Adam Tallabas
District Representative
Good afternoon, District 5! Early this week, I attended the Laguna Beach City Council’s Reorganization where Councilmembers Sue Kempf and Alex Rounaghi became Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, respectively. As a young person in public service, seeing Orange County’s youngest Mayor Pro Tem serving his home community with dignity inspires me.
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This week, I began recruiting for our Spring intern cohort. If you or someone you know is a college student/recent graduate interested in public service, policy or communications, please email myself (adam.tallabas@ocgov.com) and Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com with your resume and a writing sample.
We will say goodbye to our Fall/Winter intern cohort over the next 2 weeks. We are so proud of the work they’ve done for the residents of District 5 and the growth they have shown over the last 3 months. Go pursue your dreams!
Alejandro Santiago Ortega
Executive Aide
Hola, everyone! I hope you enjoyed a very lovely week. This week I joined “Chat with the Chief Listening Tour” in Costa Mesa along with Mayor John Stephens, where the community connected and learned about their police department. Among the topics of concern expressed by the residents were graffiti and sober living homes. Chats will continue in 2024, stay up to date here for when the dates get announced. On Wednesday I toured “Project Hope Alliance,” a nonprofit that serves unhoused children through active case management directly in their schools. Studies show that homeless youth without a high school diploma are 346% more likely to become homeless adults. Hence, Project Hope Alliance’s goals are to increase graduation rates. Lear more about them here. I also met with Mayte Gonzalez, founder of “NG Camina al Proposito de Vida”, a non-profit that helps victims of domestic violence through building community and therapy. Their grand opening will be January 13th from 6:30pm-9:00pm at 2221 Harbor Blvd. Costa Mesa CA 92627. Hope to see you there. You can learn more about their work here.
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Finally, I want to share with you the “Everyone Counts 2024 Point in Time” count by the County. This is a biennial count of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness on a given night that takes place during the last ten days in January. The count provides vital information that helps the County of Orange (County) and the Orange County Continuum of Care (CoC) better understand homelessness in the community and guides the way the County, CoC, and its partners respond to homelessness in Orange County.
Sarah D’Agostino
District Representative - Aliso Viejo, Coto de Caza, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, and San Clemente
Hello, D5! I had such a fantastic time meeting many of you at the Board of Supervisors Holiday Open House on Tuesday. Embracing the Holiday Spirit with our vibrant District 5 community is such a special experience. This upcoming weekend, I am honored to participate in Aliso Viejo Councilmember Ross Chun’s Toy Drive, supporting local service members and their families. Join us between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the intersection of Canyon Vistas and Sagebrush in Aliso Viejo and contribute a toy, capture a fun festive moment and stand by our Marines.
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Rachel Carr
Policy Intern
This week, I enjoyed seeing our Youth Transition Center come closer to completion in Item 25 for our upcoming Board of Supervisors meeting, December 19. By procuring architectural and construction contraction for the space, this center will eventually provide housing and access to resources for system-involved youth on their journey back into our community. The Youth Transition Center is a significant victory in Orange County for leading the way in supporting our most vulnerable youth populations. I look forward to continuing my work with the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council as this project progresses.
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Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
Happy Friday, District 5!
I love how our district celebrates the holiday season with such festive spirit. Sarah and I enjoyed the best seats in the house for the Opening Night of the Newport Beach Boat Parade on Wednesday night. Thousands of people from California and beyond flock to Newport for this magical light show of over 100 boats, a pillar of Orange County community celebration for 115 years.
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade began at the turn of the century, when an Italian gondolier named John Scarpa and Joseph Beek, developer of Beacon Bay, the Balboa Ferry Line and the principal force in the early development of Balboa Island, arrived in the Newport Harbor. These two men established what was then called the Tournament of Lights, an event you, too, can enjoy until December 17.
A special thank you to Marina Park for showcasing a beautiful display of local vendors and small businesses at your Holiday Market. We had so much fun!
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Commissioner Updates
Hallie Jones, OC Parks Commissioner
On November 30, we had a special meeting of the Orange County Parks Commission. We received an update from OC Parks Director Pam Passow on the Orange County Parks Strategic Plan, which was impressive! It’s great to see everything that Parks has accomplished. The strategic plan was created in 2007 and updated in 2018. As we near the 5-year mark, and halfway point of this strategic plan, we were happy to see progress in every area, including increased public events and improved signage, the opening of Saddleback Wilderness, and the launch of the new Trail Ambassador Program. Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park opened their new visitor center, and Clark Park underwent extensive improvements and renovations. These are just a few of the highlights from the long list of OC Parks accomplishments over the past five years!
Next, we heard an update from the OC Parks Trails Subcommittee, and learned about the opening of the Saddleback Wilderness. Comprised of 430 acres of native habitat, located along Santiago Canyon Road between the intersection of State Roads 241 and 261, and Irvine Lake, was a historic motocross site, and is now home to numerous threatened and endangered species. It really is a beautiful example of native habitat restoring itself! As part of the update, the Parks Commission was asked to vote on the recommended trail names from the OC Parks Trails Subcommittee. The Trails Subcommittee reviewed all public input on names for the three public trails that cross this beautiful property, and ultimately recommended the trails be named Holeshot (a motocross term meaning the first person out of the starting gate), Whiptail (after the Orange-throated Whiptail, a species found on the property), and Mirador. The Commission unanimously approved the recommended trail names. Saddleback will be open to managed access only to protect the special habitat.
After confirming meeting dates for 2024, the Commission then elected officers for 2024. Chair David Shawver was unanimously selected to serve as Chair for another year, and Bert Ashland was also unanimously elected to serve as Vice Chair. Thanks to them both for their continued service to OC Parks!
Dana Point Harbor Advisory Committee Report from Secretary Dennis Parks
ICYMI last week - 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.
Tune into the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday for an item related to the construction loan. The new year will be exciting with lots of construction.
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
Bacterial levels in ocean and bay recreational waters exceeded health standards at the following locations the last time they were tested:
Newport Beach – From 150 feet upcoast to 150 feet downcoast of the coastal projection of 38th Street
Newport Bay - 300 feet near the pedestrian bridge at the north end of Newport Dunes
Laguna Beach – 500 feet at the projection of Bluebird Canyon Drive
Learn more here.
E-Bikes
The first step in the process for our county Ebike ordinance starts on Tuesday at our board meeting.
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.
NEW: $12 Million from California Transportation Commission
The California Transportation Commission awarded $12 million in Local Transportation Climate Adaptation Program funds to support environmental studies for the Coastal Rail Infrastructure Resiliency Corridor. Read more here.
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, Scarlet!
Are you ready to add a loving and adorable member to your family this holiday season? Look no further than this kitten, Scarlet! Since her arrival at OC Animal Care, Scarlet has been a shining star! Scarlet was found injured, with blood on her nose, and a dirty coat. Despite her injuries, she was very friendly and behaved fantastically with our staff during her exam.
Scarlet was able to quickly recover and is now ready for a forever home with a loving family. She is sweet, loves seeking attention, and has the softest fur you've ever touched. Her playful personality shines through when she sees a cat toy and she'll even make "chirp" sounds when she gets excited. Scarlet is a fantastic feline who will do great in a home with adults and/or children. If you would like to adopt Scarlet, please call (714) 935-6858 and mention Animal ID A1839179.
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
TONIGHT: Snoopy House in Costa Mesa!
Capistrano Lights - Now through December 30!
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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