Alyssa Napuri
Deputy Chief of Staff
It’s not every day work sends you back home to serve your alma mater – but this week I had the distinct honor of representing the Supervisor at the Aliso Niguel High School 30th Anniversary Celebration. As ANHS Class of 2011 alum (& 2010 Homecoming Queen), it was wonderful to come back home and see how the school modernized to keep our students performing in the top 6% nationally. Aliso Niguel was transformative for my life, and one of the most influential teachers from my time there was Mrs. Sharon Alvarez, the English teacher and advisor to the student newspaper. Mrs. Alvarez’s class taught me to publicly speak, write, and think critically about the literature I was assigned. Mrs. Alvarez started with the school in 1993 and was honored with fellow og teachers and faculty as, “Wolverines Since Day 1,” at the celebration. It made my day to join the community, teachers, students, faculty, and fellow alumni in celebrating Teal Town.
Congratulations Aliso Niguel and Go Wolverines!
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Adam Tallabas
District Representative / Policy Analyst
Howdy, District 5! I hope you all enjoyed a relaxing, safe Labor Day Weekend. This week, on Thursday, I attended the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Meeting with Supervisor Foley serving as the keynote speaker. She provided updates on our work in District 5 thus far as well as a summary of the recent Climate Resiliency Investigative Hearing. Afterwards, I enjoyed meeting new constituents in addition to representatives from government agencies in Irvine. Thursday also marked the last day in the office for the first intern I hired – Luca Fasulo! I am so proud of the work he accomplished this spring and summer. I look forward to the great things he will do in his future. Tomorrow, catch the District team at the Ocean Institute Maritime Festival between 10 AM and 5 PM! Hope to sea you all there.
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Jonathan Davis
Policy Advisor
Hey Fifth District! This week, I began turning my attention towards the projects and events that our office will host this fall. I worked with my colleague Adam on creating a list of presentations for each of the Board of Supervisors meetings from now until the end of 2023. Presentations take place at the beginning of board meetings as a chance for the Board to celebrate, recognize, or comment on an issue, occasion, or community of people in Orange County. This project gave me the chance to appreciate so many new facets of the fabulous Fifth District, and I look forward to showing off our hard work at upcoming board meetings.
I also dedicated a large portion of my week preparing for the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday September 12, 2023. I participated in several meetings with County staff to better understand items, briefed the supervisor for the meeting, and coordinated with the rest of our team on assignments. Tune in to watch the meeting online Tuesday morning starting at 9:30 AM by clicking here. Have a great weekend everyone!
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Rachel Carr
Policy Intern
Greetings, District Five! Today, I hosted a booth at the Orange County Employees Association (OCEA) Health Fair. Our office manager, Kimberlee, and I gave away over a thousand county and district resources to our wonderful county employees. The OCEA health fair shows appreciation for our employees who keep our community safe, healthy, and moving forward every day. Thank you, members of OCEA. This weekend, say “ahoy” to the D5 team down in Dana Point for the upcoming Maritime Festival located at Ocean’s Institue. See you there!
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Luca Fasulo
Policy Intern
What’s up, District 5! Unfortunately, I finished my last week as an intern with Supervisor Foley’s office as I am moving out of state to attend the University of Washington, Seattle. After working in the office for more than 6 months, I can easily say that the internship program truly made an incredible impact on my life. Not only have I grown as a person from this experience, but I have grown as an impassioned leader in my community. I will forever remain grateful for the Supervisor’s trust and belief in me, with granting me this one-of-a-kind opportunity to dive into the complexities of County government. I leave this internship with amazing friendships, lifelong memories, and the motivation to pursue my life goals of a career in law and public service. I highly encourage anyone interested in government, policy, or just want to get involved in their community to apply for the fellowship program. You will not regret it! It was an honor to serve you all. See you later, District 5!
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.
Orange County Housing Authority Opens Their Waiting List for the Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Orange County Board of Supervisors is excited to announce that Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA) will be opening the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) waiting list and accepting applications beginning September 18, 2023, 8:00 a.m. PDT and ending September 29, 2023, 11:59 p.m. PDT.
For thousands of people and families who have been waiting to apply for rental assistance, this comes as a welcome relief. With a housing voucher, individuals and families can choose their own housing that meet their needs, including single-family homes, townhomes and apartments.
After the application period closes, OCHA will give preference to applicants who live or work within OCHA’s jurisdiction and in the order listed to applicants who are U.S. Veterans; Elderly, Disabled or Working Families; and Non-Working Families. OCHA will group the applications by preference, apply the random placement within the preference group, and select the first 12,000 applicants by preference to be placed on the waiting list. The waiting list will be limited to 12,000 applicants.
Applications for the waiting list will be accepted online at https://www.waitlistcheck.com/CA1288, emailed to OCHA.WaitingList2023@occr.ocgov.com, or mailed to P.O. Box 11387, Santa Ana, CA 92711.
Paper applications and in-person assistance are also available at designated locations across Orange County, including all Orange County Public Libraries, the County Services Center (CAS), participating City Halls and select community nonprofit partners/community organizations. Submitted applications are not considered on a first come, first served basis, and timing of the application submittal has no bearing on waiting list position or how soon an applicant may receive assistance.
For more information on how to apply, please visit www.ochousing.org or call OCHA at 714-480-2798.
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
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.
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, Henrik!
Meet Henrik! His name is German, meaning "ruler of the home" and he sure does believe he's the happy ruler of the shelter! Henrik arrived at OC Animal Care as a nervous stray. However, after becoming familiar to his environment and our staff, Henrik is eager for pets and walks! His happy-go-lucky demeanor is contagious, and he likes to be petted whenever and wherever.
Henrik is a friendly soul who wants nothing more than to spend the rest of his furry life with a fur-ever hooman. Since he may take some time to get used to new surroundings, we recommend a home with only adults. If you would like to adopt Henrik, please call (714) 935-6848 and mention Animal ID A1810587.
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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