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| Volume 2 | Issue 34 |
September 2, 2022 |
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Dear Neighbor,
As we approach Labor Day, my office is working full steam ahead to support our residents and businesses here in Orange County.
Last Saturday, I was happy to attend the local Bruin Send Off! I always enjoy opportunities to join fellow alumni in welcoming new members to the Bruin family. I shared about our county’s college student intern opportunities! Go Bruins!
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 This Monday, Team Foley gathered together to celebrate our Sustainability Policy Advisor Aviva Meyers' birthday and say good-bye to our communications intern, Maggie! Very grateful for their excellent work and valuable contributions to our team.
On Tuesday, I joined Supervisor Andrew Do and Congresswoman Katie Porter in speaking at the UCI summit, Driving Out Darkness, a one-day immersive learning experience focused on educating leaders across Orange County on the history of antisemitism and the recent spike in hate crimes against the Jewish community and other groups. Antisemitism hurts all of us.
Thank you to the Jewish Federation of Orange County for giving the community an opportunity to learn about this dark history in an effort to prevent hatred and bigotry from taking root here in our own neighborhoods here in Orange County.
We must continue to challenge hateful behaviors and educate our community to prevent the atrocities of future genocides. Our discourse has devolved, especially in government, but we remain vigilant to combat hate wherever it rises, shine a light on it and drive it out.
 Honored to speak at the Driving Out Darkness Summit with Congresswoman Katie Porter!
Later in the day, I went to the Costa Mesa Alliance for Better Streets' Bright Lights giveaway where they distributed free bicycle lights for cyclists and pedestrians to navigate our streets more safely. Programs like this are essential if we want to change our county's culture around transportation and mobility.
 On Wednesday, I presented a certificate of recognition to Sandy Segerstrom Daniels for her 21st Festival of Children event and for the important work she does to support mental health awareness and services. I ran into so many familiar faces of community leaders working on behalf of children including Adrienne Matros & former OC Supervisor Tom Wilson! The Festival of Children provides children’s charities the opportunity to educate the community about the imperative work they are doing, conduct donor outreach, recruit volunteers and seek collaborative opportunities with likeminded organizations and individuals. With 54 participating children charities, this FREE event has more than 70 performances and activities for all families, embodying this year’s theme of Good Old Fashioned Fun! I look forward to continuing my efforts to enrich the lives of our youth and to strengthen their voices.
 This week, I loved supporting a new woman owned small business in Newport Beach and joined the Newport Beach chamber to help open up the Foot & Ankle Specialty Group’s new office! Did you know that 95% of businesses in Orange County are small businesses under 50 employees? We're proud of our small businesses, and our office is here to serve! (No, I’m not one of the doctors, I just look like them in my white summer jacket! 😉)
 We had quite the busy day on Thursday! After starting the day at Wake Up Newport to learn about the City of Hope Cancer Center, Mayor John Stephens & I joined the Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries and others to celebrate this collaboration and the unveiling of the new outdoor musical instruments at Lions Park near the playgrounds. Last year I met with the Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries to discuss funding Percussion Play Life-Size Sound Sculptures at the new Donald Dungan Library. My office provided a $15,000 grant and secured the support of the OC Public Libraries to support an installation at the park. The City of Costa Mesa agreed and funded installation, and yesterday we cut the ribbon on this creative fun new playground feature next to the library! Stop by the Donald Dungan Library & play the new creative musical instruments!
 Mayor John Stephens and I joined Councilmembers Manuel Chavez and Arlis Reynolds, NMUSD Schoolboard member Ashley Anderson, music teacher Tamara Fairbanks and the Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries to unveil the new outdoor musical instruments!
To celebrate Labor Day, my office hosted a Labor Day Appreciation Lunch to thank our 18,000 dedicated county employees! We also support economic recovery of our locals 4th street and other local businesses by hiring them to feed our county worker family: Wahoo's Fish Tacos, Taquerias Guadalajara, The Pizza Press, Chunk-N-Chip, and Chevita's Juice & Bagels.
