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Volume 2 | Issue 36 |
September 16, 2022 |
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This was a packed week full of community events, the Board of Supervisors meeting, celebrations, and meetings with our partners on key initiatives. On Sunday, I joined Orange County Fire Authority’s annual remembrance ceremony to pay tribute to the victims of the attacks on September 11, 2001. Many lives changed after 9-11. Our freedoms were restricted and our way of living transformed. Some of our first responders still suffer from the toxic exposure. We must all keep sharing our stories of pain, hope, sadness, loss, and service from that dark time in our nation’s history. We overcame because Americans United are the most resilient people in the world. Thank you to all of those who sacrificed to save so many. We must never forget.
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Last Friday, I attended the Rotary Club event at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center to help highlight many of our local and global environmental projects! It's always fun to meet with community members from both sides of the aisle who share the same passion for taking care of our environment.
Saturday was our Adoption Day event at OC Animal Care! Thank you to everyone in the community who came to our OC Animal Care Adoption Day event and helped make it a success! That day we found loving homes for 93 cats, 34 dogs, and 3 rabbits totaling 130 adoptions.
We also distributed 15,580 pounds of food to help feed 897 pets in our community, making this the second largest pantry to date in terms of pounds of food provided and the third largest to date in terms of number of pets fed!
If you missed us on Saturday, we’re waiving adoption fees for the rest of month to help more of our furry friends find loving families. Since the event, I’m excited to share that 217 animals were adopted!
Help us clear the shelter, and let’s keep this momentum going! To learn more, visit ocpetinfo.com.
On Saturday evening, I joined Congressman Lou Correa, eye doctors and community members to celebrate the great work done by the volunteers and supporters of the Orange County Eye Project!
This program provides specialized eye care to underserved communities in Orange County for free. Since their first clinic in June 2021, OCEP has evaluated over 600 patients and has provided treatment to more than 150 thanks to their extensive volunteer network.
On Sunday, I went to the Halverson-Cano! Rev. Dr. Sarah was the longtime Senior Pastor of Fairview Community Church, and while I’m sad to see her leave our Costa Mesa community, I know her leadership will continue to spread across the county and throughout our interfaith community. Thank you, Sarah, for all your work to make Orange County a more equitable and just region for all.
The OC Streetcar project is underway and in the long run we expect benefits to the local business community, but currently the impacts remain disruptive to businesses. This funding from OCTA creates another opportunity to help local businesses and the City of Santa Ana in remaining whole despite the unforeseen delays.
Then during Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, I started the meeting with presenting a resolution proclaiming September 15, 2022 through October 15, 2022 as “Hispanic Heritage Month" to representatives from the Orange County Bar Association & Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Today, we have Hispanic leaders in every sector, including government, health care, business, the arts, education, and nonprofit work. I'm happy to celebrate the community’s culture, spirit, and pride, which are a big part of what makes Orange County a great place to live.
During the meeting, I voted in support of agenda items addressing public safety initiatives, transitional youth shelters, and the latest on the Southern California Veterans Cemetery in Gypsum Canyon.
It is vital that we meet this moment and provide resources to address our county’s challenges. The outcomes of the Board meeting improve our ability to coordinate care for those experiencing homelessness, establish emergency shelters for our youth, curb Driving Under the Influence, and take the latest step towards making a veterans cemetery in Orange County a reality. Thanks to our partnerships, I am optimistic with our current progress, and I look forward to keeping this momentum going to address our County’s pressing needs.
On Wednesday, I toured Friendship Shelter locations in Laguna Beach & San Clemente with Mayor Sue Kempf. Friendship Shelter helps those experiencing homelessness by giving them stabilization and housing as well as connecting people to services that they need. In the last year, they empowered 68 people to secure housing and leave the shelter. Happy to see for myself the great work the folks at the shelter are doing to address homelessness in the community!
Here I am with Mayor Sue Kempf at Friendship Shelter!
