Adam Tallabas
District Representative / Policy Analyst
Good Afternoon! Housing is a special passion of mine, which is also covered in the Orange County 2022 Strategic Financial Plan (SFP). As a young professional attempting to break into the housing market, I personally know the harsh realities of our housing emergency. The SFP noted that the County administers the federal government’s Housing Choice Voucher program that provides rental assistance in the private market countywide except for in the cities of Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Garden Grove. The Plan also outlined all of the rental/mortgage assistance programs available to low & very low income households in the County – as well as assistance for those experiencing homelessness. Since I do constituent casework in the office, it is great to hear about all of the programs I have to offer District 5 residents who need assistance. I would also like to explore further collaboration with our partners at the federal and state level to expand these programs to include young professionals who are struggling to enter the market – and in turn unable to build wealth through homeownership.
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Jonathan Davis
Policy Advisor
This week, I attended the Open House for the Santa Ana Delhi Channel Improvement Project, which was hosted at the Muth Interpretive Center in Newport Beach. This project will provide flood control improvements from Mesa Drive to Bayview Trail Bridge in Newport Beach, ultimately reducing channel velocities and allowing for stable freshwater and coastal habitat creation. At the event, I met several local Fifth District residents who shared their thoughts and ideas on the project, including members of our local equestrian community who expressed concerns over the proposed loss of the horse arena that is onsite. I look forward to working with residents and our Public Works Department on addressing these concerns and meeting the needs and expectations of our community.
I also reviewed the 2022 Strategic Financial Plan, which provides a five-year projection of capital needs for projects throughout Orange County, including projects that will make improvements to our flood control areas. This document helped me understand the county’s vision for flood control improvements through Fiscal Year 2027-2028 and helped me understand how and when these projects are funded.
Thank you for reading my update!
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Kimberlee Belli
Office Manager / District Representative
Hello, District 5! Most of my work this week was performed at my desk, but I did have two great opportunities to get outside and enjoy Orange County’s beautiful summer weather. Tuesday we met for Two-Mile Tuesdays, which is open to any constituents who would like to join us through the end of August. We meet at Tewinkle park at 6:30 p.m. and normally walk around the perimeter of the fairgrounds and back totaling 2 miles. This week we walked around Tewinkle park in the shaded area, which includes a couple of hills and a lake. Wednesday was our monthly Wellness Walk in Laguna Wilderness Park in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Each month we go to a different park in our District. Again, anyone can join our staff for a guided tour with a park ranger. There saw beautiful plant vegetation, bugs, birds and famous Barbara’s Lake
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Lauren Taylor
Summer Law Clerk
This week my focus was researching sober living homes and group homes. I spent time reviewing the OC Grand Jury Report and learning more about the 9th Circuit ruling on group homes to understand better some of the issues that the County and cities experience when trying to regulate sober living homes. The Supervisor’s goal is to create safe neighborhoods for all constituents and assist those of the public who struggle with substance abuse.
Additionally, I had a lovely lunch with the Supervisor and other summer interns, and a pleasant Wellness Walk at the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. I am so grateful to learn about exciting parts of South Orange County while researching ways to help improve the community.
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Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
Happy Friday, everyone! Each day I spend as Supervisor Foley’s Communications Intern leads me on a fun, new adventure! This week, my work brought me everywhere from Costa Mesa’s concert in Fairview Park to our Wellness Wednesday Walk through Laguna’s beautiful Wilderness Park. The highlight of my week: brainstorming social media strategy and exciting journalist projects – growing video content, revamping our brochure design, newsletter messaging – with my fellow interns and Supervisor Foley over brunch on Tuesday. I’m so grateful to work with a team of such bright, engaged women.
This internship both strengthened my communications skills and broadened my professional horizons. Please consider applying for a Fall internship. Learn more here: bit.ly/D5-Fall-Intern-23. We'd love to meet you! Have a wonderful weekend!
