Alex Rounaghi
Senior Policy Advisor
This week Supervisor Foley and I worked with Airport Director Charlene Reynolds to send a letter to US Senator Alex Padilla providing input ahead of the upcoming FAA Reauthorization Act. As you know, the County owns the Airport but are powers are limited by FAA regulation. We look forward to continued collaboration with our federal representatives and the FAA to mitigate noise impacts, advance sustainability, and invest in infrastructure.
This morning I attended the Dana Point Legislative and Local Affairs Coffee Chat. I shared our priorities, including the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Project, addressing homelessness through accountability and performance metrics, and creating a climate action and adaptation plan. Supervisor Foley looks forward to attending the March 17 meeting with to share her priorities for Dana Point and the County.
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Cindy Tran-Chang
Policy Advisor / Community Events Manager
This week, I continued working with our Chambers to secure their annual sponsorship packages for review with the Supervisor and to finalize sponsorships. I am also reaching out to community leaders in our unincorporated areas and the Capistrano Unified School District Council to begin attending meetings and introduce ourselves to the community. District 5 communities are so diverse and there are many interesting festivities and events for families to enjoy!
Our upcoming sponsorships include a Title Sponsorship for the Orange County Labor Federation Martin Luther King, Jr. Labor Breakfast on February 17, 2023, in Buena Park. Supervisor Foley is also the Event Sponsor for Dana Point’s popular Festival of Whales taking place March 3rd through the 5th, 2023 in Dana Point. We invite you to bring the family for some fun whale watching experiences and onshore activities and entertainment for the entire family!
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Annie Mitchell
Policy Analyst / District Representative
Hello to all our Newsletter readers, I hope you have had a wonderful week, I know I have! This past Tuesday, I was honored to attend Theodore Robins 100-year anniversary celebration with the Supervisor! After the wonderful event, I headed over to Costa Mesa’s City Hall for their City Council Meeting.
On Thursday I headed South to recognize the newly opened Laguna Beach Fish Co. They are committed to offering fresh seafood with fast service and are located just steps away from Laguna’s famous main beach and lifeguard tower.
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Adam Tallabas
Policy Analyst / District Representative
Good Afternoon, District 5! I started this week by helping prepare the Black History Month presentation before the Board of Supervisors meeting. It was so great to honor the contributions & legacy of Black Americans in Orange County. On Wednesday, I attended the Irvine Chamber of Commerce Networking Luncheon where I introduced our office to the many small businesses present and the Chamber itself – all brand new to us! I am looking forward to see how we can continue helping business thrive in our district. To close out the week, I will be preparing the Supervisor alongside Alyssa for the upcoming Orange County Transportation Authority meeting.
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Restauranteurs: Learn if you qualify for a rebate or refund!
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.
The refund/rebate is available only to those restaurant owners, who were in operation during the specific period between March 2020 and June 2021. Restaurants will also qualify for credits and rebates based on the following criteria:
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Restaurants that paid annual permit fees between March 17, 2020, to June 15, 2021, and are still in business, will receive a credit against future permit fees.
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Restaurants that paid annual permit fees between March 17, 2020, to June 15, 2021, but are no longer in business, will receive a reimbursement payment.
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Restaurants that did not pay annual permit fees (i.e., took advantage of the County’s fee deferral program) will receive a credit against fees owed.
The HCA's Environmental Health Division will process the fee credits and rebates to restaurants over the next 12 months. For further details regarding the restaurant fee credit program, please contact Orange County Environmental Health at (714) 433-6000.
Apply to Join a Commission!
The County of Orange is looking for passionate individuals to serve on the variety of County Boards, Commissions, and Committees. I encourage anyone interested and meets the qualifications to apply for a position.
Specific qualifications listed below, but all applicants must be registered to vote in Orange County and reside in District 5, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, a large portion of Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel.
