Adam Tallabas
District Representative / Policy Analyst
On Wednesday, I attended the Newport Bay Watershed Executive Committee Meeting at the Muth Interpretive Center with Supervisor Foley. There, I learned about years-long efforts to exterminate the invasive caulerpa prolifera species that entered Upper Newport Bay and the areas near Balboa Island. It remains critical for residents to dispose of aquariums/plants properly so that invasive species do not take root and outcompete natives. Afterwards, we embarked on a tour of the Santa Ana Delhi Channel Diversion – a project that aims to improve overall water quality and help replenish groundwater supply. On Thursday morning, I attended the 2022 OC Hate Crimes Report Release at the Buena Park Community Center. I learned about the concerning 20% rise in hate incidents in the County. Additionally, we learned about strategies leading organizations like Groundswell & LGBTQ Center OC are taking to identify trends and help identify strategies addressing hate crimes in Orange County. After hours, I joined our team at the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce’s 40 Under 40 event – celebrating accomplishments and recognizing up-and-coming members of the business community. In honor of Native American Day this Friday, I encourage you all to go to this website & access an informative tool that displays which Native peoples inhabited the land you currently live on.
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Our office is hosting Supervisor Foley’s Fifth District Veterans of the Year event on November 9, 2023 at 6:00 PM with details to follow. Nominate a veteran at bit.ly/2023KFVOTY!
Jonathan Davis
Policy Advisor
Hi everyone, this week I participated in the Orange County Transportation Authority’s (OCTA) Fifth District Mayors Forum, a conversation featuring local elected officials, city staff, and the leadership at OCTA. The forum gave me an on the ground perspective of the successes, challenges, and vision our Fifth District cities have on meeting the transportation needs of our residents. I walked away from the meeting with a more holistic understanding of how cities coordinate with OCTA on applying for grants, work with other transportation agencies like Caltrans, and tackle new problems like the regulation of electric bicycles. Overall, it was an exciting opportunity that made me more capable of representing the Fifth District as Supervisor Foley’s transportation policy staffer. This week, I also celebrated my 27th birthday with our office! Working here has been a fun and unique experience, and I appreciate our team for making this a special birthday for me. Have a great weekend!
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Kimberlee Belli
Office Manager / District Representative
This was a busy week in the office. I began preparations for the Board of Supervisors Annual Holiday Open House, which this year will happen on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. It offers a great opportunity to tour all the Board’s District offices and meet the staff. Also, I continue to work on Supervisor Katrina Foley’s 15th Annual New Coat Drive for Kids November 20 – December 15, 2023. This year there will be several locations to drop off your donations including libraries, County parks, and City Halls. We will provide a complete list in future newsletters.
Wednesday, I attended Laguna Woods Monthly City Council Meeting and gave an update on the Senior Summit scheduled for Friday, October 27, 2023, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. We now expect nearly 60 County Departments, hospitals and private organization’s resource booths, along with speakers and demonstrations. Please contact our office if you would like to volunteer for a portion of the day. I am enjoying getting to learn more about Laguna Woods.
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Alejandro Santiago Ortega
Executive Aide
Hola everyone! I am honored and excited to join Supervisor Foley’s team and work for you all as her new Executive Aide. I previously worked at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis and the office of Congresswoman Cori Bush. I am an attorney by trade with experience in law firms, nonprofits and public service. Looking forward to meeting you as we work in the best District in OC!
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Rachel Carr
Policy Intern
Hello, District 5! This week, the Supervisor and I participated in the Orange County Public Law Library meeting. During the meeting, board members and the Supervisor engaged in discussions with Chief Financial Officer, Michelle Aguirre, about a potential feasibility study for relocating the current Public Law Library Building. Additionally, we oversaw the annual report and investment report for August. This year, OCPLL has experienced an increase in patronage, with several workshops catering to the public. Find the comprehensive list of services offered by this facility here. Wishing you all a fantastic and restful weekend!
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Lauren Taylor
Law Intern
Hi District 5! I feel lucky to be surrounded by many influential individuals in the legal field. Mentorship with the Supervisor recently allowed me to attend an OCWLA Women Judges Reception, where I made invaluable connections with women judges and attorneys. Then, last week, I attended the enrobing ceremony for the Honorable Alma Hernandez. I enjoyed hearing the story about her life and how she became a Judge. As a mother of five, she persevered through law school and her career while nurturing her family. Judge Hernandez is an excellent example of determination and passion, and I cannot wait to see all she will accomplish as a Judge for Orange County. The more I learn and more people I meet, the more I can contribute to District 5. In the office, I continue to work on items that will benefit Newport Beach, such as progress on the Balboa Island Ferry conversion mandate. The team is working on multiple letters to communicate concerns about the conversion to CARB and other officials. I look forward to continuing to work on this project!
