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Volume 3 | Issue 39 |
September 29, 2023 |
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Dear neighbor:
Today is the last day to apply for the waitlist for Orange County Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher program. Through this program, veterans, seniors, individuals and families can receive rental assistance and choose their own housing that meet their needs. This includes single-family homes, townhomes and apartments. If you haven’t yet, submit your application before 11:59 p.m. tonight:
For more information on how to apply, visit www.ochousing.org or call (714) 480-2798.
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On Saturday morning, my office and I pitched in at the Coastal Cleanup at the Upper Newport Nature Preserve hosted by OC Parks and the Newport Bay Conservancy!
I’m happy to share that 825 volunteers participated in removing more than 9,000 pounds of trash. Thank you to everyone who joined cleanup efforts and coastal clean-up events taking place across the County. We must protect our beautiful Newport Bay and coast for current and future generations to enjoy.
After the cleanup I joined VFW Auxiliary and VFW Post 9934 in a dedication ceremony for benches in honor of Gold Star Families. I remain grateful for the sacrifices made for our country by our servicemembers and their families. Next time you’re near Strands in Dana Point visit this beautiful dedication at the Veterans Memorial at Strands Vista Park.
Costa Mesa hosted their annual National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration and we were able to recognize the Romero Herrera family with a Certificate of Recognition, highlighting 50 years of the family’s contribution to the richness of our community. One of the most beautiful contributions of the Romero Herrera family is Las Poderosas mural painted on Baker Street in Costa Mesa. The mural celebrates and honors the Hispanic women who shaped U.S. history and continue to shape Orange County.
At the event, we stopped by the Mujeres Migrantes en Progreso booth, a nonprofit led by Dolores Almaraz which assists women migrants in obtaining skills and enjoying a good quality of life. We also talked with Nayelli Cardenas, a certified massage therapist who provides services in both English and Spanish. Learn more about her work and book an appointment here: https://www.alignbodyworkyoga.com
This weekend I also stopped by the Los Angeles & Orange County Iranian American Chamber of Commerce Mehregan Fall Festival! I shared my continuous support for our vibrant Iranian community to succeed and thrive here in Orange County.
On Monday morning, I attended the OC Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board meeting where we delivered funding for transportation projects throughout the Fifth District, including the acceptance of an $850,000 grant that will support the Safe Travels Education Program (STEP) Campaign. STEP provides select schools in Orange County with free resources to encourage walking and biking safely to school. Read more here.
My Monday meeting with Congressman Mike Levin and The Surfrider Foundation focused on railroad relocation and coastal erosion. It is a great endeavor ahead of us, but I am committed to working with all our community partners and levels of government to find a long -term solution that works for our County.
On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors held a meeting where we approved major infrastructure projects in the Fifth District, including an $88 million expansion project at the Prima Deshecha Landfill and renovation projects at Aliso Viejo Library and Dana Point Library. The board also secured more than $7 million in grant awards to support healthy newborns, $5 million for lead poisoning prevention, and over $30 million to provide housing and supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness and serious behavioral health conditions. Read more here.
In addition, we continue to make major public safety investments with approved grant awards for probation mobile support services, to update law enforcement boating safety equipment, and to combat the rise of organized retail theft in the region. Read more here.
During the Board meeting, we recognized National Hispanic Heritage Month. I welcomed Unidos for serving thousands of residents, and engaging systems for long-term change in the San Juan Capistrano community. They serve under-resourced neighborhoods in the Capistrano Villas area, which are 98% Hispanic.
We also recognized September as National Preparedness Month. Our communities must prepare for a rapidly changing environment driven by human-caused climate change, which make wildfires a top threat. As wildfire seasons escalate, I encourage homeowners to prioritize home hardening to mitigate wildfire threats to our community and qualify you for insurance discounts. To mark the occasion, I welcomed County Emergency Manager at the Orange County Sheriff's Department Michelle Anderson, Chief Jeff Boyles of the Newport Beach Fire Department and Division Chief Kevin Fetterman from the Orange County Fire Authority. Thank you to all the first-responders for risking your lives every single day to keep Orange County safe.
On Wednesday, I held my monthly Wellness Wednesday Walk with OC Parks, this time through William R. Mason Park in Irvine. At 339 acres, Mason Park features a beautiful 9-acre lake, biking paths, a wilderness hiking area, picnic areas, three tot playgrounds, an amphitheater and more. I hope to see you at our next Wellness Wednesday Walk on October 18, 2023 at 9 a.m. at the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. Invite your friends and family to get outdoors with us!
