Supervisor’s Message

Dear neighbor: Every Presidents’ Day, we have the opportunity to take a moment to recognize our nation’s current and past presidents, their leadership, and their legacy. This year, I’m especially happy to share my official photo with President Joe Biden from when he visited Orange County back in October. I was honored to meet President Biden personally and speak with him on the issues that are important to Orange County families like quality jobs, support for small businesses, and housing.

This is a fun tradition where I also met members of the UCI community. I really enjoyed cheering for the team and the cheerleaders - ZOT ZOT ZOT!   

During the luncheon, I presented a $75,000 check to the Black Chamber Education Fund to support workforce development and small businesses.  

As County Supervisor, I remain committed to investing in our most vulnerable communities in pursuit of equity and justice. This program provides scholarships to Orange County Youth, Military Veterans and workforce investment opportunities. To keep up with our rapidly changing economy and rising cost of living, we must remain innovative and invest in our communities. 

I got right to work and secured the votes to add the undergrounding of power lines for the purpose of wildfire mitigation to our legislative platform. Many of our state’s largest wildfires were due to faulty utility lines, so I look forward to working with my colleagues towards wildfire prevention. 

This afternoon, I attended the enrobing ceremony of Superior Court Judge Michele Bell! I’m proud to support fellow women elected officials, but especially the first Black-Latina Judge in the history of Orange County.  

Judge Bell has served with distinction as an appointed Superior Court Commissioner, serving the public in a variety of courtroom assignments at the Central Justice Center and the Criminal Division, frequently ruling on critical issues in serious and violent felonies, including gang crime, sexual assault, and murder.    

Prior to her appointment as a Superior Court Commissioner, Judge Bell served as a Deputy Public Defender at the Orange County Public Defender’s Office assigned to the felony trial team, where she worked with diligence and moral clarity to ensure all were treated with dignity and respect. 

Be Well,

Katrina Foley
Supervisor
County of Orange 

In This Edition

Read more about local events, community and health news, District and County initiatives, and other important updates!

Tweet of the Week

Upcoming Board of Supervisors Meeting On February 28, 2023

• Attend our 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 28, 2023 Board of Supervisors Meeting 
  
• View the Agenda: Here
• See a list of our upcoming 2023 Board meetings: Here
  

OC Officials Say Privatization of Newport Back Bay Land Will Harm Access, Wildlife 

Southern California coast battered by rain, wind 

Experts appointed to determine if man accused of killing Laguna Beach doctor is fit to stand trial

Southern Baptists oust Saddleback Church over woman pastor 

Alex Rounaghi

Senior Policy Advisor

It’s bittersweet to report that today is my last day in Supervisor Foley’s office. Working for Supervisor Foley and serving the residents of Orange County has truly been an honor and a privilege. I’m proud of all that we were able to accomplish together over the last year and a half. I will miss my amazing colleagues and engaged community members who have worked closely with our office on our initiatives, but I am excited for my next chapter. I’m grateful to have Supervisor Katrina Foley as my County Supervisor and I look forward to continued collaboration on behalf of our shared constituents in Laguna Beach.

Cindy Tran-Chang

Policy Advisor / Community Events Manager

This was another busy week of connecting with our District 5 Chambers.  Each Chamber hosts a variety of festive, interesting, and artistic cultural events for families, support our local businesses, and keep us connected to the cities we serve.  Watch in our newsletter for a listing of the different events in the Fifth District!   March madness is quickly approaching and there are a ton of neat events to look forward to! Next weekend is Dana Point’s Festival of Whales from March 3 through March 5, 2023. Check out all the fun festival activities here https://festivalofwhales.com/dana-point-festival-of-whales-event-listing/.   We’re also busy preparing for another exciting event, San Juan Capistrano’s Swallows Day Parade on March 25, 2023. Read all about it here and hope to see you at our booths http://www.swallowsparade.com/.

Adam Tallabas

Policy Analyst / District Representative

Over the weekend, I joined the Supervisor at the UCI Men’s Basketball game on Saturday as she conducted the pregame ball passing ceremony – ZOT ZOT ZOT! Wednesday, I attended the Black Chamber of Commerce’s Future Leaders Luncheon where the Supervisor presented a $75,000 check to the Black Chamber in support of workforce development & small business! We also heard from several local leaders and wonderful authors! On Thursday, I attended the Orange County Hispanic Chamber Legislative Leader’s Reception where I connected with various leaders from the business community as well as representatives from other elected offices! I enjoyed hearing about the progress made by the Hispanic/Latine business community here in Orange County. Finally, congratulations to UC Irvine for receiving its highest number of applications in history for Fall 2023! Have a great weekend!

