Cindy Tran-Chang
Policy Advisor / Community Events Manager
This week, I attended the San Juan Capistrano (SJC) Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs Committee meeting where representatives at the federal, state and local levels provided updates on their office projects and initiatives. There's so much happening in the Fabulous Fifth District and in and around Orange County!
We heard from the offices of Congressman Mike Levin, Senator Catherine Blakespear, Assemblywoman Laurie Davies, Supervisor Katrina Foley, the Transportation Corridor Agency and Orange County Transportation Authority as well as local Chamber businesses. It was a great opportunity to network with our partners and to promote their events including:
- Kids Pet Parade and Expo happening Saturday, February 18th at Los Rios Park, SJC
- El Presidente Ball on March 11th at El Adobe, SJC
- Swallows Day Parade (which Supervisor Foley sponsored and will attend) in San Juan Capistrano on March 25th with family-friendly food vendors, activities, diverse merchants, live music, dancing and drinks! There’s also a kid's zone with fun crafts and activities. The Grand Marshall is actor Dennis Quaid! Supervisor Foley is a parade sponsor so our team will also be there with our booth. Learn more about the event here http://www.swallowsparade.com/.
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Annie Mitchell
Policy Analyst / District Representative
I am thrilled to be coordinating our Second Annual Women Making A Difference Brunch at Ocean Institute. This year celebrate women storytellers who impact our community by ensuring women’s stories are told and heard. If you know a woman in your life to recognize, please nominate by February 28. You can also RSVP for this event - please click here!
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Adam Tallabas
Policy Analyst / District Representative
Love is in the air! I began this week by accompanying the Supervisor at the Laguna Hills office for the OC Clerk-Recorder where she was officiating weddings for Valentine’s Day! There were so many loving couples – even one who got married in pajama onesies – that tied the knot that day. Later on in the week, I attended the OCTA Legislative & Communications Committee Meeting. Important state & federal legislation, including Senator Umberg’s SB-55 that covers catalytic converter theft, was covered along with regular business. To end the week, I am attending the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Labor Breakfast with the Supervisor & team, and on Saturday I am attending the UC Irvine Men’s Basketball game where the Supervisor will be conducting the ceremonial pregame ball passing ceremony. Have a great weekend!
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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 16, 2023, 2,367,539 Orange County residents are fully vaccinated. The 7-day average positivity rate (02/16/23) in our County is 6.5%. This equals out to 5.5 daily positive COVID cases per 100k residents.
Updates from OC Health Care Agency:
The OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) Mental Health & Recovery Services (MHRS) team accepted a $10 million grant to expand its behavioral crisis continuum in Orange County. Funding is awarded from the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Crisis Care Mobile Units (CCMU) program. The program provides funding for county and city behavioral health departments to implement new and enhanced CCMUs. The HCA is one of many recipients, with over $140 million already distributed to similar programs statewide. The County’s current crisis system includes the Crisis Assessment Team (CAT), Outreach and Engagement team, and OC Links. Mobile crisis services are available to reach any person in the service area in a home, school, workplace, or any other field-based location. If you or someone you know is experience a mental health or substance crisis, call OC Links 24/7 at: (855) 625-4657 or visit OC Links.
Federal and State – COVID-19 Public Health Emergency End Date Planned
The Federal Government and State of California have each announced plans to end the COVID-19 public health emergency. President Biden announced plans to end the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023 (White House Announcement), while Governor Newsom announced an end to the COVID-19 State of Emergency on February 28, 2023 (Governor Newsom’s Announcement). As COVID-19 continues to adversely affect individuals, everyone is strongly advised to make informed decisions to prevent severe COVID-19 illness. The County Health Officer strongly recommends all county residents consider creating the following COVID-19 Action Plan for themselves.
Increased Community Access to COVID-19 Testing Program
Last month, CDC launched the Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program. The ICATT program provides access to COVID-19 testing in communities at greater risk of being impacted by the pandemic, for people without health insurance, and for surge testing in state and local jurisdictions. The ICATT program created the No-Cost COVID-19 testing locator webpage to help residents find COVID-19 testing locations and to provide contact information for the providers. The testing locator searches for testing providers using a ZIP Code or street address and will prompt users to the nearest location(s) to make an appointment for a test. For more information visit, https://takemehome.org/.
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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
Update from Providence Mission Hospital
As of May 10, 2023, we will relocate inpatient and outpatient GI (gastrointestinal) services from Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach to our Mission Viejo campus. Our Mission Viejo GI lab is located at 27799 Medical Center Road in the Mission Health Center/Leonard Cancer Institute. This transition will allow us to enhance our GI program by centralizing our specialists and technology in a single location.
All impacted caregivers who work at the Laguna Beach location will be relocated to the Mission Viejo campus and will continue to provide GI services. Patients who receive care at the Laguna Beach location will also be transferred to our Mission Viejo campus.
We are confident that the relocation of our GI services will be a smooth transition that allows us to continue proudly serving as South Orange County’s safety-net hospital.
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 Lorenzo, our Pet of the Week! In December 2022, Lorenzo, a four-year-old German Shepherd, arrived at OC Animal Care as a stray. If his alluring eyes haven't already stolen your heart, then his charming personality will! Lorenzo loves his human friends, his furry friends, and treats! This smart boy will sit on command and will show his affection by giving 'lots of kisses. Lorenzo is the perfect companion for taking long strolls or a relaxing day of lounging.
To adopt Lorenzo, call (714) 935-6848 and mention Animal ID# A1796349.
CalFresh Recipients Update
CalFresh Recipients Losing Monthly Emergency Allotment
Federal government ends extra benefits instituted during COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Orange County residents will see lower CalFresh benefits starting in April due to the federal government’s enactment of the Fiscal Year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act.
The federal law ends the authority for the state of California to issue CalFresh emergency allotments, effective February 28, 2023. Emergency allotments are an extra benefit in addition to regular CalFresh amounts and accounted for roughly $30 million a month for Orange County residents during the Public Health Emergency. As recipients are paid in arrears, their last emergency allotment will be issued in March payments to their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) notified Orange County CalFresh recipients of the end of the emergency allotments. According to CDSS, “[a]s this is a required change, there are no hearing rights related to the loss of Emergency Allotment benefits. No further action is required.” Anyone with questions about the end of the emergency allotments should call the state’s hotline at (888) 445-1955.
Regular CalFresh benefit amounts will not change and will continue to be put on EBT cards within the first 10 days of each month.
While the County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) does not have the authority to continue emergency allotments past the expiration date, it does encourage recipients to call the SSA call center. Eligibility specialists can review changes in the household – such as an increase in expenses or a decrease in income – to ensure recipients receive the highest possible amount in benefits. The SSA call center, (800) 281-9799, is available from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
Residents can also call 2-1-1 or visit http://www.211oc.org to be connected with food and other resources.
Orange County households interested in applying for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, General Relief and CalWORKs benefits or those wishing to review existing case information are encouraged to visit www.ssa.ocgov.com or use one of the options below:
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http://www.mybenefitscalwin.org to apply for or check on existing Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs or General Relief public assistance benefits or alternatively through one of the following options:
- SSA’s Call Center at (800) 281-9799
 
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/
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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