As we rest over the Labor Day weekend, we want to thank the county employees who provide the best services and access to justice for our constituents. We appreciate all that they do to keep our County running smoothly even during challenging times!
After lunch, it was an honor to join Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Congresswoman Katie Porter, Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council, Senator Dave Min, Santa Ana Mayor Vicente Sarmiento, and Councilmember David Penaloza for a roundtable and tour of the IBEW Orange County 441 new apprentice training center.
 Here we are at the roundtable discussion with Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Congresswoman Katie Porter, State Senator Dave Min, Councilmember David Penaloza, and Santa Ana Mayor Vicente Sarmiento!
I’m committed to creating a thriving clean energy economy in Orange County. As the sixth largest county in the country, we could be a hub of innovation. To make that happen, we must invest not just in local clean energy, but local clean energy JOBS.
I’m excited for Orange County to leverage federal dollars for clean energy investment and workforce training. As we transition to a cleaner, safer world, we cannot leave our workers behind.
 Touring the IBEW Orange County 441 new apprentice training center with Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Congresswoman Katie Porter, Councilmember David Penaloza, and State Senator Dave Min.
Then I wrapped up my day at Dick Church’s to support our Costa Mesa High School students at a fundraiser for the cheer team. I love how much our local businesses support our schools.
In case you missed it: in response to many concerned citizens about OC Animal Care’s overcrowded shelter, I released a letter answering frequently asked questions. I am hosting free adoptions and a job recruitment fair on Saturday, September 10th at OC Animal Care. My office will be sponsoring adoptions for the month of September, including food and supplies to make your new family member comfortable at home. I hope you will join our mission to clear our overcrowded shelters and add a new member to your family. For more information, please visit ocpetinfo.com.
I also wanted to share this week this note I received today from Mayor Joe Kalmick after we worked with him last year to create access from the parking lot to the shore in Seal Beach!
“Thank you for the walkway from the parking lot to the shore. You cannot know how wonderful it is for my husband and myself. We both have difficulty walking, especially on the sand even with modified canes. Seal Beach has been my go-to for 40 years…. But the last few years have left me in the parking lot and Main Street or the pier. BUT THAT NEW WALKWAY IS EVERYTHING. I am back at my beach this summer. Thank you is not enough. Whomever made the beach possible again for me has my deepest gratitude. I’ve waited too long to say ‘Thank you.’”
My hope is that we create more access points up and down our coast to accommodate disabled and elderly residents.
Finally, as we approach the Labor Day weekend, there is an excessive heat warning in Orange County! Make sure you take preventative measures against heat-related illnesses and check in on our young and elderly neighbors who are more sensitive to the heat. You can find a list of cooling centers here.
My team and I are off to enjoy some much-needed rest! Hope you enjoy your weekend as well.
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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Upcoming Board of Supervisors Meeting On September 13, 2022
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Alex Rounaghi
Legislative Policy Advisor
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Our office has been working with individuals, and case managers providing housing navigation supportive services, to find housing units to match them with. We are grateful to our partners at Jamboree housing for their support on this. Please reach out to me at alex.rounaghi@ocgov.com.
On Thursday, September 29, Project Kinship will host the 2022 OC Public Safety and Re-Entry Conference. The conference is co-sponsored by OC Health Care Agency. This is an exciting opportunity to learn about how Orange County can implement best practices to promote public safety and reduce recidivism. I’m looking forward to attending and encourage you to register here.
Finally, I wanted to make readers aware of a relatively new California ADU grant program. The ADU Grant provides up to $40,000 to reimburse pre-development and non-reoccurring closing costs associated with the construction of the ADU. Predevelopment costs include site prep, architectural designs, permits, soil tests, impact fees, property survey, and energy reports. I encourage anyone interested to check out this website for details about eligibility, the application process, and the program.
