Alyssa Napuri
Deputy Chief of Staff
This week I was able to attend the Supervisor’s tour of the Shea Center with her Veterans Advisory team. We discussed potential partnerships to expand Shea’s Veterans therapies to include families and partners of our retired service members. We were able to test some of the techniques the professionals at Shea utilize to help clients with emotional regulation, including leading a horse through an obstacle course.
Most excitingly, I met Honeysuckle, who grows a mustache in the winter but has stubble during the summer. Guess I have to come back in a few months to see his mustache progress and test some more obstacle courses!
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Kimberlee Belli
Office Manager / District Representative
Hello! On Tuesday our Monthly Mayor / City Manager Meeting was hosted by CBRE in Newport Beach. Their presentation was focused on highlights in retail, office and industrial for the Cities in our District, followed by each of our Mayor’s giving updates. On Thursday, our Veterans + Homelessness and Housing Advisory Groups were treated to a tour of the Shea Center in San Juan Capistrano. Shea was established in 1978 and are a therapeutic riding center that serve people with disabilities who can benefit from therapeutic riding and activities around the horse. We were able to experience some of the programs that their client’s practice. They appreciate and depend on volunteers. For all of you horse lovers out there, this would be a great opportunity for you to work with horses while changing the lives of others. Contact Jane Ramadan to volunteer at jramadan@sheacenter.org.
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Adam Tallabas
District Representative / Policy Analyst
This week, I attended a community meeting in the Mesa Del Mar neighborhood in Costa Mesa regarding new capital improvement projects coming to the area. This includes a new pocket park and parking options. I look forward to seeing the community’s input on these projects. On Thursday, I went to OC United Way’s OC Eviction Diversion Collaboration Working Group, which was centered around policy, advocacy, funding and legal solutions do Eviction Diversion. Our Orange County community is facing a housing emergency and protecting our residents from the horrors of eviction & poverty will take a collaborative effort.
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Cindy Tran-Chang
District Representative
Greetings everyone! Thank you to all our County organizations and partners for responding to Supervisor Foley’s solicitation to participate in her Senior Summit Resource Fair on October 27th at Soka University! We received responses from many organizations and are excited to provide attendees with a variety of resources for our elderly community! Supervisor Foley is also soliciting presenters on topics related to our elderly. If you know of a dynamic speaker, please have them complete this link. To RSVP for Supervisor Foley’s Senior Summit, complete this link and we’ll send details as the event nears.
I also wanted to share that next Thursday, September 7th is my last day working as a shared enrichment program employee in Supervisor Foley’s fabulous fifth district. I will return to Child Support Services where I will continue to serve in the County. I enjoyed the opportunity to learn and grow in my various roles as Policy Advisor, Community Events Manager and District Representative. Most importantly, the opportunity to meet and work with the residents, businesses, and community members in the fabulous fifth district!
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Rachel Carr
Policy Intern
Happy Labor Day weekend, D5! In wrapping up another fun and productive week in the district. Olivia, our communications intern, and I have been working hard organizing an upcoming event for International Irish Dance Day. Supervisor Foley participated in Irish dance as a girl and loved learning about all the Irish dance schools in District 5. We know this is going to be a great community event, so keep an eye out for future details. We hope to see you there!
Today, I attended the Grand Opening of Grocery Outlet in Laguna Niguel and met with Matt and Berenice who are the owner and operators of the store. In addition to the ribbon cutting, a donation on behalf of Grocery Outlet was made to FAM—or Family Assistance Ministries, a nonprofit that aids local food insecure families. I hope everyone takes some time to rest and explore our wonderful district over the weekend. Until next week!
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Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
Happy Friday D5! On Sunday, the Supervisor, my fellow intern Luca and I attended Dana Point’s Classic Car Show! Dozens of dream cars – from a pink Volkswagen bus with pink-wall tires to the coolest 1957 Chevy Bel Air – lined Del Prado. A great way to spend a sunny afternoon than engaging with community members. On Thursday, the Grocery Outlet Market of Laguna Niguel celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting! Our policy intern Rachel and I congratulated this new local business on providing Orange County residents with quality, budget-friendly groceries. I look forward to exploring more of District 5 next week. Until then, have a wonderful weekend!
