Alyssa Napuri
Deputy Chief of Staff
This week I dusted off my best Supervisor Katrina Foley impression as her stand in at the Dana Point Women’s Club Annual Luncheon. The Dana Point Women’s Club spearheads two critical programs for Dana Point’s most vulnerable residents, SparkPoint OC and Project Angel Tree. SparkPoint OC is a United Way OC program that teaches financial literacy aimed at preventing homelessness among our most vulnerable residents, and Project Angel Tree helps provide gifts to the children of SparkPoint OC’s program participants.
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I also represented our office at the 13th Annual Red Carpet to Red Tape Awards for the Orange County Business Council. The County of Orange took home 3 big awards including our very own OC Parks Capistrano Beach Sand Replenishment Project that restored the beach between Capo Beach and Doheny State Beach. Congratulations to our OC Parks team.
Adam Tallabas
District Representative
Alejandro Santiago Ortega
Executive Aide
Hola, everyone! Hope you had a lovely week. On Wednesday I joined the First 5 Orange County, Children & Families Commission regular meeting. First 5 California, established through a voter approved initiative in 1998 known as the California Children and Families Act (Proposition 10), oversees the support, promotion, and optimization of early childhood development through coordinated programs that emphasize child health, parent education, childcare, and other services and programs for children prenatal through age 5. First 5 California's overarching goal is to improve the lives of young children and their families to ensure California's children receive the best possible start in life and thrive. In this meeting, First 5 revealed gaps in services to prenatal families and shared a plan to provide support through Fist 5 systems. Around 10,000 families could benefit from connection to services. The existing needs are diapers and formula, variety of legal needs, tenant rights, reliable transportation and many more. You can learn more about the meeting, and First 5’s plans to address these needs HERE.
Next meeting will be on February 9, 2024, at 1:00 P.M.
Finally, the County released the 29th Annual Report on the Conditions of Children in Orange County. This report has a great deal of information with data divided into different categories, including good health, economic wellbeing, educational achievement, safe home and communities. Irvine, one of the cities that I oversee, saw 94% of children received prenatal care while 2.6% of children are uninsured, in the good health category.
In Irvine, 8.3% of children under 18 are living in poverty. The number of children receiving CalFresh is 5.6%. These numbers are instrumental at informing our work to provide a good quality of life for our kids. Make sure you dive into all the great information in this report sponsored by your Board of Supervisors.
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Sarah D’Agostino
District Representative - Aliso Viejo, Coto de Caza, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, and San Clemente
Hello, D5! Last weekend, I staffed Supervisor Foley for two significant community events in South County. I loved seeing all the families join together for the annual tree lighting with student performances in San Juan Capistrano, and watching downtown and Los Rios Street fill up with residents enjoying holiday activities, food, music and shopping. That same night, we hurried over to the Dana Point Marine Ball hosted by the Marine Corps League South Coast Detachment 022. I was riveted by the reenactments put on by our noble Marines and the touching stories that accompanied. Thank you to our service members and their families who continually sacrifice for our safety!
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Additionally, the County recently released 29th Annual Report on the Conditions of Children in Orange County. This report offers a comprehensive insight into the demographic composition of children in the region, highlighting three pivotal focus areas: "Housing is Health," "Health and Healing," and "Food as Medicine." As stated by Supervisor Foley, "The earliest years of a child's life set the foundation for the rest of their lives.” In my oversight areas—Aliso Viejo, Coto de Caza, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, and San Clemente—numerous pressing issues demand attention. Particularly, one area requiring improvement is the promotion of physical fitness and nutrition starting at an early age and recognizing the crucial roles this plays in a child's development. Within Capistrano Unified, a concerning 3.2 percent of students face an elevated health risk due to compromised Aerobic Capacity. Equally significant is the imperative to address behavioral health issues, given the alarming revelation in the report that suicide has emerged as the leading cause of death among 10–14-year-olds. This grim statistic underscores the urgent need for change. For additional information on the Conditions of Children in Orange County please refer to the report found here.
Kimberlee Belli
Office Manager
This week we have been very busy collecting and organizing coats for Supervisor Foley’s 15th Annual New Coats for Kids Drive. We are still taking donations at several locations in District 5, including libraries, County parks and City Halls. Please see flyer below that lists the address of all the locations where we have collection boxes. It is so fulfilling to see the kid’s excitement when they receive a warm jacket for the winter season. Our goal this year is 500 coats!