Then, I toured the Waymakers’ suicide prevention shelter in Laguna Beach, where I want to highlight their efforts to give our most vulnerable youth coping skills including musical instrument lessons. Thank you to Waymakers for showing me around and sharing the work you do for our youth!
Later in the day, I attended the Coto De Caza Home Owner Association meeting to listen to the community concerns surrounding pedestrian traffic incidents. Recently, a young boy passed away as a result of being struck while walking his bike across the street on his way to school.
I went to the scene of the accident and surveyed the area for potential improvements. I fully support an investigation into how this tragedy took place and will continue looking into immediate action the County can take to keep our children safe.
I ended the day at Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance’s Tastemakers of OC event! I was happy to attend this celebration of all the Asian and Pacific Islander cuisines created by distinguished chefs who call Orange County home. Proceeds from the event went to supporting OCAPICA’s mental health & health, youth developmental, housing assistance, policy education, and anti-Asian racism program.
On Thursday, I started the day bright and early with my first Coffee & Conversation event at American Legion Post 291. We held a veterans roundtable where we discussed veterans suicide prevention, veterans housing, the latest on the veterans cemetery, and more!
Then I attended meetings to discuss affordable housing plans, veterans affairs, and housing opportunities.
In Orange County, diversity is our strength. Last night I joined local leaders at the Mexican Consulate for the “El Grito” ceremony in Santa Ana to celebrate Mexican Independence Day.
This morning was the second Coffee & Conversation event at Donald Dungan Library in Costa Mesa! Meeting with people in the community is always a great way to kick off a Friday.
If you’d like to join me for coffee, we still have one more Coffee & Conversation taking place on Monday at County Administration North in Santa Ana. More details below, and hope to grab coffee with you soon!
One last note - September is National Suicide Prevention month, and the County of Orange is hosting the Light Up Hope OC campaign to raise awareness in our community.
During the week of September 19, Orange County will “Light Up Hope” in multiple locations throughout Orange County, using spotlights and building lights to project teal and purple lights, which represent suicide prevention colors. Our hope is that these lighted structures will prompt people to learn more.
Light Up Hope sheds light on the critical importance of suicide prevention especially among isolated Veterans & LGBTQ youth. Suicide is a preventable tragedy and help is available. You can call 9-8-8, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to talk to a professional counselor who can offer assistance. To know the signs, learn how to help and reach out for resources, go to https://www.lightuphopeoc.com.
Click here or on the photo below to view my PSA, and please help us raise awareness!
That’s a wrap on a busy week in District 2, but the work isn’t done yet! Join me and my team tomorrow morning at 9 AM in cleaning up our coast with Newport Bay Conservancy! The goal is to remove over 10,000 pounds of trash from the uplands and marsh areas of Upper Newport Bay that harm our wildlife, pollute our waterways, and threaten public health. Sign up now, and I’ll see you bright and early!
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 27, 2022
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Alex Rounaghi
Legislative Policy Advisor
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Another busy week working on critical policy issues at the County. It was great to have our first board meeting at the new building. I also joined Supervisor Foley on several meetings on issues, ranging from affordable housing, to John Wayne Airport, to the County Budget, as well as our preparation for the BOS agenda.
Today, I was proud to represent Supervisor Foley at the OC Iranian American Chamber of Commerce Business Awards luncheon. We heard from several outstanding members of the Orange County community, including Irvine Police Chief Michael Kent. During the opening remarks, Shani Moslehi, the Executive Director, noted that “Supervisor Foley was not here, but she is a good Persian dancer.” Orange County is strengthened by our incredible diversity, and it was great to attend this event to recognize outstanding Orange County business leaders.
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Manuel Chavez
Constituent Services Manager
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This week I joined Supervisor Foley at the Mexican Consulate’s Independence Day Celebration in Downtown Santa Ana. The event included the traditional “El Grito de la Independencia” which is a symbolic recreation of the speech Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla gave to the people of Dolores to start the Mexican Revolution. This historic event is celebrated annually on September 15th. On behalf of Supervisor Katrina Foley, we want to congratulate Mexico on its independence!
