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Volume 2 | Issue 37 |
September 23, 2022 |
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We had a productive week full of community events, meetings, and calls working hard for the people of Orange County.
Last weekend I joined Crystal Cove Conservancy, Newport Bay Conservancy, Costa Mesa Sanitary District, and Orange County Parks to clean up the Newport Back Bay and Crystal Cove for Coastal Clean Up Day. Our environment is among Orange County’s greatest treasures, so I was happy to support the cleanup effort.
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 This week started off with the last of our Coffee & Conversation series at the County Administration North Building here in Santa Ana. Thank you to everyone who came to our Coffee & Conversation series - I really enjoyed speaking with you all about the issues that matter most to you. Looking forward to more opportunities to engage with our community!
 On Tuesday, I attended a recognition dinner in honor of the Newport Beach Firefighters, Lifeguards, and Seasonal Lifeguards who work hard on a daily basis to keep our community safe. Special congratulations to the Firefighter, Lifeguard, and Seasonal Lifeguard of the Year!
 Later in the day, I joined the OC Health Care Agency (OCHCA) and the rest of the Board of Supervisors to kick off Light Up Hope OC! In honor of September being Suicide Prevention Month, the OCHCA is lighting up the exterior of iconic locations in Orange County (like our County Administration building) to raise awareness on this important issue. Help is Available! Call 9-8-8 to speak to a counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and for more resources, visit www.LightUpHopeOC.com.

On Wednesday, I met with the Newport Beach City Manager and her team to discuss many county city projects including coastal dredging, media maintenance improvements needed of county areas near the airport, water quality diversion permits pending, improvements at the Dunes, a briefing from recreation, a discussion about the need for a county composting plan, and so much more. It’s great to learn about the needs of the cities so we can support. I also met with OCHCA to plan an event to raise awareness of the opioid crisis and the dangers of fentanyl, so keep an eye out for updates!
Yesterday, I met with the Laguna Beach City Manager to receive a briefing regarding the south beaches transfer, Laguna Canyon under grounding & transportation improvement plan, and library needs.
Then, I participated in the One Water, One Watershed Committee Meeting where we voted on recommendations to approve millions in grant funding for key water projects that would optimize local water supply, serve disadvantaged communities, and address climate impacts including droughts. One of the projects that received recommendation for grant funding is the Santa Ana Zoo Stormwater Capture and Diversion (SAZSCAD) Project, an underground stormwater infiltration system that will capture approximately 67 acre-feet per year of stormwater runoff and infiltrate it back into the ground to replenish local water supplies.
Today, I attended the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce 2022 State of the City! The State of the City is an opportunity for us to come together to hear about the progress Costa Mesa has made and what the vision for Costa Mesa is for the future.
 Here with Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens, Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, and Councilmembers Manuel Chavez and Loren Gameros
Finally, I wanted to share a few key updates with you all:
The Sustainability Summit is quickly approaching! On Wednesday, September 28, you're invited to join me, climate experts, and elected officials at the Orange Coast College Planetarium to learn about options for climate action, sustainability, addressing climate impacts, addressing coastal erosion, building climate resiliency, and achieving an equitable green economy here in Orange County. The event is open to the public and includes a box lunch served by Orange Coast College Culinary Arts students. More details below, and RSVP here: https://d2.ocgov.com/sustainability

Since our Animal Adoption Day event on the 10th, I am thrilled to share that we found loving homes for 339 of our furry friends at OC Animal Care! Thank you to everyone in the community for stepping up and helping us find forever families for so many animals.
Finally, we want to spark meaningful conversation around suicide prevention. Please share the PSA here or below to spread the word especially among our veterans and LGBTQ+ community, and visit LightUpHopeOC.com to learn more.