Michele Mullen

District Representative

Earlier this month, I attended the Corona del Mar Chamber breakfast with newly elected Councilwoman, Lauren Kleinman as the keynote speaker. I discussed the priorities the Supervisor is focusing on, from JWA issues to homelessness, environmental concerns, small businesses and the sober living home problems. The CdM Chamber was very happy to learn that our office will work closely with the City of Newport Beach.

Then I joined the Newport Beach Chamber’s luncheon with keynote speaker, Dean Jonathan Gould from the UCI School of Social Ecology. Dean Gould focused on the sustainability issues affecting the county.

Kimberlee Belli

Scheduler / Office Manager / District Representative

I feel lucky to serve as district representative to the City of Laguna Woods. I attended my first City Council Meeting on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. I met and got acquainted with the City Clerk Yolie Trippy, Mayor Carol Moore and Councilmembers Annie McCary and Shari Horne. It was a very welcoming experience.  A highlight of the day was speaking to Laguna Woods resident Rebeca Gilad.  She shared with me that she was a charter member of Community Bridge Builders.  They take pride in getting to know people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.  Whether those with diverse backgrounds were born and raised in the U.S. or came to America as adults, their backgrounds enrich the ambience of the Village.  To make it easier for people of diverse backgrounds to connect, this new group of Community Bridge Builders was formed in the Village.  The goal of the group is to promote community among people of all backgrounds through dialogue, education and advocacy, and the sharing of cultural experiences.  The group stands together against bias, bigotry and discrimination in any form.  How wonderful this is, if only we could all be like this.  I’m looking forward to working with Laguna Woods as we plan our Senior Summit. Please email me if you want to help:  Kimberlee.Belli@ocgov.com.

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:

• 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.
• Coto de Caza Planning Advisory Committee
  • Must be a resident in the Coto de Caza specific plan area.
• Development Processing Review Committee
• 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.
• John Wayne Airport Arts Commission
  • Must have a strong interest in art.
• Orange County Historical Commission
• Orange County Human Relations Commission
  • Must have a sensitivity to human relations and believe in purpose and goals as set forth in bylaws.
• 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
• Orange County Waste Management Commission
  • Shall not be a representative of the waste industry.
• 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

COVID-19 Data

As of February 21, 2023, 2,368,035 Orange County residents are fully vaccinated. The 7-day average positivity rate  (02/23/23) in our County is 7.7%. This equals out to 6.2 daily positive COVID cases per 100k residents.

Plans to End the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

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). 

The County of Orange emergency declaration is set to also end on February 28, 2023.  

Community

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 Merry, our Pet of the Week! Merry is a one-year-old Siberian Husky Labrador Retriever mix. Since her arrival, she has been living up to her name as a cheerful, joyous girl! This easy-going pooch loves nothing more than to spend time outdoors with her human. One way to win Merry's heart is to chased her around the yard, then take breaks that are filled with pets. As a young pup, Merry is adventurous and enjoys her walks. At the shelter, she's been introduced to other furry friends and featured at Pooches on the Patio, and she has been nothing but a lady around other dogs. 

An Update from the Marina at Dana Point 

The Marina at Dana Point shared the Marina Revitalization Update, where they discuss selecting Power Pedestals over Dock Boxes and how the new Utility Standards will impact boaters. Read the full update here.

Clean Transportation Policy Update 

The Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) released a Clean Transportation Policy Update. Read the full report here.

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:

• 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:
  • CalFresh only through GetCalFresh.org
  • Medi-Cal only through coveredca.com
• SSA’s Call Center at (800) 281-9799
  • Call Center hours are 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
  • In person, at SSA’s offices: https://www.ssa.ocgov.com/about-us/office-locations/office-location-list

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: 

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• Nominations are due by Friday, March 3, 2023. 
• Submit via Online Nomination Form: redcross.org/ocheroes
• Submit via Email: Download the nomination form at redcross.org/ocheroes and email completed nomination form to socalevents@redcross.org. 
• Submit via Mail: Download the nomination form at redcross.org/ocheroes and mail completed nomination form and any supporting materials to:

American Red Cross 

Attn: Karyssa Heggie 

600 Parkcenter Dr.

Santa Ana, CA 92705

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/

Ocean Institute's Jazz Fest - A "Sea"Cret Soirée on March 25

The Ocean Institute is thrilled to celebrate their 20^th Anniversary of the Ocean Institute's Jazz Fest with a nod to the roaring 20s! Join their speakeasy themed SEAcret Soiree! 

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

Team Foley

Job Opportunities

County of Orange

Thank you for being an active member of our County.

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