Second Annual Women Making A Difference Awards
I recognized women making a difference in the following categories:
Arts: Erin Angelo of Ladera Ranch
Erin Angelo is a professional ballroom dancer, educator and Founder/Executive Director of Rx Ballroom Dance (RXBD), a non-profit dedicated to providing free ballroom dance instruction from trained professionals for people confronting degenerative neurological conditions.
Blogs: Jeanette Knutti of Irvine
As CEO and Founder of Moxie Marketing Agency, Jeanette Knutti runs a blog full of inspiration and in support of kindness, love, and self-care.
Books & Publications: Dr. Allison Deming of Laguna Beach
Dr. Allison Deming serves as Vice President of Conservation Medicine and Science at Pacific Marine Mammal Center. She completed marine mammal research and her findings will be published this Spring.
Radio: Patti Compton of Laguna Beach
Patti Compton is the host of "Play Something Sweet" on KXFM, a music history show that celebrates music and puts songs in historical context.
Stage: Jocelyn Brown of Ladera Ranch
Jocelyn Brown’s stage credits include directing plays primarily at Chance Theater and Chapman University, facilitating new play development with many by women playwrights for on stage readings at Chance Theater's On the Radar Series (OTR), and serving as Chance Theater's Associate Artistic Director since 2011.
Podcasts: Mary-Christine Sungaila of Newport Beach
In addition to working as a full-time successful appellate lawyer, including representing the city of Costa Mesa in the litigation to protect their sober living home ordinance, Mary-Christine Sungaila is the creator and host of The Portia Project®️ podcast, which seeks to inspire the next generation of women in the legal sector.
Social Media: Dr. Esther Park and Dr. Mijin Park of Laguna Hills
Dr. Esther Park and Dr. Mijin Park serve as co-founders of Fully Health Clinic and create content promoting mental health.
Film: Maureen “Mo” Langley of San Clemente
Maureen “Mo” Langley started and has successfully run the San Clemente Women’s Surf Film Festival for 5 years now.
Public Information: Roxi Fyad of Costa Mesa
Roxi Fyad serves as Public Affairs Manager for the Costa Mesa Police Department. Fyad is the department’s main point of contact for the media and oversees Crime Prevention, community programs and events, and the Volunteer Program. She is the first civilian public affairs manager in the department’s history.
News - Print: Lana Johnson of Newport Beach
Lana Johnson is the editor of Stu News Newport and Stu News Laguna. She is the main force in writing, processing and editing the many stories for both Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.
News - Television: Michele Gile of Corona Del Mar
Michele Gile of KCAL-CBS LA News has been delivering news about Orange County for over 30 years. She is trusted by her community and by the top brass at Police and Fire Departments and Hospitals throughout the county.
In addition to recognizing the nominees and awardees, the awards ceremony featured performances from Jacque Tahuka-Nunez and the Women’s Fellowship from the Marshallese Ministries of Orange County.
  Women empowering women builds stronger communities for everyone, and I look forward to working together to make a difference in Orange County. Learn more about our awardees in my announcement, CBS-KCAL News, the Dana Point Times, and the San Clemente Times. If you attended the event, you can access our photos here.
Alyssa Napuri
Deputy Chief of Staff
Last Thursday night was riveting as I attended the First Quarter San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Decommissioning Community Engagement Panel (CEP) on behalf of the newest member of the CEP, Supervisor Foley. We received a status update regarding the decommissioning, the good news: they’re on budget, on schedule, and will finish transferring the Greater Than Class C (GTCC) material into the Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) by late Summer. The not as good news: the spent fuel cannisters and GTCC material will remain on the SONGS campus until an interim and permanent storage location can be identified by the Federal government. Luckily, Supervisor Foley is diving headfirst into the issue, and will be working with Congressman Mike Levin, members of the CEP, and Spent Fuel Solutions Coalition members over the next few years to get Congress to take-action.
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Cindy Tran-Chang
Policy Advisor / Community Events Manager
This week, I attended the Ladera Ranch Civic Council meeting, where I shared about my roles and responsibilities as a Policy Advisor, District Representative and Community Events Manager. I presented on the Supervisor’s top 5 priorities in the Fabulous Fifth District. I also talked about 2023 Special Tax Refunding Bonds impacting Ladera Ranch, that will be voted on at the Tuesday, March 28, 2023 Board meeting. Passing of this vote could result in a $300 to $500 savings annually per parcel for Ladera Ranch residents.
