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| Volume 3 | Issue 42 |
October 20, 2023 |
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Dear neighbor:
Another week of serving the Fabulous Fifth District!
On Saturday morning, I joined members of the community at Orange Coast College to watch the solar eclipse.
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Then I joined women elected officials for a tour of OCC’s Horticulture Garden.
 I attended the Irvine Global Village Festival at Orange County’s Great Park for a morning of food, art, music, and a celebration of Irvine's diverse community. The 22nd annual festival incorporated the best of Irvine’s historic fall festivals: kids' activities, local and global cuisine, a global marketplace, music, art, and exhibits!
 Then, with gratitude for her example of remarkable dedication to Orange County, I attended Jean H. Watt’s Celebration of Life. I remember Jean as a grassroots champion for environmental protection and preservation, a pioneering Newport Beach City Councilwoman, Mayor, and a brilliant friend. I extend my condolences to Jean’s family and the Newport Beach community. Learn more about Jean’s life here.
  At the Veterans Expo in San Clemente on Saturday afternoon, I awarded veterans and their families with scholarships for continuing their education. I remain committed to ensuring veterans are treated with dignity and receive the benefits and care they earned. Congratulations to all awardees – I wish you continued success.
 In the evening, I joined community leaders and State Senator Josh Newman to celebrate South Coast Repertory’s 60th Season! Founders David Emmes and Martin Benson believed in access to the art of theatre, and its unique power for illuminating the human experience. Realizing their dream for more than 60 years, SCR offers free arts education – from matinées to symphonies – throughout Orange County’s school system. Thank you to everyone who contributed to SCR’s success over the course of these 60 seasons. Your dedication to your craft makes Costa Mesa “the City of the Arts.”
 On Monday morning, we broke ground at Be Well OC’s Irvine campus. Once the Irvine Be Well campus opens its doors, South County’s children, youth, and families will finally access a place where families can stay together to support loved ones in crisis. Be Well Irvine proves Orange County continually invests in creative health, wellness, and resiliency programs for our community. Learn more here.
On Tuesday, we held the Board of Supervisors Meeting where the Board selected concession operators for the John Wayne Airport’s restaurant and retail operators for the next 15 years, secured funding for tackling housing for veterans, and added a prosecutor for prosecuting the rise in hate crimes. Read my recap here.
At the Board meeting we presented Fire Prevention Week to local first responders. As County Supervisor and OCFA Director, I remain committed to spreading awareness for home hardening practices to protect Orange County from wildfires. The California Department of Insurance provided tips for property-owners to harden their homes and qualify for insurance discounts. Learn more here.
Additionally, thank you to all the first responders who so valiantly risk their lives in dire times. I invited Newport Beach Fire Chief Jeff Boyles and Laguna Beach Fire Captain John Kuzmic to join firefighters from OCFA, highlighting fire prevention week. Now, I urge all residents: do your part in preventing wildfires from ravaging Orange County and harden your homes.
During the meeting, the Board, once again, called on the Government of Azerbaijan for recognition of Armenian Human Rights and the end of all hostilities in the Artsakh region. Earlier this month, I attended a vigil at UC Irvine hosted by the Armenian Student Association where I joined in solidarity with the students and the Armenian community in mourning the deaths of hundreds due to the violence.
The violence and atrocities committed against the Armenian people following the devastating blockade of Artsakh is inhumane and intolerable. Thank you to the local leaders of our Armenian community, like Councilmember Stephanie Oddo and College Trustee Tim Jemal, here in Orange County for bringing this to our attention. The student speakers impressed and care deeply about their community.
 Tuesday evening, I attended the 23rd Annual OC Arts Awards at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. There, we recognized and celebrated the arts organizations, artists and arts patrons in the OC community whose significant contributions during the past year, or over the course of a lifetime, notably impacted Orange County arts.
 I also attended the Costa Mesa City Council meeting to introduce CalOptima Health leadership and show my strong support for the City and CalOptima in continuation of their partnership and expand into new initiatives like “street medicine.”
  On Tuesday night, I attended the 47th Orange County Women Lawyers Association (OCWLA) Annual Gala. There, we celebrated Judge of the Year, the Honorable Claudia J. Silbar, and Attorney of the Year, Kate Corrigan. The OCWLA promotes women’s advancement in the legal profession. I loved seeing so many county attorneys from the public defender and district attorney offices.
 On this month’s Wellness Wednesday Walk, OC Parks rangers guided us through the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. Our guides’ expertise on native wildlife provides up-close lessons about the diversity and vibrancy of our local environment. Please join us at our November 8, 2023 Wellness Walk through Laguna Niguel Regional Park.
 Following the walk, I visited the homes on Galaxy Drive impacted by the crumbling bluffs. Since the initial collapse earlier this year, I surveyed the site to see the extent of the new collapse. With El Niño expected this year, we must allow property owners whose homes sit along cliffs to prepare and protect their homes.
