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Volume 3 | Issue 24 |
June 16, 2023 |
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Dear neighbor:
What an eventful week in the Fabulous Fifth District!
I started my weekend at the 7th Annual Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival! I loved seeing the vast variety of boats presented at this festival, as well as view the beautiful art, hear live music, and enjoy the great food. Events like these remind me of why Orange County is so unique.
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Then I made my way to the OC Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) Volunteer Appreciation BBQ! As one of the largest in the nation, our Orange County Sheriff's Department focuses on a collaborative, dedicated approach to public safety. I enjoyed meeting so many of our volunteers and their families and Orange County is made better by their service.
On Monday, I attended the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board meeting where we approved the OCTA’s $1.7 billion budget and emergency stabilization measures for the tracks impacted by the landslide in San Clemente.
Our rail corridor is critical to Orange County’s coastal economy, transportation ecosystem, national security, and way of life. After this latest landslide, I requested our team at OCTA build a barrier, such as a soldier pile wall, next to the tracks to protect the railroad from falling debris and safely resume service. I’m grateful to OCTA staff for following through with my direction with this emergency resolution and for the OCTA’s board’s unanimous support.
We must work expeditiously to protect our tracks while simultaneously creating long-term solutions for this essential rail corridor. I’ll continue to update residents on the progress of these projects.
With OCTA’s strong financial position, we stand at a critical turning point in Orange County where we must strategically invest in our current and future transportation needs. The OCTA budget impacts different aspects of the everyday lives of residents and commuters, from freeway improvement projects to building a zero-emissions fleet to coastal resiliency.
Each investment shapes our transportation system. The budget maximizes every dollar, so we continue to build sustainable and reliable projects that meets the needs of Orange County residents. Read more here.
On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution I submitted alongside Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento to proclaim June 2023 as “LGBTQ+ Pride Month.” This comes after the Board majority voted to ban the LGBTQ+ Pride Flag from all County Property last week. I’d like to thank Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento for standing in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community as we continue to fight towards equality.
For the first time in history, the County of Orange formally added LGBTQ+ Pride month as an official County-recognized occasion. Based on the abhorrent rhetoric by several public speakers, we know hate continues toward the LGBTQ+ community. This nasty rhetoric does not reflect the values of most Orange County residents.
The Orange County Human Relations Commission reported an increase of 83 percent in hate incidents towards LGBTQ+ individuals in 2021, highlighting the importance for representatives to support our LGBTQ+ neighbors. Click here to access the Orange County Human Relations Commission’s most recent report.
On Tuesday night, I held the second gathering of Two-Mile Tuesdays in TeWinkle Park in Costa Mesa. Our group continues to grow! I love getting outside & meeting members of the community. Thank you to all who came, and join in on the fun next week at 6:30 pm!
On Wednesday, my office hosted our second annual Flag Day and U.S. Army Birthday event to honor the adoption of the American flag, as well as celebrate the Army’s 248th birthday. Thank you to everyone in the community for attending our event and the multi-day Field of Flags display! I remain grateful for the Exchange Club of Newport Harbor’s contribution in supplying the flags for our display.
We heard from State Senator Josh Newman, as well as U.S. VETS Peer Support Coordinator & Army Veteran, Juan Garcia about their work to support Veterans. U.S. Vets Peer Support program directly resulted from my work to secure funding from the Mental Health Services Act to create a peer-to-peer program for veterans struggling with suicidal ideation.
We were lucky to have Pacifica Christian student, Chara Wondercheck, sing the National Anthem to kick off our ceremony. In addition, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Explorers led the flag folding ceremony, and the Irvine Police Department Explorers led the Presentation of Colors. Thanks to the OC Employees Association (OCEA) for providing hotdogs to attendees! Finally, thank you to the OC Parks Staff at William R. Mason Regional Park in Irvine for helping us to put on such a meaningful event!
On Thursday morning, I began my day cold and early at Doheny and Capo Beach to see the first deposit for our South OC Sand Replenishment Project. OC Public Works collected 45,000 cubic yards of clean sand from the Santa Ana River from a clogged flood channel in Huntington Beach. Over the coming weeks, they will work weekly to transfer the tested and cleaned sand to Doheny and Capo Beaches in order to counter costal erosion, protect costal resources, and enhance recreation areas. With 32 miles of coastline, protecting our beaches and countering costal erosion remains a top priority in District 5, as my office oversees the coastal cities in Orange County.
