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Volume 3 | Issue 25 |
June 23, 2023 |
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Dear neighbor:
Summer began this week! I love the beautiful, sunny weather we’ve seen so far.
On Saturday, I attended the Shea Center’s Gala in support of their therapeutic horse-riding programs for people with disabilities. The Shea Center demonstrates creative and effective ways to provide physical and mental health services, including their innovative work with veterans struggling with PTSD to ensure they receive the support they need to recover. Congratulations to the Eastmans who were recognized for their generous supports to the center.
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My Monday morning began at the Costa Mesa Goat Hill Lions Club Golf Tournament. Since forming, the Goat Hill Lions Club raised funds for Ukranian refugees, volunteered for the Epilepsy Support Network of Orange County, and provided Toys for Tots at Christmastime. It’s wonderful to support another one of our impactful service organizations in District 5.
Following the tournament, I attended the Orange County Realtors Association meeting, gave a presentation on county services, district updates, and ways to support homeownership in Orange County.
On Tuesday, I started my morning meeting with Newport Beach Mayor Noah Blom, City Manager Grace Leung, and Assistant City Manager Tara Finnegan to discuss how we can work together to save the Balboa Island Ferry, address homelessness near Fashion Island, and support water quality projects.
Tuesday afternoon, I attended the San Juan Capistrano City Council’s meeting to finally recognize my “2022 Veteran of the Year for Environmental Action” - former San Juan Capistrano Mayor, Captain Lawrence Kramer, USNRet. Thank you Mayor Hart for joining me for the presentation to former Mayor Kramer.
Every year since joining the Board, I recognize Veterans in our community who exemplify the very best of us and who continue to serve our County after sacrificing to serve our Country. Captain Kramer served as United States Naval submarine Captain and on the San Juan Capistrano City Council. Now, he serves as President of the Citizens' Climate Lobby Orange County South. Thank you, Captain Kramer for your service to our country, your leadership on the city council, and all your contributions to Orange County.
I concluded the day at another fun Two-Mile Tuesday at TeWinkle Park! Join us next Tuesday at 6:30 PM by the playgrounds. Meet your neighbors, socialize, and get your steps in.
On Wednesday mornings, we walk in County parks! This Wellness Wednesday and summer solstice, we walked the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve with OC Parks. What a breath of fresh air, to kick off a full day in the sunshine. Thank you to all those in attendance – I hope to see you at my next Wellness Wednesdays guided walks with OC Parks on July 26, 2023 at the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
Afterwards, I held a roundtable discussion with Second District Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, the LGBTQ Center Orange County, and local LGBTQ+ leaders which culminated in the unfurling of the Pride Flag at the Old Orange County Courthouse.
The Pride flag stands for inclusivity and diversity to represent different gender identities, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. To say that this flag is divisive caters to the hateful rhetoric of a vocal minority at city, school board, and county meetings not just in Orange County, but across the nation.
Unfurling the Pride flag at the county administration buildings signals to our employees and all residents that this is a safe, inclusive place for everyone. Love wins – if we can lead with love, our community will be better off. I will continue to stand strong with our LGBTQ+ community and ensure their civil rights remain protected.
Then I met with John Wordin, founder and Chairman of Life Aid, where we discussed the LifeScore Pilot Program and how the LifeScore app can tie into existing program spending across the mental health and suicide prevention efforts already funded.
I ended my Wednesday at the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) RFOTC graduation. Congratulations to this latest class of firefighters in Academy 57 joining our ranks! Watch the ceremony online here.
I met with my John Wayne Airport Advisory Committee Thursday morning to discuss our progress on the Fly Friendly program. We discussed the timeline of when we will announce the first recipients of the Fly Friendly recognition, which is especially timely since this year will mark the 100th anniversary of the airport when Eddie Martin founded one of the nation's oldest aviation firms, Martin Aviation in 1923. Martin Aviation eventually became John Wayne Airport in 1939 after a land swap between the County of Orange and the Irvine Company.