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Manuel Chavez
Constituent Services Manager – Representing Garden Grove and Santa Ana
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This Week I joined Supervisor Foley in attending the Costa Mesa Alliance for Better Streets in their Bright Lights of Costa Mesa Event. This program was done in collaboration Southern California Association of Governments where they distributed free bicycle lights and education cards to cyclist and pedestrians. Thank you for CMABS for making Costa Mesa and Orange County a more bikeable, healthier and environmentally friendly place.
Friday, I joined Supervisor Foley at the opening of the Orange International Street Fair at the City of Orange. The Annual Labor Day Weekend Tradition is celebrating its 50th anniversary and will include live performances, homemade arts and crafts and a lot of different ethnic food! The Fair will be open Friday from 5pm-10pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am-10pm.
Finally, in an OCTA update construction has started on a new bus shelters near the intersections of Fairview Rd and Arlington Dr and at West 19th Street and Placentia in the City of Costa Mesa. We look forward to these new shaded amenities!
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Cindy Tran-Chang
Policy Advisor
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They say change is unsettling and at the same time, a good thing! It allows for opportunities to learn, grow, and share one’s knowledge, expertise and interests with others. After working with the same agency for 24 and a half years, I was blessed with an incredible opportunity to broaden my horizons through the County’s Leadership Enrichment program, working for Supervisor Katrina Foley’s office. I’m embracing this change and it’s very exciting! I also celebrated 25 years of service with the County on August 15, 2022 at my new job!
In the short few months here, I’ve held different roles that tap into a variety of strengths and skillsets. It’s exhilarating to have the flexibility to do what you love, while also making a difference in the community! As a policy advisor, I interacted with different departmental staff across the county to learn more about the multitude of services the County offers!
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As the office Budget Lead, I manage our expenses to ensure we are within budget and that we are transparent in our business practices. I’m also strengthening relationships with the community and learning about the different non-profits within our district, to better understand their needs. These connections enabled us to support where the need is most, like funding programs related to the arts, meal gap programs and community and school garden startups! More to come in the future!
On Monday, I met with Tustin City Manager Matt West to learn more about what’s happening in the city and to offer our office support for initiatives and/or needs.
On Thursday, Supervisor Katrina Foley hosted a Labor Day Staff Appreciation Lunch, to thank county employees for their service. Over 800 employees enjoyed a free lunch, compliments of the Supervisor and resource giveaways from partnering agencies. A special thank you to our county partners who hosted booths at the event: OCEA, OC Waste & Recycling, OC Healthcare Agency, CalOptima and OCTA.
Annie Mitchell
Policy Analyst
This week marks my first full week as a full-time employee, well, not including moving week! There is a lot of change going on in our office and it is all very new and exciting. This week we had a great time hosting a Labor Day Staff Appreciation Lunch, it was an amazing opportunity for me to meet other county employees and for me to create trusting connections with the staff in our office. We worked very hard as a team, helping and supporting each other to make sure our Orange County employees felt appreciated and had a great time.
I was also happy to attend the grand opening of the Foot and Ankle Specialty Group in Newport Beach this past week with Supervisor Foley. With an office full of female podiatrist’s, it was very inspiring to me as someone who is passionate about health and the human body.
Veterans Service Officer position is open!
The County of Orange is looking for qualified applicants to fill the Veteran Service Officer position! The application will remain open on a continuous basis. This position seeks a dynamic leader who will act as a liaison between military installations, veterans’ service organizations, and community organizations. If you are interested, apply now!
Health News
Michele Mullen
Community Outreach Director
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As of September 2, 2022, there are 168 confirmed or probable cases of monkeypox in Orange County. Although monkeypox vaccines are limited in availability, but according to HCA the vaccines are being given in smaller doses, making more vaccines available for distribution. The County is working to secure more doses. To register for the vaccine, eligible individuals can visit Othena.com.
To register for the vaccine, eligible individuals can visit Othena.com.
