|
Volume 2 | Issue 25 |
July 1, 2022 |
|
|
Dear Neighbor:
The new fiscal year starts today and I’m excited about the initiatives we achieved at the county. However, I’m truly disappointed and frustrated with our representatives in Sacramento.
Let me be clear: it is outrageous that the gas tax increased today. In March, I called on the State of California to offer immediate relief at the pump for families facing the rising costs of gas and formally asked my colleagues to join me in requesting the State suspend the gas tax for one year or provide taxpayers with a gas tax rebate. Orange County families face one of the highest costs of living in the nation and the price of everyday goods is increasing globally. As your County Supervisor, I will continue fighting to offset the rising cost of living for our families, small businesses, and taxpayers.
On Tuesday, June 28, 2022 our Board of Supervisors approved our FY 2022–23 Budget. This budget provides increased mobility for law enforcement and additional patrol officers to address encampments and drug dealing in County-controlled flood channels. We’re investing in creating safe communities throughout Orange County and enforcement - coupled with support - is key. I’m pleased our Board also plans to invest in addressing the homelessness crisis and create safe housing opportunities for all.
Thanks to funding we approved at the Board, our District Attorney’s Office and County finally processed thousands of sexual assault test kits that were backlogged for 30-years. On Tuesday, District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced to our Board that 1,250 sexual assault kits were completed as of mid-June. These newly completed test kits led to 311 potential suspect matches and criminal charges filed in 6 cold cases, with more under review.
Under my watch, we will never allow this unconscionable delay of justice for rape victims again.
|
Over the last 6 months our office has worked to create a Veterans Suicide Prevention Pilot program proposed by Chase Wickersham, a Veteran and our appointee to and an advisor for internal Veterans advisory team.
I‘m proud to announce that we secured $500,000 to launch this program. We look forward to working towards early intervention and preventative school based mental health services, with $2.5 million from our new budget dedicated in this category. However, suicide is still on the rise (see the Suicide Prevention Dashboard: Here) especially among our seniors, youth, and Veterans. If you, a family member, or a loved one are experiencing mental health concerns, substance abuse, loneliness, or need community resources, call/text the OC Warm Line: 714-991-6412 https://www.namioc.org/oc-warmline
See all approved Board Items from our Tuesday Board Meeting: Here
This week, we progressed further with our goal toward building the county's first Veterans cemetery. On Tuesday, our team member and Veteran, Stephanie Wade, was one of 35 veterans who testified before the California Senate's Military and Veterans Affairs committee. The Committee voted to move a key piece of Assembly legislation (AB 1595) on to the Senate Appropriations Committee. We also approved the center and district plans at the board meeting to add the Allied Veterans and Public Safety areas to the overall plan. We are one step closer to groundbreaking.
On Saturday, our office attended the Pride OC event in Downtown Santa Ana. The first held in 2 years, due to the pandemic, it was great to see so many from the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as allies, and elected officials who joined our team in the parade.
Our staff is 33% LGBTQIA+ and helped to pass out cotton candy, stickers, and the message that you are loved- just be you.
Beginning today, July 1, 2022 through July 7, 2022, we celebrate Clean Beaches Week. We must ensure that our oceans and beaches stay clean and safe for generations to come. Visit one of our local beaches this week, and while you’re at it, consider bringing family or friends for a beach cleanup day to help our County create zero waste beaches! In 2021, our District worked with cities like Seal Beach to fund beach access mats to provide seniors and the disabled with easier access to the water at the beach.
Over the last year, I’ve requested that the County of Orange endorse legislation that reduces the effects of climate change and human impacts, including oil spills, by expanding opportunities for marine life restoration projects. Learn more about our efforts combating climate change and advocating for sustainable transportation projects and more: Here
This job allows me to help small businesses and families every day. I love serving. This week our team assisted a small business owner who was struggling to find solutions related to permitting for his new business. We simultaneously worked on funding 5 food insecurity initiatives in 4 cities and through our Veterans network. We funded school and city community gardens in Santa Ana and Tustin, meals for seniors and low-income families in Orange and Garden Grove, and distribution of grocery gift cards to more than 100 low-income Vets. Let us know how we can help your community. We are here to serve.
Finally, I’m looking forward to celebrating our great nation with friends, family, and our communities on the 4th. Find a list of 4th of July events: Here Celebrate our right to life, liberty, and happiness with me in my hometown of Costa Mesa for the Independence Day celebration on Sunday, July 3, 2022: Join Me
Be Well,
 Katrina Foley Supervisor County of Orange
|
In This Edition
Read more about local events, community and health news, District and County initiatives, and other important updates!
|
|
OCTA
This week’s OCTA meeting was relatively brief but always exciting to experience. We discussed issues related to our long-term planning for South Orange County (which includes Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, and Irvine at OCTA), ensuring that we continue to move forward with no new toll roads and protect the property rights of both business owners and homeowners as we look to enhance transportation options in the region. Additionally, I requested that OCTA staff continue outreach throughout all of Orange County’s cities to hear direct feedback from residents impacted by these transportation projects.