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Grace McNeill
Intern
Happy Friday, District 5! This week, I attended brunch with Supervisor Foley and my fellow interns, and we discussed our work so far, and what we still hope to accomplish. I shared that the most interesting thing I worked on so far is writing and researching the proclamation for Gun Violence Awareness Month in June. I remain personally invested in bringing awareness to Gun Violence and working to change legislation since middle school. At lunch, I discussed with Supervisor Foley what the county is doing regarding this issue, and what we can do moving forward. Supervisor Foley and I discussed the logistics of implementing a buy-back program in Orange County, and the potential positive change it could bring in our community. On Wednesday, I attended our monthly Wellness Wednesday walk at the Laguna Wilderness Park. Living in Orange County my whole life, I am constantly surprised by the amount of natural beauty we have around us! I learned from OC Parks Volunteer, Kate, that Laguna Wilderness Park is home to the only natural lake in Orange County, Mary’s Lake (a must see). Thank you to OC Parks and members of the community who showed up to walk with us!
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Claire McCarthy
District Intern
On Tuesday, I joined the other interns and Supervisor Foley for brunch, where we all discussed our favorite parts about working in the office thus far, as well as our excitement for the rest of the summer in the office. I spoke with the Supervisor about my research on the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) and Governor Newsom’s proposed changes to dedicate 30% of MHSA funding towards alleviating the homelessness problem. I expressed my hope that the current MHSA programs and services in place, specifically for underrepresented communities, such as very young children, continue to receive the funds they need. In the evening, I attended the Concert in the park at Fairview Park with my fellow interns, the Supervisor, and my dad.
On Wednesday I went on the Wellness Wednesday Walk at the Laguna Wilderness Park with the rest of the office and many members of the community.
Thursday, I attended the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (JJCC) meeting with the Supervisor, another one of my favorite parts of working in the Office in the summer since I study Forensic Psychology and Criminology. I am so grateful for this internship as I continue to gain new experiences and meet so many wonderful people across the County!
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Camryn Le
Girls Inc. Intern
Hi Orange County! This week I had my first full week at the district office where I really explored the various activities of this welcoming environment. I joined the Supervisor for a lunch with the other interns to discuss our highlights so far as well as our hopes for the rest of the summer. The other interns mentioned the topics they enjoyed researching as well as upcoming projects and I went over the assignments I’ve completed recently! Talking with the Supervisor about her goals for the district regarding homelessness, housing, and gun violence amongst other topics, was greatly inspiring. On Wednesday, I had lunch with our Communications Director, Stefanie Lao, to inquire about her professional journey and the opportunities she grabbed along the way. The next day, I tagged along with the Supervisor and a fellow intern to attend the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (JJCC) meeting. Throughout the short time in my internship, I made unforgettable memories and met incredible individuals who will continue to motivate me for years to come.
Dana Point Harbor News
From Supervisor Katrina Foley
Thank you to everyone who applied to join our Dana Point Harbor Advisory Committee. After listening to the community concerns surrounding the Dana Point Harbor revitalization project, I hope this committee will allow for more transparency and oversight as well as earn your trust in this project.
Our goal for the Dana Point Harbor Advisory and Oversight Committee is to have a group of individuals who help recommendations and insights that will benefit the harbor as a whole and improve the quality of the harbor. As a third-party, objective overseer of the project, their responsibilities include reviewing all the contracts, income and revenue coming in. The group will work to address community concerns and bring them forward to the County and the Dana Point Harbor Partners.
After reviewing the applications we received, I’m happy to welcome the following members to the committee:
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Robert Langan – Boater Representative
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Dennis Park – Boater Representative
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Shala Mansur – Business Representative
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Diane Wenzel – Business Representative
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Mayor Mike Frost – City of Dana Point
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Boatswain Mariners 936 – Honorary Member
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Wendy Marshall – Ocean Institute
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Darcie Harris – Public Member
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Colin Harris – Public Member
The committee will prepare monthly public reports to share on the newsletter and the Dana Point Harbor updates page. We look forward to holding our first meeting in August!