Later, I met with Governor Gavin Newsom’s new Senior Advisor on Homelessness Hafsa Kaka, to talk about our county’s progress around this issue and the areas where we need stronger support. According to Mayor Darrell Steinberg, author of the Mental Health Services Act, "Orange County, [is] the only county meeting the required standard, saw a 17% drop in people experiencing homelessness from 2019 to 2022 - even while the statewide homelessness rate went up. That success is not a coincidence.”
On Wednesday afternoon, I toured two potential sites for the new Orange County Fire Authority Wildfire Resource Center, which will serve as a base of operations for OCFA Hand Crew Firefighters. During non-emergencies, OCFA Hand Crews clear brush and other dry vegetation on a full-time basis. During active wildfires, hand crews protect properties by digging trenches and controlled preventative burns to clear fuel. This important decision will take place at the October meeting of the Orange County Fire Authority.
On Thursday morning, I met with my John Wayne Airport Advisory Committee to discuss the most recent updates related to concessions, Fly Friendly, essential improvements for the airport, and working conditions for the employees who make JWA a true success. Recently, airport parking and shuttle employees brought to my attention that the portable restroom facilities on our main street parking lot were inadequate and undignified. Many employees were making the difficult decision to delay restroom breaks by waiting to go to a terminal via shuttle. This week we updated our temporary restroom facilities so that our shuttle drivers and other employees do not have to incur additional stress while on the job.
Then I met with my Veterans, Homelessness, and Housing Advisory Group where we evaluated the data regarding insurance rate coverage and the impact it has on building affordable and permanent supportive housing and shared about our upcoming Veterans Day event.
Thursday afternoon, we celebrated 100 years of Flight at John Wayne Airport. As the Supervisor of the Fifth District, I am honored to celebrate the Airport and its history as a valuable part of this vibrant community. This centennial milestone reflects our shared commitment to progress, innovation, and the continued prosperity of Orange County.
As part of the celebration, we welcomed the Orange County Ninety-Nines! The Ninety-Nines is an International Organization of Women Pilots founded by Amelia Earhart in 1929. The local chapter, the Orange County 99s, is a dynamic group of women pilots based in and around John Wayne Airport, Orange County, California. Since 1962, the Orange County 99s promote aviation through educational, scientific, and community service.
Thursday afternoon, Orange County Housing Authority, Unidos and I hosted our Housing Choice Voucher Program Assistance Event at our Laguna Niguel County One-Stop where we helped people apply to join the waitlist. If you or someone you know would like to apply, submit your application by 11:59 p.m.
I then attended the OC Fire Authority Board meeting. I provided an update as Chair of the Legislative and Public Affair Committee. Our OCFA sponsored bill, Senate Bill 475, which would remove a state restriction on City Park space usage, and allow for the construction of the Laguna Woods Fire Station, passed and is awaiting signature by the Governor. Unfortunately – two other OCFA sponsored bills, AB 294 by Assemblymember Petrie-Norris, which would exclude costs and losses due to wildfires and other natural disasters from the definition of gross income for tax purposes… and AB 582 by Assemblymember Connolly, Tax Credits for Fire Resistant Homes – were held and did not move forward. I testified on both bills in Sacramento earlier this year and I hope legislation will be considered next year. We also voted to create a zero emission vehicle transition plan to allow employees to charge their vehicles at OCFA facilities.
Tonight, I look forward to accepting the first annual Jean Wegener Humanitarian Award from Serving People in Need (SPIN). In honor of former SPIN Executive Director Jean Wegener, the award recognizes someone in Orange County who has made a significant difference in the lives of those suffering the effects of homelessness.
With more than three decades of service, Jean Wegener cemented her legacy through SPIN and helped house thousands of people in our community. Housing is a continuum, and solving the housing crisis requires a continuum of housing solutions. Through quality programs and services instilling independence, SPIN proves that when we invest in helping our unhoused neighbors, we better our community as a whole
I invite you to join me for Coffee & Conversations with Katrina at the Tea House on Los Rios on Friday, October 6, 2023! I look forward to meeting you and discussing the issues you care about most. RSVP here: tinyurl.com/KFCoffeeChat
Finally – today is a dark day in Orange County, in California, and in our nation as we lost a visionary trailblazer in Senator Dianne Feinstein.
