Adam Tallabas
Policy Analyst / District Representative - Laguna Beach and Laguna Hills
I was honored to attend my first OC Public Libraries Advisory Board last week, where I learned about all of the great work that our top-notch Public Libraries do to empower readers of all ages. Please consider participating in OCPL’s Winter Reading Challenge! Win badges by completing 100 Days, 100 Books or 100 Hours! Register at https://ocpl.beanstack.org/reader365.
This weekend, the Fifth District will welcome the Hōkūle’a. The Hōkūle’a is a reconstruction of the types of vessels used by Pacific Islander voyagers to navigate the open ocean. Using nothing but the sun, the ocean and the stars, Pacific Islanders successfully settled across the largest body of water on Earth – making them the greatest sailors of all time. Among the many settlements by these voyagers is the one that my family would eventually call home - American Sāmoa. The Hōkūle’a will arrive at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point at 4:30 PM. Also on Saturday, our team will attend Ladera Pride’s Community Celebration. Stop by our booth from 4 – 6 PM and celebrate acceptance, togetherness and love!
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Jonathan Davis
Policy Advisor
As we approach the end of the year, I spent part of my week developing a “Year in Review” pamphlet for residents of the Fifth District by reviewing our accomplishments from each of the Board of Supervisors' meetings from 2023. Residents who have seen our team at events throughout the community this year may be familiar with our 2022 version of this pamphlet, a large, multi-page booklet that discusses everything from the total number of ribbon cuttings attended to highlights of our community investments.
This project was an opportunity to reflect on my first calendar year with the County and sharpen my skills communicating the policy work that happens here to everyone in the district. Our team looks forward to sharing our work with you soon!
This week, I also attended the OCTA Environmental Oversight Committee with the supervisor, during which we received updates on the Agua Chinon habitat restoration project. After the devastation of the 2020 Silverado Fire, partners began implementing a plan for recovery of the native vegetation that once inhabited the area. Thankfully, this site met all success criteria earlier this year in September and managed to return to its natural state.
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Dixie Samaniego
District Representative - Costa Mesa and Irvine
Hola, District Five! Today I attended the Orange County Aging Services Collaborative’s “Mastering the Master Plan” update webinar. The webinar highlighted the work members of the Collaborative are leading for seniors in the county. I learned more about their four key initiatives to improve the aging experience and lives of older adults in the community. The County of Orange, in partnership with the Office on Aging, continues to seek public input for the Older Adults Needs Assessment. Read more information about the assessment here.
I attended UC Irvine School of Social Ecology’s Día de Los Muertos celebration this week where I enjoyed traditional Azteca dances and heard Mariachi Divas, the two-time Grammy award winning all-female mariachi group based in Orange County. Día de Los Muertos is a two-day celebration that reunites the living with loved ones who have passed. Celebrated every year on November 1st and 2nd, families believe that the spirits of the dead return home and spend time with their loved ones. Families build ofrendas, an altar in honor of their loved ones filled with marigolds, sugar skulls, papel picado, and food.
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Sarah D'Agnostino
District Representative - Aliso Viejo, Coto de Caza, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, and San Clemente
Hello, District 5! I am thrilled to announce that I've taken on the role of District Representative for our office. I will oversee the wonderful communities of Aliso Viejo, Coto De Caza, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, and San Clemente. I'm genuinely looking forward to connecting with the fantastic people in these areas.
Furthermore, as the holidays approach, Supervisor Foley is organizing her annual New Coats for Kids Drive, and we're placing drop-off boxes throughout our district. Find your nearest drop-off location below and drop off a brand-new kid’s coat to help those in need. Have a relaxing weekend, District 5.
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Rachel Carr
Greetings, Fabulous District Five! This week I attended the wonderful celebration of El Cholo's 100th anniversary; we are always glad to see restaurants thrive in Orange County. The County is responsible for approving all environmental health permits, with over 15,000 restaurants in Orange County that we oversee. If you are opening a business or having an issue with environmental health as a restaurant, please do not hesitate to contact our office for assistance. Have a wonderful weekend!
