Cindy Tran-Chang
Policy Advisor / Community Events Manager
Last Friday was the Dana Point Film Festival Premier and a weekend showcasing 40+ ocean and environment conscious films. The setting was spectacular with a beautiful sunset overlooking the waters! Many of the local vendors had climate and earth friendly merchandise on display and a great time was had by all!
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On Saturday, I joined the Supervisor at the Girls Inc “The Time is Now” gala. Supervisor Foley presented Girls Inc. with a $7,000 sponsorship check and is also sponsoring two Girls Inc. interns in our office this summer!
Wednesday was Supervisor Foley’s second Wellness Walk series at Laguna Niguel Park. Orange County, particularly in the Fabulous Fifth District, is home to some of the most incredible public parks! Check out some of the cool concert and cinema series happening this summer at our OC Parks https://www.ocparks.com/news/oc-parks-presents-2023-summer-concert-series-and-sunset-cinema-film-series. Besides our parks, here are other concert and movie events throughout Orange County.
Adam Tallabas
Policy Analyst / District Representative
Over the weekend, I attended the Harbor Mesa Lions Club Fashion Show with the Supervisor! We were able to view and support local vendors as well as meet several former Mayors of Costa Mesa (with the Supervisor being one of them!) Afterwards, we headed to the SOKA University Music, Arts and Food Festival where the Supervisor gave remarks to a great crowd! It was my first time being at the University and it is absolutely gorgeous! On Sunday, we presented a proclamation at Pretend City in Irvine for Children’s Mental Health Week! Having a resource for children’s mental health in District 5 is so important – especially for those who may be disadvantaged or low income and cannot access traditional mental health resources. This week, I represented the Supervisor at the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce Breakfast where I received a certificate on her behalf! Today, I joined the Supervisor at Laguna Hills High School where the Football team will be receiving their State Championship rings and certificates from our office!
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Jonathan Davis
Policy Advisor
This was a big week for me at the office! I attended my first Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) meeting on Monday, where the supervisor weighed in on OCTA’s budget for the year and approved the final copy of our regions vision for transportation projects through the year 2045. It has been exciting to learn how Supervisor Foley advances our local transportation priorities for the Fifth District. I also attended my first Transportation Corridor Agency meeting yesterday, where the Supervisor received updates from our federal and state lobbyists and voted to approve several environmental sustainability measures for the region. I am ending my week by preparing for the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday May 23, which promises to be a long hearing with over 60 measures being voted on. Working here has been a great learning experience so far!
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Michele Mullen
District Representative
At a Corona Del Mar Chamber meeting, keynote speaker NBPD Chief Joseph Cartwright reported on crime prevention, emergency preparedness, homelessness, and the fentanyl crisis. The takeaway from the meeting was that the city is very well prepared for burglaries, with the help of borrowing the City of Laguna Beach’s drone. The chief also detailed the city’s public safety officers are very well prepared for an active shooting event. Chief Cartwright also spoke about Be Well responding to police calls and reducing the number of police hours by 970. With regards to homelessness, the City of Newport Beach has housed over 50 homeless individuals into temporary and permanent housing. There was also information regarding the availability of Narcan. Residents can receive Narcan at their local pharmacies, with instructions on how to administer life-saving help.
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The CdM Chamber meeting with NBPD Chief Joseph Cartwright and Councilwoman Lauren Kleinman.
Lorenzo Rubalcava
Senior Policy Advisor
I attended the tower topping ceremony for Children’s Hospital Orange County’s new Southwest Tower. The new wing will serve OC’s most vulnerable children and provide a range of comprehensive services and specialty clinics. Our office also met with Dr. Veronica Kelley, Chief of Mental Health & Recovery Services for the OC Health Care Agency, to discuss the variety of services provided by the County and how we partner with state and federal agencies. Supervisor Foley is committed to improving our health care delivery system here in Orange County and making sure we effectively use every dollar in our budget.
At the Board of Supervisors meeting this week, I took significant action to support the mental and cognitive health of Orange County residents of all ages:
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On student mental health, I voted to renew our contract with the OC Department of Education that works to increase awareness of mental health resources available to K-12 students.