Then I joined WISEPlace, Jamboree Housing, Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua, Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken, and many others to celebrate the groundbreaking of the WISEPlace Jamboree Permanent Supportive Housing project.
Breaking ground at the WISEPlace and Jamboree Housing Corporation permanent supportive housing development marks a new day in Orange County, where creative collaborations resulted in progress towards meeting our housing development goals.
Here I am with Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken, Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua, and Jamboree Housing CEO Laura Archuleta!
I’m heartened that my $1.5 million contribution in American Rescue Plan grant funds came at a critical time to make it possible for WISEPlace and Jamboree to leverage funding from the state tenfold, and allowed this project to break ground in less than one year. Now, 47 units are one step closer to coming online for people in crisis, survivors of domestic violence, and our most vulnerable seniors.
Afterwards, I attended Greater Irvine Chamber’s Celebrate Irvine event, where they recognized outstanding businesses in the community, including Philanthropist of the Year Wahoos Fish Taco Owner Wing Lam. Congratulations to all the honorees!
Following the awards ceremony, I attended the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MRSC) meeting to receive updates on clean transportation policy as well as key legislative and regulatory initiatives.
My final stop of the day was the SONGS Community Engagement Panel (CEP) and Spent Fuel Solutions coalition’s joint meeting to receive and update on the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) consent-based siting initiative for consolidated interim storage (CIS) facilities for spent nuclear fuel. Natalia Saraeva, team lead for the DOE, provided an overview of the DOE’s three-stage plan to deliver one or more operational federal CIS facilities in 10 to 15 years. Several organizations are engaged locally, including Surfrider Foundation, San Clemente Green, Samuel Lawrence Foundation, and Orange County Coastkeeper. Differences exist, but most stakeholders agree on the importance of prompt relocation of spent fuel to a federally licensed offsite facility. Learn more about the meeting here.
Today, I started my day speaking to members of our San Juan Capistrano community at the Coffee Chat at Hennessey’s Tavern. We discussed open space and trails, the high-speed rail system, homelessness, as well as our upcoming budget allocations. I enjoyed speaking to members of our south county community!
Next, I stopped by the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Charity Golf Tournament. I met with members of the Rotary Club as they raise money to help those around the world and build connections and leaders here in Orange County. I was proud to show my support by sponsoring four Marines in the tournament!
Today, I end my day by celebrating 30 years of the Save Our Youth (SOY) Center in Costa Mesa. SOY works and empowers nearly 400 youth of Newport Mesa to make positive decisions in life through the arts, academics, and college preparedness. I have the privilege of supporting SOY through giving $10,000 in discretionary funds and working together on my annual holiday coat drive for kids each year. Together, we are working to create a better future for today's youth.
Next week, my Wellness Wednesdays Guided Walks with OC Parks continues at the Upper Newport Bay! Meet us at the amphitheater near the Peter and Mary Muth Center at 8:30 AM for a nice walk.
Lastly, I would like to wish a Happy Father’s Day to the fathers and father figures in District 5! I look forward to celebrating with my family this weekend, and I hope you spend time with the loved ones in your life as well.
Be Well,
Katrina Foley Supervisor County of Orange
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In This Edition
Read more about local events, community and health news, District and County initiatives, and other important updates!
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Cindy Tran-Chang
Policy Advisor / Community Events Manager
Happy Friday! This morning, I attended OC Senior Day hosted by Memorial Care in Laguna Hills. Maximizing services to our elderly population is an important priority for Supervisor Foley and I am honored to serve as the Lead for the Supervisor’s Senior Summit!
Today's event theme, “Age in Place, Age with Grace” reminds us about creating a healthy and safe space with dignity and respect for our elderly. Topics presented included the importance of preventative care, protection from contractor and financial fraud/scams, self-defense tactics, smartphone tips, memory care, and conducting annual overall health assessments. Many of these topics are already included in our Senior Summit program, plus some additional fun activities & demonstrations! More to come as we build out the content. I also connected with some interesting organizations that I’m excited to have participate in our Senior Summit Resource Fair. Stay tuned!