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Olivia Meis
By 2040, people 65 and older will account for every 1 in 4 people living in Orange County. The ways we envision life as caregivers and seniors already changes rapidly. So, as Dr. Allyson Brooks shared at the Senior Summit, “Don’t underestimate the value of seeking joy as you age.”
An action plan for how you might make the most of your later years helps reframe aging as a reinvention, a full and beautiful chapter of your story. For me, these lessons feel especially prescient. As my family lost my grandma this week, I find comfort in the vibrant community – of family, friends, and caregivers -- she built for herself throughout her life.
Seniors and caregivers, please help our office learn more about your needs by filling out this survey. Age your way. Thank you.
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Sanah Akbari
Hello, District 5! This week, I helped prepare the Supervisor for the most recent OC Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council meeting, where I learned about the nearly 93% success rate of the Pepperdine Resource, Youth Diversion, and Education (PRYDE) program in providing individualized counseling and intervention services to at-risk youth and their families.
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Dana Point Harbor Advisory Committee Report from Secretary Dennis Parks
The monthly meeting of the DPHOAC was held at the Orange County Sailing and Events Center this past Wednesday. It was a fitting venue as one of the primary agenda items was how the center could better serve the Orange County public and what resources it would take to make that happen. Supervisor Foley in her update to the committee reported that she and her team have requested a “Boaters Access” $3.4 million dollar grant from the California State Department of Harbors and Waterways to help fund the infrastructure needs of the Orange County side of the harbor revitalization of which the Sailing and Event Center is a key component. After some committee discussion, Diane Wenzel, Executive Director of Westwinds Sailing and DPHOAC member, was given the task of reaching out to the members of the Dana Point Aquatic Foundation (business and public users of the center) to develop the needs list for the Center’s future and report back to the committee and Supervisor Foley at the December meeting. Read more here.
From the Marina
On the Docks
Things are going very well on the docks! Our mighty maintenance team continues to perform dock and facility maintenance in order of priority. We walk docks regularly to scope out needed repairs or issues. We also appreciate hearing from you should you see something needing our attention. Please call the office or stop by, (949) 496-6137. Read more.
Marina Revitalization
With Phase 3 ready for occupancy on November 1st, we are officially 20% complete of the 15-phase marina project. This is great progress and very exciting! The docks, walkways and signage in Phase 3 is stunning and we are thrilled to start bringing boats in. As was announced in our September newsletter, there will be over 80 boats coming into Phase 3 off the slip waiting lists. This has been so much fun and so exciting to reach out to these folks that have been waiting for 10-20 years for an opportunity to boat in Dana Point Harbor. We are excited to welcome all tenants, new and old, to the Dock of the Green Lantern on November 1st! Read more.
Health News
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.
Salmonella Infections in OC Linked to Raw Milk
The HCA urges those who may have purchased raw whole milk or raw heavy cream products from Raw Farm LLC to not consume the products and discard them immediately. Anyone who becomes ill after consuming raw milk or products made from raw milk, particularly products from Raw Farm LLC, should seek medical care immediately. All confirmed cases had illness onset within the past 30 days, with affected individuals ranging in age from one to 20 years old. Read more here.
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.
OCTA TransitVision
Share your thoughts on transit recommendations in Orange County! Learn about current local and future transportation plans while making your voice heard 🚗Take the survey and find more info at: OCTA TVMP Survey - English (typeform.com)
Fairview Developmental Center
Join the City of Costa Mesa in discussing the future of housing development at Fairview Developmental Center! Planning for housing will be a community-led process! Couldn’t make the first in-person meeting on Thursday? Attend a virtual meeting on Monday, November 6 from 6 – 8 p.m. For more information, click here.
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
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, Patton!
When Patton arrived at the shelter, it didn't take long for his sweet and comical side to shine through. He's a breeze to leash and walk, and he's also a devoted toy enthusiast! 8 out of 10 times, Patton is walking around with a toy, always ready to share and play. At the mature age of seven, Patton has mastered basic skills and developed an admirable level of patience. His well-suited temperament makes him an exceptional choice for first-time pet families, including those with young children.
If you think this cuddle bug could be the missing piece to your family, please call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention Animal ID A1829121.
