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Constituent Services Manager – Representing Anaheim, Orange, Tustin, and Animal Services.
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Last week, I represented our office at the Tustin Area Man and Woman of the Year event where Tustin residents Mark Eliot and Kim DeBenedetto were recognized.
As the Tustin Area Man and Woman of the Year, they received numerous nominations from previous men and women award winners as well as from numerous non-profit organizations, including the Tustin Community Foundation, Exchange Club of Tustin, and Tustin American Legion Post 227. Mark and Eliot are pictured in the front row with Margaret Pottinger, the first-ever Tustin Woman of the Year! The event was very well-attended, and I enjoyed speaking with the evening's host, Erin Nielson, who also serves as Executive Director of the Tustin Community Foundation. I can't wait to see who the winners are for next year!
Please reach out to me at any time with questions or concerns: Kalvin.Alvarez@ocgov.com.
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Stephanie Wade – Veterans Policy Advisor
Before we celebrate the twin holidays of Flag Day and the U.S. Army's 247th birthday at Supervisor Foley’s June 14, 2022 celebration, as a Marine, I also want to celebrate Maj. Bill Hall, a distinguished Army hero, Marine, and constituent.
At the age of 15, Maj. Bill Hall (pictured above at the 2022 Tri-County Memorial Day Commemoration in Santa Ana) lied about his age so he could enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps before Pearl Harbor. He fought in aerial combat as a gunner and dive bomber … at Guadalcanal and at several other campaigns in the Pacific.
Originally from Texas, he loved being stationed at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro and settled in California after the war. Not finding a Marine Reserve unit to join in Orange County, in 1947 he signed up with the Army’s National Guard. The Army trained him as an infantry officer and sent him to Korea, where he earned the prestigious Combat Infantry Badge or CIB. After the Korean War, he returned to aviation, training as a fixed-wing and helicopter pilot. Bill then went to war for the third time in a helicopter, fighting in the central highlands of Vietnam, before finally retiring in 1967. I know of very few men or women who have given more to their Country than this remarkable man!
Today, he serves as a proud member of American Legion Post 131 in Santa Ana. Our hats are off to this fine soldier and Marine!
Cindy Tran-Chang – Policy Advisor
Highlights from the June 6, 2022, Regional Planning and Highways Committee meeting:
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The Interstate 5 Freeway Improvement Project from Oso Parkway to Alicia Parkway is 60% complete.
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Request: Caltrans to conduct a presentation providing status update on projects.
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Draft of Proposed Improvement Plans for the 91 freeway between the 57 and 15 freeways is near completion.
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Robust discussions regarding South OC Multimodal Transportation Study –Cities impacted include sliver of Tustin, Costa Mesa (East of 55), Newport Beach, Irvine, and all cities south to San Clemente. The northern more urban communities have very different needs than the master planned communities to the south. Goals include understanding community mobility needs and long-term transportation plans. Supervisor Foley requested an analysis of the employment data to better understand the kinds of jobs and numbers of employees that may benefit from quality efficient public transportation.
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Multimodal solutions proposed and reviewed: Here
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Performance targets include reducing delays and overall congestion, reducing miles traveled per capita, increasing shared transport and greenhouse gas reduction.
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Equity analysis to address mobility and accessibility in equity focus areas. Ensure that we cast a wide net and reach out to all communities for diverse perspectives. 60% of residents Countywide cannot work from home and essential workers in the service (restaurant, hospitality) and healthcare industries may need access to public transport.
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Great discussion of e-bikes, bike trail systems, charging stations and promotion of County and City partnerships in discussions and planning.
If you have any questions on any of these topics email me at Cindy.Tran-Chang@ocgov.com or call (714) 834-3220.
Michele Mullen – Community Outreach Director
This week, I helped to organize volunteers for our upcoming Flag Day. Supervisor Katrina Foley's Flag Day Celebration will honor military personnel, firefighters, police officers, medical personnel, and other first responders on the 247th birthday of the United States Army.
Please reach out to our office if you would like to volunteer or if we can support your business by purchasing your products or services for future events: Michele.Mullen@ocgov.com
 Thank you to our volunteers for helping to assemble our Flag Day decor for our field of flags
Health News
Vaccine Clinics
Vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness from COVID-19. If you’re planning on an active summer, please get vaccinated and boosted to aid your immunity and help to protect yourself and those you love!
