the city-owned Angels Stadium property. I formally requested that the County of Orange and the Orange County Transportation Authority audit all contracts with the City of Anaheim, Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, and Angels Baseball, so we can ensure that we protect the taxpayers.
We are in a time where trust in government is at an all-time low. It is incumbent on all of us to immediately root out criminal activity, when we see it, and advocate for accountability and transparency.
Share Our Selves
Last week, I was invited to attend the 29th Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night hosted by Share Our Selves (SOS) at the Orange County fairgrounds. This community fundraiser supported the community health clinic through tacos created by talented chefs from across Orange County. Share Our Selves represents another example of our County’s strong foundation built by community members who volunteer and care for others more vulnerable.
The program began more than 50 years ago, started by Costa Mesa residents, Jean & Frank Forbath, in their living room and at their church. It’s now a full blown federally certified community clinic serving around 400 teens annually. https://www.shareourselves.org/
OCTA
On Monday, I participated in the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board meeting. Items discussed included OCTA’s “Making Connections” study to better understand the changes and the public transit needs of our residents. We also discussed the discontinuation of the Express Freeway, continuation of the flex program accepting bus passes, and how we can outreach to riders on the busses, in schools, and the PTA & DELAC parent groups to gather feedback on how to improve our public transportation system. We must continue to adapt to the changing needs of Orange County!
June: Gun Violence Awareness Month
On Tuesday, our County joined Americans across the country in feeling the pain and weight of the devastating shooting at a Texas Elementary school. Just moments before our Board was about to vote on my proposal to proclaim June as National Gun Violence Awareness month, we received word of the Texas shooting. Now confirmed: 19 students and 2 adults killed ... with many more injured, both physically and emotionally.
 Photo Credit: Spectrum News – Law enforcement personnel stand outside Robb Elementary School following a shooting Tuesday in Uvalde, Texas. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)
We ache for the families impacted by this and any gun violence. We must do more to end gun violence. Contact these 50 Senators and demand that they allow the sensible background check bill to the Senate Floor for a vote. It’s at least a start.
Contact your senator: Here
For now, law enforcement is increasing police patrols on school campuses throughout Orange County until the end of the school year.
Learn more: Here
I’ve heard from some residents, including Veterans, who feel triggered by the recent gun violence events. If you need support, please call our OC Warmline at (714) 991-6412
 Charlene Reynolds, John Wayne Airport Director
This week, the Board voted unanimously to hire Charlene Reynolds as our new airport Director.
Read our County Press Release: Here
“For the last year, I’ve served as the district representative for the airport, and - recently - as a member of the hiring committee,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley. “Improving the quality of both internal and external community operations remain my priority. Ms. Reynolds impressed me with her earnest responses, hard work ethic, emphasis on collaboration with local residents, and breadth of knowledge on environmental and sustainable practices to clean up the airport and its impacts.”
Listen to my comments: Here
Memorial Day
Our Veterans and those who served epitomize the strength of our solid Orange County foundation. As we begin Memorial Day Weekend, I encourage you to attend one of the many Memorial Day events in nearly every city across Orange County.
Let us remember those whose lives were lost in service of our freedom. And never forget, Freedom isn’t Free.
Find a list of local events: Here
Strawberry Festival
Tonight, the 62nd annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival begins. I hope to see you at the parade tomorrow. Stop by our booth to say hello and for a free grocery gift bag. The Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce hosted the first Strawberry Festival in 1958, to bring together the east and west sides of Garden Grove and celebrate the area’s, then, prolific strawberry fields.
Over the next few weeks, our team will continue to work on planning for our 1st Annual Sustainability Summit and Flag Day Ceremony celebrating the Army’s 247th Birthday. Flyers for both events, below!
OC Registar of Voters
Our County Registrar of Voters is working around the clock to provide access to all voters and a secure election process for the June 7, 2022, election.
When our boys were growing up, we loved taking them to the polls with us and, now, they never miss an election. All voters received a vote by mail ballot that can be filled out and mailed with no postage required. Voting has begun and drop boxes are also located conveniently throughout Orange County with in person voting beginning on May 28, 2022.
You can learn more about our secure election process here in Orange County and how to track your ballot and your vote: Here
Student Graduation
Congrats to all the families with graduates. I love this time of year and all the promise for a better future, with so many students succeeding and adapting during these difficult times. We truly are resilient here in Orange County.
