Adam Tallabas
District Representative / Policy Analyst
Good afternoon! This week, with honor, I met with The Cambodian Family organization regarding their work to help communities of color in our district to address issues of substance use & building leadership within their communities. As a young API and Latino person, I very much value the services and programs offered by this organization. On Wednesday, we said goodbye to one of the intern team members, Luca Shakoori who is returning to school on the East Coast. I am beyond impressed with his work ethic and looking forward to the watching his progress in the future. Additionally, I am excited to onboard three new team members to our Intern Team beginning in September for the Fall who attend high school in South County and college at UCI.
|
Jonathan Davis
Policy Advisor
Last weekend, I joined Supervisor Foley and other members of our team at Costa Mesa City Hall to help residents prepare for Tropical Storm Hillary. We volunteered by helping residents fill sandbags and load them into their cars, as a precautionary measure for any flooding related to the storm.
This week, I prepared for our Investigative Hearing on Climate Resiliency in Orange County by coordinating with panelists, conducting research and preparing questions for the supervisor, and inviting members of the public. Additionally, I attended AirUCI Legislators Day on Wednesday where I met with researchers dedicated to solving issues relating to air pollution, climate change, adaptation, sustainability, and green technology. This was a great opportunity to see groundbreaking research being done right here in the Fifth District. I have ended my week by focusing on the topic of sustainability by meeting with county staff on items that will be heard by the Board of Supervisors in September related to the removal of invasive plants.
Have a great weekend everyone!
|
Cindy Tran-Chang
District Representative
Greetings everyone! This week, I continue to work on the Supervisor’s Senior Summit in late October.
Thursday, Olivia and I staffed our last Concerts in the Park event for the Fabulous Fifth district. Salt Creek Park is another gem in our County parks, as are many of the parks in South County. Hope you join our team for Supervisor Foley’s Wellness Walks taking place Wednesdays, 9/27 at Mason Regional Park in Irvine, 10/18 at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, 11/8 at Laguna Niguel Regional Park and finally, 12/3 at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
On Sunday, we will have a booth at the Dana Point Classic Car Show. Hope to see you there to say hello or answer any questions.
|
Lauren Taylor
Summer Law Clerk
This week was extremely busy as I adjusted to classes, but I am glad I got to engage with the community in between. At the end of last week, I attended the OC Bar Association Charitable Fund event on behalf of the Supervisor that gathered many essential dignitaries in our community. I met many Orange County Judges and attorneys at this event and learned about all the different directions I can take my career. Meeting some intelligent professionals who make up the legal profession, protecting our community, and promoting justice was impressive.
|
Going into this week, my focus was again on the Grand Jury reports this time for the Fentanyl-related report. Fentanyl continues to be a problem, and Supervisor Foley wants to ensure District 5 that our office is lobbying for our community's protections.
Rachel Carr
Policy Intern
This week I attended the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council, joined a meeting with Orange County Health Care Agency alongside our Chief of Staff, Nick Anas, and briefed the Supervisor ahead of the Board of Supervisors Meeting this past Tuesday. In addition to attending meetings and preparing the Supervisor for upcoming events, our entire office is gearing up for some fun, community outreach this weekend in Dana Point. If you happen to be at the Dana Point Car Festival this Sunday, be sure to stop to grab some resources and information about what is happening in the district. Have a great weekend!
|
Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
Happy Friday, D5! I kicked off my week early, helping the Supervisor prepare for press hits on Tropical Storm Hilary from her home office on Sunday. In the eye of the storm, Supervisor Foley remained dedicated to serving the public, and I felt proud to do my small part in providing the district with crucial storm updates. Later in the week, I staffed the booth at the Salt Creek Beach Concert in the Park, featuring Flashback Heart Attack. Dancing to The Cure’s greatest hits as the sun set wrapped up my day beautifully.
|
Luca Shakoori
Policy Intern
! This week was unfortunately my last week, but I had an amazing last few months. On Monday, I worked to prepare the Supervisor for Tuesday’s Board Meeting and went through numerous items. I learned a lot about many of the grants that the county gets to support important issues, such as maternal health and preventing human trafficking. On Tuesday, I got to attend the beginning of the Board Meeting and had the opportunity to meet Congressman Lou Correa. On Wednesday, I attended a symposium for AIRUCI, where I got to see groundbreaking research on climate change. The experience allowed me to see the harsh reality of a crisis that is often invisible. All in all, my internship has been one of the most informative and transformative experiences of my life. Peace out, D5!
