Adam Tallabas
District Representative
Hello! This week, I celebrated the monumental birthday of Laguna Hills resident Genevieve Pecina, who turned *100* years old! In her life so far, she witnessed the term of 17 United States Presidents, the admission of 2 states to the Union and countless historical events along the way. Our District Team will be out and about this weekend. Find us at the Rancho Mission Viejo Farmer’s Market from 10 AM – 1 PM on Saturday and the Corona del Mar Christmas Walk on Sunday from 9 AM – 4 PM. If you see us, say hello!
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Jonathan Davis
Policy Advisor
Are you interested in lending your time, talents and voice towards the betterment of our community? We are currently looking for Fifth District residents interested in volunteering their time in official positions with the County of Orange, OCTA, and the Orange County Grand Jury.
For the County of Orange, several public advisory boards need a new representative for the Fifth District. Click here to find our application. Currently, we are accepting applications for the following boards and committees:
If you are passionate about transportation, open positions with two committees at the OC Transportation Authority (OCTA) include:
Lastly, the Orange County Grand Jury is currently accepting applicants for their 2024-25 term through January 12, 2024. The Grand Jury is a full-time assignment, in which participants will serve as a civil watchdog and spend time in criminal indictment proceedings. For more information, find Orange County Grand Jury by clicking here and by visiting their website.
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Sarah D’Agostino
District Representative - Aliso Viejo, Coto de Caza, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, and San Clemente
Hey, D5! I hope everyone enjoyed a delightful Thanksgiving holiday surrounded by loved ones. As I took time for reflection on the blessings in my life, I am especially thankful for this job and the work we do supporting our community. One of the most meaningful holiday projects that I am working on is our annual Kids Coat Drive. Running until December 18th, 2023, our coat drive aims to make a positive difference in the lives of children in need. I invite you to join us in this cause by contributing a brand-new kids or teen coat. Drop-off locations are listed below for your convenience. Together, let's make a meaningful impact in our community!
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Rachel Carr
Policy Intern
Greetings, District Five! One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the opportunity to collaborate with empowering, inspiring, and uplifting communities and organizations. This week I finalized working on recognizing over twenty women lawyers making a difference for current and future women lawyers here in Orange County. Then, on Friday, I will honor Stand Up for Kids Orange County for their twenty-year commitment to protecting our most venerable homeless youth populations through connective services and mentorship. As one of the district representatives for Newport Beach, I invite organizations in Newport to email me at Rachel.Carr@ocgov.com. I look forward to connecting!
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Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
Happy Friday, D5! Over the weekend, I celebrated Small Business Saturday in District 5 by enjoying a delicious blueberry pancake brunch at Haute Cakes, a neighborhood favorite proudly serving Newport Beach for over 20 years. Then, I walked over to local coffee shop KIT Coffee for chai lattes and a peak at their resident plant shop. One of the best parts of my job is learning about the local gems in District 5. Supervisor Foley taught me – when we support small businesses, we support our whole community. Find a unique boutique, a new restaurant or simple essentials near you and celebrate Small Business Saturday every day!
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Nathan Bui
Communications Intern
How’s it going, District 5? This week, I had the pleasure of staffing the Supervisor on her visit of Santa Ana’s Fourth Street businesses with Congressman Lou Correa. Supporting my parents in running their restaurant every weekend, I resonated deeply with the challenges that these incredible businesses overcame, and the many complications they continue to find solutions for to support their families.
Congressman Correa’s introduction of HR 6376 BUMP (Business Uninterrupted Monetary Program) will ensure that no family and no business get left behind. Effective and long-term relief requires collaboration at all levels, so I’m happy to support the Supervisor in her efforts to bring stakeholders—community members, business owners, and elected leaders—together in providing sustainable sources of vitality to the places that need it most.
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Sanah Akbari
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 Wednesday, November 1, 2023. 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 componentRead more.
Dana Point Harbor Lights
Themed light exhibits now decorate the Harbor include a giant whale sculpture, lighted palm trees, giant beach-ball-like ornaments, the popular “Merry Kiss Me” arch and much more. Check it out this holiday season!