Read more in the Dana Point Times.
From the Marina at Dana Point
MARINA REVITALIZATION PHASE 1 & 2 GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION!
We are pleased to announce the Grand Opening of the long-awaited new docks at The Marina at Dana Point. Please join us for food, drinks, music and celebration including the unveiling of the dock names and more!
LOCATION: 24650 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
DATE AND TIME: 08/16/23 6:30pm - 08/16/23 8:30pm US/Pacific
Parking is available in the West Cove boater lot. Event is in the West Cove Phase 1 & 2 grass and parking lot areas near Dock Gates 8-12
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.
OCTA Free Hikes & Equestrian Rides
Orange County is home to some of the most beautiful protected wilderness areas in the country. Experience and enjoy the natural landscape with OCTA's free docent-led hikes and equestrian rides!
Lace up your hiking shoes or saddle up your horse, and sign up for a free hike or equestrian ride today. Come see Orange County as it was yesterday, and as it will be tomorrow.
OC Animal Care
Through Kennel Connection, visitors can view ready-to-adopt pets right in their kennels every Wednesday and Saturday. No appointment needed to walk through. One-on-one visits available on a first come, first serve basis.
All Summer Long at OC Animal Care
OC Animal Care launched its comprehensive summer initiative, All Summer Long at OC Animal Care. This program aims to connect the community with shelter animals through numerous engaging events and pilot projects.
All Summer Long at OC Animal Care offers three distinct sections, ensuring there is something for everyone, including prospective pet owners, current pet owners and those looking to get involved with the shelter.
To learn more, visit the All Summer Long at OC Animal Care page.
Pet of the Week
Meet Pet of the Week, Pia!
Meet Pia, a two-year-old, devoted cat mom who was brought into the shelter with her adorable litter of nine precious kittens.
Pia is remarkably friendly and gentle, showcasing her innate maternal instincts. Her soft purrs and loving gazes create an instant connection with anyone who meets her. With each passing day, she diligently cares for her kittens, ensuring their safety and comfort. Yet, amidst her nurturing responsibilities, Pia patiently awaits her chance to find a forever home where she can receive the love and care she so selflessly offers to her little ones.
If you're looking for a feline companion who embodies both warmth and affection, Pia is the purrfect choice for a loving forever family. Contact us at (714) 935-6848 and mention Animal ID A1816467.
Join Team Foley
The office of Supervisor Katrina Foley seeks qualified candidates for the three job postings below.
The positions are based at the County Administration building in Santa Ana, with travel requirements throughout District 5.
OC Workforce One-Stop: OPEN NOW!
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
Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce Legislative Meet & Greet - Monday, July 31, 2023
The Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce presents their first Legislative Meet and Greet!!!
This will be a wonderful evening mixing and mingling with our Legislators, City Council, and other business owners. Enjoy delicious appetizers and a no-host bar. This will be a great opportunity to hear updates from Congress, Assembly, and our County Supervisor. Free admission.
July 31, 2023 at 5:00pm-7:00pm Wedgewood Aliso Viejo Center 31 Santa Barbara, Aliso Viejo Pre-Register on our website: Alisoviejochamber.com 5:00pm-5:45pm Meet and Greet, Reception with Appetizers and No-Host Bar 5:45pm-7:00pm -Program and Presentations
Sponsorship Opportunities Available, deadline July 21, 2023
For more information, email Info@Alisoviejochamber.com
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.
From the OC Treasurer
Secured Property Tax Collections Year-End Update:
As of June 30, 2023, 99.23% of secured property taxes has been received, a collection rate just slightly less than the collection rate of 99.27% received as of June 30, 2022 and just short of our record collection rate of 99.3%. For the first and second installments, 98.70% of secured property tax bills have been paid, just slightly lower than the 98.83% paid as of June 30, 2022. In addition, out of the 879,000 secured property tax bills mailed this year totaling $8.3 billion, 868,016 secured property tax bills have been paid versus 865,000 paid as of the same time last year. In addition, total payments received for both installments are up $482.8 million from the same time last year.
