Staff Updates
Jonathan Davis
Policy Advisor
Happy Friday everyone! Next Tuesday, Supervisor Foley will participate in her first meeting as OCTA’s representative to the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency. This agency collaborates amongst several local government agencies that works to increase ridership, revenue, capacity, reliability, coordination and safety on the coastal rail line between San Diego, Orange County, and San Luis Obispo. Serving on the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency was a priority for Supervisor Foley, given the tremendous challenges with coastal erosion and rail shutdowns that we have seen in our district. For my part, I spent a portion of this week coordinating with agency staff, reviewing materials, and getting prepared for our meeting on Tuesday February 20, 2024. I hope you have a great weekend!
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Adam Tallabas
District Representative: Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, & Irvine
Happy Friday! This week, I joined the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting in Laguna Hills, celebrating FirstBank’s Grand Re-opening.
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Alejandro Santiago Ortega
District Representative: Costa Mesa & San Juan Capistrano
Hola everyone! Hope you are having a good Friday. This week, I joined the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce for their monthly networking power lunch. The event was held at Halecrest Park Swim and Tennis Club, which is a great place to host a celebration and they offer discounted rates to nonprofits. It was great seeing Maria Randall and Mayte Gonzalez from the MG Foundation, a nonprofit that just opened last month to help survivors of domestic violence. Our office joined their ribbon cutting and they have seen great success since then. There were photographers, people in the fitness industry, and the Managing Director of TravelHost Orange County, a magazine that promotes businesses and activities for OC residents and tourists. You can view their releases here: https://www.travelhost.com/orange-county/eedition/
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Sarah D'Agostino
District Representative: Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, & San Clemente
Hello, D5! Earlier today, I attended the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce's monthly Coffee Chat and presented updates from Supervisor Foley. With the groundbreaking ceremony for the commercial core parking structure commencing last week, it was great to give insight to the public about the future of the Dana Point Harbor and the ongoing revitalization efforts. Additionally, Christian Gagne, the newly appointed Oversight Manager for the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization, shared his updates on the County’s collaboration with the Dana Point Harbor Partners and other stakeholders.
In addition to the County of Orange updates, we heard from fellow legislative representatives who play integral roles in overseeing Dana Point's development. Together, we discussed key developments and initiatives in the Lantern District, Doheny Village, and numerous other projects across Dana Point.
Supervisor Foley remains committed to our collaborative efforts in shaping Dana Point's evolution and ensuring a thriving community for generations to come. Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement in our shared vision for Dana Point's prosperity. Be sure to find updated information regarding all things Dana Point Harbor here!
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Rachel Carr
Policy Intern on Juvenile Justice: Representing Newport Beach & Corona del Mar
Hello all! What a fun week of community engagement. I attended the grand opening of GoldBook Financial in Newport Beach alongside the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce this past week, where I enjoyed connecting with local businesses, chamber, and community members in Orange County. It's always a pleasure to continue connecting with stakeholders in the County, hearing about their needs, and maintaining relationships with so many wonderful community members.
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The City of Newport Beach Arts Commission is inviting residents to once again vote on the final selection of sculptures proposed for inclusion in Phase IX of the rotating exhibition in Civic Center Park.
The survey is being facilitated by Arts of Orange County (click here) and will be available online through March 11.
Also, the City terminated an agreement with the Sober Living Home operator Sober Living By the Sea. Read about here: https://stunewsnewport.com/council-terminates-city-agreement-021624/
Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
Happy Friday, District 5! This Black History Month, follow along on the Supervisor’s Facebook as we celebrate Black businesses building community in our Fabulous Fifth.
Today, we shine a spotlight on El Tico Rico hot sauce. From Afro-Latin roots and a childhood spent hovering near his grandmother as she cooked, emerged Chef Richard Taylor, a.k.a "Chef Tico Rico." His passion for food shines through when making his signature, all-natural Costa Rican Tico Rico Hot Sauce! Check out El Tico Rico at: https://elticorico.com/
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Tyler Mosher
Policy / District Intern
Hello, District 5! This week I learned about a new initiative in my hometown of San Clemente, a nonprofit organization called Save Our Beaches SC. This coalition of San Clemente residents advocate for increased action by local governments and their partners to restore the city’s coastal beaches. The group recently spoke at an OCTA board meeting to oppose the placement of more boulders or rip rap along their coastline that often exacerbates sand erosion. Supervisor Foley followed up with Save Our Beaches and requested OCTA partner with the County to replenish San Clemente’s sand--similar to a past project in Capo Beach. San Clemente’s beaches remain critical to the coastal town’s culture and economy. The Office of Supervisor Foley commends Save Our Beaches SC’s efforts and looks forward to making progress on this vital issue.
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Christine Park
Policy / District Intern
Happy Friday, District 5! I’m Christine Park, a new student intern currently enrolled in Santa Monica College. I am majoring in Political Science and plan on attending law school to become a practicing attorney and eventually work in politics. I was born and raised in south county, so I am thrilled to work for our amazing community.
This week, I worked on several exciting projects, such as updates on the new Lions Park Cafe in Costa Mesa. A local favorite, Lions Park soon receives a new addition due to the funding provided by Supervisor Foley’s office! This designated area will host a local vendor and welcome all visitors to grab some coffee, tea or quick bites with friends while playing corn hole, chess, or ping pong with games and equipment available for check out. I also spent some time working on certificates for some new exciting local businesses all over Orange County, so keep an eye out!
