Alex Rounaghi
Legislative Policy Advisor
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As I wrote last week, fully utilizing the County’s Emergency Housing Vouchers is a top priority for our office. Supervisor Foley hosted a comprehensive town hall on this issue in April. Our office continues to work 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 and for working with us to place residents who are experiencing homeless but possess a housing voucher. Please reach out to me at alex.rounaghi@ocgov.com for more information on housing vouchers.
On Friday, I joined Rachel, our Policy Intern, on a call with the Orange Coast College Guardian Scholars program. This great program provides supportive services to students with experience in the foster care and juvenile justice systems. A huge gap is a lack of student housing that is affordable—which contributes to a student homelessness crisis in both our county and state. A recent UCLA study found that across the state, 1 in 5 community college students is homeless. That is unacceptable and Supervisor Foley is committed to finding solutions at the county level to alleviate this crisis in Orange County. We will keep you updated on progress on this very important issue.
We continue to work with constituents and county staff on solutions to address the proliferation of unscrupulous sober living home operators across our County. This week we had several productive meetings. We are looking to develop a model ordinance and host a hearing to assess policy options at the county, state, and local level. I will keep you updated on this important work.
As always, we are here to serve you, so do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions, ideas, or concerns about policy issues that affect Orange County residents.
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Manuel Chavez
Constituent Services Manager
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Tuesday, I spent my day helping mobile home residents locate local cooling centers in their area. As more extreme weather occurs more frequently it is important for local government to do its part to ensure everyone stays safe. Supervisor Foley and our entire team do our best to promote these life saving resources.
I hope everyone enjoyed their long Labor Day weekend. This week our office is working hard to prepare for the Pet Adoption Event at the Orange County Animal Shelter. It will be taking place tomorrow from 10am until 5pm. Join us.
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Cindy Tran-Chang
Policy Advisor
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Early this week, I finalized the after actions and started thank you notes for Supervisor Katrina Foley’s well-attended Labor Day Staff Appreciation event. It was a great day of recognition for county employees and a creative way to support local businesses!
I also responded to questions from the public addressing concerns about Orange County Animal Care (OCAC) and promoting our Free Pet Adoption and Job Fair event on Saturday, September 9, 2022. Hope you were able to catch a clip of Supervisor Foley on Good Day LA this morning! She brought awareness about how the public can help the animals through adoption as well as interview for a job at the OCAC! Our team is busy prepping goodie bags for the event and I’ll be staffing the morning shift tomorrow! I can’t wait to see all the fur babies that will be adopted into loving homes. Our event is a month-long initiative and the first 200 pets adopted will have fees waived along with a goodie bag filled with pet essentials.
The Supervisor will be hosting Coffee & Conversation with Katrina Foley in the next few weeks to learn more about what’s happening in our communities! I continue to research into a variety of programs, events and organizations within our district that serve the community, to see how we can support them. If your organization needs some assistance, please contact me at Cindy.Tran-Chang@ocgov.com and we can explore what we can do! We continue to build new relationships and our most recent endeavors include supporting schools, rotary clubs, coastal clean-up events, water conservation programs, public safety initiatives and more!
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Aviva Meyers
Sustainability Policy Advisor
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Orange County is facing extreme weather this week. Like the rest of Southern California, we are experiencing high temperatures, strong winds, and soon, intense rain. Tropical Storm Kay will bring some relief after this long and brutal heat wave, but it will also bring heavy rains that could lead to flash flooding–and that will not resolve California’s drought. And even though temperatures will decrease, it’s still going to be hot! Reminder: these kinds of conditions–extreme heat and extreme storms–are going to be more common as climate change worsens.
I want to give readers some resources to stay safe in these conditions and even save money. Here are tips for protecting yourself in the event of extreme heat and flash flooding. Here are programs offered by Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric that can save you money during periods of peak power demand. You can also connect your electricity account to free services like OhmConnect, which will pay you for reducing your electricity usage.
In other news, the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) this week voted on its response to the County’s request for an independent audit of OCPA’s finances, operations, and procurement. As a reminder, the Board of Supervisors, led by Supervisor Foley, voted on August 23rd to demand this audit or else withdraw from OCPA. We now await a formal response from OCPA to determine what happens next.
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Annie Mitchell
Policy Analyst
Another great week, as I am starting to understand the ebb and flow of working for Supervisor Katrina Foley! The start of my week was filled with preparing for our upcoming Board of Supervisors meeting. I also got to spend some time in the field with Orange County Public Works (OCPW) assessing the Greenville Banning Channel and checking out the new 4D fencing that was installed along Fairview Blvd. This fence was requested by Supervisor Foley and residents nearby to prevent encampments in the flood channel.
This week was jam packed and we are about to end it with a bang at the animal adoption event on Saturday. Helping these animals is a priority to us all and we have worked tirelessly with Orange County Animal Shelter to make this event a great one!