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Rachel Carr
Policy Intern
Hope you had a wonderful week, District Five!
This week I enjoyed watching our office’s booth come together for the Corona Del Mar Christmas Walk, as organizer of the event for our office. The CdM Christmas Walk is one of my favorite events of the year; I had a wonderful time talking with residents, getting to better understand the needs of Newport beach, and of course, embracing the fun and festive culture of this holiday event. If you missed this year’s Christmas Walk but would still like to participate in some more fun and free holiday festivities, join us at the Laguna Niguel holiday parade this Saturday, December 8 or the Newport Beach Holiday Boat Parade this Wednesday, December 13. We have many community resources to share, so please say hello and stop by if you are in the area. We look forward to connecting with you.
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Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
Happy Friday, D5, and a very Chanukah Sameach!
On behalf of Supervisor Foley, I so enjoyed Newport Beach Chabad's Menorah-lighting last night at Fashion Island. This Hanukkah, the Orange County Jewish community gathers in celebration of our rich history of perseverance, and of a fragile little flame lighting a brighter path forward. I so look forward to eight nights of sharing latkes with applesauce and sour cream with my family. For Hanukkah festivities throughout Southern California, visit here.
As we gather in the candlelight, we also reflect on how we might spread light in the lives of others. This holiday season, I encourage you to do a mitzvah – an act of kindness -- and donate youth winter coats to Supervisor Foley’s Winter Coat Drive this season at a D5 library near you.
In other news, an annual report on the health of Orange County’s children highlights Laguna Beach as achieving the highest percentage of kindergarten-ready students, and the highest graduation rates in Orange County. Long-term, a child’s academic success is heavily dependent upon their readiness for kindergarten. Children who enter school with early skills, such as basic knowledge of math and reading concepts as well as communication, language, social competence and emotional maturity, are more likely than their peers without such skills to experience later academic success, attain higher levels of education and secure employment.
The community with the highest percentage of students developmentally ready for school is Laguna Beach, at 78.3%. In correlation, Laguna Beach students drop out of high school at the county’s lowest rate – 0.8% – and 82% of Laguna Beach graduates are college-ready, the highest percentage in all of Orange County. Such statistics suggest that with solid family and community supports and environments, as well as positive early development opportunities and experiences, Laguna Beach kindergarteners grow into young adults dedicated to a pursuit of education and knowledge.
All students in Orange County deserve such access to crucial early childhood developmental resources and the tools to nurture such a love of learning and the lifelong resulting benefits. At the heart of efforts towards this goal is a focus on community-building, collaboration and action planning. A driving force behind this focus is Orange County’s First 5. On their website, learn more about resources available for building kindergarten-readiness.
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Dana Point Harbor Advisory Committee Report from Secretary Dennis Parks
The monthly meeting of the DPHOAC was held this past Wednesday, December 6. The session was called to order by Chairperson Robert Langan. Alyssa Napuri, Deputy Chief of Staff for Supervisor Foley, presented the Supervisor’s Update as the Supervisor was unable to attend this month’s meeting. She advised the committee that the County was continuing to work closely with the Dana Point Harbor Partners and the Coastal Commission on the permits necessary for the proposed hotels which are the last major piece in the harbor revitalization plan needing the commission’s approval. In addition Ms. Napuri reported and emphasized that the scheduled groundbreaking for the new parking structure is going to happen in January. The parking structure will be Phase 1 and signal the start of the commercial core revitalization. One other point of good news for the committee and the public and business stakeholders of the Dana Point Harbor is that the Orange County IT staff is busy creating an inclusive on-line repository for all of the contracts, documents, construction/phasing schedules, phase schematics, etc. that will be available for public review. Stay tuned for the launch of this important information source for us all.
Next month’s meeting will include the postponed PowerPoint presentation on the Sailing and Event Center re-imagination “needs” led by committee member Diane Wenzel.
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
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.
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 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, Thor!
Say hello to two-year-old Thor, OC Animal Care’s very own God of Thunder!
Thor spent some time away from the shelter with a foster family, where he showed them how friendly he is around adults and children, will walk easily on a leash, sit, and even give both paws! This young pup is very treat motivated and has great training potential.
Thor is a sweet boy but will thrive as the only avenger in your home. If you would like to adopt Thor, please call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention Animal ID A1838580.
(Image: Thor is looking for a home!) 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.
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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