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| Volume 1 | Issue 2 |
January 13, 2023 |
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Dear neighbor:
What a big week! I’d like to kick off my message with an invitation to my Community Swearing In Ceremony THIS Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 2pm!
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 Keynote remarks by Orange County Presiding Judge Maria Hernandez, and the administration of the oath of office by Janice Hahn, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, are confirmed! The celebration will include other special guests from the community and musical performances from local groups including the Corona Del Mar High School Drumline, Pacific Symphony Orchestra Ensemble, MenAlive Choir, and Diana Farrell, Lyric Opera House with presentation of the colors and the pledge led by our local Girl Scouts and my Veterans Advisory team members.
Now on to this week – on Monday, my colleagues and I on the Board of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) were sworn in! We received a status report related to our emergency railroad track stabilization project in San Clemente. It’s clear we are decades behind in finding solutions for sand replenishment to maintain our beach protections. I’ll prioritize this year as well as begin discussions about railroad realignment.
I look forward to continuing the work to improve diverse forms of mobility for the future through funding for public transit as well as bicycle and pedestrian improvements.
 During the meeting, the Board received updates on OCTA’s zero-emission bus pilot program. Recent findings show promising prospects with battery-electric buses, the differences in technology, and the various costs to operate and maintain the fleet. Orange County remains ahead of the state and other transportation agencies toward our goals. We must continue to take every step we can to ensure the next generation has clean air to breathe, and access to clean air transportation. I hope this program can be successfully implemented and expanded to eventually replace all fuel-driven buses in the OCTA fleet and eliminate public transportation emissions completely in Orange County.
Later that day I met with county public works staff for a briefing on our Active Transportation Plan. Our next workshops are on Wednesday, January 25, and Thursday, January 26, 2023, from 6 – 7 p.m. Join us and share your ideas, especially if you live in Ladera Ranch or Costa Mesa. My team and I also met with CEO staff and an renewable energy expert to discuss options, pros and cons for Orange County. We’re looking at a holistic approach to transportation and planning that reduces our carbon footprint while reducing costs and improving overall quality of life.
On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors held a joint swearing in ceremony for me, Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, and Supervisor Doug Chaffee.
 The newly sworn-in Board of Supervisors with Supervisor Andrew Do of District 1, Supervisor Don Wagner of District 3, Supervisor Doug Chaffee of District 4, me, and Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento of District 2.
Thank you to the hundreds of members in the community who attended our ceremony and to Presiding Judge Maria Hernandez for administering my oath of office. It was great to share the moment with my family.
 As one of the 8 women ever elected to the Board, I am grateful for the support I received. As I shared during my speech, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves, continue to use my voice and challenge the status quo on behalf of Orange County. We must get right to work on behalf of District 5 to end homelessness, innovate and create quality jobs, plan housing for our next generation and for climate resiliency, and maintain the safe neighborhoods we enjoy in Orange County.
There is such disparity representing people who are living on the streets and trying to get them help, versus representing people living in the most expensive homes in Orange County. They all deserve our representation. You can watch the full speech here. If you couldn’t make it on Tuesday, I hope you can join our celebration this coming Sunday! Below are some photo highlights.
At the board meeting that followed, amongst other items, we voted to rebate restaurant environmental health fees. You can read about it below and help us spread the word to local business owners eligible for refunds.
Later that day we attended the oath of office ceremony of OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer and yesterday the community swearing in of Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento. I enjoyed hearing from attorneys in leadership for the DA about their work, priorities for OC, and efforts to include more women in leadership roles. I also treasured sharing the historical moment at the Old County Courthouse hearing from former Supervisor Gaddy Vasquez in support of Supervisor Sarmiento. I am proud to work with these incredible leaders to keep our communities safe, support affordable housing efforts, create living wage jobs, and take on environmental justice and climate action at the county level.
 District Attorney Todd Spitzer’s Swearing In Ceremony with Judge Spitzer and their family.
 Here I am with Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento at his Community Swearing in Ceremony at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana!
On Thursday morning I participated in my first Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA) meeting. We got right to work to reduce debt by voting unanimously to authorize Open Market Bond buybacks so we are ready to purchase bonds that would enhance the TCA’s early bond pay down program which is part of the strategic plan. Read the staff report here. We also selected officers for the San Joaquin & Foothill East corridors. I look forward to working with Chairs Will O’Neil & John Taylor in the future. Thank you to Dana Point retired Mayor Joe Mueller for your service during the last two terms.