Here are a list of Boards, Commissions, and Committees with openings in District 5:
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Assessment Appeals Board
- Must be an Attorney, CPA or Public Accountant, Real Estate Broker, or Appraiser who is licensed/certified within the State of California for a period of at least 5 years. Must maintain qualifications through term of office.
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Coto de Caza Planning Advisory Committee
- Must be a resident in the Coto de Caza specific plan area.
- Development Processing Review Committee
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Emergency Medical Care Committee
- The membership shall consist of one member within each of the following categories: O.C. City Managers Association, O.C. Medical Association, O.C. Fire Chiefs Association, O.C. Chapter of the American Red Cross, Hospital Association of Southern California, O.C. Police Chiefs' and Sheriff Association, City Selection, O.C. Business Council, Ambulance Association of Orange County, O.C. Senior Citizens Advisory Council, Society of O.C. Emergency Physicians, Orange Coast Emergency Nurses Association, District Appointments.
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John Wayne Airport Arts Commission
- Must have a strong interest in art.
- Orange County Historical Commission
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Orange County Human Relations Commission
- Must have a sensitivity to human relations and believe in purpose and goals as set forth in bylaws.
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Orange County In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Advisory Committee
- Must be a recipient who is a current or past user of personal assistance services.
- Seniors Citizens Advisory Council
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Orange County Waste Management Commission
- Shall not be a representative of the waste industry.
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Public Financing Advisory Committee
- Shall not be serving or running for elective office.
Click here to apply for any of these Boards, Commissions, or Committees. For more information, click here to learn more.
I hope you consider filling out an application.
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
District Representative
COVID-19 Data:
As of February 10, 2023, 2,367,020 Orange County residents are fully vaccinated. The 7-day average positivity rate 02/9/23 in our County is 6.1%. This equals out to 4.9 daily positive COVID cases per 100k residents.
COVID-19 Updates from OC Health Care Agency:
COVID-19 vaccines are now incorporated into the national routine immunization schedules from infancy through adulthood.
Vaccine efficacy data revealed that bivalent boosters provide additional protection against current circulating variants- XBB and XBB 1.5.
Vaccination services continues to be offered as part of routine business operations at OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) Family Health Clinic to serve the uninsured, undocumented, and underinsured. COVID-19 response services continue to be available in the open marketplace. HCA continues to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to vulnerable populations, including persons experiencing homelessness through HCA’s Comprehensive Health Assessment Team for the Homeless (CHAT-H).
HCA continues to utilize the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) vaccination platform, MyTurn. Vaccination appointments can be scheduled through myturn.ca.gov, www.vaccine.gov and www.ochealthinfo.com or by calling (800) 914-4887. The HCA Health Referral Line (HRL) continues to navigate people to available community resources.
Testing Response
Testing is available within the community and individuals can order at www.covidtests.gov (or call (800) 232-0233 for multiple language support). Individuals with insurance can also order for free at home test kits from their service providers.
Last month, the CDC launched the Increased Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program. The ICATT program provides a No-Cost COVID-19 Testing locator helps OC residents find COVID-19 testing locations.
COVID-19 Treatment
Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir, ritonavir), remains effective against current circulating COVID-19 variant strains and remains readily available through community health care providers.
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The National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey is in OC!
OC Health – REMINDER: The CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) has arrived in Orange County! NHANES is a unique survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) that collects data on the health of people living in the U.S. through interviews and physical exams.
Participation in the NHANES is by invitation only – but if you are invited, we encourage you to participate! For more information visit https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/participant.htm or call 855-958-0631.
Your Health Matters OC
 The OC Health Care Agency hosts a live, bi-weekly talk show on YouTube and Facebook called “Your Health Matters OC.” The show features healthcare professionals within the HCA and expert guests from within the OC community. Each Episode features a variety of relevant health topics that impact your health and the Orange County community.
Members of the public and media are encouraged to view the webcast live or at your convenience by click on links below!