 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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This week included work on a wide range of policy issues. I joined Supervisor Foley for a meeting with our new Chief Probation Officer Daniel Hernandez to hear an update on the juvenile hall redevelopment. The plans align with the County’s OC CARES initiative, which aims to promote public safety through intervention and prevention. Our goal is to ensure that youth in the juvenile justice system have access to education, job training, and other support to become productive members of society. We are excited about the efforts underway, and I will update you with more specifics about the proposed juvenile hall redevelopment. |
Manuel Chavez
Constituent Services Manager
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Another busy week serving the constituents of Orange County. Friday was the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce 2022 State of the City Address. The Theme was ‘Investing in Progress’ and Mayor Stephens did a great job highlighting the accomplishments of Costa Mesa. This included a mention of the partnerships with Supervisor Foley and the County of Orange for Talbert park encampment clearance and park remediation funds, motel conversion funds to create housing for seniors and veterans, Fentanyl hearing, and the new musical instruments at Lions Park funded in part by Supervisor Foley.
Friday evening, I joined Newport Modern Dentistry for their grand opening Newport Modern Dentistry believes dentistry is the art of transforming lives, making people healthier and more confident. If you need a new dentist, give them a visit!
Finally, Happy 105th birthday to Costa Mesa Resident Dorothy Dunn! Our office wishes you a very special day.
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Cindy Tran-Chang
Policy Advisor
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On Saturday, September 17, 2022, our team joined Supervisor Foley and community members to clean up Upper Newport Back Bay. We had a great turnout, and it was so much fun to work together as a team! There were 11 sites and we were assigned to the Delhi Bridge. Mother nature blessed us with beautiful weather so we could do the important work of removing trash and recyclables from the marsh, waterway and beaches.
Back at the office, I met with additional organizations to see how we could collaborate to support their initiatives and programming. We are partnering with Goin’ Native and CHOC to see how we could help expand the therapeutic arts and educational programs for youth undergoing services at CHOC.
I also processed the transactions needed to support events recognizing our firefighters and lifeguards, Orange County Children’s Book Festival, Girls Inc, Coffee and Conversation with Supervisor Katrina Foley events, ArtsOC, Girls Inc., citywide volunteer days and Orange County Women Lawyers Association.
Looking ahead, we are planning for our Sustainability Summit taking place next Wednesday, September 28 at the OCC Planetarium. Check back next week to read all about how the event turned out! I’m signing off for the weekend to visit my daughter at UC Berkeley for Parent’s Weekend. Can’t wait as I haven’t seen her in more than a month!
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Aviva Meyers
Sustainability Policy Advisor
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I've spent the week finalizing our plans for the Sustainability Summit, which is just around the corner! The Summit is next Wednesday September 28, 2022 at 9am-1pm at the OCC Planetarium. We have a great lineup of academics, activists, and government representatives who will discuss the environmental challenges and opportunities that Orange County faces. Topics will include: climate action, waste reduction, water security, green jobs, environmental equity, and disaster resilience. Plus, local community groups will be there to tell you about their work. Join us! https://d2.ocgov.com/sustainability. |
Annie Mitchell
Policy Analyst
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Last weekend our office helped clean up the Back Bay! On Saturday morning we set out into the beautiful salt marsh on a wonderful Southern California day. Not too hot not too cold but just right, as my grandma Joyce likes to say. There was a wonderful turn out and it was great to bond with my peers while doing something active and great for our planet!
I was also lucky to join Supervisor Foley at the 24th Annual Newport Beach Fire and Lifeguard Appreciation Dinner. It was a beautiful ceremony to celebrate the hard and important work of the firefighters and lifeguards of Newport Beach.
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Stephanie Wade
Veterans Policy Advisor
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I have only one thing to talk about this week: The Supervisor's 2022 Veterans of the Year Awards! We all know veterans who stand out in our communities. While the Supervisor can think of several deserving candidates, she wants your help to make sure we nominate those who too often go unrecognized. Anyone can make a nomination and the award is open to all veterans, active-duty service members and reservists who live in our county or have greatly contributed to it in some way. Please submit your nominations here: tinyurl.com/KFVOTY.
The deadline is Friday, October 28th at 5:00 PM. Awardees will be featured in social media, a press release and receive a County Proclamation honoring their service, to be presented by the Supervisor at the Heroes Hall Veterans Day Commemoration (OC Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa, November 11, 2022 at 11:00 AM). Semper Fi!
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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
Public Health Advisor
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As of September 22, 2022 there are 237 total cases of Monkeypox and 13 (5%) 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.