Financial Tip of the Week:
You may have heard about food delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats: you order through a restaurant’s website or a delivery service’s mobile app and drivers deliver your food. We’re hearing about a new scam targeting food delivery drivers and restaurants.
"Scammers posing as “support” from food delivery services are contacting delivery drivers and restaurants and trying to steal their personal and financial information.Scammers posing as “support” from food delivery services are contacting delivery drivers and restaurants and trying to steal their personal and financial information.
In one scenario, the scammer tells delivery drivers and restaurants they’re sending a free tablet or printer to handle food delivery orders. To do that, they say, they need to “verify” your phone number, email and login, Social Security number and bank account to send the equipment.
In another scenario, the scammer says they need the driver’s email or bank account because there’s a problem with an order, or they want to refund them money from a canceled order. After getting the driver or restaurant owner’s email, the scammer may ask for an email verification code...which you never want to share.
If you get requests like this, no matter where you work: Stop. Here’s how to avoid the scams.
- Don’t give your personal or financial information to someone who unexpectedly calls, texts, or emails you. They may be trying to steal from you.
- If you think the request is legitimate, contact the business directly. But use a phone number you know is real or a website or app you found yourself.
- Never share an email verification code with someone if you didn’t contact them first. Scammers are after your information and money. Sharing verification codes makes it easier for them to pretend to be you. Once they’re “you,” they have access to your accounts and can take your money.
Find out what to do if you paid a scammer or gave a scammer your personal information.
And if you spot these scams, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. When you report a scam, you help the FTC and other law enforcement agencies stop scams.
OC Waste and Recycling
Are you an Orange County resident trying to dispose of bulky items like old refrigerators and appliances but not sure how? Start by checking with your local waste hauler. Many haulers offer free bulky item pickups. For information on local haulers and recycling coordinators visit OCLandfills.com/quick-links.
⏰Time for yardwork? OC Waste and Recycling offers free compost and mulch by appointment to OC residents! Schedule a pick up appointment in Irvine or San Juan Capistrano (free compost coming to Brea soon).
🌱Capistrano Greenery in San Juan Capistrano is expanding its hours - compost is now available six days a week, Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment.
🌱Free compost is also available at the Bee Canyon Greenery in Irvine, Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. by appointment.
For more information on Capistrano Greenery in San Juan Capistrano, Bee Canyon Greenery in Irvine and Valencia Greenery in Brea, along with details on small and large quantities of compost, 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!
OC Parks Ranger
Park Rangers play an important role in protecting Orange County’s 60,000 acres of parks, open space and beaches. They work hard to keep parks safe, clean and enjoyable for 15 million visitors each year. Learn more here.
OC Parks Rangers are sworn peace officers and perform a wide variety of duties at different types of facilities, including regional and wilderness parks, camping parks and beaches. Candidates will be required to participate in a written test, oral interviews and a comprehensive background investigation that includes medical and physiological examinations. Successful candidates will join a high performing team that serves our communities seven days a week.
OC Parks Maintenance Workers
The Park Maintenance Worker I position performs routine unskilled and semiskilled grounds maintenance, landscape, and facility maintenance, along with repair work.
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!
The Sounds of Summer
Keep your eyes peeled for our booth at concerts in the park across the district this summer!
Our first Symphony on the Go! summer concert drew a fabulous crowd to Rancho Mission Viejo! Beautiful music is one of life’s great joys, now freely accessible to Orange County residents all summer. For more info: https://www.pacificsymphony.org/SOTG
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.
Explore the Ocean from the Water!
Join the Ocean Institute for a 2-hour interactive kayak tour around the Dana Point harbor. Learn about the history of the harbor and its unique ecosystem from expert Naturalists. All experience levels are welcome!
Must be at least 3 years old to participate. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Learn more here.
Orange County Resources
UPDATED LINK: Alert OC
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 this link!
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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