Senator Feinstein opened doors and broke glass ceilings for so many women to follow in her footsteps. I remain grateful for her decades of service to America as a mom, Mayor, County Supervisor, U.S. Senator and Chair of the most powerful Senate committees in America.
Current and future generations will always remember her powerful legacy, her loyalty to our democracy, her fight to protect our civil and reproductive rights, and her sacrifices throughout her life in service to our great nation.
Be well,
Katrina Foley Supervisor County of Orange
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In This Edition
Read more about local events, community and health news, District and County initiatives, and other important updates!
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Adam Tallabas
District Representative / Policy Analyst
Howdy, District 5! I represented our office at the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce Government/City Affairs meeting where I gave updates on the Supervisor’s latest accomplishments as well as advertised our upcoming events. On Thursday morning, I attended the Orange County Veterans & Military Families Collaborative Student Veterans meeting, where I learned about unique issues facing student veterans. Coming from a family of veterans and servicemembers, taking care of those who served our nation is a top priority for myself. After hours, I attended the MOTAL Exhibit: A Grassroots Struggle for School Desegregation at the Coast Community College District, which displayed the decades-long struggle by Mexican-Americans in Orange County for equal rights and desegregation. I highly recommend checking out the exhibit and witnessing the harsh realities that Mexican-Americans faced in this county just a generation ago. This weekend, catch my District Team at the Costa Mesa Historical Society event from 10 AM to 2 PM.
As a reminder, we are taking submissions for the Fifth District Veterans of the Year! Submit your nominations by October 27, 2023 at bit.ly/2023KFVOTY
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Jonathan Davis
Policy Advisor
Today, I attended this year's Mobility 21 Transportation Summit, an all-day event featuring transportation leaders and experts from across Southern California. The theme of this year’s summit is “Challenge of Change,” and will focus on topics like the “Next 100 years of Transit”, “Zero Emissions California: Paving the Way for the U.S.”, and “Building a Safer, Resilient California.” The summit offered an exciting chance to hear from leaders across the transportation spectrum, from various regions, backgrounds, and perspectives.
Major transportation projects can take decades to complete, from the earliest iterations of a project vision to the final ribbon cutting ceremony. Understanding this challenge makes me grateful for the opportunity to hear from transportation leaders on their vision for the next century of transportation policy in Southern California.
Have a great weekend everyone!
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Kimberlee Belli
Office Manager / District Representative
One of my favorite events of the month is our Wednesday Wellness Walk. Each month we walk about 2 miles in a different park within our District 5, always with a few informative park rangers. We learn about trees, plants, animal habitat, birds and insects. Everyone is welcome to join us to meet Supervisor Foley and enjoy the beautiful area in which we live. Also, this week I helped organize and prepare for Supervisor Foley’s John Wayne Airport plus, Homelessness and Housing + Veterans Advisory Team meetings.
Today, the Monarch Butterfly Waystation Committee held their first meeting to discuss ways to educate the public of the importance of monarch butterflies and planting butterfly-friendly wildflower species. Insects account for 75% of all pollination in the globe, underscoring the importance of supporting monarch butterflies.
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Alejandro Santiago Ortega
Executive Aide
Hola everyone! I experienced a week full of learning and jumping into action. During my first 3 weeks as Executive Aide, Supervisor Foley and I attended over 30 meetings and events across our District. Specifically, our office continues our work to improve and modernize John Wayne Airport as well as making sure our cities are prepared and protected from wildfires. We also joined a Hispanic Heritage Festival during the weekend in Costa Mesa where we celebrated the Romero Herrera family for their 50 years of contribution to our region.
Excited for the week ahead and hope you see you around the District. Take care!
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Rachel Carr
Policy Intern
This week, I attended the Orange County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council as point person for the department in our office with the Supervisor. The OCJJCC is the local allocating body that distributes state grants regarding juvenile justice to local community providers and non-profits to meet mandated goals set by the state outside of county funded programs to fulfill recognized service gaps.
At our most recent meeting, I reviewed performance metrics, projected outcomes, and challenges faced by community-based providers to serve our youth population in Orange County.