To find a vaccine clinic in your community or learn more about COVID-19 testing, call (714) 834-2000.
COVID-19 Data
As of June 10, 2022, 2,319,958 Orange County residents are fully vaccinated and 1,299,053 received their 4th shot or booster dose. The 7-day average positivity rate (6/10//22) in our County is 11.1%. This equals out to 27.4 daily positive COVID cases per 100k residents or 318.1 positive PCR tests received per day.
COVID-19 Testing Kit Drop off Locations
Please call (714) 834-2000 for more information.
The California Department of Public Health
The recent nationwide supply chain issues caused shortages of major brands of infant formula. The California Department of Public Health/WIC helps low-income families and created an online guide to provide the latest information and connect California families to helpful resources: Here
The California Department of Justice is watching the market closely for price-fixing and other potential violations of the law in regard to infant formula. Californians who believe they have information relating to potential violations of the law should report it on the Department of Justice website.
Orange County Seniors
The Orange County Adult Protective Services hotline is available 24 hours, 7 days a week. If you would like to discuss or report elder or disabled adult abuse, contact (800) 451-5155.
Learn more about the OC Aging Plan: https://www.ocagingplan.org
Saturday, June 11, 2022 – FREE Drive-Thru Pet Food Pantry
Stop by this Saturday for our FREE pet food at our Family First Drive-Thru Pet Food Pantry!
Pet of the Week
 Gabby at OC Animal Care
Gabby is a very smart 5-year-old Pit Bull who arrived at OC Animal Care over a year ago.
Upon arrival, the OC Animal Care Veterinary Staff noticed that Gabby's body was swollen from infection, though no puncture wounds were present. Gabby needed surgery to drain the swollen areas and stayed with staff to receive care and TLC while she healed.
Gabby absolutely loves people and enjoyed all the extra attention from the OC Care medical staff! Fast forward a year, she healed very well and would love to learn some added, fun training behaviors new, best human friends! From walks to cuddle time on the couch, this sweet girl loves any and all time she gets to spend with her human friends and would cherish a family to call her own.
Interested in meeting gorgeous Gabby? Call (714) 935-6848 to schedule an adoption appointment today! Gabby is looking for an adult-only family where she will be the only pet.
SoCalGas
This week, SoCalGas awarded $525,000 in grants to 162 independently owned restaurants across Central and Southern California, including 58 in the Orange County region. Each restaurant received a $3,000 grant that can be used for things like equipment upgrades and employee retention programs. In addition, winners will also receive year-long support services from Wells Fargo which provides restaurant owners with resources to enhance and streamline their business,
Father's Day (June 19, 2022)
Celebrate dad's passion for adventure with a gift of membership and he'll enjoy 8 permanent exhibitions + upcoming featured exhibitions from around the globe.
Tanaka Farm – Hana Field
Hana Field Now Open Every Weekend in June
Sunflowers make everyone happy. Hana Field in South Coast Metro has over 12 varieties of sunflowers in bloom right now - in different colors and sizes too! Hana Field opens at 10:00 am, and the last entry is at 4:00 pm. Fields close promptly at 5:00pm.
GENERAL ADMISSION: $10 - does not include flower picking (Children 2 & Under and Military are FREE)
KEEPSAKE U-PICK FLOWER CUP: $15 - includes up tp 15 blooms
Flowers cutters are available for purchase for $8 or you can bring your own.
Southern California Edison
Attend this virtual update on June 19, 2022, at 11 a.m. Register: Here
Save the Date: OC Pride Festival
On June 25, 2022, the Orange County LGBT Pride Love Out Loud Festival returns to Downtown Santa Ana after a 2-year hiatus.
Find out more: Here
Garden Grove
Coming Soon: Sunset Cinema Series & Concerts in the Park
1st Annual Reentry Resource Fair
Youth Career Fair
Businesses in Orange County
We are restocking our District office's essential supplies and want to support local Orange County businesses. Please contact us with business and vendor recommendations for printer, clothing, and office supplies.
 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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