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Volume 3 | Issue 26 |
July 3, 2023 |
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Dear neighbor:
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🚨BEACH WARNING🚨 TOXIC ALGAE BLOOM IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CAUSING MARINE ANIMALS TO MOVE SOUTH, SEIZE & ACT AGGRESSIVELY IN THE WATER & ONSHORE.
Reminder: Please DO NOT APPROACH OR TOUCH stranded marine mammals! These animals can bite which can result in serious bodily harm. It is critical to keep both people and pets away from these distressed animals.
If you see a sick sea lion or dolphin on the beach, KEEP YOUR DISTANCE, get a lifeguard, and CALL Pacific Marine Mammal Center to get the help it needs. PMMC Rescue Team at (949) 494-3050.
I visited the Pacific Marine Mammal Center on Friday where they are quickly building more capacity at their facility for the significant increase in sick and distressed marine animals. They’ve already spent close to $100,000 to help respond to the sick sea lion crisis this week. Watch to learn more.
Check back our social media @supervisorfoley for updates throughout the holiday.
Due to our office retreat, we delayed newsletter until today. Last week marked more activations from us at community events and meetings with my office.
I attended the Costa Mesa/Newport Harbor Lions Club 76th Annual Fish Fry. The Lions Club works to better the Costa Mesa/Newport Harbor communities. Their annual fish fry helps to raise money for local charities such as CHOC Hospital, The Boys & Girls Clubs, Save Our Youth, and more! I enjoyed supporting the Fish Fry and remain grateful for their work in our district.
Next, I attended a Promotional Ceremony for the Costa Mesa Police Department. Congratulations to those who were promoted, and thank you for bravely serving our community!
A special shout out to trailblazer Joyce LaPointe who was promoted to Second in Command-Deputy Chief of Police. Chief LaPointe continues to shatter the glass and leave a path for other courageous women to follow. I’ve worked with her for nearly 20 years and feel grateful that Chief Lawrence respects her role as a leader in Costa Mesa. Congrats to all!
On Monday, I attended a Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board Meeting where we approved $4.4 million dollars in funding for Laguna Beach’s transit systems, voted on action to protect the LOSSAN corridor from further landslides, and a plan to purchase gasoline powered vehicles for OC ACCESS and OC Flex. During this critical moment in time, we cannot take a step backwards by purchasing a new fleet of gasoline operated vehicles. I look forward to working with OCTA on developing a plan to procure zero-emission vehicles that will help us meet our urgent climate goals.
Next, I attended a meeting on Capital Projects Ad Hoc where we discussed the increased costs for projects bid prior to the pandemic due to costs of steel, concrete, and labor shortages. We continue to monitor and adjust so projects move forward.
Then, I met with Kelley Lee from Southern California Edison to discuss wildfire mitigation, utility under-grounding on Laguna Canyon, and power outages on Balboa Island, all in District 5. With fire season upon us, we must remain at the ready with the resources to combat fire incidents and outages.
On Monday evening, I joined the celebration for this year’s Mr. Irrelevant, Desjuan Johnson! Mr. Irrelevant" is the nickname given to the final pick of the NFL Draft. The nickname originated in 1976 when former 49ers and Colts receiver Paul Salata created a series of events known as "Irrelevant Week," which celebrated the final pick of the draft because “it was irrelevant whether you were drafted first or last, and that it was an honor to be drafted.”
Salata himself announced the final selection of the draft every year until 2013, when his daughter Melanie Fitch took over hosting the annual "Irrelevant Week" activities in Newport Beach, California. The new Mr. Irrelevant and his family get to spend a week in Orange County while touring Disneyland, attending media availabilities, and participating in a roast during which advice is given to the new draftee, among other activities.
Johnson, out of the University of Toledo as a defensive end, was selected 259th overall in the 7th round as the final pick in the NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.
On Tuesday morning, the Board of Supervisors approved the County’s $9.3 billion budget, which includes increased investments in sustainable infrastructure and climate resiliency, housing, public safety, and more.