If you want to experience these festivities yourself, please attend the Fiestas Patrias 2022 being hosted by the City of Santa Ana. The Festival will be from September 17 & 18 on Flower Street Between Civic Center Drive and Santa Ana Boulevard. The festival will include food vendors, carnival rides, a beer garden and musical performances. I hope you are able to attend!
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Cindy Tran-Chang
Policy Advisor
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This was another busy week connecting with different organizations and planning on ways we can support children and families during the holidays. We are also tapping into other priorities including a coastal clean-up, a children’s book festival, supporting schools, community arts, student scholarship programs and more!
Our team was “all hands” with our Pet Adoption and Job Fair event last Saturday and this week, we worked together to conduct the first of our series of Coffee and Conversation with Supervisor Katrina Foley happening 9/15, 9/16 and 9/19.
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Aviva Meyers
Sustainability Policy Advisor
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Planning for the Sustainability Summit is in full swing! On September 28th at the OCC Planetarium, local experts will discuss how we can advance sustainability, protect ourselves from climate change, and create an equitable green economy in Orange County. You can RSVP at https://d2.ocgov.com/sustainability. |
Annie Mitchell
Policy Analyst
This has been quite the week, starting with this past Saturday we hosted our Pet Adoption event which was very successful! There were 130 total adoptions on Saturday, seeing all the sweet animals go home to loving families was truly heartwarming! Then Tuesday we had the first Board of Supervisors meeting in the new board room. It was my first time being in the new board room, and I thought it was amazing! Also, this week we are hosting our Coffee and Conversation with Katrina, our first one was hosted at the American Legion post 291, it was a beautiful day and great event. There was a very informative round table about Veterans where we got to hear what issues many of the Veterans in our county are facing and ideas for how to help!
Stephanie Wade
Veterans Policy Advisor
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This week I voluntarily attended the CalVet Leadership Summit in San Diego. It was a great to learn and network, especially on housing and mental health. Presenters also highlighted a new program open to ALL Californians. The Forgivable Equity Builder Loan provides loans including a state down payment of up to 10% of the loan which is forgiven after five years of ownership. The program is open to those who make less than 80% of the Average Median Income for their county (less than $76,755 per year in OC) and who haven’t owned a home within the last three years. You can apply here, https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/apps/PLO/ .
I also attended the Supervisor’s Veterans Advisory Board on Thursday. What made it special was that it was open to all veterans and held at American Legion Post 291 in Newport. Veterans learned, asked questions and provided suggestions to the Supervisor and her advisors. It made me proud to work for such a great veterans advocate!
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The Supervisor and her Veterans Advisory Board Members at a public meeting held at Newport Beach’s American Legion Post 291, L to R, Alex Gonzalez (Navy, Member OC Veterans Advisory Council), Andrea Bird, Esq. (Marine Corps, Board Member Veterans Legal Institute), Richard Owens, (Marine Corps and Army, Chair of the OCVMC Housing Working Group & Senior Program Manager, Jamboree Housing), Supervisor Foley, Chase Wickersham (Army, Boardmember, OC Behavioral Health Advisory Board), Nick Berardino (President OCVALOR).
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!
Michael Wellborn, Orange County Parks Commissioner
The Orange County Parks Commission met on September 1 at OC Parks headquarters. The principal agenda item was to address some of the Commission member's concerns from the July 7, 2022 meeting about conforming to the County's Bylaws Template for commissions and advisory boards. Staff from the County Counsel's office and the CEO presented a training on the Brown Act, then the Commissioners were given a concise understanding of the County's interest in a County-wide Bylaws Template that is intended to be consistent throughout all departments. Following the presentation, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the updated OC Parks Commission Bylaws.