That evening, I attended the Dana Point Boat Parade Awards Ceremony!
 As the newly elected Supervisor of the area, I had the privilege of judging the participants in the boat parade and presenting an award to my favorite boat Off the Wall! I enjoy learning all about these new community traditions that make our District a wonderful place to live.
This week we reduced our drought with all the recent rain! Learn about our public works efforts and how to prepare for coming storms below.
Finally, I’d like to leave you with my favorite quote from Martin Luther King Jr., in honor of the upcoming holiday.
To honor Dr. King’s legacy, organizations across the county and state host wonderful MLK Day of Service projects. I encourage you to check out the following volunteer opportunities:
I will join other public officials and the community at the MLK Prayer Breakfast on Monday at New Song Church.
I’m honored to serve the Fifth District and will continue to use my voice to advocate for the issues residents care about.
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 January 24, 2023
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Alyssa Napuri
Deputy Chief of Staff
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This week I had the distinct honor of serving on the Coastal Greenbelt Authority as Supervisor Foley’s Alternate. The Authority consists of environmental groups, members of the Laguna Woods and Laguna Beach City Councils, the District 5 Supervisor, and the Supervisor’s appointees. As a lifelong resident of District 5, it was enlightening to learn about the robust history of protecting the Laguna Laurel open space that makes South County so unique. Throughout the next year the Authority will continue mapping new entry points for our treasured trails, update the documents that established Laguna Laurel agreement in 1991, and explore how we can educate the public to safely go throughout this preserve. Congratulations to returning Chair Mary Fegraus and new Vice Chair Annie McCary. |
Manuel Chavez
Constituent Services Manager
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This week I visited Sunny San Clemente to join TaxPros + Investing at their ribbon cutting. During the nice ceremony, the owner J.J. Wenrich spoke about his desire to make investing assessable to everyone in our Orange County Community. Our office wishes J.J. and his team much success in their new endeavors!
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Day, I will share a favorite memory of a service project from our office: the gas card distribution. Last November, it was rewarding seeing our entire team come together to provide critical relief to Orange County residents. I hope you take the time on Monday to give back to the community.
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Stephanie Wade
Veterans Policy Advisor
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After a nearly six month search, our County has a new Veterans Service Officer: George Dixon. He will oversee the County VSO and is the most important person in the county when it comes to supporting veterans, especially in the complicated process of applying for VA benefits. That’s why we are all excited that George Dixon started this week. He is a veterans veteran. Born and raised in Lancaster, George spent 12 years on active duty as an Army infantryman and retired out of the National Guard. He is an Iraq and Afghan War Veteran who also has nearly 30 years of experience in veterans casework including service as the Veterans Service Officer of Monterey County and as the Supervisor of the Los Angeles Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for several years. What excites me most about George is his reputation for fearlessly fighting for veterans. |
Adam Tallabas
District Representative
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This week, I helped prepare the Supervisor for the Transportation Corridor Agencies meeting, the body that oversees the Toll Roads here in Orange County. I also had the pleasure of attending the Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting of a brand new business in Laguna Beach: Jedidiah Coffee! Located in the Laguna Canyon, it is a fantastic new coffee shop now open for business – with another location opening in Laguna Beach soon! On Thursday, I attended the Dana Point Boat Parade Awards Ceremony with the Supervisor, where she presented the “Supervisor’s Cup” to the powerboat, “Off the Wall”! I am ending the week by attending the Laguna Hills Chamber of Commerce Gala & Masquerade, which is sure to be a great time. Our office will continue to support our local small businesses.
In recognition of MLK day, I share a favorite quote:
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at time of challenge and controversy” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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 Steve and Embry Munsey, owners of Jedidiah Coffee!
Board Meeting Updates
This week during the Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board unanimously approved Supervisor Foley’s agenda item to direct the office of the County Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to research Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) programs in the region. On the heels of the Board’s decision to withdraw from the OC Power Authority, this vote will allow for the Board to receive adequate information pertaining to CCA programs for the county to consider. Read more here.