The County of Orange remains in strong financial health, which is reflected in our $9.3 billion budget. This marks a new chapter in Orange County, with the rise of revenue (without additional taxes) from local sales and property taxes proving our economy continues to grow. As a result, I’m pleased to share increased county investments in addressing the affordable housing crisis, climate resiliency, public safety, and services to support veterans, at-risk youth, those struggling with substance abuse, and other vulnerable populations. Orange County must make these investments now to move the needle on issues that directly impact current and future generations of residents.
My team concluded Tuesday at another fun Two-Mile walk at TeWinkle Park! No walk this week due to Independence Day holiday. Join us next on Tuesday, July 11 at 6:30 PM by the playgrounds. Meet your neighbors, socialize, and get your steps in.
I ended my day Tuesday at the Orange County Museum of Art for an update on the museum visitors (more than 200,000 so far), education programming, and upcoming events creating more access.
I started Wednesday at the grand opening of the County One-Stop for Workforce Development in Laguna Niguel!
This One-Stop will help us retrain and train the new workforce needed to support local businesses, including helping place Veterans transitioning from the military to civilian life. Staff who specialize in serving adults, dislocated workers, youth, veterans, older adults, and other vulnerable populations will provide services such as career planning, unemployment services, interviewing techniques, and more. We want as many people as possible to get the support they need to secure jobs and get stabilized. Residents can visit the One-Stop at 28202 Cabot Road Suite 140 Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 beginning on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. Share this flyer with anyone you know who needs these services!
Next, I attended the Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA) Board of Directors Meeting where we conducted interviews with potential CEO candidates.
On Thursday, Team Foley and I went on a whale watching tour at Dana Point’s very own Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari! We saw a beautiful groups of dolphins as well as a mother whale and her calf – no wonder Dana Point is the Whale and Dolphin Watching capital of the world! + Thank you to Capt. Dave’s team for making our tour so special. It’s important for our team to understand the environment we represent and the tourist economic drivers. We met visitors from Florida, Texas, and Arizona all on vacation in Orange County.
Later, we joined Congressman Mike Levin and his team for lunch at the Ocean Institute so our teams can get to know each other and maximize ways we can work together in service of our constituents. I updated him on the progress of the Harbor revitalization, and showed his DC team members the Breakwater and Dredging project that they helped to fund.
Team Foley spent the rest of the afternoon conducting trainings and planning our community events for the rest of the year. Stay tuned for all the plans we have in store for you!
This Independence Day, we recommit ourselves to America's ideals: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Kick off Independence Day celebrations, tonight, July 3, at the Costa Mesa Independence Day Community Celebration! Enjoy this free event that’s open to the public with live music by Tijuana Dogs, free ice cream from Senator Josh Newman, free hot dogs from our Costa Mesa Fire Association, and lots of fun activities for the family to enjoy, plus a fireworks show!
With the Fourth of July on Tuesday, join me and my team at the following events taking place in the Fifth District!
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Mesa Del Mar parade hosted by local realtor Kip Hancock starts at Sonora school at 9:30am & ends at TeWinkle Park, 970 Arlington Dr, Costa Mesa
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July 4th Celebration, Founders Park – 28275 Avendale Blvd., Ladera Ranch at 3 p.m.
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4th Celebration and Fireworks, Grand Park Town Center Amphitheater, 6101 City Lights Drive, Aliso Viejo at 6 p.m.
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Pacific Symphony Tribute to the Beatles & Fireworks Show at Five Points in Irvine at 7 p.m.
Learn more about where you can celebrate Independence Day in the Fifth District here.
Remember, other than in Costa Mesa, safe & sane fireworks are not allowed in District 5 cities. Please be careful. Our open space parks are fire hazards.
Independence Day reminds us of what brought us together long ago, and at our best, what we strive for today: freedom and justice for all. I hope to see you out in the community this holiday!
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
This week, I attended the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee meeting at the Outlets to represent our office. On the way there, I stopped by a fantastic local business, High Tide Coffee, and had a great cold brew and delicious breakfast burrito! Definitely stop by if you are in the area. At the Chamber, I gave an update on the opening of our South OC Workforce Solutions in Laguna Niguel, as well as recent action taken by the Supervisor at the Orange County Transportation Authority to help mitigate future damage and closures of the LOSSAN rail in San Clemente.