Please visit our Pet Adoptions page to see more adoptable pets. Or, 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
405 Improvement Project
We are very excited to share that drivers on I-405 are about to see their commute improve as two new regular lanes and the 405 Express Lanes are expected to open to traffic December 1, 2023 as part of OCTA's 405 Improvement Project. For more info, visit: bit.ly/405opening
OCTA October Employees of the Month!
Congratulations to OCTA’s October employees of the month! Terrall, Rogelio, and Lauren have demonstrated OCTA’S core values in their work and continue to be valuable members of their teams. Thank you all for your valuable contributions to Orange County!
Dana Point Turkey Trot
The 46th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot is almost here! This fun-filled Thanksgiving Day tradition draws crowds, fun and festivity to Dana Point Harbor on Thursday, November 23, 2023. If you plan on participating in the Turkey Trot or visiting Dana Point Harbor on Thanksgiving Day, please take note of the following road closures and timing on Thursday, November 23, 2023:
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Both sides of Dana Point Harbor Drive will close from Golden Lantern to Casitas Pl from 12:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
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Southbound Golden Lantern from Del Prado to Dana Point Harbor Drive will close from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
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Dana Point Harbor Drive from Golden Lantern to PCH (eastbound) will close from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM.
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Dana Point Harbor Drive from Island Way (bridge) to the Ocean Institute will close from 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
No vehicle access into or out of the harbor areas, including boater lots from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2023.
No access to Embarcadero dry storage and launch ramp from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
Run the race before you stuff your face! Registration is OPEN for the 46th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot. Click HERE for more information or to register for the 10k, 5k or Kid’s Gobble Wobble!
Dana Point Harbor Candyland Lights
The countdown to Christmas is officially on as Dana Point Harbor prepares to transform into a Candyland of holiday glee. The annual holiday lights are being installed now and will light up the harbor beginning November 15, 2023!
This year, the holiday lights will span from Dana Wharf all the way to the Ocean Institute with activations on the island as well. Make plans to gather the family for hot cocoa and holiday spirit. Happy Harbor Days are here again!
America Recycles Day at Dana Point Harbor
America Recycles Day is Sunday, November 19, 2023 and Stand up to Trash has a lot of fun planned for their Beach Cleanup and Lunch & Learn! The Beach Cleanup will occur from 9 -- 10:30 AM, and Lunch & Learn from 10:30 – 11 AM.
Art Contest: Using the items found from your own beach, park or neighborhood cleanup get crafty, creative and help us raise awareness about recycling and plastic pollution!
See flyer below with all the details or click HERE to register to participate and celebrate America Recycles Day!
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.
Review of the Treasurer's Schedule of Assets
The Orange County Auditor-Controller released an internal audit of the Treasurer's Schedule of Assets as of December 31, 2022. Click here to read the whole report.
From Shari Freidenrich, Orange County Treasurer
I am pleased to announce that Fitch Ratings has assigned the Orange County Treasurer’s Pool (OCTP) its highest available credit quality rating of ‘AAAf’, as well as a Fund Market Risk Sensitivity Rating of ‘S1’ for variable net asset pools. The AAAf rating indicates that the OCTP meets the highest underlying credit quality, while the S1 denotes a very low sensitivity to market risk and changes in interest rates. As per the Investment Policy Statement, the objectives for public fund investing are the safety of capital, maintenance of sufficient liquidity to meet cash flow requirements and lastly, achievement of a market rate of return yield commensurate with the risk profile and cash flow needs within budgetary and economic cycles.
This Fitch rating is an important and critical independent evaluation that affirms our commitment to protect the public funds that the Board has delegated to the Treasurer. This rating also represents additional independent oversight on this delegation in addition to the annual compliance audit and other oversight that the Treasury Oversight Committee monitors. I appreciate the support of the Board of Supervisors and the Treasury Oversight Committee since I have been in office and especially during the time that I have been working with my team of professionals to get the entire pooled funds rated. We join several other Counties who have also received this highest available credit rating including the County of San Diego, the County of Riverside and the County of San Bernardino.
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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