Nick Anas
Chief of Staff
It’s been my privilege to serve on Supervisor Foley’s staff since she first took the oath of office in March of 2021. My role as Chief of Staff includes managing our staff and overseeing policy development for the Fifth District. I serve as the Supervisor’s chief advisor with a focus on Public Safety, Labor Negotiations, John Wayne Airport, Behavioral and Public Health, Legislative Affairs, Real Estate, and the County Budget just to name a few.
2023 brought a lot of firsts for our team, including a new and dynamic district. Pinpointing a favorite moment is almost impossible, but the one that stands out for me was our Community Swearing-In Ceremony at the beginning of the year. Supervisor Janice Hahn, the Chairwoman of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors administered Supervisor Foley’s Oath of Office in front of hundreds of community members. It dawned on me during that event the enormous responsibility we have to serve our district on behalf of the residents of Orange County and to do it well.
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Other duties as assigned to the Chief of Staff, serving as a podium when the Supervisors are signing the oath of office. No job is too small.
Adam Tallabas
District Representative
As this is the final work week for our fall interns, I applaud the work done by Sanah Akbari, Sanvi Shah, Nathan Bui, Rachel Carr and Olivia Meis to further their careers while working to the benefit of District 5 residents. Thank you for choosing our office in this pivotal point in your careers – it was an honor!
My favorite experience in 2023 working in this office was writing and providing a resolution to LGBTQ+ & Pacific Islander Activist and Drag Superstar Sasha Colby. Sasha breaks countless barriers not only as a trans woman, but as a proud Native Hawaiian woman and paving the way for the next generation of LGBTQ+ Pacific Islanders to succeed on the national stage.
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Jonathan Davis
Policy Advisor
Reflecting on this past year and my first 8 months in the Office of Supervisor Foley, I can wholeheartedly share that working here and moving back home to Orange County has been transformational experiences. After graduating from college in 2018, I spent years living in in Sacramento and representing Orange County as a Legislative Aide in California’s State Senate. While I loved working on legislation and unlocking my lifelong passion for public policy, I also felt dissatisfied living 400 miles away from my family and the community that raised me. In the beginning of 2023, I moved back home to Orange County and shortly thereafter began working for Supervisor Foley as a Policy Advisor.
Working on public policy at the local level has been incredible, providing me the opportunity to collaborate more directly with residents and local leaders on issues that often have the greatest impact on people's lives. My favorite experience this year was developing our Investigative Hearing on Climate Resiliency in Orange County, where I collaborated with local experts and climate groups on developing solutions to the most pressing issues posed by climate change to Orange County.
I hope you all enjoy the holidays!
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Alejandro Santiago Ortega
Executive Aide
Hola everyone! Hope you had a great week. As this year ends, I wish for you and your loved ones happy holidays. The year is almost over, and we are working hard to begin the new year in full force. This week I joined Euro Car Doctor in Costa Mesa for their ribbon cutting. I really enjoy participating in these joyful moments where new businesses are born. Make sure to visit Euro Car for your car related needs. Local chambers of commerce often organize ribbon cuttings like this one, where they take photos, bring together elected officials, create flyers and bring people. To engage with small businesses in your area, make sure to connect with your local chamber. For more info on Costa Mesa’s Chamber, click here.
My favorite moment of the year: the opening of our Dana Point office! I really enjoyed the day of our opening because many constituents joined to celebrate our closer proximity to them and to share concerns with us. The satellite office also allows for us to be more connected with all things south county. Please make sure to visit our office at 34475 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629. Here is a selfie of Adam, Jonathan and myself on the day of the opening.
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Sarah D’Agostino
District Representative - Aliso Viejo, Coto de Caza, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, and San Clemente
Hello District 5! This week our coat drive has concluded, and I extend heartfelt gratitude to our community and leaders for their generous support, helping us surpass our goal with nearly 600 coats donated. This week, we joyfully distributed these brand-new coats to children in need just as the rain started, witnessing the magical transformation of smiles and newfound confidence among all.
Additionally, one of my favorite events of the year, and my first major event for the office, the Senior Summit held at Soka University in partnership with Cal Optima. Our office offered crucial resources to support our elderly population and help navigate life as an older adult. It's truly fulfilling to contribute to our community and provide assistance to those in need. I am so grateful to be serving the communities in Orange County, I look forward to the work we will do in the new year! Happy Holidays District 5.