As summer begins, please continue to read our newsletter for updates on local events, as well as our work on Countywide initiatives. If you have a newsletter submission or an event you'd like included, please send to us by Wednesday at noon: Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com
Be Well,
 Katrina Foley
Supervisor
County of Orange
|
In This Edition
Read more about our District and County Initiatives in your community, upcoming State of the County address, along with
health and
community news.
|
|
1st Annual Sustainability Symposium
Board of Supervisors Meeting
At our Tuesday, May 24, 2022, Board meeting we reviewed an abundance of Agenda and Supplemental items. View them all: Here
See a list of our upcoming 2022 Board meetings: Here
Learn more about my unanimously approved proclamation to make June National Violence Awareness Month: Here
For more, watch our District Update!
State of the County
Thank you to Santa Ana Mayor Vincente Sarmiento, the Orange County Fire Authority and Sheriff’s Department, the OCFA Color Guard, and other elected officials for attending our 2022 State of the County event. Emma Stechauner, a Costa Mesa High School graduate, sang the National Anthem and Tustin Councilmember, Letitia Clark, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
“Our County is resilient, adaptable, and strong. While the challenges in front of us are significant and complex, I am more optimistic than ever that we will solve them for Orange County through our collaboration, innovation, and engagement with all sectors of the community,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley.
Our State of the County included our District and County improvements over the last year, resulting in our County’s strong foundation. Our County has the ability to adapt and overcome future challenges. Throughout 2021 and 2022, we established COVID-19 vaccine clinics to reach more than a 75% vaccination rate Countywide, strengthened and supported local businesses, supported Veterans, addressed and continue to address homelessness, established Fly Friendly and transportation-related improvements, and supported public safety. We shared challenges and remedies that our District and County work resolved, including partnering with local cities to better understand and support their needs.
Photos from the event:
Legislative Update
Alex Rounaghi, Policy Advisor
Supervisor Foley and I attended a special meeting of the Orange County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council to approve the County’s plan to comply with the provisions of SB 823, which realign youth from the State's Division of Juvenile Justice to the local Counties for supervision.
The plan includes strategies to address the comprehensive needs of youth in custody, including educational support, re-entry, and workforce development. Prioritizing high-skilled, high-paid apprenticeships through partnerships with our local unions is a top priority for our office.
Read the draft SB 823 plan: Here
|
|
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.
|
Orange County Graduates
On Tuesday, at my request as a SOY alum, I helped the Supervisor recognize the Save Our Youth graduates, a nonprofit after school program that prioritizes a college-bound culture in Costa Mesa. The program is a free tutoring center and scholarship program for students in the Newport Mesa Unified School District. As a SOY graduate who also graduated from UCI, I know the value of this program. Supervisor Foley’s support for SOY dates back nearly two decades and we’re very happy to be promoting our amazing Orange County students!
The next day, as an Alumni of Estancia High School, I was invited to attend and represent Supervisor Foley at the Estancia High School AVID Medal Ceremony. I presented graduating seniors with their AVID Medals and Supervisor Foley’s certificates of recognition. I'm also an AVID Alumni and excited to see what these students do next. I wish them many amazing accomplishments.
|
|
|
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.
|
District Sponsored Drive-Thru Pet Pantry
Our office is excited to announce the Second District Sponsored Drive-thru Pet Pantry at the Orange County Animal Care Shelter. Join us on Saturday, June 11, 2022, for a morning of free pet food and fun.
We're also excited to announce Supervisor Foley's upcoming Flag Day Celebration beginning on June 12, 2022. The public can dedicate one of the 246 US flags that will be displayed on the Old Courthouse Lawn to honor Flag Day and the Army's birthday.
Flags shall be flown in honor of all military personnel, firefighters, police officers, medical personnel, and other first responders. If you want to dedicate a flag, please contact Supervisor Foley at katrina.foley@ocgov.com.
|
|
Stephanie Wade – Veterans Policy Advisor
 |
My week was punctuated by the Supervisor’s important and well-attended State of the County event. Another personal highlight included representing the Supervisor at Santa Ana College’s Veterans Resource Center ceremony and speaking with Director Mark Canett. This event honored 8 Veterans and 3 military-connected family members graduating from Santa Ana College.
.