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In order to provide care to young adults with serious emotional disturbances or a serious mental illness, I joined the Board in supporting a contract amendment that will allow the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) to provide a full range of care to these populations. Participants will have access to psychiatry and medication support services, various forms of individual and group therapy, and round the clock crisis intervention and support services. This program will also build self-reliance by focusing support services on housing stability, school success, and job acquisition.
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To provide care to older residents struggling with Alzheimer's, the Board successfully secured a grant award of $708,000 that will be used to promote cognitive health through public and private partnerships, educate the public on brain health, cognitive aging, and best practices, and help meet the needs of caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
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Lastly, in order to tackle substance use disorder and the devastating fentanyl crisis, I joined the Board in officially supporting Assembly Bill (AB) 955 by local Assemblymember Cottie Petrie Norris. AB 955 would increase penalties to drug dealers who use social media platforms to traffic fentanyl by an additional sentence of 3, 6, or 9 years in a county jail. We need a multi-prong approach that includes accountability and criminal penalties. I thank Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris for understanding that need and for continuing to fight for us in Sacramento.
The Board also voted to protect and improve natural spaces in the Fifth District by approving two new agreements:
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The first agreement with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) will allow OCFA hand crew and heavy equipment services to support fuel reduction and maintenance work in OC Parks facilities. This common-sense approach will help ensure our communities and natural spaces are safer from the threat of wildfires.
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The second agreement officially approved the Prima Deshecha Regional Riding and Hiking Trail, a five-mile, multi-use trail near San Clemente that will provide a significant connecting trail for residents to San Onofre State Beach on the south end. This item resolves a decades long dispute with Talega Associates on the scope and location for the trail and will provide a major benefit for residents and tourists
Dana Point Harbor News
From Supervisor Katrina Foley
The deadline to apply for my Dana Point Harbor Advisory Committee is May 15, 2023! The committee will consist of a large and small merchant, a boater or boater representative, and 2 members of the public. Ad hoc committee members will include the Mayor of Dana Point, Dana Point Harbor Partners, CEO Real Estate, representatives from public safety & the Ocean Institute. Apply here!
In case you could not attend my Dana Point Harbor Town Hall, you can watch the replay. We’ve broken it into segments so you can watch just a portion or the entire town hall. We tried to get answers to all submitted. Let us know if you still have questions at Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com.
Health News
From OC Health Care Agency
ORANGE COUNTY RECEIVES FUNDING TO REMOVE LEAD HAZARDS IN HOUSEHOLDS
Orange County has been awarded a $1.4 million grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to identify and mitigate lead-based paint hazards in households, whether the properties are owner-occupied or rented. Owners of residential homes and rental units are encouraged to learn more and to apply for the lead removal service, which will be done at no cost to the property owner. Since there is no safe level of lead exposure, it is important to identify and remove any trace of lead in homes.
Households that may qualify for the lead hazards removal must meet certain criteria:
For more information, and to apply for the no cost service, families and property owners may check the Azure Community Development website at https://www.azuredevelopmentco.com/ or contact the company at info@azuredevelopmentco.com or (323) 477-1160. The HUD grant was awarded to Azure Community Development.
Lead-based paint, dust or soil can be found in older homes and is a health hazard, especially for children. Lead poisoning can cause a lifetime of negative health impacts. The LHRP provides for the remediation of identified lead hazards in the interior and exterior of qualified homes and to protect the health of families living in the residence, at no charge to the property owner.
COVID-19 Data
As of May 11, 2023, the good news is that the COVID-19 cases are trending downward. There are 2,371,439 Orange County residents are fully vaccinated. The 7-day average positivity rate in our County is 3.4%. This equals out to 1.9 daily positive COVID cases per 100k residents.
#OnePillCanKill: Fentanyl Awareness Campaign
Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl can kill you, whether swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin. Fentanyl is unlike any substance we have seen, and dealers are intentionally making this poison look like candy. As County Supervisor, you have my word that I will continue to support efforts to address the fentanyl epidemic in our community and hold criminals accountable for murdering our kids. Watch the press conference to learn more.