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Rachel Carr
Policy Intern
Greetings, District 5! As our office wraps up this year, I am reminded of all the great work and times, we shared together. As we finish the year, an event that I look forward to enjoying again with our office is the San Juan Capistrano Swallows Day Parade. This event celebrates the return of the Swallow birds back to the beautiful San Juan Capistrano while highlighting the beautiful and diverse culture of the region. The Swallows Day Parade is incredibly fun, with delicious food, great music, horses and community celebrations. I highly recommend attending Swallows Day in San Juan Capistrano this upcoming spring for a day of celebration you are sure to love.
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Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
Happy Holidays, D5! As this year draws to a close, I feel grateful for how this job filled my days with opportunities for community connection and professional growth. Of all the fabulous Fifth events I participated in, I learned most at Supervisor Foley’s Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Town Hall in April. In a time of uncertainty, the Supervisor provided residents with clear answers and active solutions. She then formed a committee, giving this community her continued commitment. Our entire team dedicates their days to best serving D5, because we care. I feel proud playing even the smallest role in our efforts. Happy New Year!
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Sanah Akbari
Policy Intern
Hello, District 5! As it is my last week with the office, I want to reflect on my intern experience and discuss my favorite memory. One of my most memorable experiences was planning and staffing the Senior Summit event at Soka University. I had a blast seeing all the smiles on attendees’ faces and knowing that we were helping to provide essential resources to older Americans, such as offering flu vaccinations, organizing a wellness talk, and collaborating with many organizations that each offered their own specialized items. To top it all off, I enjoyed seeing my parents attend this event. Thank you, District 5, for following along my journey every week. I wish you all happy holidays, and it has been a pleasure serving such a phenomenal community!
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Dana Point Harbor Board of Supervisors Update
At the Board of Supervisors meeting this week, the Board approved a major financial agreement that enables Dana Point Harbor Partners, LLC and Dana Point Harbor Partners Drystack, LLC to secure a $60 million construction loan for future phases of the Marina Improvement Project and the Commercial Core Parking Structure.
This past year we’ve made more progress on the Harbor revitalization than in decades prior. We’ve opened three new phases in our marina, with the fourth completing this month. The Board’s action allows us to officially commence construction on a new landmark in the commercial core in January 2024. I hope you will join us for the groundbreaking. Stay tuned.
ICYMI: Dana Point Harbor Advisory Committee Report from Secretary Dennis Parks
The monthly meeting of the DPHOAC was held 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.
E-Bikes
At the Board of Supervisors meeting this week, my colleagues unanimously supported my motion directing county staff and the Orange County Traffic Committee to begin drafting a new ordinance on e-bike safety regulations. According to the study by OC Public Works, e-bike trauma patients in Orange County increased by 500 percent in 2020. While e-bikes expand clean, active transportation options for residents, e-bikes also pose a major public safety concern due to failure to wear helmets and no clear safety and speed regulations on trails, major arterials, and neighborhoods.
Our community will have a seat at the table for drafting this ordinance. At a board meeting earlier this year, I led a motion to amend the membership of the Orange County Traffic Committee so that it includes a representative for the Fifth and Third Districts. I look forward to working with residents, the committee, and county staff on creating an e-bike ordinance that reflects the needs and concerns of our residents.
In the meantime, please share the tips below.
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.
Ride with OCTA for FREE on New Year's Eve
Enjoy free rides on fixed-route buses from 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 31 to 2:30 a.m. on Monday, January 1.
Remember, it’s free after 6 p.m., so bring $2 bus fare or pass if you are getting an early start.
Metrolink Closures
Metrolink trains will be out of service from Dec. 26-29 to conduct necessary upgrades to their rail network. The work being done is one of the most critical investments in #Metrolink infrastructure in recent history, helping to reduce delays into and out of L.A. Union Station. Learn more: www.metrol.ink/46fPEBa
OCTA's Employees of the Month
Congratulations to our December employees of the month. Each of them has displayed an outstanding effort on the job and have provided great value to OCTA and their teams with their can-do spirit. Congratulations to Graden, Phillip and Jeff!
ICYMI: $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 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, Sabina!
If you're looking for a well-mannered and mellow dog, Sabina is your girl! After her previous owner passed away, this 7-year-old pittie has been patiently waiting for her next forever home. Although her heart ached, this once shy and timid pup has blossomed into a sweet and affectionate gal. She is a master of basic commands who loves going on walks and doing her zoomies.
Sabina has had a wonderful life so far and she is hoping to make another forever best friend and home during her adult and senior years. If you are missing the peanut butter to your jam, come and adopt Sabina! Please call (714) 935-6848 and mention Animal IDA1816643.
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
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 Cemetery District Updates
Click here to view the full Orange County Cemetery District Newsletter.
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.
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 - NEW!
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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