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Lauren Taylor
Law Clerk
This week, I joined a meeting with the Balboa Island Ferry working group, a working group of local officials, including State Assemblywoman Diane Dixon of the 72nd Assembly District, the Balboa Island Improvement Association, the City of Newport Beach, and local community leaders to search for solutions and identify ways to save the ferry. In addition to meeting with the working group, our office hopes to send out more letters soon to advocate for the ferry, including legislative asks from U.S. Senator Alex Padilla and more extension options from the California Air Resources Board (CARB.) I look forward to continuing progress toward saving the Balboa Island Ferry.
Furthermore, I will accompany the Supervisor to a seminar discussing the powers of AI in the workforce, specifically about attorneys and their use of AI. I look forward to reporting back on that in next week’s newsletter. Until then, have a fantastic week everyone!
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Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
My fellow intern Sanvi and I spent Saturday morning celebrating Costa Mesa’s National Hispanic Heritage Month Festival at Lion’s Park.
The fresh churros dipped in dark chocolate and the spicy tacos were made with love, as were our neighboring vendors’ Mexican jewelry, crafted from escamas de pescado, or fish scales. And what a beautiful array of folkdance styles – every performance showcased the diverse history of generations of Latinos in our community.
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Sanah Akbari
District / Policy Intern
Hello, District 5! The first board meeting I helped prepare for opened my eyes to the elaborate deliberations behind every agenda item and what is at stake for the community at large. How observing a board meeting and preparing for a meeting differ lies in the third parties who offer testimonies that can impact how the board votes. I believe that gaining multiple perspectives on a voting matter help aid in informed decision making.
This week, I also staffed a Housing Voucher Open House event with UNIDOS South OC where the office provided resources on housing to the community in south county. I personally grew up in south county and have experience with the voucher program, so I was enthusiastic to assist people in their time of need. Take care everyone and have a wonderful weekend!
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Sarah D'Agostino
District Intern
Hello District Five! I enjoyed an amazing second week in the office supporting Supervisor Foley and the communities we serve. This week I attended multiple outings including my first Wellness Walk, as well as a tour of our Annual Senior Summit Location. My first Wellness Walk at William R. Mason Regional Park consisted of meeting many smiling faces, while learning about the native plants and animal habitats that reside in the park. I look forward to our next wellness walk on October 18, 2023 at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve from 9:00am to 10:00am. Our Annual Senior Summit will be held at Soka University on October 27, 2023 from 8:30am to 3:00pm and will include a resource fair and presentations throughout the day. Save the dates and join us!
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Nathan Bui
Communications Intern
How’s it going, District 5! I enjoyed another eventful, informative week at the office supporting our staff at various community events. On Saturday, I staffed a booth at the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration in Costa Mesa and enjoyed wonderful music from local artists like Los Santaneros and INCA, the Peruvian Ensemble. I believe that supporting and promoting the growth of musicians and artists in our District is crucial to preserving and nurturing the vibrancy of our communities. I hope you enjoy some yummy food this weekend. See you next week!
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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.
Nominate a Veteran for the Fifth District Veterans of the Year Awards
I’m happy to announce that this year, I will hold my third annual Veterans of the Year Awards! I look forward to honoring the Veterans of District Five on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 6:00pm. Be sure to save the date!
This year’s theme “The Call to Serve: Recognizing the Roles Musicians & Buglers Play in the Military” aims to honor veterans, reservists and active-duty service-members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in selflessly contributing to our military through music.
I invite members of the public to submit nominations of veterans. Nominees should reside in or have significantly contributed to the Fifth District and are eligible if they have served in the U.S. military on active duty or reserves for any length of time, at any location. Submit nominations here: bit.ly/2023KFVOTY.
The deadline to submit nominations for Fifth District Veterans of the Year is Friday, October 27, 2023 at 5:00pm.
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, Bubba!
Meet Bubba! This lovable pig has a heart as big as his playful spirit. Bubba came into our care from a suspected animal cruelty case, but he hasn't let his past define him. Despite the challenges he's faced, Bubba is a shining example of new beginnings and sweetness. Known for his gentle nature and playfulness, Bubba will melt your heart and maybe muddy your shoes too! Bubba is seeking a forever home where he can dig and root around for food, roll in mud, and enjoy back scratches.
If you're looking for a charming and affectionate barnyard companion, consider giving Bubba a forever home. Call (714) 935-6848 and mention Animal ID A1830775.
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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Thank you for being an active member of our County.
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