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| Volume 2 | Issue 24 |
June 24, 2022 |
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Dear Neighbor:
In the last week, the Orange County Grand Jury, which is tasked with serving as a "watchdog" on civil issues, released several reports on important issues facing Orange County. The first report of note, titled “County Land Transactions: Will the Public Notice,” goes over issues pertaining to the protecting of public lands that we are responsible for in the County. My actions to prevent the sale of public land to a wealthy individual is covered extensively in the Voice of OC.
This was followed, a few days later, by another report titled “How is Orange County Addressing Homelessness.” The report cites testimony from our Hearing on Homelessness on April 20, 2022 (page 11) and data from the Homeless Services Assessment commissioned and funded by my office office (page 12). The report confirms what we found at our investigative hearings and in our field surveys, audits, and through our internal homelessness advisory team. There is an immediate need for consistent case management and enforcement programs with consistent County support and data tracking. As noted by the report, funding is available, but there is a lack of true collaboration with many cities, which has resulted in cities incurring the cost of addressing this issue or not addressing at all.
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Just today, yet another report, titled “Orange County Power Authority: Come Clean”, was released. The Orange County Register recently reported my concerns regarding the agency, where I am quoted saying that “The Orange County Power Authority has recently faced a litany of issues that have spilled into the public — including the potential removal of the CEO, increased rates, and fines from the state to the tune of $2 million,” and that “a thorough analysis by county staff to determine (whether) to join the Authority at this time, due to some risks and red flags.”
I spent most of this week researching and reflecting on our County’s FY 2022-2023 budget ahead of our next Board Meeting this upcoming Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. I’m pleased that our Board plans to adopt a fiscally prudent budget that continues to invest in Orange County’s future infrastructure and housing needs, enhances public safety, and sets aside funds in case of a recession.
From increased mobility for law enforcement and additional patrol officers to address encampments and drug dealing in county-controlled flood channels, this budget will invest in creating safe communities throughout Orange County. Enforcement coupled with supports is key. I’m pleased the Board also plans to invest in addressing the homelessness crisis and creating safe housing opportunities for all.
Additionally, our budget invests significantly in improving our recreational amenities such as bike trails, parks, libraries, and workforce development programs, while also upgrading technology in county buildings.
While I agree with much that this budget accomplishes, I am disappointed that my colleagues did not support my efforts to create a zero interest down payment program to address the missing gap in homeownership assistance for first-time homebuyers, first responders, and public employees. Looking toward the future, I will continue advocating for our tax dollars to be used efficiently to address rising costs and lessen the financial burden facing too many Orange County families. We all want a county where the next generation has home ownership options, our county employees can live close to work, and families thrive and prosper!
This week concluded with dramatic news from the Supreme Court. The narrow decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is one of the largest cases of government overreach in my lifetime and sets a dangerous precedent for our personal liberties and freedoms. You can read more in my statement here.
This week, at our law library board meeting, we adopted the 2022-23 fiscal year budget which includes building improvements and a grant to support some of our less fiscally well off libraries. We also discussed the need for our staff to participate in active shooter training. Shocking that libraries are at risk, but this is our new reality.
This Saturday, we celebrate the LGBTQ community at OC Pride’s Parade and Festival in downtown Santa Ana. Given this morning’s SCOTUS decision, it’s more important than ever to stand with, celebrate, and protect our LGBTQ children and family members. We’re grateful to be back together at Pride after a 2-year hiatus.
I will be walking in the parade with my out and proud LGBTQ+ staff members and volunteers. Say hello if you are there.
As we gear up to celebrate Independence Day, you can find a list of local 4th of July events right to life, liberty, and happiness seems much more significant this year. I will be celebrating in my hometown in Costa Mesa for the Independence Day celebration on July 3! Join me.
Read the rest of our newsletter to find out more about community events our team supported and attended this week, free local concerts and movies in the park, summer fun, and programming by our OC Public Library.
Be Well,
 Katrina Foley
Supervisor
County of Orange
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In This Edition
Read more about local events, community and health news, District and County initiatives, and other important updates!
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OCTA
OCTA Chosen for a Clean Transportation Award
By focusing on sustainable bus efforts, OCTA's environmentally-friendly transportation options are now recognized by a leading organization.
Please participate in OCTA's online survey regarding recommendations to maximize efficiency, increase bus service on high ridership routes, reduce the wait time to catch a bus, and simplify route structures. Fill out the online questionnaired by July 25, 2022: Here
Orange County Transportation Authority is helping cities throughout Orange County provide popular summer shuttle services as residents and visitors head for outdoor activities.
