Adam Tallabas
Policy Analyst / District Representative - Laguna Beach and Laguna Hills
Howdy, District 5! This week, I joined the team in attending the Laguna Hills State of the City. On Thursday, the team hosted the event I planned – our Veterans of the Year! I enjoyed celebrating our nation’s heroes right here in the Fifth District. This weekend, join me and Supervisor Foley in honoring our veterans at the Laguna Beach Veterans Day event at Heisler Park and the Veterans Day event at Heroes Hall on Saturday. If you see us at the events, please say hello!
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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! What an exceptional week of immersion in D5 communities. I had the privilege of participating in a variety of events. The highlight – the Women Who Mean Business Luncheon – an inspiring celebration of fierce leaders who shaped the foundation of Laguna Niguel. Witnessing the profound impact that these women etched across the County of Orange truly invigorated me. Their contributions resonate beyond boundaries, infusing our community with resilience and empowerment. Thank you for the collective change you have brought to District 5.
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Nathan Bui
Communications Intern
Hi, District 5! This year, the Board of Supervisors joined millions of folks across the nation in celebrating November as National Family Caregivers Month. The AARP reports that approximately 38 million people across the country take care of loved ones in some capacity, amounting to an unseen economic value of $600 billion. It's no doubt that caregivers are the backbone of ensuring the health and wellness of families and communities throughout our County. I'm happy supporting the Supervisor in her efforts on expanding networks of access for family caregivers. If you or a caregiver you know needs help reaching out to specific services or programs, or wants tips on providing the best support as a caregiver, please visit the Orange County Caregiver Resource Center!
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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.
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.
County of Orange Health Care Agency Update - Tustin Hangar Fire
Following Tuesday’s fire at the former Marine Corps Air Station Tustin, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has collected and analyzed air and ash samples which indicate the presence of asbestos as well as heavy metals including lead, arsenic and nickel. Residents are encouraged to exercise caution to reduce exposure during the clean-up of structural fire debris which may contain asbestos and heavy metal particles.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been utilized in construction and was commonly used in buildings built before 1960. When building materials are burned or damaged, any asbestos fibers present in the ash and debris can become airborne and potentially inhaled.
Residents should use caution in areas where asbestos has been detected or suspected. Exposure to asbestos can cause harmful health effects. If inhaled, asbestos can increase risk of developing lung disease or cancer and if ingested, asbestos can damage the stomach or intestinal lining.
E-Bikes
During the past several years, Orange County has seen an increase in the number and variety of e-bikes on roads and on paths. Over this time, OCTA has expanded its role to coordinate efforts regionally, monitor e-bike use and trends, and provide safety information to e-bike riders.
OCTA has a webpage dedicated to e-bike resources and safety information, which includes a database listing local bike and e-bike ordinances. To further promote safe and courteous e-bike riding, OCTA is also developing a series of videos about e-bike safety aimed at teen riders. The first video was a partnership with local influencer Goodboy Noah and other videos will be rolled out in the months ahead.
OCTA has also been hosting quarterly e-bike coordination meetings with partner agencies from around the county. These meetings allow the group to exchange ideas and coordinate resources with the goal of keeping people safe and connected in Orange County. At the same time, OCTA is also developing its e-bike safety action plan, which is expected to be finalized by December 2024. This plan will provide recommendations centered around educating the public about safely riding e-bikes and policy approaches to encourage safe e-bike riding.
More information about OCTA's efforts is available at www.octa.net/ebike.
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)
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, Kara!
Say hello to Kara, the sweetest girl you'll ever meet! She was adopted from OC Animal Care seven years ago but came to our shelter again this summer as a stray. Kara is a laid-back, mellow lady who finds pure joy in simply being by your side. Although a senior in our care, she still enjoys going for walks and running around the yard, playing fetch with her favorite ball. She responds well to commands and has proved to be the best company around other dogs and people. She's looking for a loving home to spend her golden years in comfort and happiness.
If you're ready to give Kara the retirement she deserves, don't hesitate to make her a part of your family. Please call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention Animal ID A1495869.
Please visit the Pet Adoptions page to see more adoptable pets. Help Promote Our 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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