Be part of the conversation by submitting questions either in advance or during the show by emailing yourhealthmatters@ochca.com.
Episode #24: The Fentanyl Crisis
Date: Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Time: 6 p.m.
Link to Join: https://youtu.be/_Jm9WW599D4
OC Animal Care
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 Rikki, our Pet of the Week! A one-year-old pit bull mix. As a young pup, Rikki LOVES playing and going on walks! This sweet, handsome boy enjoys attention and pets, so he may be a Velcro dog, always wanting to be by your side! Although he loves people, he also enjoys other four-legged friends keeping him company. While in our care, Rikki has met a couple of pups and has displayed nothing but proper manners.
If you're looking for an adventurous pup to teach new tricks to, then Rikki should be added to your pack! To adopt Rikki, call (714) 935-6848 and mention Animal ID# A1797689.
OCTA Employees of the Year 2022
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) recently announced the 2022 employees of the year, honoring those who helped OCTA achieve organizational excellence and a balanced, sustainable and equitable transportation system.
The 2022 Employees of the Year are selected from three areas, including coach operators, maintenance employees and administration. They are:
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Ignacio Cuica, OCTA’s Coach Operator of the Year
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Gilberto Anaya, a Journeyman Mechanic, OCTA’s Maintenance Employee of the Year
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Ross Lew, Program Manager, OCTA’s Administrative Employee of the Year
Alta Baja Market's Support for the Turkish refugees
To support the people of Turkey and Syria, Alta Baja Market is accepting the following items to drop off supplies with Bakkal picking up at the end of the week. Starting today, they will also donate 100% of all Michelada (including nonalcoholic) sales through Sunday.
Dana Point Chamber of Commerce: Show Your Love for Local for Valentine’s Day!
 View the Dana Point Chamber Member Directory for a category listing of local businesses, or browse the Destination Guide for gift inspiration, including our mouthwatering Dining Guide, a local shopping guide and a list of local activities (like whale watching, spa treatments and more!)
Ocean Institute's Jazz Fest - A "Sea"Cret Soirée on March 25
 The Ocean Institute is thrilled to celebrate their 20th Anniversary of the Ocean Institute's Jazz Fest with a nod to the roaring 20s! Join their speakeasy themed SEAcret Soiree!
- DUELING PIANOS!
- Gumbo Brothers- New Orleans Jazz Band
- Top-Notch Ethically and Sustainably Sourced Small Plates and Apps
- Silent Auction
- Bubbly Bar
- Dancing, Games, and more
This will be a fun, feel-good, fundraiser that will leave you and your friends smiling as you help support Adopt-A-Class!
Nominations open for American Red Cross of Orange County Heroes Awards!
American Red Cross of Orange County is currently accepting nominations for our annual Orange County Heroes Awards. This event raises awareness of local heroes making a positive impact in Orange County.
How do we find local heroes to honor? That’s where you come in! If you know an “ordinary” person with extraordinary courage, someone who has saved a life, helped a neighbor in need, or made a positive impact in Orange County, nominate them to be honored as a hero at the upcoming Orange County Heroes Awards event.
Red Cross established this one-of-a-kind event to honor local individuals who have made a personal commitment to creating safer and stronger communities. This year’s event will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023 at the City National Grove of Anaheim.
Nominations are due by Friday, March 3, 2023. Nominating is free and easy. We’re accepting nominations in the following categories:
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Animal Welfare Hero: Presented to an animal that has protected a human or another animal in a time of need, to a person who has rescued an animal from a traumatic situation, to an animal that is making a difference to impact someone’s life, or to an individual that cares for animals.
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Corporate Hero: A business or organization that has contributed significantly to the American Red Cross mission and/or made a positive impact in our community.
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Disaster Services Hero: An individual or an organization that has exhibited heroic efforts in any or all of the areas of disaster services, including preparedness, response or recovery during a natural disaster or emergency situation through mission-driven response assistance to people in need.