Upcoming Board of Supervisors Meeting On June 28, 2022
Join us as we discuss reimagining the County’s property on 17th Street in Santa Ana, which currently houses a community clinic and Health Care Agency warehouse. Read the staff report: Here
We will also vote on items related to service contracts held by the Orange County Sheriff Department with local cities, and changes to the Orange County Cemetery District at Gypsym Canyon, and the final adoption of our County Budget for 2022–2023.
Click the graphic below to watch live.
OC Pride Parade and Festival returns this weekend
Attempted Back Bay Land Sale, and Emails Between County and Wealthy Donor, Come Under the Microscope
What Should Orange County Do With an Extra $49 Million?
Was OC’s 2022 homeless count accurate? Some advocates say no
Supervisor Foley hosts star-spangled celebration for Flag Day, 247th birthday of U.S. Army
Ongoing OCPA tensions raise ‘red flags’ for county officials
LA Times: New low-income senior apartments coming to Huntington Beach
Spectrum News: OC Supervisors approved $1.2M relief grant for Santa Ana businesses
LA Times: O.C. supervisors approve aid for downtown Santa Ana merchants hit by streetcar construction
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Constituent Services Manager – Representing Garden Grove and Santa Ana
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Another busy week attending wonderful events in our Community and District. On Monday, I attended the Estancia High School Golf Tournament hosted by Costa Mea Goat Hill Lions Club. The event was a great success and the proceeds go to supporting the Estancia High School Golf Tournament.
Friday, I attended the Share Our Selves 2022 First in Family Program. The Program prepares students for success in college by providing them with laptop computers, money for textbooks and case management support through their first year of college. Our office is proud of the students! Best of luck at your new college!
On Friday evening, the Supervisor and I will attend the Save Our Youth Fiesta. The Fiesta serves as the main fundraiser for the program that provides free tutoring and activities to Middle School and High School Students in the Newport Mesa Unified School District.
That’s all for this week. I hope to see you all at Santa Ana’s Pride Parade Tomorrow!
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Constituent Services Manager – Representing Anaheim, Orange, Tustin, and Animal Services.
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This week, I attended the Tustin Community Foundation's Superheroes of Tustin Luncheon. Our office - along with representatives from Congresswoman Porter's, Senator Min's, and Assemblymember Choi's offices - recognized 43 amazing community volunteer "Superheroes." We thank those who give countless hours of service and effort to help others and better our community. Cindy, one of Supervisor Foley’s Policy Advisors, previously received a fabulous Superhero cape and her daughter received one this year! It's truly moving to recognize so many selfless individuals who go above and beyond to make our community a better place to live.
I also joined the Orange City Council as we kicked off the 2nd Annual Make Music Orange Day! This live musical celebration included concerts on the streets, sidewalks, and parks throughout the city, as part of national Make Music Day. Kim Le, CEO of the Pacific Conservatory of Orange and President and CEO of Pacific Foundation for the Arts, worked tirelessly to bring this spectacular community event to the City of Orange. We applaud this magnificent way for our community to enjoy music and thank everyone who helped to transform the City of Orange into the City of Music.
Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns: Kalvin.Alvarez@ocgov.com
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Stephanie Wade – Veterans Policy Advisor
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It’s PRIDE month and, with Supervisor Foley’s enthusiastic support, the County and its Veterans are starting to heal the wounds of past military policies that harmed LGBT service members.
Last Saturday, I moderated a panel at Heroes Hall in Costa Mesa at the OC Fair & Event Center. We listened to the experiences of 3 queer Veterans whose stories were harsh and real.
One speaker experienced assault. A 20-year reservist hid his identity to serve. Several others received bad conduct discharges for their sexuality. These experiences included and led to harassment, homelessness, substance abuse and PTSD.
Despite these difficult experiences, an uplifting part of the day came when the speakers shared how they’ve begun to heal, even joining Veterans groups where they can learn to be proud of their service after being unjustly shamed and punished.
If you want to help advocate for a reformed process of correcting these wrongs or know an LGBT Veteran I should connect with, please contact me directly. The big takeaway from this Heroes Hall event is that LGBT people are proud Americans who have always answered the call for service and will continue to.