I had the pleasure of attending the Grand Opening of Jedidiah Coffee down in Laguna Beach to award a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of Supervisor Foley. Owners Steve and Embry opened Jedidiah Coffee in Heisler Park after years of hard work and this spot will definitely be a hit for Laguna Beach locals.
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Committee Updates
Todd Stearns - OC Traffic Committee
The OC Traffic Committee approved the 4 measures presented to us that all involved lowering speed limits - 3 in Coto de Caza and 1 on Cow Camp in Rancho Mission Viejo.
The one thing we hear continually from residents is a lack of enforcement by the OC Sheriff’s Department or California Highway Patrol when they get involved. Our next meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 21, 2024, where OC Public Works hopes to present the E-bike ordinance.
ICYMI: 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
With the E-Bike Safety Ordinance, we spearheaded efforts to draft an ordinance creating new safety regulations for electric bicycles in the County of Orange that will protect pedestrians, equestrians, bicyclists, and drivers from accidents involving e-bikes. In December, the Board of Supervisors supported my proposal to direct staff to draft an e-bike ordinance with input from the OC Traffic Committee. I appointed Todd Stearns, the Executive Director of the Ladera Rancho Chamber of Commerce to the OC Traffic Committee. OC Public Works and OC Parks are in the research phase of developing ordinance language. We anticipate an ordinance presentation to the Board of Supervisors this Spring, 2024.
In the meantime, check out these safety tips from the Sheriff’s Department 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/
Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Updates
🛣 🚧 Check out the highlights from our recent Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Board Meeting!
We approved Toll Roads Mobile App maintenance and enhancement, as well as a contract for investment banking services. We also appointed a new Chief Financial Officer, Howard Mallen, responsible for establishing, maintaining, and monitoring TCA’s fiscal activities and long-term financial planning as directed by the Boards of Directors.
Read more below!
OC Animal Care
Love is a four-legged word. Adopt a furry Valentine and share the love!
Throughout the month of February, adoption fees are waived for dogs 25+ pounds. Waived adoption fees for dogs do not include licensing fees or puppies 6 months of age or younger.
Click here to learn more!
Consider opening your heart and home to a temporary four-legged companion by becoming a foster parent! OC Animal Care is overflowing with lovable dogs in need of temporary homes, and we are on a mission to find foster heroes like you! The ongoing rainstorms mean more dogs need us. Can you open your heart and home to a furry friend in need?
Please email ocacprograms@occr.ocogv.com today to be a foster hero!
Pet of the Week
Meet Pet of the Week, Niles!
What's up guys, the name is Niles. I found myself at OC Animal Care last summer and I have to admit, I was pretty scared. I honestly didn't want to interact with anyone, and I would freeze up when someone was next to me. After I realized all these hoomans just wanted to feed, walk, and take care of me, I'm like, well okay then, let's get this calm but cool party started!
As I'm leaving my adolescent years behind, I have already traded in my jumping and barking days for the Netflix and chill life. I'm an independent guy who would love to settle down in a nice and quiet home where I can be at ease. Don't get me wrong - I do occasionally love to get out my zoomies, so I would love a spacious backyard or taking a trip to the dog park. I'm potty trained, love treats, easy to leash, and I do great on walks!
I don't like to kiss on a first date, so don't lose hope if I don't engage with you right away. But if you have treats and feel like taking a walk, we can get to know each other more and see if we're meant to be. If you would like to adopt me, please call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my Animal ID A1827648. In the meantime, check out some of my charming features on social media!
Please visit our Pet Adoptions page to see more adoptable pets.
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.
Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce: Branding Workshop
Join LCAD’s Graphic Design + Digital Media department chair and Design students for a presentation about brand identity and brand expression. What makes a Brand unique? Functional? Relevant? Once you create and build a brand, how do you maintain and extend it? What is a trademark? What is the importance of trademark in brand identity?
Date: February 27, 2024, from 7:30 to 9:00 am
Location: LCAD Big Bend Campus
Registration is required. Tickets are available for purchase until 5 pm on Feb. 26th or the event is sold out.
Dana Point's 53rd Annual Festival of Whales - March 1-3, 2024
Join me at the Festival of Whales, where oceanic wonders and coastal celebrations collide!
Nestled in the heart of Dana Point, this annual festivity pays homage to the majestic whales that grace our shores each year during their migratory journey. Immerse yourself in a vibrant tapestry of marine-themed activities, educational exhibits, and family-friendly entertainment that captures the essence of our deep-sea neighbors. From captivating whale-watching excursions to engaging marine conservation talks, our carefully curated program promises an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages.
Learn more here. Hope to see you there!
The Girls in Ocean Science Conference - March 16 and 17!
Calling all Middle and High School girls with passion for our oceans!
Empower yourself to advance your passion for the ocean into a career. The Girls in Ocean Science Conference connects influential female scientists with the next generation of ocean ambassadors.
Scientists will conduct hands-on workshops that will communicate the success and excitement available to women who pursue science as a career. Participants will spend the day conducting research with leading scientists in our labs and at sea aboard the Ocean Institute's research vessel, the Sea Explorer.
Young women who love science or are just beginning to show an interest will come away empowered to explore the field further! Click here to learn more.
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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