Adam Tallabas
District Representative / Policy Analyst
I began this week by visiting The File Group for the grand opening of their new flagship office in Corona del Mar. They even had the most creative sign on their wall that said “Sea Diem” as in, CdM! Later in the week, I attended my first Orange County Public Library Advisory Board meeting. Personally, as an avid bookworm, my assignment to oversee policy surrounding OCPL excites me. This weekend, catch our District team at the Boo at the Bay event on Saturday from 11 AM – 3PM.
|
Jonathan Davis
Policy Advisor
With six months of experience on the job, I developed a more holistic understanding of how change is made at the county. On Tuesday, I met with department directors and staff on the process for developing next year's Capital Improvement Program, which is a prioritized and scheduled list of infrastructure projects that the county will pursue through 2024-2031. This meeting gave our office the chance to check in on Fifth District projects, like the renovations at Dana Point and Aliso Viejo Libraries, and provide suggestions for the future. One priority that Supervisor Foley continues to advocate for is a formalized sand replenishment schedule for our south county beaches. It is important that our local governments begin to treat our eroding beaches like infrastructure, which must be regularly maintained for the health of our environment and the safety of our homes and infrastructure on the coast.
|
Alejandro Santiago Ortega
Executive Aide
Hola everyone! This week I am highlighting National Head Start Awareness Month. Founded in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the purpose is to provide required health, educational, and nutritional needs of children from low-income families. In the six decades since the founding of this program, more than 37 million kids participated. Supervisor Foley being one of them. This is a life-changing program with roots in OC since 1979. On Thursday we toured and talked to parents at Matt Kline Head Start in Costa Mesa. Learn more about Head Start locally here: https://ochsinc.org/
Also, big shout-out to Caltrans for cleaning a portion of Bristol Street around Campus Drive. As we travel around the District, Supervisor Foley noticed overgrown greenery and trash along Bristol. Through her advocacy, the area is now clean.
|
Dixie Samaniego
District Representative
Feliz Friday to the Fabulous Fifth District! I joined the team as a District Representative serving the cities of Irvine and Costa Mesa. Recently, I graduated from Cal State Fullerton as the first person in my family who earned a higher education degree (Tusks up!). Previously, I worked in higher education policy at the state and national level, most recently developing Cal State Fullerton’s strategic initiatives and partnerships.
|
Olivia Meis
Hi, D5! This Tuesday evening, I joined the Supervisor at her Costa Mesa Town Hall on the increase of opioid misuse and the rise of fentanyl overdose death. From a Communications standpoint, the different effects of different communication methods struck me. Videos told powerful personal stories, and imparted deeply impactful visual and emotional messages. Then, panelists’ stats and talking points clarified our community’s role in the opioid epidemic story, and the reality of fentanyl in Orange County. Altogether, the fentanyl town hall painted a clear picture of this crisis, and how we can all help save lives. Learn more about the campaign at FentanylisForeverOC.org. Moving and informative - that’s the power of quality communications strategy!
|
Sanah Akbari
I staffed the CalOptima Health & City of Irvine’s Medi-Cal Renewal and CalFresh Enrollment Event with the wonderful, Dixie. I enjoyed speaking with constituents about their health care coverage needs, as well as learned about overall concerns constituents have.
|
Sarah D'Agostino
Good morning, District 5! We are thrilled to welcome you to our Annual Senior Summit at Soka University today, starting at 8 am and running until 3:00pm. Our event includes over 50 different vendors at an all-day resource fair, a convenient vaccine clinic, engaging technology classes with an iPad giveaway, panel discussions and so much more. We cannot wait to connect with our District 5 seniors and share this valuable information. Be sure to register here!
|
Nathan Bui
Hi, District 5! I had the amazing opportunity to help staff the Grand Opening of our new Dana Point Harbor Office. This especially important milestone marks the first and only district office opened in the history of the OC Board of Supervisors! I’m happy to support the Supervisor in her priority to make County resources accessible to all of our Fabulous Fifth District neighbors.
|
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.
Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
The week of October 22-28, 2023, is Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (LPPW). Lead poisoning is an important public health issue as it may cause lifelong health effects including learning and behavioral problems for children. There is no safe level for lead, and many children do not look or act sick when lead poisoned. That is why a simple blood test is so critical to early intervention.
LPPW is an opportunity to remind families in our communities to focus on prevention year-round by avoiding lead exposure from sources such as:
- Chipped and peeling paint in older homes,
- imported toys, jewelry, pottery, and candies, and
- traditional folk remedies.
Orange County has a lead abatement program available at no-cost for qualifying homeowners (or renters) who are low-income, live-in homes built before 1978, and have children six or younger with elevated levels of lead or are pregnant and think you might be exposed to lead. Find out if your property qualifies by visiting https://www.azuredevelopmentco.com/.
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, Ash!
Ash's journey at the shelter is about to hit a special milestone – his one-year anniversary. When he first arrived, Ash was understandably a bit shy. He felt more at ease around humans than other animals. But with the love, patience, and dedication of our wonderful staff and volunteers, Ash's transformation has been incredible.
Over this year, he's gradually gotten to know other dogs and is now comfortable enough to join pack walks with his furry friends. Ash is super playful, loves to fetch, and easy to walk. It's amazing to see how he's progressed, and we believe that his forever home is just around the corner.
Ash would truly flourish in a loving home environment as an only pet. Let's make his one-year anniversary extra special by helping him find his forever home!
To adopt Ash, call OC Animal Care at (714)935-6848 and mention Animal IDA1791515. Please visit the Pet Adoptions page to see more adoptable pets.
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
|