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Adam Tallabas
Policy Analyst / District Representative
This week, I worked on preparing the Supervisor for the OCTA Board of Directors Meeting on 3/27 & the 3/28 Board of Supervisors Meeting. I also worked the booth at the Swallow’s Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano! It was great seeing many of you there.
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Michele Mullen
District Representative
Lori Schwartz, a Newport Beach resident, was honored as 2023 Woman of the Year by the Jewish Federation of Orange County. The celebration was held at the Renaissance Hotel in Newport Beach and over 500 guests attended. Lori has held multiple leadership roles, including Women’s Philanthropy President and JFOC Chair of the Board. She has recently accepted a prestigious position on the Jewish Federation of North America’s National Women’s Philanthropy Board - a role that comes with significant responsibility.
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 Left: Susan Seely, Top Right: Lori Schwartz, Bottom Right: Holocaust survivors in attendance
Commission Updates
In case you missed it from Michael Wellborn, OC Parks Commissioner:
The Orange County Parks Commission met on the evening of March 2, 2023, at OC Parks headquarters in Irvine. Attending were Chairman Dave Shawver (Inland Cities), Vice Chairman Bert Ashland (First District), Michael Wellborn (Second District), Dave Hansen (Third District), Hallie Jones (newly appointed for the Fifth District) and Erik Weigand (newly appointed for the Coastal Cities).
After reviewing and approving the minutes from the meeting of November 3, 2022, the Commission reviewed the proposed ten year replacement lease for the Orange County Bird of Prey Center. The new lease will allow facility improvements and also allow for alcoholic beverage service for fundraising purposes. The Commission voted to recommend approval of the new lease to the Board of Supervisors.
In other business, the Commission approved the appointments of two new members to the OC Parks Trails Subcommittee, as well as naming Chair Shawver as Chair of the Subcommittee and Michael Wellborn (me!) as the Alternate Chair.
Staff then gave an update on the Utah State University report on the issues of trails management and approaches to addressing the increasing numbers of users on OC Parks trails. Staff presented information from the December 8th Trails Subcommittee meeting about the trails study and pilot project. Commissioner Hansen recused himself from the discussion of the trails study due to a potential conflict of interest, although he did inquire if the study included references to the use of e- bikes on the Wilderness Park trails. Staff responded that no, the study did not address e-bikes as they are prohibited by ordinance from County Wilderness Park trails.
Staff then noted upcoming events in the County’s parks. The next meeting of the OC Parks Commission will be on April 6, 2023.
As a friendly reminder, e-bikes should not speed on trails so we can be considerate of others.
Dana Point Harbor News
From Supervisor Katrina Foley's Office
Recently, Supervisor Foley took a tour of Dana Point Harbor where she received updates on the new docks, amenities, and timeline for boats to return to these docks. Click here to watch an update!
 During our Dana Point coffee chat, Supervisor Foley agreed to consider the formation of a Harbor Advisory Committee. Though the committee is Supervisor Foley's Harbor Advisory Committee will include Supervisor Katrina Foley, a large and small merchant, a boater, the Mayor of Dana Point or their designee, 2 members of the public, ad hoc members include DPHP, CEO Real Estate, and a representative from public safety (ideally Harbor Patrol). Timeline for launch late April after public Town Hall to gather more insight from community members.
Goals include but not limited to:
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Transparency and oversight of DP Harbor redevelopment
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Increasing engagement with DPHP & the public
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Combatting misinformation about DP Harbor redevelopment
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Creating solutions to concerns voiced by harbor community
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Identifying opportunities for growth during construction period
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Hosting at minimum 2 public meetings or town halls per year for the Supervisor
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Hosting at minimum 2 stakeholder roundtables with the Supervisor and Harbor Stakeholders per year
Stay tuned for updates in our newsletter!
From Dana Point Harbor Partners: Dana Point Harbor Revitalization
Late last year, Dana Point Harbor Partners released detailed renderings of the Harbor Revitalization project. All of the renderings are available at https://danapointharbor.com/revitalization/, along with a frequently asked questions section for each component of the revitalization. Community members are encouraged to send feedback and questions to community@DanaPointHarbor.com.
Health News
COVID-19 Data
As of March 20, 2023, 2,369,627 Orange County residents are fully vaccinated. The 7-day average positivity rate (03/23/23) in our County is 5.8%. This equals out to 3.9 daily positive COVID cases per 100k residents.