Then, I joined Mayor Howard Hart of San Juan Capistrano and a representative from the Small Business Administration at the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce's Close of Session Luncheon. I provided updates on how the County supports our local business communities, including the resources and programs available to assist business owners in working with the county, as well as attract new businesses and industries. Check out how to do business with the county at cop.ocgov.com/open-bids
Afterwards, I hosted members of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Orange County team to give my full team a briefing on how we can combat antisemitism in our local communities. I wholeheartedly condemn the rise in antisemitism in Orange County – there is no place for this vitriol in our communities. I encourage you to review some of the ADL’s reports and further understand the extent of this issue.
I made my way to Costa Mesa in the afternoon to present a resolution to John Forsyte for serving as President of the Pacific Symphony for 25 years! Throughout his tenure, John Forsyte fostered a profound connection within our communities and worked to provide thousands of residents access to music and the arts. Through investment & partnership with my office, the County of Orange and private donations, John Forsyte continues to increase access to the Symphony and a love of music, specifically to under-resourced communities, with programs like Symphony on the Go, as well as concerts in parks, community and senior centers. Check out the schedule for Symphony on the Go here.
I then checked out the new Orange County Museum of Art exhibit for their Summer Exhibitions Preview. I had the chance to see the new “Alice Neel: Feels Like Home” exhibit. Alice Neel was born in 1900 and passed away in 1984. She is considered one of the foremost American figurative painters of the twentieth century. OMCA will display a curated selection of 40 paintings, many pulled from the estate’s collection, focuses on Neel’s honest, intimate paintings of her home, children, animals, and expanded family. The exhibitions will be unveiled tonight at 6 pm – OCMA is free and open to the public. Visit OCMA.art for more information.
Supervisor Foley with Hartley Neel wearing his hallmark beret in front of his mother Alice’s portrait - "Hartley and Andrew Neel"
I finished my day at the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Board meeting, where we approved three year contracts with OCFA Chief Officers Association and OCFA Managers Association, ensuring wage increases for the men and women who do so much to protect all of us each and every day.
This morning I also met with mayors from Fifth District cities at the Dana Point Harbor to discuss ways we can continue to maximize our partnerships in service of our constituents. Specific to this meeting, we discussed how we can collaborate to solve the homelessness crisis and updates on the Dana Point Harbor revitalization project. I aspire to meet with our mayors every month across the district to ensure consistent progress on our joint efforts.
Here I am with Laguna Woods Mayor Cynthia Conners and Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen touring the Marina!
Tonight marks the beginning of the Costa Mesa-Newport Harbor Lions Club's 76th Annual Fish Fry and Carnival! From Friday, June 23, 2023 through Sunday, June 25, 2023, support local charities and enjoy the fun.
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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Adam Tallabas
District Representative / Policy Analyst
Hello District 5! This weekend, I will be at the Costa Mesa Fish Fry Festival/ Stop by our booth for some popcorn, a bag and other fun items. On Sunday, I will be attending the Costa Mesa Police Department promotion ceremony with the Supervisor! Happy Pride!
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Jonathan Davis
Policy Advisor
Since joining Supervisor Foley’s Office, I have focused on issues related to wildfires and skyrocketing insurance rates for our residents, businesses, and developers. Recently, we experienced a loss of insurance market capacity with All State and State Farm both deciding to stop offering new home insurance policies in California. At the same time, existing businesses and homeowners have seen a sharp increase in insurance costs. These issues are related to the devastating wildfires that have occurred throughout the state in the past few years.
Our office continues to work with county staff, the Orange County Fire Authority, the California Department of Insurance, and local partners on solutions to this complicated issue, but it will not be easy. At the Board of Supervisors Meeting next week, Supervisor Foley put forward amendments to our legislative platform to promote fire resiliency and economic relief as it relates to wildfires and insurance costs. We are also reviewing regulations by the California Department of Insurance that will hopefully provide savings to our residents. I hope to provide more updates on this issue soon!
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Rachel Carr
Policy Intern
I attended The OC Public Law Library meeting this week with the supervisor to oversee the proposed annual budget, investment reports, and updates to maintenance funding at the facility. Excitingly, the OC Public Law Library located in downtown Santa Ana will soon have new digital resources available. These resources will provide easy access to cases within the state, making research and information gathering much more streamlined.