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Jonathan Davis
Policy Advisor
A highlight for my week was staffing the supervisor at the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board Meeting, where she received an update on the plans to protect the LOSSAN Rail Corridor and voted to approve additional funding agreements for Laguna Beach transit. For the LOSSAN corridor, a design build contract to build a temporary barrier wall that will protect the rail line is likely be awarded, with construction for this project is estimated to be completed by approximately July 20, 2023. This wall will protect the corridor from any additional landslides that may happen near the Casa Romantica structure. Supervisor Foley also voted to approve a cooperative agreement between OCTA and Laguna Beach that provides the city’s municipal transit systems with up to $4.4 million in various state and federal funds over the next five fiscal years. This agreement will help ensure that Laguna Beach gets its fair share of state and federal funding and operate smoothly into the future.
Have a great Fourth of July everyone!
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Kimberlee Belli
Office Manager / District Representative
This was an eventful week! Beginning on Wednesday, I was fortunate to partake in the unfurling of a massive pride flag and assisted walking it across the street to the old County Courthouse with Supervisor Foley and about 50 other participants. Thursday was our first monthly District 5 Mayor / City Manager meeting in the beautiful City of Dana Point. The meeting began with introductions, collaboration and a tour of Dana Point Harbor. Saturday, I staffed a booth at Laguna Woodstock organized by the Boomers Club along with interns Kirby Nguyen and Claire McCarthy with our tie died T-shirts. They were celebrating their 15th year with 5 bands switching out every 1 ½ hours. With nearly 700 people in costume enjoying music, body painting, crafts, hippy happy boutique and food carts, fun was had by all!
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Lauren Taylor
Summer Law Clerk
This week, I researched agenda items for the Board Meeting, specifically agenda item #78. The Board approved an ordinance for documenting military equipment possessed by the Sheriff and District Attorney. The ordinance would put the County in compliance with Assembly Bill 481, which requires the Sheriff and DA's office to inventory their military equipment, explain the purpose of the equipment, and publish a report about the equipment to the public. The ordinance does not dictate what equipment the Sheriff and District Attorney can own; it simply upholds the transparency of both departments with the public. I hope to continue working on policy issues that come up. Until next time!
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
From the OC Health Care Agency
Health Alert for Measles from International Travel
Summer travel is underway and the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) encourages residents from Orange County (OC) to be up to date on measles vaccinations, following a Health Alert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC warns of an increase in measles cases, with 88% of the cases connected to international travel. You can read the CDC’s Health Alert here.
Follow up with your primary care provider or local pharmacy for more information on where to get a measles vaccine. The HCA Travel Immunization Clinic offers vaccines by appointment. For more information on available vaccines visit: https://ochealthinfo.com/services-programs/flu-shots-immunizations/foreign-travel.
The CDC has been notified of 16 confirmed U.S. cases of measles since the first of 2023, compared to 3 cases during the same time period in 2022. Most of the cases were among children who had not received the MMR vaccine. To prevent measles infection and spread from importation, all U.S. residents should be up to date on their MMR vaccinations, especially prior to international travel, regardless of the destination.
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, Walter!
Meet Walter, the three-year-old German Anatolian Shepherd with a personality that shines brighter than the sun!
Leashing up is a breeze for Walter, and he's always up for an adventure-filled walk, strutting his stuff with his furry pals. Walter's even made appearances at Pooches on the Patio, proving that he loves his furry friends as much as people! When he's not out and about, he's a certified cuddle expert, ready to snuggle up with any hooman.
This playful pup has aced the potty training game and can't wait to show off his newfound independence. Now, he's just patiently waiting for his forever family to sweep him off his paws. With his sweet and gentle nature, Walter would be the perfect fit for a home with adults and/or older children. If you believe Walter is the missing piece to your family, please call (714) 935-6848 and mention Animal ID# A1796420.
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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Thank you for being an active member of our County.
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