Rachel Carr
Policy Fellow
This week has been full of excitement and productivity! I met with the leader of OCC’s Guardian Scholars program to better assist foster-youth and former juvenile justice members in successfully achieving higher education. Orange Coast College's Guardian Scholars program is a unique operation that aids foster youth and prior members of the juvenile justice system to obtain higher education and transfer to a four-year university. We discussed the great work already occurring to help Orange County community members overcome educational barriers and the additional work that must happen to make their educational goals a reality. We emphasized the hardships of maintaining stable housing for many young students as they work through college-- researching how to make existing grant opportunities more accessible to students in need. In the future, we hope to continue dialogue with this organization to combat the complex issue of housing at-risk students. Additionally, I furthered my collaboration with other district members to discuss a comprehensive plan to address the issue of regulating sober-living homes in Orange County. We have been active in investigating claims of violations throughout our district and are in the process of creating a model ordinance to guide cities with their regulations. Tomorrow will be our “Clear the Shelters” animal adoption day with OC Animal Care, where we hope to find up to 200 animals a long-term, loving home through waiving all adoption and initial veterinarian fees. Lots of great things are in the works!
Stephanie Wade
Veterans Policy Advisor
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Hello and sorry for not having a contribution last week; I was recovering from COVID (be careful, it's no fun even for the fully vaccinated) and had nothing to report. But I am back full force and have one update and one sad note of remembrance. First, I wanted to tell you that I will be attending the CalVet Leadership Summit in San Diego next week where I plan to network and learn, especially on Tuesday which is entirely focused on veterans housing issues. Sunday is the 21st anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. I know we all mark it in our own way but for my part, I want to share and celebrate my friend Johnny "Mike" Spann. Mike and I, served together as Captains in 1997-98. He was the Executive Officer and I was the Operations Officer for Special purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force that circumnavigated South America and Africa as part of the Navy's UNITAS deployment and then went on South Africa and Namibia for the West African Training Cruise. We got to know each other very, very well. I spent more hours with Mike for that year than I did with my family. From nights out in the field to meals in the wardroom and trips out on liberty in places like Cartagena and Cape Town. He was a funny guy with a dry Alabama sense of humor. He loved Molly Hatchet and Mudhoney, he was a great shot, a parachutist and a very, very devoted family man. Patriotism and family were the two things that drove Mike, who ultimately passed away in combat. Mike left behind his wife Sharon and three children, Alison, Emily, and Jake. I remember him as pictured above, proud, happy and full of love for his people and his country. I have never known a braver American. |
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 9, 2022, there are 184 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Orange County. Testing is available across the County and over 841 persons have been tested. Vaccine supplies are still limited, but the County is working on receiving more vials. 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
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In addition, Dr. Clayton Chau from OC Health Care Agency is reporting that the latest booster for COVID-19 is available. The HCA is recommending to wait 2 months after your last booster to receive the latest booster.
OC Health Update
On September 10th, every year, World Suicide Prevention Day provides the opportunity for people across the globe to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention. Please join us in honoring those we have lost to suicide and to spread hope to those who are currently struggling by lighting a candle in your window at 8PM on 9/10. We are hoping to share pictures symbolizing hope across California. #SuicidePreventionWeek #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #SuicidePrevention #TakeAction4MH
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 9, 2022, 2,346,825 Orange County residents are fully vaccinated and 1,377,003 received their shot or booster dose. The 7-day average positivity rate September 9, 2022 in our County is 9.1%. This equals out to 11 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 TOMORROW 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.
 Pet of the Week
Agnes is 10 years young and is very ready to find her PURRfect home! This beautiful girl arrived at OC Animal Care when a good Samaritan found her severely dehydrated, malnourished, and in need of some medical attention. Our Veterinary Staff has been working hard to get Agnes to a healthy weight and feeling good again! While resting and gaining her strength back, we had the pleasure of seeing Agnes come out of her shell! While initially very skeptical of our Staff and Volunteers, as Agnes has healed, she has begun showing us just how sweet she is and how much she loves the people she gets to know! Agnes loves to lean into your hand, asking for pets and love, and you’ll definitely be able to hear her sweet purr! While Agnes is still continuing to work up to her goal weight, she is ready to go home and continue to get some extra TLC and love from her new family!
Interested in adopting Agnes? Call (714) 935-6848 to schedule an adoption appointment today! Walk-ins are welcome! *
*Walk-ins are on a first-come, first-served basis as staffing allows.
A Message from the Orange County Registrar of Voters:
The November 8th General Election is quickly approaching, and we look forward to providing excellent service to voters at Vote Center locations throughout Orange County. To make this possible, we are currently hiring more than 600 Customer Service Representatives to staff Vote Centers.
Please consider helping your neighbors exercise their right to vote by applying to be a customer service representative at a Vote Center in your community. Apply today at the link below, or contact us for additional information at 714 567-7321 or by email at recruitment@ocvote.gov
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
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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