Every community college in Orange County and many of our Cal State Universities and UC schools have Veterans Resource Centers that provide a vital link to young heroes transitioning back into civilian life. 50 years ago, most people considered military service an almost universal male rite of passage. But today Veterans are only 7% of the US adult population and less than 1% are on active duty. That’s why these resource centers are so important and can provide a second home for returning Veterans who may feel out-of-step with their civilian campus counterparts. So, thank you to Mark and his staff for a great event and taking care of our heroes!
 District Director, Stephanie Wade, presents a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the Office of Supervisor FOle to Ms. Alyna Suarez, Santa Ana College Veteran of the Year
Cindy Tran-Chang – Policy Advisor
Office Supply Orders – Supporting Local Businesses
It’s that time of year! We are restocking our essential office supplies and want to support local Orange County businesses. To make sure that taxpayer funds are helping to keep our local businesses thriving, please send us your printer, clothing vendor and office supply business recommendations! Email Cindy.Tran-Chang@ocgov.com or call (714) 834-3220 if you have a recommendation or need support.
Michele Mullen – Community Outreach Director
Supervisor Foley supported our local businesses at our State of the County event by purchasing food, beverages, and flowers from the following businesses:
Alta Baja Market
Newport Rib Company
Perla
Shop Angel's Flowers
Please reach out to our office if you would like us to support your business for future events: Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com
Health News
COVID-19 Update
 The Federal Government is offering 8 more free COVID tests available to U.S. households. Get yours: Here
Press Release: Your Health Matters OC: HCA Urges Residents to Protect Against COVID-19 During Holiday Gatherings; Supports Infant Formula Shortage; and Provides Information on Monkeypox
COVID-19 Vaccine Data
As of May 27, 2022, 2,315,464 Orange County residents are fully vaccinated and 1,283,905 received their 4th shot or booster dose. The 7-day average positivity rate (5/27//22) in our County is 6.2%. This equals out to 15.9 daily positive COVID cases per 100k residents or 417.5 positive PCR tests received per day.
Vaccine Clinics
Please call (714) 834-2000 to schedule an appointment at one of our mobile vaccine clinics.
Please call (714) 834-2000 for the latest information and up-to-the-minute available vaccine clinics.
FREE Drive-Thru Pet Food Pantry
Stop by on the second Saturday of every month for our FREE pet food at our Family First Drive-Thru Pet Food Pantry!
Pet of the Week
 Hendrix at OC Animal Care
Meet Hendrix, an adorable 5-year-old boxer mix who arrived at OC Animal Care when a few good Samaritans found him abandoned at a park, lost and alone. Hendrix was nervous, so the OC Animal Care staff and volunteers let him slowly adjust. He’s continued to grow and get more comfortable with the people he meets!
While Hendrix still values taking the proper amount of time to get to know others, don’t be fooled by his shy demeanor! This sweet boy still loves his toys, belly rubs, and snuggles from his best human friends. He also walks very nicely on a leash and even participates in pack walks with our Volunteers! Hendrix will be a loyal and loving companion to whomever is lucky enough to adopt him!
Interested in adopting Handsome Hendrix? Call (714) 935-6848 to schedule an adoption appointment today! Hendrix is looking for an adult-only home or a home with children ages 15 years or older.
OC Affordable Housing Impact Study
Microbusiness Grants
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 qualified microbusinesses.
Attend an informational webinar: Here
Drone Courses
Youth ages 16 to 24 interested in a career as a drone pilot can sign up for a Ready Set OC Orange County drone piloting class: Here
My First Home Program
Bowers Museum Red Cross Blood Drive on May 31, 2022
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
All participating donors will receive $5 off General Admission at Bowers Museum the day of their donation.
To schedule an appointment or for more information, go to redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: "Bowers" to sign up today! #redcrossatbowers
Newport Whales
Newport boaters are seeing whales galore! At 75 - 85 feet long, fin whales are fast swimmers and usually found in social groups. During the summer, fin whales feed on krill and small schooling fish off the coast of Newport Beach. Take a whale watching tour: Newportwhales.com
Coming Soon: OC Parks
OC Clerk-Recorder
The South County Branch Office in Laguna Hills is now open at 24031 El Toro Road, Suite 160, in Laguna Hills, California.
 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
|
|
Team Foley
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
|
|
|
|
|