OC Health Care Agency Updates
From the Orange County Health Care Agency:
Local Health Officer Order and Recommendations Updated in Response to COVID-19 State of Emergency Ending With Request to Observe Masking Requirements in High-Risk Settings
As the California COVID-19 State of Emergency ends and the community returns to business as usual, County Health Officer, Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong is asking Orange County residents to comply and observe requests to mask if asked in high-risk settings, such as medical provider offices and/or adult and senior care facilities. Staff or patient circumstances may indicate masking is necessary to stay safe from potential exposure in some settings. Preventing the risk of spread of COVID is still important, especially as increasing cases of Long COVID continue to be reported locally.
The updated Health Officer Order (HOO) has been published for Orange County on Friday, March 24, 2023 and includes a Strong Recommendation for the general population to wear a face mask, dependent upon personal risk, and if Orange County is categorized in the medium or high level within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assessment of COVID-19 Community Level (CCL).
As the State and County of Orange work toward the end of the Federal Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023, California Health and Human Services, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have published new guidelines for both the public and health care facilities/providers.
Highlights of Change: The key areas of change include the following:
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COVID-19 Vaccinations – In alignment with the CDPH Order regarding COVID-19 vaccination requirements for health care, corrections facility, and adult care facilities workers, the County of Orange HOO changes from Ordered to Strong Recommendation for all who are eligible. Some people who are providers and suppliers working with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are still required to be vaccinated by CMS.
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Face Mask – In alignment with the CDPH Order, which takes effect on April 3, the HOO is updated to include a Strong Recommendation, versus Ordered, for certain high-risk settings such as health care settings, corrections facilities, long-term care settings, adult and senior care facilities, homeless shelters and emergency shelters. Additionally, the HOO includes a Strong Recommendation for universal masking of visitors/residents and staff in Skilled Nursing Facilities if evidence of facility outbreak exists (two plus cases in residents within a 7-day period). Employers should reference California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (Cal/OSHA) regulations which took effect on February 3, 2023. Read details HERE.
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Isolation of Persons with COVID-19 – It is no longer Ordered but is now Strongly Recommended that individuals should isolate for five days and can end after day five provided symptoms are improving, and they are fever-free without fever reducing agents. Wearing a face mask when around others is strongly recommended for a period of 10 days from the onset of symptoms or infection.
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Seasonal Flu Vaccination – The HOO continues to state that Flu Vaccines are Ordered for providers of congregate settings, health care providers and emergency responders.
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Quarantine – No longer recommended. Anyone exposed to COVID-19 positive person(s) is strongly advised to test on day 3-5 after exposure and monitor for symptoms.
While cases of COVID-19 are declining, COVID-19 continues to adversely affect people in our community. Residents are encouraged to assess their personal health risks and of their loved ones and practice preventive measures to guard against severe illness. Additionally, it is important to know where to access resources as needed.
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COVID-19 Vaccines: Studies continue to show that bivalent booster vaccines protect against severe COVID-19 disease and reduce the risk of developing complications such as Long COVID. Vaccination appointments can be scheduled through myturn.ca.gov, www.vaccine.gov and www.ochealthinfo.com or by calling (800) 914-4887.
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COVID-19 Testing: Locations for free testing can be searched on No-Cost COVID-19 Testing locator and individuals can order at www.covidtests.gov or call (800) 232-0233 for support in multiple languages. Individuals with insurance can also order no-cost at home test kits from their service providers.
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COVID-19 Treatment: Individuals who do contract COVID-19 are encouraged to seek treatment such as Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir, ritonavir), which can reduce the risk of severe illness if started early. Test to treat locations can be searched HERE.
The OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) Mental Health and Recovery Services (MHRS) has released its Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Three-Year Program and Expenditure plan. The plan is posted and ready for public review here. It will remain posted through April 18, 2023.
MHSA’s Three-Year Plan for Fiscal Years 2023-24 through 2025-26 (Three-Year Plan) is a layout of current and future programs and funding allocation. Mental health programs provided for Orange County under MHSA are consistent with local county-approved plans developed via broad-based community involvement, including input from both mental health service consumers and their family members.