The next meeting of the OC Parks Commission will be on Thursday evening, October 6, 2022 at Heritage Hill Historic Park to view the Fall-o-ween lights.
Sue Dvorak, Airport Commissioner
1) Agenda Item #3: Approve Amendment #3 to Concession Lease with Bambuza OC Ventures, LLC
The Airport Commission voted unanimously to approve Amendment #3 which will allow Bambuza OC Ventures, LLC dba the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to operate Sambazon Acai Bowl in Terminal B on Percentage Rent; remove 2 coffee locations by TSA and baggage claim; and reassign 1 coffee location in Terminal C. These changes will provide Bambuza the opportunity to better meet the needs of passengers in the airport terminals.
2) Agenda Item #4: Approve Amendment #8 for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Services
The Airport Commission voted unanimously to approve Amendment #8 to extend the contract with the OC Fire Authority from December, 2022 through November, 2027 for a new contract amount not to exceed $31,091,284 over that 5-year period. This contract allows JWA to provide continuous Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF) services to ensure the public’s safety as required by the FAA. All of the ARFF vehicles and equipment, as well as ARFF Fire Station 33, are directly owned by JWA.
Misc. Commission Business:
Airport Noise Violation Committee
As required by County Ordinance, and directed in the Airport Commission by-laws, the Airport Commission will form a standing Airport Noise Violation Committee. The purpose of this committee is to adjudicate and decide all Appeals of Notice of Noise Violations. The committee will be composed of three members of the Airport Commission selected by a lottery.
FAA Approves Unleaded Fuel for Piston Planes
The FAA recently approved unleaded fuel for piston planes which was hailed by the industry as a major step in the transition to an unleaded General Aviation future. Supervisor Foley’s staff is looking into this development to better understand what the implications are for JWA transitioning to a lead-free future. Read more about this exciting development.
Health News
Michele Mullen
Public Health Advisor
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As of September 15, 2022, there are 211 total cases of Monkeypox and 8 (4%) hospitalizations in Orange County. Testing is available across the County. According to Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong from Orange County Health Care Agency, the virus is plateauing, and vaccination demand is lowered. People are behaving less risky, and thus there is a change in guidelines for who gets the vaccine. 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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The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) started offering bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccines this week. According to CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, “updated COVID-19 boosters are formulated to better protect against the most recently circulating COVID-19 variant. They can help restore protection that has waned since previous vaccination and were designed to provide broader protection against newer variants.”
OC Health Update
How concerned should people be about the enterovirus (EV) and rhinovirus (RV)?
These are common viruses we typically see in the summer and fall. The concern here is there’s been a higher level this year than last year. We need to remind everyone to wash your hands, and if you are sick, please stay home. If you have asthma, make sure your action plan is up to date and keep in touch with your medical provider.
Is the bigger picture not so much specific viruses EV or RV, but just that viruses have been on the rise?
Correct. The HCA thinks we haven't seen as many EV or RV cases recently due to people were masking up. Now we’re seeing more people going out in public without masks. That might be one reason for the increase we haven’t seen the past two years. Important to note, even if you test negative for COVID-19 a person could have one of these other viruses.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website says there are 5 acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) cases in California. Any of those cases in Orange County (OC)?
No cases in OC have been reported yet.
Why the concern over EV D68, is that a precursor to AFM?
Per the CDC alert, EV D68 has been associated with this rare AFM. That is concerning to most people who don’t see a logical consequence to a viral illness. Usually you think of a viral illness causing a cold or fever that immediately goes away. But there are other viruses that can cause neurologic conditions. We want people to be aware and if their children are not well to have them see their medical provider.
What symptoms should people look for?
Children who have difficulty breathing or have experience sudden weakness in the arms or legs should seek immediate medical attention. Hospitals reports show that children with EV or RV who have been hospitalized are having more respiratory symptoms or low oxygen levels. Some children who have not had a history of asthma may also have difficulty breathing or lower oxygen levels. If your child looks really tired all the time and is coughing a lot, please have their oxygen levels tested. Typically common colds last a couple of days, fevers respond to fever lowering medications such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Motrin) but if they are not responding, you should seek medical attention and that can be even the first day of symptom onset.