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Adam Tallabas
District Representative / Policy Analyst
Hello, District 5! This week, I was excited to see the Board approve the permanent recognition of the month of June as Pride Month. It is so important that our local leaders show their support for historically marginalized groups & teach acceptance through recognition. Wednesday was the big day for me, as the event I have been planning since the Supervisor was sworn into District 5, Flag Day, occurred. Over the weekend, we installed 248 American flags to commemorate the US Army’s 248th Birthday and Flag Day – and we held a ceremony for the occasion on Wednesday. It was so great to hear from the community about how beautiful they thought our installation & ceremony were! All of my hard work paid off and I’m glad everyone had a good time. Today, I will be at the Save Our Youth (SOY) 30th Anniversary Fiesta celebrating all of the good work that organization has done for the Newport-Mesa community!
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Jonathan Davis
Policy Advisor
Hi everyone! This week I attended the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee for the first time, where I provided updates on the County’s budget hearing on Tuesday and two letters written by Supervisor Foley to the City of Newport Beach related to homelessness and saving the Balboa Island Ferry. I also met with our County Engineer and the Director of the Orange County Public Works department to receive an overview of their department and how our office can help promote their services to the public. They shared with me their service request portal, where residents in unincorporated neighborhoods can submit complaints on weed abatement, potholes, graffiti, and more. On the OC Public Works website, you can also find interactive maps that outline the various projects included in our 7-Year Capital Improvement Plan, such as library, parks, and bikeway improvements. That concludes my update for this week, have a great weekend everyone!
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Rachel Carr
Policy Intern
This week I provided community resources, information, and heard from our constituency at the pet-adoption event, Pet Palooza in Laguna Niguel to help local rescue animals find forever homes. Senator Newman and Assemblywoman Davies were present at the event as well.
Following this district event, I enjoyed following the annual budget presentations this week pertaining to our county’s updated plans and expenditures for the upcoming year. I am pleased that we received greater funding for mental health services in the county to aid those in need of assistance. I concluded this week drafting letters with my co-worker, Claire, to honor the recent awardees of Celebrate Irvine, which recognizes extraordinary people and businesses contributing to the region of Irvine. Looking forward to another exiting and fulfilling week working in the fabulous fifth!
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Lorenzo Rubalcava
Senior Policy Advisor
Hello, Fabulous District 5! This week I wrapped up initial review of the Orange County Fiscal Year 23-24 budget with Supervisor Foley, where we continued review of additional proposed positions related to health care. The Board of Supervisors is voting on the final approval for the budget on June 27, 2023.
I also continued to educate myself about the state of Orange County’s mental health care system. I attended the Mental Health Advisory Board monthly meeting where we discussed the mental health system of care and substance use disorder system of care. Additionally, I listened in on a brief update regarding some of the proposed changes to the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) coming from the state legislature. The Mental Health Services Act helps to fund many of the County initiatives surrounding behavioral health.
Lauren Taylor
Summer Law Clerk
Hello, District 5! My name is Lauren, and I am a summer law clerk for Supervisor Foley. Last week, I started working with our team to Save the Balboa Island Ferry! As many know, the Ferry is a community staple for locals and tourists alike. However, the Ferry is in danger of being shut down due to new rules that require the ferries to convert from diesel to electric. If the ferries cannot comply with the regulations by the deadline, the Ferry will close, and result in keeping more cars on the road instead of using the Ferry. As a result, our team is working with Assemblywoman Dianne Dixon and other Newport Beach community members, and I look forward to continuing to work on this project to keep an essential part of the community.
Commission Updates
Sue Dvorak, John Wayne Airport Commission Chair
Airport Commission Meeting: June 7, 2023
Agenda Item #2: Award Contract for JWA Vertical Conveyance Systems Improvements, Phase 1:
The Airport Commission voted unanimously to recommend awarding a contract to Swinerton Builders to provide design and construction of escalators 1-6 in Terminals A & B for a Guaranteed Maximum Price of $18.9m. The escalators were installed in 1990 and have exceeded their useful life.
Agenda Item #3: Award Contract for JWA Terminal Accessibility Improvements, Phase 1:
The Airport Commission voted unanimously to recommend awarding a contract to Swinerton Builders to renovate 12 existing restrooms in Terminals A & B, and to provide accessibility improvements to exterior paths of travel (eg: sidewalks, curbs, pedestrian crosswalks). The cost is a Guaranteed Maximum Price of $28m.