To review the Draft MHSA Annual Update and Three-Year Expenditure Plan, please visit: https://ochealthinfo.com/mhsa
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 Oslo, our Pet of the Week! Oslo is a handsome boy who just wants to be by his favorite humans all day long! As a one-year-old Staffordshire, Oslo is very affectionate and wants to get every last bit of attention and love from his human friends. Oslo loves his walks and might pull a bit, but that's because he just can't contain his excitement. With some basic training, Oslo will be the perfect walking buddy! This smart boy will sit for treats and we even think he's potty trained! While in our care, Oslo did well when meeting other dogs.
Between our staff and volunteers, Oslo is known as the loveable goofball, and he is excited to find a furrever family who will spoil him rotten! To adopt Oslo, call (714) 935-6848 and mention Animal ID# A1802774.
Spring Events in the Fabulous Fifth District
 Spring Fling @ Rancho Mission Viejo:
Join us in Rancho Mission Viejo for Easter fun at the Spring Fling! Families will have the chance to enjoy a number of interactive experiences, including:
- Petting zoo
- Easter egg hunts
- Face painting
- Music
- And more!
Families will also have the opportunity to take photos with a professional photographer at the styled spring photo op! The Spring Fling runs from 10am -11:30am. Come early and join us at 9am for family Pilates at the Park with Core Town Pilates!
Charis Collaborative will be passing out swag bags filled with goodies from local businesses to the first 150 families!
 Aliso Viejo Community Association’s Annual Spring Celebration:
Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Event includes:
- Community Booths
- Balloon Twisters
- Face Painters
- Visits with Peter Rabbit
- Children’s Crafts
 Ladera Ranch on Saturday, April 1 from 12 - 4 PM at Founders Park:
Enjoy an afternoon of family activities, crafts, photo opportunities with Peter and Mrs. Rabbit, and more. Kids may hop on over to the Egg Scramble area for some fun treats; please bring a basket or bag to collect eggs. Food will be available for purchase. All games and activities will require an activity wristband.
 San Juan Capistrano Spring Eggstravaganza
 Costa Mesa Springfest
From The Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding:
Supervisor Foley and her team visited The Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding this month in San Juan Capistrano, CA. This 501c3 non-profit serves 1,400 children and adults with disabilities a year through therapeutic horse-related programs.
With the assistance of more than 700 volunteers, The Shea Center addresses 75+ disabilities through services like physical therapy, adaptive riding, integrative summer camps, and military programs.
If you are interested in volunteering or signing up for services, please visit SheaCenter.org.
Tax Filing Deadline Extended to October 16, 2023
The IRS announced an extension to change the filing and payment deadlines to October 16, 2023 for victims of severe winter storms, flooding, and mudslides in California. This extension applies to individuals and businesses in Orange County! Learn more here.
OC Waste & Recycling FREE Compost Giveaways - April 1
Mark your calendar!🗓 OC Waste & Recycling is excited to host FREE compost giveaways on Saturday, April 1 from 8 a.m. – noon while supplies last.🌱
The giveaways will take place at:
📍Bee Canyon Greenery at Frank R. Bowerman Landfill 11002 Bee Canyon Access Rd., Irvine
📍Valencia Greenery at Olinda Alpha Landfill 1942 N. Valencia Ave., Brea
📍Capistrano Greenery at Prima Deshecha Landfill 32250 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano
Residents should bring a shovel and container or bag to fill at the Irvine and San Juan locations. Only prefilled bags are available at the Brea location, while supplies last. Quantities are limited.
San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Wheeler North Reef Technical Review Workshop - April 5
 A public workshop on the status of the Wheeler North Reef Mitigation Project will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm at the San Clemente Community Center, 100 North Calle Seville, San Clemente, California.
Although in-person participation is encouraged, virtual attendance via the Zoom webinar platform will be available for individuals not able to attend in person. The workshop is sponsored by California Coastal Commission (CCC) to provide an overview of the artificial reef mitigation program required by the CCC to compensate for impacts of coastal marine resources caused by the operations of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS).
Learn more here.
Register for Camp Newport
 Welcome to Newport Beach where your child can enjoy the best Southern California has to offer. With hundreds of camps to choose from you’re invited to explore our shores in a sailing, surf, and bodyboarding camp, enjoy the breeze in a range of outdoor sports and active camps. Or embrace the shade in one of the many science, music, technology, and art camps awaiting you.
For more information, visit campnewport.com. The website is live and registration open. Remember, sign up by May 4 and receive a 10% or more discount on most camps!
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
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.
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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