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Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
Happy Friday, D5! This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, our office remains committed to promoting mental health, and providing District 5 with resources to help. With OC Health Care Agency, we chatted with community members about such resources at “Love & Listen,” a youth mental health fair hosted by St. James Episcopal Church in Newport Beach. Vendors promoted creative self-expression through local Thoughtful Theater, connection with therapy dogs and accessible counseling services for all ages. When we destigmatize discussion around our mental wellness, we normalize essential self-care – such a meaningful message! Help is available -- I learned you can call 9-8-8, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to talk to a professional counselor for assistance. To know the signs, learn how to help and reach out for resources, go to www.lightuphopeoc.com.
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Sanah Akbari
District / Policy Intern
Hello, District 5! I am thrilled to begin my internship with Supervisor Katrina Foley’s Office for the fall term. I grew up in southern Orange County, so working on government affairs for this wonderful community fulfills me. I am a rising senior at the University of California, Irvine and am set to graduate this December with a double major in Political Science and Criminology, Law and Society. I strive to establish my career in policy advisory, and my work here as a policy intern grants me the exact tools I need to succeed. In my first two weeks, I worked with the policy team to prepare Supervisor Foley for this upcoming board meeting by reading, analyzing, and summarizing every agenda item. My first day with the office took place during a board meeting, and I remember watching how all the staff members engaged with the meeting’s proceedings and their duties as the meeting progressed. Listening to the meeting on my first day set the tone for my internship and I knew from that day on, this internship is the exact kind of environment I need to supplement my professional growth. So far, I continue to absorb a plethora of knowledge regarding the behind-the-scenes logistics of acquiring essential funding, planning construction projects, and establishing policy for our beautiful district. Outside of school and the office, you can catch me snuggling with my cat, walking in nature, or reading fiction books. I look forward to what the future holds in store, and I am thrilled to humbly serve the interests of the community that raised me.
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Sarah D'Agostino
District Intern
Hello, District 5! My name is Sarah D’Agostino. I recently graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a degree in Sociology. I finished my first week at Supervisor Foleys office as a District Representative intern, eager for knowledge! I look forward to learning the ins and outs of public service and ways I can support the constituents of District Five. I joined our Office Manager and District Representative Kimberlee Belli in planning Supervisor Foley’s 15th Annual Coat Drive which takes place from November 20, 2023 – December 15, 2023. During this time, we collect new coats for kids at various locations in District 5 such as libraries, parks, City Halls and more. After our collection the team at District 5 will distribute these coats to our long-time partners, The Boys and Girls Club and Save Our Youth. Please reach out to our office if you would like to join us. Enjoy a restful weekend District 5!
Nathan Bui
Communications Intern
I enjoyed an awesome second week in the office learning and experiencing all the many different responsibilities of an intern. I’m excited to staff a booth at Costa Mesa’s National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration tomorrow and hear amazing artists like INCA The Peruvian Ensemble, Los Santaneros, and especially DJ Kaboom! In addition to eating amazing food and listening to beautiful music, attending tomorrow’s celebration doubles as a great opportunity to learn about the rich history and culture of Hispanic American communities in Orange County and throughout our nation. Thank you to the City of Costa Mesa and OC Public Libraries for making this event possible!
Health News
From the OC Health Care Agency
Following the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory action this week on updated 2023-2024 mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed recommendations for the use of updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. The new season’s COVID-19 vaccine is more closely matched to the strains of virus circulating now and for those expected though winter. The new recommendations also further simplify the vaccination schedule for most individuals.
According to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), recommendations for the updated 2023-2024 vaccines are supported by available safety and efficacy data. The revised recommendations include the following:
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Individuals 5 years of age and older regardless of previous vaccination are eligible to receive a single dose of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months since the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
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Individuals 6 months through 4 years of age who have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible to receive one or two doses of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (timing and number of doses to administer depends on the previous COVID-19 vaccine received).
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Unvaccinated individuals 6 months through 4 years of age are eligible to receive three doses of the updated authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or two doses of the updated authorized Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.
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Providers should review CDC Interim Clinical Considerations for the Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the United States when they are updated for the specific scenarios, including vaccinating immunocompromised individuals.
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The bivalent Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized for use in the United States. Bivalent Novavax vaccine remains authorized for use for those 12 years and older and may still be administered if it is determined that the individual should not wait for a 2023-2024 Novavax COVID-19 vaccine or receive a 2023-2024 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
Since the expiration of the COVID-19 emergency the purchase and distribution of vaccine has transitioned to the commercial marketplace. Federal rules require insurers to cover the updated 2023-2024 COVID vaccine as soon as it is available and at no cost to the patient. The following is guidance depending on your circumstance on finding out where vaccine is available:
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Health care providers including pharmacies can order vaccine directly from the manufacturers.