  Later, I attended a meeting of the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Legislative and Public Affairs Committee where we received updates on recruitment promotions, and legislation impacting our county.
 Here I am with San Clemente Mayor Chris Duncan (left) and Buena Park City Councilmember Connor Traut (right) at the OCFA Legislative Committee meeting.
Then, I met virtually with John Wayne Airport and representatives from Alaska Airlines about increased noise, and I requested they monitor the speeds as well as expeditiously pursue transitioning to Max 9 and 8 planes that are 40% quieter and a lot cleaner too. We will continue to advocate for cleaner quieter flights.
Wednesday evening, I attended OC Tax’s 13th Annual Roses, Radishes, & Royalty Award Dinner in Irvine, celebrating friends to the taxpayer and recognizing those who strive for improvement. I enjoyed catching up with all the Chamber representatives. Congratulations to our District Attorney, Todd Spitzer, for receiving the coveted Royalty Award.
On Thursday, I began with a Legislative & Communications Committee Meeting with the OCTA, where we approved draft revisions to our state and federal legislative platforms. After this latest round of updates, OCTA will officially begin working with state legislators to develop increased safety requirements related to e-bikes. I look forward to engaging with Sacramento on this issue and elevating the concerns raised by local residents.
Then on Thursday afternoon, I held meetings with members of the community and county staff on a proposal for a Museum of Indigenous Culture and Natural History, on re-imagining the Sailing and Events Center at Dana Point, and Dana Point Harbor construction issues.
In the evening, I celebrated San Clemente Pier’s historic 95th Anniversary. The Pier offers OC families and visitors a place to relax, appreciate the views of our beautiful coastline, and enjoy events like surfing competitions, outdoor concerts, 4th of July fireworks, and more. As climate change continues to influence major weather events, we must prepare to protect and maintain the Pier. I remain committed to supporting the community’s efforts to protect this iconic piece of Orange County history and culture.
 On Friday, I spoke at the District Attorney Women’s Network and recognized Judge Kimberly Menninger for her many accomplishments and dedication to service. Judge Menninger’s contributions to women lawyers and judges, and the Superior Court of California during her terms in the County of Orange cement her legacy as an inspiration to all women.
  Today, I also shared about our upcoming Senior Summit in an interview with Laguna Woods Village TV’s ThisDay. I encouraged viewers to participate in our Older Adults Needs Assessment Survey and discussed my upcoming events for the week.
A big week lies ahead for our office:
First, our Dana Point 5th District office grand opening will take place on Monday, October 23 at the Dana Point Harbor (34475 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629.) Join me, Dana Point Mayor Mike Frost, and the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce for the opening of the first County Supervisor office in south county.
Participants will receive information about how to prevent fentanyl deaths and access available resources, ask questions to an expert panel and receive training on how to administer Naloxone, a life-saving opioid overdose reversal drug. Register here.
 Finally, my Senior Summit co-hosted by CalOptima Health takes place next Friday! Join us and learn about the County’s Master Plan on Aging and the diverse needs, interests and challenges facing today’s older Americans and their caretakers. Our panelists will share a wealth of knowledge on memory care, home care, health and support services, to name a few. The summit will also offer a resource fair, iPad trainings, and flu vaccinations throughout the event. Check out our program below! Register here: tinyurl.com/KFSeniorSummit OR call our office at (714) 834-3550.
 Enjoy the sunshine this weekend!
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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Alyssa Napuri
Deputy Chief of Staff
Hola, District 5. This week I represented Supervisor Foley at the annual Laguna Niguel Military Support Committee’s Taste for the Troops. Formed in 2007, the Laguna Niguel Military Support Committee supports the relationship between the city and our adopted military units: the U.S.S. Stockdale, the First Battalion, Fourth Marine Regiment, and the 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 140th Aviation Regiment. Participants grabbed tastes from local Laguna Niguel favorites like Good Choice Sushi and we even tried some M.R.E.’s or Meals, Ready-to-Eat, the rations that sustain our troops when they’re out on a mission or in deployment. The meals were definitely better than some of the rubber chicken dinners I’ve had while at galas with the Supervisor!
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Adam Tallabas
District Representative / Policy Analyst
Malo lava District 5! Following the Board of Supervisors meeting, I staffed a booth at the OCHCA Mental Health Fair at Vanguard University with our new District Representative, Dixie. We provided the Vanguard students with essential mental health resources, as well as general county resources. I also happened to run into my younger cousin, who is a student at Vanguard, at the event. Exciting news – While I still serve the City of Laguna Hills, I will now serve as the point person in the City of Laguna Beach with our wonderful intern Olivia.