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Labor Day Weekend Events in District 5
Laguna Beach Annual Labor Day Pancake Breakfast at Heisler Park
Don’t miss the tradition of dining on pancakes on Labor Day morning. On Monday, Sept. 4 from 7-11 a.m., Laguna firefighters will be flipping the pancakes, and along with sausages, coffee, orange juice and maple syrup, your breakfast will be complete. As always, the picnic area at Heisler Park, at the intersection of Myrtle and Cliff Drive, is the dining site.
This year’s beneficiary for funds raised will be Maui Relief.
For more info, visit here.
San Clemente Labor Day Sidewalk Sale
Get ready for the upcoming Labor Day weekend Sales at Outlets at San Clemente from September 2nd to 4th. Find incredible discounts on a wide range of brands perfect for refreshing your fall wardrobe or finding the latest accessories!
Newport Dunes Water Park
All weekend long, soak up every last drop of summer on the water at Newport Dunes’ Inflatable Water Park, where both young and young-at-heart can create lasting memories.
Open from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. until Labor Day, learn more about the exhilarating water wonderland here.
Additional watersports activities include pedal boats, kayaks, stand up paddleboards and 21-foot electric Duffy boats. All watersports activities can be booked online at NewportDunes.com.
Newport Dunes -- Tunes at the Dunes
Enjoy free admission live music at Newport Dunes, tonight through Sunday from 5 - 8 p.m. Bring your float or beach chairs to listen to DJ Turntables, Kelly Boyz Band, and Cubensis!
For more information, visit this link.
Dana Point Harbor News
From the Marina at Dana Point
It has been a warm, fun, and exciting month of August.
One of the highlights and most monumental moments in marina revitalization occurred on the evening of Wednesday, August 16, 2023 when the Marina at Dana Point hosted a celebration for the Grand Opening of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the marina revitalization. The boaters of the new slips along with marina staff, Bellingham Marine and various community leaders including Supervisor Katrina Foley and Dana Point Mayor, Mike Frost were in attendance to celebrate. Much fun was had by all with In-N-Out serving burgers, the OC Tap Truck serving cold drinks and local duo, Perfect Blend playing all the party hits!
During the event, Joe Ueberroth shared that we have incorporated a lantern theme into the marina as the new dock names for gates 8 – Dock of the Ruby Lantern, 9 – Dock of the Copper Lantern, 10 – Dock of the Amber Lantern, 11 – Dock of the Jade Lantern and 12 – Dock of the Navy Lantern were unveiled in ceremonious fashion. During the unveiling of the dock names, each dock lantern and all dock lights changed to their lantern color…it was amazing and incredible and beautiful!Each dock will be named a lantern color with a lantern hanging at the dock gate that will be lit in the dock color always. The dock lights will change from white to the dock lantern color twice each day at dawn and dusk for a specific period of time then they will change back to white offering a visually stimulating light show effect for all to enjoy whether they are on land or sea.
Incorporating Dana Point’s rich history into the new marina has been a goal all along and this lantern and lighting concept is the perfect way to pay homage to Dana Point while connecting land and sea with the lanterns hanging on each dock gate always lit in their color to remind us of old Dana Point and connect us with the history. Read the rest of the Marina’s newsletter here.
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.
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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/.
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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, Humphreys!
Say hi to Humphreys! Humphreys is an active 2-year-old Pitbull mix who would make the best walking, running, or hiking buddy! The only thing Humphreys loves more than running around in a yard is the pool! Humphreys is definitely a water dog and loves taking a splash in the pool every afternoon…only to be followed up by belly rubs, of course!
Humphreys has been at the shelter for over a year, and throughout his stay, he has transformed into a true gentleman. He's just not quite aware of his own strength, so he will still need to be taught leash manners. Humphreys loves having all of the attention to himself and is looking for a home where he will be the only pet.
If you are looking for a rambunctious pet like Humphreys, please call (714) 935-6848 and mention Animal ID A1772023.
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
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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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