Staff Updates
Adam Tallabas
District Representative
Good Afternoon, and to those who celebrate – Happy Lunar New Year! As the Year of the Dragon approaches, I wish all a prosperous, positive and generous year ahead.
Please join our team at the first Wellness Wednesday Walk of the year at Talbert Park on February 21 at 8 AM! RSVP at THIS link!
Additionally, we are hosting this year’s first Coffee & Conversation at Laguna Woods Library on February 23 at 8 AM! RSVP at THIS link! Finally, we are still recruiting interns for the spring so please email Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com and cc Adam.Tallabas@ocgov.com with your resume and a writing sample.
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Alejandro Santiago Ortega
Executive Aide
Hola everyone! Hope you had a lovely week. This week I met with Juliann Harkness, Vice President of Member Services at the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce. I previously worked at a Chamber of Commerce, so it was great sharing experiences and lessons learned with Juliann. It is important that our offices continues to be connected with local businesses to help and support as they grow.
To our surprise we ran into Councilwoman Arlis Reynolds, Sergio Escobar, and Ivis Torres from the City of Costa Mesa. This week I also met with Veronica Rodriguez from the Social Services Agency and Claudia Harris from OC Community Resources, where we talked about our aging population and the need for caregivers. Specifially, CalGrows is a program of the California Department of Aging for caregivers of older adults and people with disabilities. To participate in this program, caregivers can be in-home or community based. Both paid and unpaid caregivers can also participate in CalGrows.
The CalGrows program provides in-home and community-based caregivers with hundreds of free training courses and incentives of up to $6,000 for eligible paid caregivers. To learn more, click here.
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Sarah D'Agostino
Happy Friday, District 5! This week, one of our new interns – Tyler -- and attended an exciting Lunar New Year Celebration in Laguna Woods. Hosted by the Chinese American Club of Laguna Woods, with a membership of more than 800, this event truly showcased the rich cultures brightening in our community.
Immersing ourselves in the festivities, we witnessed the dances and engaging skits performed by our talented residents. We so enjoyed connecting with our D5 residents and sharing in the spirit of celebration. As a friendly reminder, Supervisor Foley is always available to address your groups. You can find the request form here.
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Rachel Carr
Policy Intern
Greetings, District Five!
This week, I learned more about the upcoming fiscal and budgeting year for Newport Beach by attending their annual strategic planning session this past weekend. An upcoming project I am excited to see progress further is the San Miguel Park, the first-ever fully ADA inclusive playground in Newport Beach. This playground will allow children of all abilities to enjoy their local park without barrier to ability. In addition, the city of Newport Beach is planning to crack down on unlicensed short-term rental facilities in the upcoming year with the addition of further surveying staff—all measures to improve the quality of life for Newport beach residents.
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Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
Happy Friday, D5! This Black History Month, we celebrate Black artists, and art as a powerful tool for change and creating community. Follow along on the Supervisor’s Facebook this month and learn about the Black businesses shaping District 5.
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Tyler Mosher
Policy / District Intern
Hello, District 5! This week, I attended two exciting events in our community. On Tuesday, I attended the Laguna Woods Chinese-American Club’s Lunar New Year celebration with my colleague Sarah. Over 600 club members attended, as well as local officials from Laguna Woods, including the Mayor and other City Council Members. I also accompanied the Supervisor to the California Green Business Network’s Recognition Event at the Lab in Costa Mesa. The Lab’s outdoor venue served as a perfect backdrop for celebrating local businesses’ efforts at reducing their environmental impact. The California Green Business Network provides its members with financial incentives and technical assistance to incorporate eco-friendly practices into their businesses. Collectively, their efforts have reduced waste in our communities on an impressive scale. Interested businesses can view their website at https://greenbusinessca.org/.
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Dana Point Harbor Oversight Advisory Committee Meeting Report by Secretary Dennis Parks - February 7, 2024
This meeting was led off by Supervisor Foley’s overview of this week's ceremonial groundbreaking for the state-of-the-art parking structure which signals the beginning of the long awaited Dana Point Harbor “commercial core” make over. Supervisor Foley also reported that her team, led by Alyssa Napuri, is continuing to meet with the Coastal Commission regarding their approval of the proposed hotels and making good progress in that endeavor.
Christian Gagne, the newly appointed Dana Point Harbor Oversight Manager for the County of Orange, reported that there were still a few administrative details regarding the ground lease to be finalized between the Dana Point Harbor Partners and the county and that once those items are cleared up in the next few days, the site prep work would begin. In addition, Mr. Gagne reported that his team is in the process of consolidating the three primary information locations within the County of Orange web site regarding the Dana Point Harbor revitalization to one tab located on Supervisor Foley’s county home page making access to this information easier for any interested party.
Committee member Diane Wenzel, who is leading a sub-group comprised of the Orange County Sailing and Event Center stakeholders reported that they had a very productive meeting with Michael Wilson of OC Parks and invited design professionals regarding the proposed reconstruction of the two docks that support many of the center’s users. More to come in future meetings as their recommendations and ideas are finalized and news on the requested state grant that would fund the reconstruction becomes available.
The balance of the session was a discussion of future DPHOAC agenda topics and several action items for various committee members to complete before the March meeting.
From the Marina:
See something in need of attention or repair? Please give us a call at (949) 496-6137 or send an EMAIL, our offices are open from 8am-5pm seven days a week. Our maintenance team is out and about on the docks, boater service buildings and common areas performing repairs and regular checks to ensure things are in order. If you notice something in need of our attention, please do not hesitate to let us know and we will address it immediately.