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Patients with insurance should reach out to their usual provider or pharmacy to find out if or when they will have the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines available.
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The federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program which provides vaccines to children who are served by Medicaid or are under or uninsured will be supplying updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines to these children. Parents should reach out to their child’s provider to find out the timing of availability.
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For uninsured and underinsured adults, the CDC has created the Bridge Access Program (BAP) so that uninsured people will continue to have access to no-cost vaccine. BAP vaccine will be available through the HCA, federally supported health centers (FQHC’s), as well as commercial pharmacies that have contracted to participate. Currently, this includes all CVS and Walgreens pharmacies, but additional pharmacies are expected to join.
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The www.Vaccines.gov website is expected to be updated with COVID-19 vaccine availability as the vaccine is distributed to pharmacies and clinics.
COVID-19 continues to be a risk for many people. Currently, the county is experiencing an increase in reports of cases, with an increase in the proportion of people testing positive for COVID-19. Hospitalizations for COVID-19 have increased since July, although remain at low levels compared to past waves of COVID-19 disease. The HCA strongly encourages individuals to get the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine as available data continues to demonstrate that vaccines prevent the most serious outcomes of COVID-19 such as severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
The HCA will continue to update guidance in cooperation with state and federal partners. In order to ensure Orange County residents have the information needed, 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. For more information on COVID-19 including resources, case counts, vaccination, and testing in Orange County, visit ochealthinfo.com/covid.
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.
Commissioner Lara announces Sustainable Insurance Strategy to improve state’s market conditions for consumers
On September 21, 2023, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced a package of executive actions aimed at improving insurance choices and protecting Californians from increasing climate threats while addressing the long-term sustainability of the nation’s largest insurance market. The largest insurance reform since state voters’ passage of Proposition 103 nearly 35 years ago, California’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy is a comprehensive approach building on Commissioner Lara’s multi-year effort to modernize California’s insurance market after meeting with thousands of Californians since he took office in 2019.
Learn more.
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, Stella!
Meet Stella, a 7-year-old Pit Bull. Stella is a true lady - calm, gentle, and always ready for a stroll or a cuddle. She's a shining star at events like Pooches on the Patio, showing off her friendly nature with adults and kids. Stella has been enjoying a little vacation in foster care, savoring daily walks, car rides, playtime with her foster family, and even some training where she's mastered sit, stay, leave it, and come! Although she's loving her foster family, Stella's ready for a forever home where she can share her affection and learn even more tricks!
Are you interested in adopting Stella? Give OCAC a call at 714-935-6848, and mention ID# A1802548. Please visit the Pet Adoptions page to see more adoptable pets.
Help Promote Pet of the Week! Download this flyer to print, post or share at your work, school, or on Facebook.
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.
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.
Domestic Violence Committee Membership Interest
On May 31, 2023, the Orange County Continuum of Care (CoC) Board approved to establish a CoC Domestic Violence Committee to focus on ending homelessness for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and/or stalking. The Orange County CoC is seeking a diverse group of individuals to serve on the Domestic Violence Committee within the Orange County CoC geography.
If you are interested in serving on the Domestic Violence Committee, please send the completed Domestic Violence Committee interest form by Friday, September 29, 2023, to CareCoordination@ocgov.com with the subject line “Domestic Violence Committee Interest Form".
Completion of the form does not guarantee that you will be selected to serve on the Domestic Violence Committee, but if you are interested and passionate about the work, we strongly encourage you to complete the interest form.
If you have any difficulties with the interest form, please contact the Office of Care Coordination at CareCoordination@ocgov.com.
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!
Domestic Violence Committee Membership Interest
On May 31, 2023, the Orange County Continuum of Care (CoC) Board approved to establish a CoC Domestic Violence Committee to focus on ending homelessness for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and/or stalking. The Orange County CoC is seeking a diverse group of individuals to serve on the Domestic Violence Committee within the Orange County CoC geography.
If you are interested in serving on the Domestic Violence Committee, please send the completed Domestic Violence Committee interest form by Friday, September 29, 2023, to CareCoordination@ocgov.com with the subject line “Domestic Violence Committee Interest Form".
Completion of the form does not guarantee that you will be selected to serve on the Domestic Violence Committee, but if you are interested and passionate about the work, we strongly encourage you to complete the interest form.
If you have any difficulties with the interest form, please contact the Office of Care Coordination at CareCoordination@ocgov.com.
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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