Additionally, the Board unanimously approved a plan to provide credits and rebates to local restaurants whose business operations were curtailed by state and local health orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board-approved plan is part of a $1.7 million litigation settlement reached with restaurants that sued the County over the payment of inspection fees collected by the Environmental Health Division of the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Up to $1.273 million of the settlement will be refunded/credited to local restaurants that paid permit fees to HCA. Read more on how restaurants qualify for the credits and rebates.
Commission Updates
Congrats to Sue Dvorak, the new Chair of our Airport Commission!
Update from Sue Dvorak, Airport Commissioner
Agenda Item #2: Approve Airline Lease with Breeze Aviation Group, Inc.:
The Airport Commission voted unanimously to approve the lease with Breeze Aviation Group through December 31, 2025. This action authorizes the Airport Director to increase Breeze’s allocation from two Average Daily Departures (ADD’s) to three ADD’s. Breeze Aviation is a new entrant at JWA.
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Breeze Aviation will be utilizing the Airbus A220-300 series aircraft which is known for its reduction in noise and emissions exposure.
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The Staff Report for this agenda item included a section titled, “Community Impact Assessment” at the request of myself and Supervisor Foley. This language indicates a positive shift by the airport toward focusing on community impacts in its reporting.
*The BOS also unanimously approved the lease with Breeze. “I hope more airlines will follow Breeze in securing quieter and cleaner airplanes. I want to thank our new airport director Charlene Reynolds for advocating for more modern airplanes,” said Supervisor Foley.
Agenda Item #3: Chair and Vice Chair Election for the 2023 Calendar Year:
The Airport Commission voted unanimously to appoint me – your District 5 Commissioner – as Chair of the Airport Commission for the 2023 term, and District 4 Commissioner Brendan O’Reilly as Vice Chair for the year.
Agenda Item #4: Airport Noise Violation Committee for the 2023 Calendar Year:
The Airport Commission voted unanimously to select the Committee members (by lottery) at the next scheduled Airport Commission meeting.
Komal Kumar, Interim Assistant Airport Director
Komal will be responsible for managerial oversight of the Airport’s operations, public affairs, planning, and environmental functions. A formal recruitment for this position will begin at the start of the new year. Ms. Kumar has been the Deputy Airport Director (DAD), Finance Administration since 2021 and was the Airport Finance & Fiscal Administration Manager since 2016.
Richard N. Steele Manager, Interim Operations Director
Mr. Steele is currently the Manager, Emergency Preparedness and Security at JWA with over 24 years of experience in military and civilian aviation. He joined JWA in 2016 after working for three other medium and large hub airports and has held several positions in airport operations and emergency management. Mr. Steele is also an Industry Advisory Board member for California Baptist University’s Aviation Science program in Riverside, California; and is an Aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS) adjunct instructor at the University of Southern California (USC).
Hector Gomez, Interim Deputy Airport Director, Finance Administration
Hector has worked for over 17 years at the County of Orange in various accounting, finance, and budget positions, including over 13 years at John Wayne Airport as the Assistant Accounting Manager, Finance Manager, and more recently as the Finance and Fiscal Administration Manager.
Apply to Join a Commission!
If you or someone you know is interested in joining one of the county's commissions, please consider applying through the link here.
Health News
Michele Mullen
Community Outreach Director
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In honor of MLK Day, here is my favorite Martin Luther King Jr. quote: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
COVID-19 Data:
As of January 11, 2023, 2,363,970 Orange County residents are fully vaccinated. The 7-day average positivity rate (01/11/23) in our County is 15.2%. This equals out to 13.8 daily positive COVID cases per 100k residents.
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Join the HCA’s talk show, "Your Health Matters OC,” on Tuesday, January 17 at 6 PM. OC Health Care Agency experts and guests will be discussing OC’s participation in the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which help shape health care in the U.S.
Be part of the conversation as Dr. Clayton Chau, HCA’s Agency Director, Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer, An Tran, Social Services Agency Director and Hieu Nguyen, HCA’s Director of Population Health and Equity discuss nutrition; food insecurity and how addressing this important issue can lead to improved health outcomes for our community.
OC Animal Care
This week at our Board meeting we heard from many concerned and caring citizens about ongoing issues with the OC Animal Care operations. We are listening. Our office has requested answers from our CEO to the questions raised and we are scheduling a meeting next week with several of the speakers to address the concerns.