Upcoming Board of Supervisors Meeting On June 19, 2022
|
|
Constituent Services Manager – Representing Garden Grove and Santa Ana
 |
|
In addition to attending the Pride OC parade and festival with our team on Saturday, on Wednesday, I joined the grand opening of the Pyott Center Adult Day Services Center. This newly renovated facility was formerly the headquarters for Easterseals Southern California and will serve adults with physical and developmental disabilities. This is a great addition to our District, and I’m happy to see more locations for our residents to get help. Santa Ana is hosting their 10th Annual 4th of July Independence Day Celebration. Attend this no charge event from 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at Centennial Park. There will be live music, children’s actives, food truck, exhibitors and a 20-minute fireworks finale beginning at 9 p.m. Don’t miss out! Learn More: Here
|
Constituent Services Manager – Representing Anaheim, Orange, Tustin, and Animal Services.
 |
|
The Fourth of July will be here before you know it! Our office is very busy making plans for a spectacular and patriotic celebration of Independence Day on July 4th, and we can't wait to attend one of the amazing community events that will be held locally! Below are some flyers for exciting events that will be taking place in Anaheim, Orange, and Tustin!.
Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns: Kalvin.Alvarez@ocgov.com
|
Anaheim: https://anaheimhillscommunitycouncil.org/
Tustin: https://www.tustinca.org/1073/Fourth-of-July-Celebration
Orange: https://www.cityoforange.org/our-city/departments/community-services/programs-and-services/special-events
Stephanie Wade – Veterans Policy Advisor
PRIDE is sweet! The Supervisor was both a major sponsor and a VIP participant at OC PRIDE last Saturday. With her entire staff and LGBTQIA and allied volunteers she marched and gave out cotton candy to festival attendees. It was the first PRIDE celebration in 2 years and the LGBTQIA community was thrilled to celebrate. Thank you to volunteer Bridgette McConaughy, an employee of the UNITE Here Local 11 and past Chair of the OC chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) attended with friends to march with Supervisor Foley. Bridget also led a letter signed by six of the county's most prominent LGBTQIA leaders, inviting OCFA to participate in the Parade. She is pictured
Please reach out to me at Stephanie.Wade@ocgov.com
 Supervisor Foley handing out Cotton Candy
 Grand Marshal of OC PRIDE 2022 Audrey Prosser
 Bridget McConaughy with Orange County Fire Authority
Cindy Tran-Chang – Policy Advisor
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.
Health News
OC Health Press Release
OC Health Care Agency Confirms the First Presumptive Case of Monkeypox in Orange County
To find a vaccine clinic in your community or learn more about COVID-19 testing, call (714) 834-2000.
Experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or any variants? Review the Quarantine Calculator: Here
As you celebrate summer activities and plan vacations, protect yourself and loved ones from COVID-19 by following safe travel guidelines issued by the CDPH.
See the latest guidance: Here
COVID-19 Data
As of July 1, 2022, 2,326,588 Orange County residents are fully vaccinated and 1,335,414 received their 4th shot or booster dose. The 7-day average positivity rate (7/1//22) in our County is 15.8%. This equals out to 31 daily positive COVID cases per 100k residents.
July is National #LostPetPreventionMonth. One in three pets will get lost at some point in their life. Without ID, 90% won’t make it home. A license tag provides a quick and accurate way to ensure their safety and increase the likelihood of a seamless return if your pet is lost: https://ocpetinfo.com/license
 Celebrate #PetsSafety this 4th of July! Independence Day is full of exciting energy and fun things to do with the whole family, but don't forget that fireworks and other forms of celebration may be harmful to our favorite family members, our pets! OC Animal Care has put together a handy list of common party hazards to be aware of that can be dangerous to your pets!
Pet of the Week
 Martin – Animal ID#: A1755986
Halo, a sweet 6-year-old Pointer Mix found wandering around Angel’s Stadium, joined OC Animal Care after being recused by a good Samaritan.
Staff members and volunteers quickly fell in love with Halo’s friendly personality and her love of attention! While Halo is currently a little overweight, she loves going on walks and her care team is working towards getting her to a healthy weight. When you see Halo’s adorable doggy smile, it’s impossible not to smile back!
Halo enjoys Pack Walks and does well with other dogs. She takes treats gently and she is always eager to please! Halo would be happiest in a lifestyle and home that includes easy walks, followed by curling up with her favorite humans for a nice afternoon snooze in the sun.
Interested in adopting Halo? Call (714) 935-6848 to schedule an adoption appointment today! Share Halo’s profile, online, and help her find a home: Here
See more adoptable pets: Pet Adoptions Note: OC Animal Care does not reserve animals for adoption by telephone or e-mail. You must come to the Center to adopt an animal and refer to the animal's Pet Identification number when inquiring.
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
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
Committee Appointments
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 of our County.
Please share this newsletter with family and friends!
Follow us and be the first to know about important announments in your community! Facebook, Instagram, Twitter @SupervisorFoley
|
|
|
|
|