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Jonathan Davis
Policy Advisor
Yesterday, I attended a celebration for the San Clemente Pier’s 95th birthday. The pier is an icon in the San Clemente community and has served as the beating of heart of the community since 1928. The city spends an average of $425,000 a year to maintain this historical and vital piece of infrastructure. The event helped deliver additional funding for the project. I also spoke with local elected officials, city staff, and nonprofit leaders on ways that the county and our federal partners can help maintain and beautify this uniquely San Clemente landmark.
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Alejandro Santiago Ortega
Executive Aide
Hola, everyone! I continue pursuing my goal of connecting with local leaders. This week, our amazing intern Sarah D’Agostino and I met with Aliso Viejo City Manager - David Doyle. We shared our commitment to helping and assisting the City and all constituents. Open communication within offices helps foster collaboration and problem solving. If you have any ideas about resolving an issue in the community, please let me know! Happy to help.
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Lauren Taylor
Olivia Meis
Next to the Supervisor’s booth sat my new friends, John and Kitty of Patriots and Paws. Their Orange County nonprofit provides our Veterans, Active Military, and Reservists with FREE basic home furnishing. As a Vietnam veteran and lifelong Orange County resident, John expressed great pride in sharing that in its 11 years, Patriots & Paws helped over 10,800 servicemen and women rebuild a sense of home. Schedule an appointment for selecting free furniture here. Donate practical furniture and décor by calling Patriots and Paws, who provide free curb pick-up throughout Orange County.
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Sanah Akbari
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I attended Laguna Niguel’s Taste for the Troops fundraising event. I spent a lovely evening speaking with service-members about their needs and learning about their experiences in the service. Don’t forget to nominate a veteran for our veteran of the year awards: bit.ly/2023KFVOTY |
Sarah D'Agostino
This week marked a significant milestone, as I helped prepare for the opening of our Dana Point office. This brand-new South County branch will serve the needs of our valued South County residents. On the horizon: the grand unveiling scheduled on October 23 at 3:00pm. We look forward to your company as we embark on this exciting journey of expansion and outreach.
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Dana Point Harbor Advisory Committee Report from Secretary Dennis Parks
The third installment of the DPHOAC committee was held on Wednesday, October 4th. The meeting primarily consisted of entities, currently involved in the Dana Point Harbor, presenting background information to the committee that will be useful in future discussions regarding the re-development of the harbor. Read more.
Health News
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that nearly 300,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year? 125.4 women per 100,000 in Orange County are diagnosed with breast cancer, higher than the national average of 122.1 per 100,000.
Schedule your mammogram screening every 2 years, starting at 30 years old. This month, educate yourself and your loved ones about the importance of regular health screenings.
HIV/AIDS Awareness Month
Through the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative, the Department of Health and Human Services set an ambitious goal of reducing all new HIV infections in the U.S. by 90% by 2030! To support this goal, HHS provided multiple funding opportunities to jurisdictions, including continued investments in STD specialty clinics.
From the OC Health Care Agency
With COVID-19 continuing to affect the community, preventive measures and mitigation strategies are strongly recommended. Vaccines and testing also continue to play an important role. Read more here.
 
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. at the Dana Point Women's Center!
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.
Pet of the Week
 Meet Pet of the Week, Zoey!
Meet Zoey, the English Lop Rabbit with a heart as soft as her velvety ears. Zoey's journey began when she was discovered roaming the streets with a fellow bunny and a kind-hearted person got them to safety. Zoey has an easy-going and gentle nature, making her an absolute sweetheart. Her bunny friend has hopped off to a forever home, but Zoey remains patiently hopeful, awaiting the day she too can hop into the hearts of her forever family.
Could you be the one to fill her days with love and gentle cuddles? Zoey's heart is ready to find its perfect match! If you would like to adopt this adorable rabbit, please call (714) 935-6848 and mention Animal ID A1830551.
 
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
 
NEW: Tax Filing Deadline Extended to November 16, 2023
The IRS announced an extension to change the filing and payment deadlines to November 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.
The annual 2023-2024 Secured Property Tax bills have been mailed to the owners of record on the most recent tax roll and are now available to view, print or pay online at octreasurer.com/octaxbill. A returning feature on this year’s Secured Property Tax Bill is the QR code, which has been updated to bring the taxpayer directly to their parcel once scanned. We encourage all property owners to join the over 580,000 taxpayers who paid online last year using eCheck, which is a no-cost payment option utilizing the taxpayer’s bank account. Payments made online through our website provide the taxpayer with same-day credit and an emailed receipt which can be printed for their records. The first installment of the 2023-2024 Secured Property Tax bills is due on November 1, 2023 and will become delinquent if not paid by December 11, 2023. Payments made or postmarked after December 11, 2023 will be assessed a 10% delinquency penalty. Taxpayers may sign up to receive payment reminders at octreasurer.com/securedreminders.
Please contact Treasurer Freidenrich at treasurer@ttc.ocgov.com if you have any questions.
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!
BenefitsCal
 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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