In our ongoing efforts to keep the shelters clear, starting this year, OCAC will waive fees for adult dogs over 25 pounds adopted by residents across Orange County! The normal adoption fee for adult dogs ranges from $100 - $200. Help our furry friends at the shelter find loving homes.
Pet of the Week
Meet Eleven, Pet of the Week! Eleven arrived at OC Animal Care as a stray and was limping. With further examination, it was clear that her leg was fairly swollen. After proper rest and treatment, Eleven's foot is completely healed. Since being in our care, Eleven and her easy-going, sweet personality has captured the hearts of volunteers and staff. If you're looking for a best friend who will go on long strolls then cuddle on the couch, then this girl is for you! Based on observations over the last month, we believe that Eleven is even potty-trained.
If you're interested in adopting Eleven, give us a call at (714) 935-6848 and mention Animal ID: A1794634.
OC Public Works: Storm Resources
Projected Rainfall and Incoming Storm Systems
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Real-Time Rainfall Data on the Orange County Public Works website
- Cumulative rainfall data for past periods – Orange County Hydrology Data Portal. Users can select time periods varying from the last hour up to totals since July. Data for each individual rain gage can also be viewed on this site.
- Rainfall report for the last storm and cumulative totals compared to the season averages to date – See the attached rainfall report that shows how we’re tracking for the rainy season so far at 5 out of the 130 or so rain gages we have around the County.
- Incoming storm systems – The forecasts often vary and change as storms get closer so it’s best if residents listen to the news and get updates directly from the National Weather Service. The latest update we received is the incoming storm systems will bring rain at times, briefly heavy, Saturday through Tuesday. Rainfall totals could be between 0.85” to 2.25” with rainfall rates up to 0.40”/hr. The rainfall amounts vary according to location and NWS San Diego’s website (https://www.weather.gov/sgx/) includes the below map for the rain expected on Saturday to Sunday showing rainfall estimates for Orange County, San Diego, and inland areas. This amount of rain for Orange County is not substantial from a flooding or emergency management perspective.
 How Residents Can Prepare for Rain
- Sandbags: Residents in unincorporated areas (outside of incorporated city areas) interested in obtaining sandbags to help protect their property during rain storms can visit OCStormCenter.com or by calling OCPW at 714-955-0200. OCPW’s main website is www.OCPublicWorks.com.
- At the earliest opportunity – before heavy rain is expected – you are urged to visit ReadyOC.com to learn simple steps you can take protect themselves, their families and their property by visiting
- Residents are encouraged to register at AlertOC.com to receive emergency notifications from the County via phone call, text or email for critical announcements about natural disasters such as flooding and associated road closures and evacuations.
OC Libraries
Prince Harry’s book is the top purchased and checked out this month!
OC Public Library Counts for Spare, by Prince Harry
OC Public Libraries currently has the following number of copies of Spare:
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Print – 77 (Regular Print – 26, Large Print – 11, Lucky Day – 40)
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Audiobook – 15
- eBook – 17
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eAudiobook – 13
Current hold counts for Spare at OC Public Libraries:
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Regular Print – 362
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Large Print – 101
- Audiobook – 47
- eBook – 157
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EAudiobook – 112
Current wait time to fill the last hold is approximately 55 weeks.
While you are waiting to read about Prince Harry, check out all the other books on audio and in print we have online.
Orange County Museum of Art Free Programs!
The Orange County Museum of Art is hosting a slate of programs open to the public. Admission is free, so check them out here and make sure you get your tickets!
UVSA Tết Festival
The UVSA is hosting a Tết Festival from January 27-29 at the OC Fair Event Center. Tết is an important tradition in Vietnamese culture, so join them to celebrate!
Jump in to 2023 with Love Costa Mesa
 Their first quarterly City Leaders Gathering of 2023 is being held on Thursday, February 9, from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM.
They will be focusing on the Neighboring Initiative and hearing about all that is happening with our neighbors in Costa Mesa, from their Neighboring Initiative Director, Reina Cuthill.
Substance Abuse Resource
 Detox.com’s mission is to provide the best free resources for people to find self-help with substance abuse through detox and other mental health strategies. Check out their website for more information!
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
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 to provide 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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@SupervisorFoley
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