E-Bike Safety
Business Support
New Grant Funding for Restaurants in April 2023
$5,000 grants available for independent restaurants April 15 – May 7. Please sign up below to receive alerts and updates about this fund. Funding for grants made possible by SoCalGas, PG&E, and SDG&E
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 Pet of the Week, Ming! Ming, an adorable Alaskan Malamute, is looking for her forever home! Her affection radiates for miles, and she'll never fail to put a smile on your face.
Ming is an energetic and lively dog who loves nothing more than playing and going for long walks. She craves attention and loves to be around people, making her the perfect companion for an active family who can keep up with his high energy level. With her striking coat of fur and playful spirit, Ming is sure to turn heads wherever she goes. She is a loving and affectionate dog who will be your loyal companion for life. Whether she's snuggling up with you on the couch or running around in the backyard, Ming will always be by your side, ready for whatever adventures come your way.
If you're looking for a furry bundle of joy, please call (714) 935-6848, and mention Animal ID#A1811822.
Congratulations to Alexandra Hernandez, OC Artist of the Year in Fine Arts!
(Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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.
May is Small Business Month!
May is “Small Business Month" in the state of California, but let’s support small businesses everyday. Did you know that 95% of businesses in Orange County are family owned? The many incredible small businesses here not only make our economy flourish, but contribute to the great sense of community in OC.
Caltrans Update
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) owns or controls 350,000 acres of Right of Way and maintains 15,133 centerline miles of highway and 13,063 state highway bridges. Caltrans also inspects over 12,200 local bridges. You can request customer service from Caltrans through this link!
OC Parks is Hiring!
Updates from the City of Newport Beach
Newport Beach Launches New Website to Help Homeowners Build Accessory Dwelling Units
The city launched a new website, at www.newportbeaca.gov/adu, to assist homeowners in constructing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on their properties. The user-friendly interface is designed to guide homeowners through multiple phases of the ADU process, from getting started through construction to renting out the ADU.
The site is a comprehensive resource that includes planning exercises, testimonials, the benefits of ADU construction, city incentives, financing options and more. A guidebook that includes most of the content from the website is also available to download and print.
Save the Date: May 13 is Public Safety Day
Please join the city of Newport Beach for Public Safety Day, Saturday, May 18 from 12-3 p.m. at Fire Station 3 and the Police Station at 868 Santa Barbara Drive.
Meet and Greet with lifeguards, S.W.A.T., paramedics, C.S.I., C.E.R.T., the K9 unit, dispatch, the mounted unit, animal control and fire & crime prevention. Included will be live police and fire demonstrations, activities for the kids, station tours, food and much more.
For more information, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 949.644.3005.
Be Well Mobile Crisis Response Update
The Be Well mobile crisis response team operates in Newport Beach 12 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to mental and behavioral health crises. The mobile unit is staffed with mental health specialists and EMTs, and works closely with the city’s police and fire departments.
To reach Be Well: The mobile crisis team is dispatched through the Newport Beach Police Department. To request service, dial 911, or call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 949.644.3717.
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
Supervisor Katrina Foley seeks an experienced Executive Scheduler & Special Assistant to manage the daily schedule for the Supervisor, including creating and maintaining systems to effectively manage a complex and active schedule.
Under the direct supervision of the Supervisor and in coordination with the Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff, the Executive Scheduler will be responsible for working closely with senior staff to understand the priorities of the office and determine the appropriate level of participation by Supervisor Foley and/or staff at meetings, events, and tours.
Essential Job Duties and Requirements:
- Possess a very high level of organization, time management and confidentiality
- Address all scheduling requests in a timely manner and coordinate complex
scheduling arrangements for meetings.
- Have demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and handle stress.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including night and weekends.
- Provide administrative support as necessary for the office.
- Coordinate and arrange meetings for the Supervisor and prepare materials as
required.
- Represent the office of the Supervisor in a professional manner in all interactions
with the public, city staff, dignitaries and others.
Learn more & Apply
Submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to Chief of Staff Nick Anas at nick.anas@ocgov.com with the subject “Executive Scheduler Application."
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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