In addition to running to different meetings throughout the week, our office has been getting their move on at our weekly Two-Mile Tuesdays located at TeWinkle Park in Costa Mesa every Tuesday at 6:30 pm. It is a great event that I highly recommend to meet new community members, our team, and the supervisor. Hope to see you there!
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Lorenzo Rubalcava
Senior Policy Advisor
This Friday I attended the Orange County Medical Association (OCMA) dinner to honor incoming president Dr. William Woo. The Association recognized Diana Ramos, MD, as Physician of the Year for her service as an OB/GYN and as the State of California’s Surgeon General.
Lauren Taylor
Summer Law Clerk
I continue working to save the Balboa Island Ferry every day. We have found some possible extensions of time and funding that the ferry can apply for, and a meeting is scheduled soon with the group working to save the ferry. I also dove into research and review of the Grand Jury’s Report on Orange County Animal Care. More updates to come later! Until then, Happy middle of Pride Month!
I attended the enrobing ceremony for the Honorable Erin Rowe, Judge of the Orange County Superior Court. Judge Rowe served the community for over 26 years, advocating for crime victims and their loved ones. She was overwhelmingly on June 2022. Judge Rowe’s commitment to fairness and independence in the courtroom earned her a reputation of upholding integrity. I enjoyed representing the Supervisor at the ceremony!
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
E-scooters are the future of active, green public transportation! Riding behavior and safety are top priority, especially when it comes to helmets, sidewalks and speed.
If you’re under 18, please wear a fastened helmet. It’s also important to ride only in bike lanes, bike paths and bikeways. The only exceptions are when passing, when completing a turn and when avoiding hazards.
The e-scooter speed limit is 15 mph, regardless of a roadway’s higher speed limit. Don’t ride with a passenger, on the sidewalk or without your valid driver’s license. If you’re turning, dismount and walk your scooter. Treat crosswalks like sidewalks, hop off when crossing. Like driving any motor vehicle, operate by traffic rules. Remember to equip your scooter with lights and reflectors for nighttime safety.
Pet of the Week
Meet Pet of the Week, Antonia!
Meet Antonia, a resilient and loving 4-year-old cat with a heart full of hope.
Antonia's journey began in a heartbreaking way when she was found abandoned in a carrier on the side of the street, left wearing a collar with a bell. Frightened and unsure, she slowly began to trust again as our dedicated team showered her with love and care. After four weeks, Antonia has blossomed into a sweet and affectionate companion who seeks attention and adores being petted. Antonia is ready to embark on a new chapter, seeking a forever home where she can share her gentle nature and warm affection with a loving family.
If you would like to be best friends with this adorable feline, call (714) 935-6848 and mention Animal ID# A1810542.
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
Attention south county garden enthusiasts! Capistrano Greenery in San Juan Capistrano is expanding its hours – free compost is now available six days a week, Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment. For more information on small and large quantities of compost and to schedule a pickup appointment in San Juan Capistrano or Irvine visit OCLandfills.com/compost.
From the Anti-Defamation League
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Annual Audit of Antisemitism 2022 Each year, ADL tracks incidents of antisemitic harassment, vandalism, and assault in the US. 2023 data shows alarming increases across the board.
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Hate in the Golden State Over the past two years, California has dealt with a significant increase in extremist activity driven by a variety of factors. This report will explore the range of extremist groups and movements operating in California and highlight the key extremist and antisemitic trends and incidents in the state throughout 2021 and 2022. It also includes especially noteworthy events and incidents from 2023.
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ADL and GLAAD Report: Anti-LGBTQ+ Hate and Extremism Incidents, 2022-2023 Between June 2022 and April 2023, ADL and GLAAD documented at least 356 anti-LGBTQ+ extremist and non-extremist incidents motivated by hate across the United States. Incidents about anti-LGBTQ+ hate and extremism are an important part of a larger story about the heightened threats facing the LGBTQ+ community in the US today.
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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