It is noteworthy that while OC Public Works sent out the RFQ (Request for Qualifications) to thousands of firms, and 60 firms actually viewed the item, only Swinerton Builders responded. When asked about this, OCPW staff responded that there are many regional airport projects currently underway that are absorbing qualified firms, and that they are looking into the matter further.
Agenda Item #4: Approve Amendment 1 for Wireless Public Internet Access Agreement:
The Airport Commission unanimously voted to recommend extending the term of the contract with Concourse Communication Group (Boingo) through 2033. Boingo is the leading provider of Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) in the U.S. Boingo will pay JWA $1.49m to provide their services to customers, and JWA will receive 20% of the revenue share.
Agenda Item #5: Approve Peer-to-Peer Vehicle Sharing License with Turo, Inc.:
The Airport Commission voted unanimously to approve the execution of a license with Turo, Inc. Turo provides a unique selection of nearby cars, and transactions occur between two private parties. JWA will collect 10% of the gross receipts.
FAA Seeks Public Input on Noise
The FAA is currently reviewing their noise policy and they are requesting public comments on noise metrics and thresholds. Notably, the FAA will be:
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Looking at their current use of DNL or Day-Night Average Sound Level as the primary noise metric for assessing cumulative aircraft noise exposure.
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Reviewing whether to continue to use the DNL 65 dB level as the metric and threshold for determining significant noise impacts.
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Considering if and how alternative noise metrics may be used in lieu of or in addition to DNL.
The deadline for public comment submissions is July 31, 2023. You can view webinars on the subject and learn more details by visiting the FAA website here.
Dana Point Harbor News
From Supervisor Katrina Foley
My Dana Point Harbor Advisory oversight committee will inform my office’s approach to this project and will ensure that businesses, county staff, and the community have a voice in the process. Our selection process continues this week with the oversight committee members announced this month. One of the first tasks of the new Dana Point Harbor Oversight Committee, which starts in July, is to review a few options related to fees and storage and provide me with recommendations. I expect a report back by September.
The committee will meet monthly and prepare public reports each month describing the status of the incoming revenue of DPH, the funding for the project, construction schedule and phasing status, as well as notice about any anticipated closures or impacts. Read more about our work in this month’s Foley Report!
Health News
E-Bike Safety
Pet of the Week
Meet Pet of the Week, Julie!
Julie's journey at our shelter has been nothing short of remarkable! This courageous, three-year-old, girl was brought in as a stray, with her two adorable puppies by her side. Initially, Julie was fearful and shy, unsure of what the future held for her. But with patience and love, her transformation has been incredible.
Julie's confidence began to bloom when she started participating in our pack walks, surrounded by supportive humans and furry friends. Slowly but surely, she discovered her inner strength and started to trust again.
Now that she no longer has mom responsibilities, Julie is ready to embark on her own journey. Her heart is bursting with love and loyalty, waiting for that special someone who will cherish her and provide the forever home she deserves.
With Julie's gentle soul, we believe she will do best in a home with adults and/or older children. If you would like to offer a loving home to Julie, please call (714) 935-6848, and mention Animal ID# A1807917.
BenefitsCal
Last month, Orange County officially switched over to a new benefits enrollment portal called BenefitsCal. This new website replaces the former portal, MyBenefitsCalWIN, as a new simple way for our residents to apply for, view and renew benefits for health coverage, food and cash assistance. Households interested in applying for benefits assistance can now create an account at www.BenefitsCal.com and submit their application or link their old MyBenefitsCalWIN case to their account. For more information about BenefitsCal, including new features and capabilities, click here.
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 and Recycling
If a busy schedule is keeping you from properly tending your yards and gardens, we've got good news! OC residents can pick up free compost by appointment in San Juan Capistrano and Irvine – with free compost coming to Brea soon. For more information on the Valencia Greenery in Brea, small and large quantities of compost, and to schedule a pickup appointment in San Juan Capistrano or Irvine visit OCLandfills.com/compost.
OC Parks is Hiring!
Mesmerica - OC Planetarium Show
A local production company based out of Orange County, Mesmerica, is currently hosting a show at the OCC Planetarium! Stop by for a chance to view the extremely relaxing 3D art and family show. Check out the following link to get 15% off tickets to the show!
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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