Please reach out to me at Stephanie.Wade@ocgov.com
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L to R: Jonathan Willet, USAF veteran; Bill Anderson, USARet; Warren Tymony, USAF veteran; Stephanie Wade, USMC veteran speaking at "Our Service, Our Stories: The LGBT Military Experience," Heroes Hall, Costa Mesa, Saturday, June 18, 2022, part.
Cindy Tran-Chang – Policy Advisor
Last Tuesday, my Girl Scout daughters and neighboring Scout friends volunteered at Supervisor Katrina Foley’s inaugural Flag Day event. The girls enjoyed learning about what each of the 13 folds of the flag meant and observing other youth organizations participating in the flag ceremony. The girls helped distribute cake in honor of the army’s 247th birthday and properly took down the 247 flags displayed days before the event.
Ella, Emma, and Ava met Supervisor Foley for the first time and learned about future career opportunities in government. They were honored to receive guidance from an inspiring female professional who makes important decisions impacting everyday citizens and know just how many different pathways and volunteer or career opportunities will make a difference in their communities. Attending this powerful event made them feel proud to be an American living in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
If you have any questions on any of these topics, please email me at Cindy.Tran-Chang@ocgov.com or call (714) 834-3220.
Airport Commission Report
by Sue Dvorak
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Airport Commission Meeting: June 15, 2022
- Agenda Item #2: Renew Amendment for Architect-Engineer On-Call Environmental Program
In a split vote, the Airport Commission voted to authorize Amendment #3 to renew the on-call architect-engineer contracts with Polytechnique Environmental, Inc. and with Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc. Each contract is effective through August, 2023, and each contract has an amount not-to-exceed $1.5m for a revised total cumulative contract amount not to exceed $6.750m. This is the final year (and final one-year renewal) for each contract. JWA will issue a new Request For Proposal (RFP) for on-call environmental support services prior to the end of this contract amendment term.
Background Info: JWA uses on-call environmental program support services to ensure continued compliance with environmental regulations and sustainable environmental stewardship of County resources. Due to the wide range of services required, contracting with two firms with adequate not-to-exceed contract limits ensures that appropriate resources will be available during the contract term.
Listen to the Airport Commission Meeting: June 1 and June 15, 2022
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Health News
Vaccine Clinics
Read OC Health’s Press Release as we prepare for the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 6 months and older.
The CDC recently strengthened its recommendations and eligibility criteria for COVID-19 boosters and now recommends that children ages 5 through 11 years old receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series.
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 24, 2022, 2,324,587 Orange County residents are fully vaccinated and 1,329,788 received their 4th shot or booster dose. The 7-day average positivity rate (6/24//22) in our County is 15.1%. This equals out to 31.3 daily positive COVID cases per 100k residents.
Pet of the Week
 Martin – Animal ID#: A1755986
Meet Martin! When Martin arrived at OC Animal Care, he was sick and in need of medical attention. The OC Animal Care Veterinary Staff treated Martin for an upper respiratory infection and helped him heal with some TLC. Martin became friends with the Veterinary Staff and they learned that he loves snuggling up in a comfy bed and snoozing next to his favorite human. While his upper respiratory infection has significantly improved, he may have some minor, lasting effects for the rest of his life.
However, what he wants most of all is a furr-ever home! At 2-years-old he absolutely LOVES to eat! Give him a treat and you’ve earned a friend for life! Martin may come across as a little shy at first, but he’s in search of someone to build a trusting pet-human relationship with. If you’re looking for a loving couch snuggle buddy who will help you to binge-watch your favorite tv shows, then it’s time to meet Martin.
Call (714) 935-6848 to schedule an adoption appointment today!
Independence Day Celebration
Join our team at the City of Tustin's 4th of July celebration or check out any of these local Independence Day events.
OC Workforce Solutions
Ready Set OC offers no-cost employment training for Orange County youth ages 14-24, including those with disabilities or IEP plans, former or current foster children, pregnant or parenting, offender/ex-offender, and those experiencing homelessness, including couch-surfing or at risk of homelessness.
To find out more information, call the OC Business and Economic Recovery Call Center at (714) 480-6500 or text (657) 210-1295. Email info@readysetoc.com
Orange County Public Library
Youth Career Fair
Equity in OC
Are you in charge of a grassroots organization? the Equity in OC initiative is releasing a POWER BUILDING FUND toprovide smaller, grassroots organizations with the opportunity to build their infrastructure and/or capacity
Learn More: Here
Sunset Cinema Series & Concerts in the Park
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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Team Foley
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