Exciting news for the start of 2024 in Dana Point Harbor! A pod of eastern tropical Pacific orcas has made a visit, adding to the anticipation for the upcoming 53rd Festival of Whales from March 1-March 3, 2024. Be sure to save the date!
The Dock of the Orange Lantern is now open for business, with boats occupying new slips. The new innovative dock system incorporates MarineSync smart electric and water meters at each power pedestal and tenants can monitor and control their usage through a portal. Billing for electrical usage is done in arrears from the 15th of the previous month to the 14th of the current month and included on the monthly statement. In addition to being able to view electrical usage, tenants can also control the power at their pedestal from the portal with the ability to turn the power off when they are away from the slip or anytime they choose to. All the above is the same for water usage. Water billing is based on South Coast Water District rates with the current per gallon billing rate for water usage is $0.004786, and electric rates are provided by San Diego Gas & Electric with the current rate being $0.27222 for non-liveaboard tenants and $0.37824 for liveaboard tenants.
Meanwhile, construction for the commercial core parking structure is scheduled to begin in early February on Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive. Thrilling developments are unfolding at Dana Point Harbor – more information can be found here.
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
The Board of Supervisors 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 last 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.
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.
OCTA Taxpayer Oversight Committee (TOC) Recruitment
 The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) invites you to apply to the OC Go (also known as Measure M) Taxpayer Oversight Committee, which ensures that all OC Go funds are spent on voter-approved transportation projects. Orange County residents living in the First, Second, Fourth and Fifth Supervisorial Districts are eligible to apply for current open positions: octa.net/Member-Recruitment/
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, Chloe!
Hey there, my name is Chloe and I'm a 4-year-old German Shepherd. If I had to choose between a hooman and furry pal, hoomans take the lead. Hoomans are just so cool with their two hind legs and waving front paws, and I'm not gonna lie, they sure know how to throw a ball.
So, fun fact, I LOVE playing fetch. Even though I'm on the smaller size of shepherds, if there were sports like puppy bowl, I would totally be the most valuable pup. I might even be good enough for the fur-lympics! If I'm not in the mood for sports, I will take scratches and belly rubs anytime, anywhere. I know hoomans like to brag to others when we sit or shake, so I'll be happy to do them if I get treats in return.
I am particular about roommates, so no fur siblings please. If you are looking for a personal trainer, I'm your girl! Please call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my Animal ID A1799877 and see how much of an all-star I am! In the meantime, check out this video of me on social media!
Jennifer Guidi: "And so it is." at OCMA until February 18, 2024!
OCMA’s exhibition "And so it is.", Jennifer Giudi's first US museum solo show, presents a selection of Guidi’s work to date alongside the premiere of several significant new paintings. Focusing on the importance of place, especially evident within Guidi’s embrace of the colors of California—the fleeting pink and red of sunrises and sunsets, the hazy light of Los Angeles, the snow-capped mountains seen from a distance from her studio—the exhibition reveals an intricate body of work that operates as its own energy source.When I visited Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA)'s exhibition of Jennifer Guidi's abstract paintings, her colorful embrace of the places that shape us captivated me. You, too, can dive into Guidi's vibrant works at OCMA until February 18, 2024! Click below to watch a video featuring a snippet of the exhibition! Visit here for more info.
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
UPDATE: Treasury Department opens pre-filing registration for clean energy tax credit
In June of 2023, The Treasury Department announced details of an expanded tax credit for clean energy technologies provided through the Inflation Reduction Act. The feature, known as direct pay by the White House and elective pay by the IRS, applies to twelve tax credits created by the Inflation Reduction Act allowing local governments to receive the tax credit. Among these are a tax credit (direct payment) of up to $40,000 for qualified commercial clean vehicles such as buses, ambulances, and other public fleet vehicles. There is also a tax credit for EV charging infrastructure and clean electricity production such as community solar panels and for clean energy storage.
On December 22, the IRS announced the launch of the IRS Energy Credits Online pre-filing registration tool for taxpayers who wish to receive direct payments or transfer clean energy credits. Any entity eligible for the direct payment must pre-register with the IRS to receive a registration number. The registration number will be required in order to file a tax return and receive the credit.
Check out the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, Residential Clean Energy Credit and these additional resources:
Batteries and Smoke Alarm Disposal
Out with the old, in with the new — let’s wave goodbye to those old batteries and worn-out smoke alarms!
It’s the perfect time to think about your family’s safety and recharge your battery-operated electronics around the house.
Take charge this coming year and dispose of these items at the nearest Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center.
Collection Centers are open Tuesdays-Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for free disposal.
📍Anaheim Collection Center—1071N. Blue Gum Street, 92806
📍Huntington Beach Collection Center—17121 Nichols Lane, 92647, Gate 6
📍Irvine Collection Center—6411 Oak Canyon, 92618
📍San Juan Capistrano Collection Center—32250 Avenida La Pata, 92675
For more information including a list of what’s accepted visit https://www.oclandfills.com/hazardous-waste
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 Maintenance Workers
The Park Maintenance Worker I position performs routine unskilled and semiskilled grounds maintenance, landscape, and facility maintenance, along with repair work.
OC Public Libraries
The 12 County libraries in our district welcome people of all ages. We help them find trusted information and receive supports for lifelong learning!
Check out these upcoming fabulous Fifth District events, and learn more here:
 
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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