From the Marina
On the Docks
As we move into the winter season, don’t forget to stop by and check on your boat now and then. Please check your dock lines to ensure they are secure and in good condition, make sure you have a working bilge pump and that your scuppers and drains are clear. We ask that you please do not use polyethylene tarps as boat or dinghy covers. These are an environmental hazard and tend to fray and decompose leaving debris in the water. A canvas cover is best to protect your boat and the environment. Read more.
Marina Revitalization
We opened Phase 3 slips for occupancy on November 1, 2023! Our first boat to arrive to a slip at the Dock of the Green Lantern was 45’ Catalina, “Pantera” owned by Steve & Brenda! Steve and Brenda got on the 45’ waitlist in 2015 and have been waiting patiently for the last eight years for an opportunity to have their boat in Dana Point Harbor. Needless to say, Steve was a very happy man when we greeted him at his new slip!
As was mentioned in our previous newsletter, we were able to bring in over 80 boats off the waitlist and into 40’, 45’ and 58’ slips in Phase 3 with Waitlist Applications of our incoming boaters dating as far back as the year 2000! Congratulations to all who selected their slip in this new phase or came in off the waitlist…it is magnificent! Phase 3 is 100% occupied with the last wave of boats expected to arrive December 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.
Ocean Recreational Water Update
Until further notice, in Laguna Beach, the open coastal area from 500 feet upcoast of Anita Street to 500 feet downcoast of Bluebird Canyon Drive is closed to swimming, surfing, and diving due to a sewage spill.
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.
Planksgiving Challenge
Don’t forget, this month we celebrate #Planksgiving! For the month of November, I invite you to participate in my Planksgiving challenge! Each day, track your plank progress and write down one thing you’re thankful for. Post photos of your planking and caption them with your gratefulness, tagging @SupervisorFoley and #Planksgiving. Submit your completed challenge sheet to Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com by December 5, 2023 for a chance to win a $100 grocery gift card. I look forward to seeing your submissions!
NOW OPEN: OCTA 405 Express Lanes - Which Transponder is Right for You?
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 NOW OPEN to traffic December 1, 2023 as part of OCTA's 405 Improvement Project. For more info, visit: bit.ly/405opening
Learn which FasTrak transponder is right for you by reviewing the flyer below.
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 Pets of the Week, Banks!
Two-year-old Banks is waiting for his forever home. His anniversary at the shelter is approaching and he would love nothing more than to play and spend his days with a forever family.
Since his arrival at our shelter, Banks has shown us he is potty trained, well-mannered, knows tricks, and loves playing fetch. He will even throw the ball and play by himself! His sweet and affectionate personality will melt your heart and his independence proves that he doesn't have to be under your watchful eye at all times. Banks loves to wander around and doesn't seek much attention. With his spirited and independent personality, Banks will thrive in a home with no children and where he can be the only pet.
If you would like to adopt Banks, please call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention Animal ID A1803331.
Please visit our 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
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.
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.
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. 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.
Corona Del Mar Village Kicks Off the Holiday Season in Grand Tradition at the 44th Annual Christmas Walk - December 3
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On Sunday, Dec 3rd the community at large will gather together to celebrate the joyous holiday season at the 44th Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk.
The pioneer event presented by the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce
expects to attract generations of families, friends and neighbors for a stroll throughout the charming village of Corona del Mar this Sunday to celebrate local business and kick off the holiday season.
Every street corner from Avocado Avenue to Poppy Avenue will include talented musical entertainers, street performers, character artists, Santa visits, a beer & wine garden, restaurant parties, and merchant celebrations both small and large.
The event supports local business, CdM marketing projects, events and community spirit. A special thanks to our sponsoring partners, volunteer teams, and the Newport Beach Police Department for their kind assistance.
The Christmas Walk is free and open to the public from 11am-4pm. For more information please visit www.Cdmchamber.com.
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Capistrano Lights - Beginning December 2!
Holidays at The Inn
The Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection will host a series of events celebrating the holiday season from December 2 - 31, 2023! ✨
See which event catches your eye and find more details by visiting https://event.marriott.com/snaak-inn-at-the-mission-san-juan-capistrano-autograph-collection/events?_ga=2.16144435.403215528.1700241982-108842275.1700241982#page-3 for more information!
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.
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.
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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