Preserving the property as open space helps increase parkland and access in an area of the County that is park poor. Now that the sale has closed, I will continue to do whatever I can to expedite the planning, design and repurpose into a coastal park for current and future generations to enjoy.  

This week, we celebrated Supervisor Lisa Bartlett’s 8 years of service on the Board of Supervisors with a surprise celebration and a presentation during the BOS meeting. 

The Board of Supervisors held our final meeting of the year on Tuesday! If you missed it, tune in to hear our discussions about issues related to housing and homelessness, Newport Harbor, and the OC Power Authority. 

In particular, I want to note that we had the opportunity during the Board meeting to really dig into our housing funding plan and give staff more direction, but it’s disappointing that we didn’t.  The discussion was cut short, and we simply received and filed. We didn't even discuss the new tri-city shelter we're funding in Garden Grove.

According to this report, since establishing the goal of 2700 permanent supportive housing (PSH) units in 2018, we’ve only added 1643 into the system. 353 of those were added this year when my office advocated for 5 motel conversions in Stanton, Huntington Beach, and Costa Mesa & funded 48 units at WISEPlace. Staff recommended we extend the 2025 to 2029 to reach our goal! We must do more - less expensive and faster.  

Our team focuses on housing and how to get more affordability into the system every day.  Last week, I welcomed 8 families into new housing built in partnership with Families Forward. But we need more than 1000 units more of PSH.  

In 2023, my office will pour our hearts and souls into 2 main priorities- housing and climate action. My goal is to accelerate the schedule, not extend it. Let us know your ideas. We must get creative to reduce costs which is the major barrier. $500-600k per unit is too expensive. In the meantime, give this piece from The Atlantic a read.  

Additionally, I’d like to update you on the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA). This week, the Board of Supervisors voted to withdraw from the OCPA. The County pursued audits of the OCPA at my direction, which detailed the agency’s lack of transparency with consumers, failure to implement government best practice financial controls, and the lack of effective leadership and expertise among key staff. Read the audits here and here.

The Board must take proactive steps to combat the climate crisis while simultaneously fulfilling our fiduciary duty to protect taxpayers and businesses from unnecessary increased rates. However, the mismanagement of OCPA cannot be ignored.  

Let’s be clear, I did not make this decision lightly. After reviewing both audits, the Grand Jury report, and talking to industry experts, it is evident OCPA is a liability we cannot saddle on our taxpayers. OCPA failed to follow best financial practices for public agencies, failed to hire staff with energy market expertise, and failed to adequately communicate to ratepayers.    

Having to withdraw due to these inexcusable operational issues is a deeply disappointing step backwards. At the end of the day, it boils down to trust and transparency, and I don’t trust that we can fix systemic operational problems.   

I recognize that joining a CCA is critical to meeting our climate goals, which is why I directed staff to explore the possibility of joining our neighbors in San Diego Community Power or Clean Energy Alliance. Combatting climate change, creating Orange County’s Climate Action Plan, and providing clean energy options to the public remain my top priority. 

Following this Board meeting, I went to the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter on Wednesday to donate adult-sized coats we received during our coat drive. I am glad we had this opportunity to help spread warmth and cheer to people of all ages through our coat drive. Thank you to all those who donated!  

Thursday, I met with MC Sungaila, Jennifer Caila, and Costa Mesa City Attorney Kim Barlow. We discussed the continued work on sober living home reform and current status of litigation. I'm looking forward to 

Finally, I’d like to invite you to my swearing-in ceremonies! On Tuesday, January 10, 2023, I will be sworn in at 8:30 AM in the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room with a reception to follow. Hope to see you there!  

OC Animal Care is waiving adoption fees for dogs 25 pounds and over throughout the month of December! 

With the goal of helping furry friends find a home for the holidays, those adopting dogs 25 pounds and over will have their adoption fee waived, which includes microchipping, vaccinations, spaying or neutering and an anti-parasite treatment. Waived adoption fees do not include licensing fees or puppies six months of age or younger. 

Adopting a dog over 25 pounds may not be possible for every person. Now through December 24, Supervisor Bartlett will sponsor adoption fees for cats, birds, bunnies, hamsters, and guinea pigs. 

For more information on ways the community can support the animals at the shelter, visit ocpetinfo.com/get-involved. Those interested in providing assistance to the shelter’s efforts in caring for pets in need can easily do so by viewing OC Animal Care’s Amazon Wishlist.  

Meet Buck, the Pet of the Week! Buck is a handsome, three-year-old, Border Collie Mix. Since he's arrived as a stray, Buck has captured the heart of every person he's encountered at the shelter. He is currently being treated for an ear infection, and we don’t expect any long term complications. Our veterinarians are sure that his ears caused him a great deal of pain, but not once did he complain. Being the sweet boy that he is, he sat so nicely for his ear cleaning and vaccination. Once outdoors, Buck can play fetch until your arm goes sore and then some! After a good exercise session, he loves to bury his head and snuggle, and receive all the belly rubs that he can get. 

If you think Buck would be a perfect addition to your family, call (714) 935-6848 to schedule an adoption appointment today! While appointments are available for convenience, walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Animal ID#: A1791771 

Winter Fest OC transforms the OC Fair & Event Center into a winter wonderland with oversized holiday decor, more than a million lights, and endless opportunities for memory-making. Enjoy the magic of the holiday season with past Winter Fest OC favorites as well as all-new activities! Activities include; North Pole Pop-Up, ice skating under the stars,150 foot long ice tubing slide, snowboard simulator, carnival thrills, food and drinks, holiday market,  photo ops., and so much more! 

BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY  

Today is the last day that the City of Costa Mesa is hosting their annual Snoopy House fun!  

You won't want to miss this local family favorite! Snoopy House is free to the public from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and in addition to the entertainment will include train rides, carolers, and pictures with Santa Claus from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

 Sunday December 25, 2022  1:00 – 2:30 PM – Chanukah Concert with Moshav Band and Gelt Drop sponsored by Chabad Center for Jewish Life - 2240 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 - LINK  

Edison Scholars: The Makers of Tomorrow

Great news: Southern California Edison (SCE) extended their scholarship application deadline to January 9, 2023!  

Their program awards $50,000 scholarships to 30 high school seniors who want to make a difference in the world by studying science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) in college. New majors have been added including cybersecurity and data analytics.  

What a great opportunity for students in Orange County to pursue their education! Learn more.  

Before purchasing a new item or tossing out an old item, consider reducing, reusing and recycling. Check out OCRecycleGuide.com for info on what and where to recycle. Used batteries from toys and holiday décor can be taken to any Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center for free disposal during operating hours. For more information on Collection Centers visit OCLandfills/hazardous-waste. 

The holidays often produce increased amounts of food waste. Consider donating edible food to a local food pantry and place unwanted food scraps in the organics cart. For more info: OCLandfills.com/organics.