Testing is readily available across the County and beyond as many commercial laboratories now have the capacity to test for monkeypox.
To prevent the spread of monkeypox and keep yourself and others safe, folks should:
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Talk to your sexual partner/s about any recent illness and being aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes on your body or your partner's body, including on the genitals and anus
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Avoid close contact, including hugging, kissing, cuddling and sexual activity with people with symptoms like sores or rashes
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Not share materials (e.g., utensils, cups, clothing, towels, bedding) with someone who has symptoms
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Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer · Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (like a mask, gown and gloves) when caring for others with symptoms
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Avoid contact with infected animals
To learn more about monkeypox and vaccinations, visit www.ochealthinfo.com/monkeypox.
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In addition, according to the OCHA there is new COVID-19 Booster for the Fall designed to combat the latest Omicron variants. The county is waiting for recommendations from the Western State Doctors along with the California Department of Public Health, but the approval should be coming soon.
OC Health Update
The Orange County Healthcare Agency recommends the following precautions to stay healthy and prevent heat-related illnesses:
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Drink plenty of water; don’t wait until you are thirsty.
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Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
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Stay out of the sun if possible, and when in the sun wear a wide brim hat and use sunscreen.
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Avoid strenuous activities if you are outside or in non-air-conditioned buildings. If you are working outdoors, take frequent rest and refreshment breaks in shaded area.
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Never leave children, elderly people or pets unattended in closed cars or other vehicles.
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Check on those, like neighbors, who are at high risk to make sure they are staying cool – including seniors who live alone, people with heart or lung disease, and young children.
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Stay cool indoors – if your home is not air conditioned, visit public facilities such as shopping malls and libraries to stay cool.
As the summer comes into full swing, it is increasingly important to remain safe and healthy and it is a top priority of mine to keep community members updated with the most recent guidelines. To find more information on the latest guidelines issued by the HCA, visit occovid19.ochealthinfo.com.
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 September 2, 2022, 2,345,356 Orange County residents are fully vaccinated and 1,375,422 received their shot or booster dose. The 7-day average positivity rate September 2, 2022 in our County is 15.8%. This equals out to 12.9% daily positive COVID cases per 100k residents.
OC Animal Care:
Many concerned citizens reached out to my office about the state of OC Animal Care’s adoption system. In response, I sent an anonymous staffer unannounced to walk in to the shelter and report back what an everyday resident may experience as a walk in adopter. I’m pleased to report they were accommodated within minutes and were able to view multiple animals (& our office almost got a new fuzzy team member)!
There are some fundamental truths we must start with:
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Too many pets are living in our shelters who need a loving home.
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Our shelters are understaffed and we must vigorously recruit and retain new staff members.
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The OCAC shelter is open for walk ins. Appointments are recommended for a quicker adoption process, but not necessary. Every customer receives a fully personalized adoption experience.
To solve our most pressing concerns, I am hosting free adoptions and a job recruitment fair on Saturday, September 10th at OC Animal Care. My office will be sponsoring adoptions for the month of September, including food and supplies to make your new family member comfortable at home.
I hope you will join our mission to clear our overcrowded shelters and add a new member to your family. Learn more at ocpetinfo.com.
 
OC Alert
Sign up for AlertOC to get notified in case of emergency in Orange County. The mass notification system is designed to keep Orange County residents and businesses informed in the event of a time-sensitive emergency. YOU MUST OPT IN TO RECEIVE ALERTS. Register today at AlertOC.org.
Appointments for Veterans Services
WIC Families + Farmers' Markets
Orange County Microbusiness Grants Re-Launch
Second Harvest Food Bank
Second Harvest Food Bank is hosting their first-ever Walk to Feed OC on September 11th at Tanaka Farms in Irvine. This event is presented by Albertsons and will help raise awareness about food insecurity in Orange County. To join in the fundraising and walking efforts, sign up here: feedoc.org/walk
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 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
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Team Foley
Thank you for being an active member of our County.
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