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First Responder Hero: Presented to a professional or volunteer serving as a law enforcement official, firefighter, first responder or responder in the medical or healthcare field. This award is presented to a person or persons who has exhibited heroism in their response to an emergency, on or off-duty, through acts of courage or selflessness.
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Gift of Life Hero: An individual or group that supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross through blood or platelet donations or inspiring others to give blood or platelets.
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Good Samaritan Hero: Presented to a person that has demonstrated outstanding heroism, skill, commitment or resourcefulness in attempt to save one or more lives by utilizing skills aligned with those taught in American Red Cross programs such as CPR/AED/First Aid or other health and preparedness training.
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Service to the Armed Forces Hero: Presented to a member of the armed forces (active or veteran, commissioned or non-commissioned) whose heroic action(s) demonstrated exceptional courage or improved the welfare of the military community. This award may be presented posthumously and may also be awarded to ROTC members or to civilians/organizations that have made a significant impact on the military community.
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Youth Hero (age 18 or younger): Presented to a youth in the community who has demonstrated courage, initiative and/or compassion in the spirit of the American Red Cross in service to another individual or the welfare of the region.
NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS
- All nominees must work or reside in Orange County. The heroic act may have occurred elsewhere.
- The heroic act must be either an ongoing commitment to the community or must have occurred in 2022.
- It is possible to have more than one person awarded in a category for the same act.
- The 2023 Class of Heroes will be selected by the Heroes Selection Committee.
- Nominees may meet the criteria for more than one category or be moved to a different category at the discretion of the Selection Committee during deliberation.
HOW TO NOMINATE A HERO
American Red Cross
Attn: Karyssa Heggie
600 Parkcenter Dr.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Job Opportunity: Ocean Institute
Ocean Institute is heading into a SOLD OUT Field Trip season and looking forward to another record-breaking year for our 2023 Summer Camp!
They want you to dive in and join their team!
Please see below for more information about open positions -- new full-time positions just added for Science Instructors and Maritime Instructors.
Learn more information at the following link: https://oceaninstitute.org/career/
Job Opportunity: Yale Navigation Center
The Office of Care Coordination would like to inform Orange County stakeholders of the following employment opportunity currently available to share with community members and local partners:
The Associate Director works in collaboration with the Director to oversee the Yale Navigation Center Program and its staff to promote and ensure a safe and stable environment and the delivery of high quality and effective services to guests participating in the program.
Associate Director, Yale Navigation Center PATH Salary: $70,000 - $80,000 / year
Classification: Full Time
Disney's Frozen
Disney's Frozen is here at Costa Mesa's Segerstrom Center for the Arts now through February 19! For more information and to purchase tickets, check out the following link: https://www.scfta.org/events/2023/frozen
Eco Now, a Local Zero Waste Store Opens Third Location in Laguna Beach
Orange County’s original zero-waste shop, Eco Now, Laguna Beach, will host a ribbon cutting to celebrate their Downtown Laguna Beach location opening on Thursday, March 2 at 5:30pm.
Eco Now gives guests the opportunity to shop for zero-waste household goods and their example shows how we can protect our environment and work towards a more sustainable future. I'm proud to support the success of our local businesses here in Orange County. Learn more: https://www.econowca.com/
Orange County Museum of Art News
Save the Date: Tuesday, February 14
Exhibition Opening celebration for our new exhibitions Daniel Arhsam: Wherever You Go, There You Are and 13 Women: Variation II.
Public Opening Party
 Daniel Arsham, Untitled (moon painting), 2016. Gouache on mylar, frame, 43 3/16 x 43 3/16 x 2 1/8 in (109.7 x 109.7 x 5.4 cm). Courtesy of the artist and Perrotin
 Installation view: Sarah Cain, Here is for the first time again, 2022. Orange County Museum of Art. Photo: Yubo Dong, ofstudio
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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