Can you describe AFM symptoms.
If parents seek their child has sudden weakness in their arms or legs, they should be evaluated. EV and RV are more commonly associated with respiratory symptoms. AFM is rare but can be seen in other viral illness. If they seem like they’re having difficulty breathing and they are tired or weak they should see a medical professional. Muscle aches are more commonly experienced with flu but can occur with EV and RV, along with fever or a runny nose.
According to the CDC, AFM can cause permanent disability. More information for the public on AFM can be found on the CDC here.
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 15, 2022, 2,348,277 Orange County residents are fully vaccinated, 207,198 are partially vaccinated and 1,377,809 received their shot or booster dose. The 7-day average positivity rate (September 15, 2022) in our County is 10.2 %. This equals out to 9.4 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, 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. To read my official response to frequently asked questions, please click here.
Pet of the Week
Onyx arrived at OC Animal Care over a year ago in August of 2021 when a few Field Agents found him wandering around scared and alone. Besides being a little dirty, Onyx was healthy and happy to be in our care, and he began making friends from the minute he stepped into the shelter! Onyx is a happy boy who can always be seen grinning from ear to ear, and he loves taking the proper time to get to know someone so he can make sure you’ll be his best friend for life. The only thing Onyx loves more than treats is playing fetch with his human friends! Bring out a tennis ball and this handsome boy will play fetch with you all day long! This adorable boy was chosen to be featured by the Anaheim Ducks this past year due to his cheerful personality and handsome smile! Onyx did well when meeting another dog while in our care and would do well with a dog sibling who can match his bouncy style of play! Due to his size and strength, Onyx is looking for a home with kids 15 years of age or older.
Interested in adopting Onyx? Call (714) 935-6848 to schedule an adoption appointment today! Walk-ins are welcome! *
Animal ID#: A1732502
*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
Upcoming Job Fairs in OC:
September 17th: John Wayne Airport is hosting a job fair on Saturday, September 17 from 9 am to 2 pm. They are hiring for Airport Related Services, Aviation, Food and Beverage, Custodial, Retail and Parking/Transportation.
Huntington Beach Pacific Airshow Cruise Tickets Are Now Available!
The Huntington Beach Pacific Airshow is back, and they are offering a unique on the water vantage point for viewing this spectacular event from one of our vessels, and we'll have a limited number of seats available. The Great Pacific Airshow will take place on Friday, Sept. 30th- Sunday, Oct. 2nd, 2022 from 10am-5:30pm over the ocean of Huntington Beach, California.
Our boats have tons of amenities including two levels, outdoor seating, indoor salon seating, full bars, sundecks, and more! Plus, this is a great way to avoid the large crowds and parking in Huntington Beach area during this busy annual event since our boats depart from the Newport Beach Harbor. For airshow performers, the Thunderbirds are expected to steal the show this year! Huntington Beach's 6th Annual Airshow lineup for 2022 is still being finalized. Don't delay, they sell out fast for this annual event, so be sure to book today before trips are SOLD OUT!
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
Guo Pei: Art of Couture – NOVEMBER 12
Bowers Museum will once again welcome international couture powerhouse Guo Pei as she transforms the galleries into a world of fantasy this fall.
The exhibition Guo Pei: Art of Couture premiers with a fresh take on the artist’s finest and most personal pieces, including gowns hand selected by Guo Pei herself. Hot on the heels of her success at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, Bowers’ entirely new exhibition opens to the public on November 12, 2022.
Guo Pei: Art of Couture will feature over 40 works of couture art curated for exhibit by the world-renowned designer. Among the bespoke selection is Guo Pei’s Chinese Bride collection, which makes its North American debut at the Bowers.
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
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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Team Foley
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