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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Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) continues to investigate and conduct contact tracing on all confirmed and probable cases and continues to monitor and coordinate post-exposure prophylaxis for high-risk close contacts to known cases. The risk of monkeypox in the general population and community remains very low based on current information available. For national updates, including counts of cases by state, see the CDC U.S. Monkeypox 2022: Situation Summary.
OC Health Update
Some of the signs that a loved one is considering suicide might be:
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Putting affairs in order/giving away possessions
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Reckless behavior/increasing alcohol or drug use
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Anxiety, agitation, anger, hopelessness, sudden mood changes
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Talking about wanting to die or being a burden to others
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Listen, express concern, reassure
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If it is safe, remove weapons from the home
In addition to calling the 9-8-8 lifeline, additional resources are available by visiting www.OCNavigator.org or by calling (855) OC-LINKS.
Visit LightUpHopeOC.com for a list of lighted landmarks and locations and to learn how you can support the message. To learn more about helping someone who is struggling, visit www.suicideispreventable.org.
If you or someone you know is in need of support with an emotional crisis or thinking about suicide, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 at 9-8-8.
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 22, 2022, 2,358,465 Orange County residents are fully vaccinated, 206,465 are partially vaccinated and 1,378,761 received their shot or booster dose. The 7-day average positivity rate September 15, 2022 in our County is 7.1%. This equals out to 8.3 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. Since our Animal Adoption Day event on the 10th, I am thrilled to share that we found loving homes for 339 of our furry friends at OC Animal Care! Thank you to everyone in the community for stepping up and helping us find forever families for so many animals.
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

Channing is a 10-year-old Pit Bull who is looking for a loving home where he can live out his golden years! Channing arrived at OC Animal Care as a stray and has made many friends while being in our care! This handsome boy loves anyone and everyone he meets, and he will even sit nicely for treats! Give Channing a toy that squeaks, and he will be your best friend for life! Fetch is one of Channing’s favorite games, and he’s even very good at tossing the toy around for himself if you need to take a little break! Channing has some minor skin allergies that are easily manageable but might need some follow-up care from a family veterinarian. This adorable boy is ready to find a family where he can have some fun playtime, then cuddle on the couch in a pile of blankets while you watch your favorite TV show!
Interested in adopting Channing? 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
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!
Mariangeles Soto-Diaz: Gentle Prowess Deliberations – October 1
Performance: 8pm, Saturday October 1st, 2022
Part of Mariangeles Soto-Diaz’s ongoing artist residency, Gentle Prowess Deliberations is the third project in a series in which the artist incorporate judo principles and elements into art objects, installations, performances and social practice with her judo community. This project focuses on ju, or gentle, one of the core concepts of judo. The work also grapples with the ongoing reality of violence, including the violence that has led to over six million people leaving the artists native country of Venezuela in recent years. How does one practice ju in a world shaped by oppressive violence?
While growing up in Venezuela, Soto-Diaz’s judo teachers were intent on transmitting judo’s international sensibility as intertwined with its pacifist ethos, a key principle articulated by judo founder Jigoro Kano. Through these early experiences, Mariangeles was able to begin the philosophical and rhetorical quest into what this might mean as one confronts a powerful opponent, institution, or system.
For this project the artist approaches ju in several ways. She asked judo colleagues and teachers from two different dojos, Bunasawakai and Sawtelle, to characterize ju in their own words, and then incorporated their answers into aspects of the performance and installation. She weaves into the performance movements from a choreographed judo form that centers around ju, called ju-no-kata, performed here by US National champions Lee Pasteris and Frederick Dagdagan. Soto-Diaz incorporates judo movements performed by two of her sensei, grand master Sensei Nori Bunasawa and Sensei Goya. In addition to these four highly ranked master judokas, the artist is collaborating in the performance with dancer, choreographer and UCI professor Charlotte Griffin and art performer Christina Segovia. The evening will include field recordings from judo competitions at the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo as well as the US, with live and processed sound in collaboration with musician Michael Dessen.
Learn more.
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
Thank you for being an active member of our County.
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