Luca Fasulo
Policy Intern
I had a great week in the office, taking on various projects and assisting staffers with any tasks needed. The highlight of my week was listening to and analyzing informational hearings conducted by both the California Senate and Assembly, such as the Joint Hearing “Charging Forward: Identifying Roadblocks to Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Across California”. With my main policy interest being environmental and sustainability issues, watching these hearings helped me learn more about how closely energy issues are tied to major environmental concerns across the state. On the topic of hearings, I am extremely excited for our Climate Resiliency Hearing next Wednesday, August 30, where the issues of coastal erosion, the LOSSAN Corridor, climate action planning, and so much more will be discussed. Being a part of the process to secure a more sustainable future for the residents of the Fifth District, and the beautiful County of Orange, is an incredibly fulfilling feeling. I hope you all have a safe and relaxing weekend!
Health News
From the OC Health Care Agency
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA), Communicable Disease Control Division is reporting an increase in the percentage of positive COVID-19 PCR tests in Orange County residents over the past month. To minimize the severity of the recent increase, the HCA is reminding residents to take preventative actions to reduce the risk of severe illness or hospitalization. The recent increase resembles previous seasons where the disease activity rises during both the summer and winter months. Additionally, the age distribution of recent cases follows the pattern seen over the past year with the highest rates occurring among those 0-3 years of age and 75 years and older. Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 are not currently experiencing an increase. If you recently attended a large gathering/event, traveled, or came into close contact with someone who has COVID-19, self-monitor for symptoms and get tested.
- If you are sick, stay home and get tested.
- Wearing a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor spaces has been shown to be an effective intervention at decreasing the risk of acquiring or spreading COVID-19.
- All individuals should continue to practice good cough and hand hygiene.
-
We strongly recommend all individuals 6 months and older stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. The current COVID-19 vaccine schedule, including for those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, can be found here: Interim COVID-19 Immunization Schedule. To schedule a vaccine appointment, visit https://myturn.ca.gov/.
-
Adults and Children at risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 disease should be assessed for appropriate COVID-19 treatment. For more information about COVID-19 treatment, go to https://covid19.ca.gov/treatment.
For more information on COVID-19, visit www.ochealthinfo.com/covid. Additionally, the HCA responds to community inquiries through the Agency’s Health Referral Line at 1 (800) 564-8448, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Clinicians are advised to remain informed of updated COVID-19 guidance: Link to CDC.
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, Web!
Meet Web, a charming 3-year-old feline, ready to embark on his next chapter in a forever home. This handsome boy is well-acquainted with food and absolutely ADORES eating! Offer him a treat, and he'll forge a friendship for life. His purr is utterly endearing, and he delights in nuzzling right into your hand for affection and attention. Web's dream is to become your couch snuggle companion, eagerly joining you in binge-watching your favorite TV shows. While he treasures his human companions, he's a bit reserved around other pets, making him the perfect candidate for a pet-only household.
If you think Web would be a great addition to your family, call (714) 935-6848 and mention Animal ID A1817326.
Join Team Foley - DEADLINE EXTENDED
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
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 Equity in OC
Equity in Orange County (EiOC) Community & Partners:
CalOptima Health is releasing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to help build the capacity of smaller, grassroots, community-based organizations (CBOs) serving populations experiencing health disparities.
This NOFO will identify CBOs and connect them to:
- Technical assistance that helps them more effectively partner with the healthcare sector;
- Position their organizations as potential healthcare service providers; and
- Craft effective proposals that convert those concepts
The Academy is set to include a series of learning experiences, skill-building sessions, and 1:1 support to prepare these organizations for contracted partnership with CalOptima Health and, more broadly, partnership with the healthcare sector. In its initial phase, CalOption Health will identify and onboard up to 20 CBOs interested in participating in the Nonprofit Healthcare Academy.
Nonprofit Healthcare Academy Notice of Funding Opportunity (PDF)
Please join our community forum to answer all questions regarding the NOFO application on August 29, 2023 at 9am PST. Register, below, in advance for this meeting, after registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Registration Link: Community Forum NOFO
All applications are DUE: Thursday, September 15, 2023, by 5 pm PDT
Contact Director, Danielle Cameron, danielle.cameron@caloptima.org, or Jasmine Awadallah, Program Manager, jasmine.awadallah@caloptima.org, with any questions on submitting your application.
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
|