Staff Updates
Adam Tallabas
District Representative: Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, & Irvine
Hi, District 5! This week, I organized this years’ first Coffee & Conversations event and it was a resounding success! The community showed out strong and were able to get their questions about our work here at the County answered. I enjoyed meeting so many of you who recognized me from the Newsletter! Our team values your feedback and input – so please look out for the next Coffee & Conversations event, details coming soon! I hope to see you at next week’s Wellness Walk at Talbert Park on February 28: register here.
|
Alejandro Santiago Ortega
District Representative: Costa Mesa & San Juan Capistrano
Hola, everyone! Hope you had an amazing week. Last Friday, I attended the enrobing of Judge Olga Giller, appointed by the Governor to serve as Judge in the Orange County Superior Court. Giller served as a Commissioner at the Court since 2022. She also served as a Deputy Public Defender at the Orange County Public Defender’s Office from 2007 to 2022, and a Staff Attorney at Jewish Family and Children’s Services from 2006 to 2007. Prior to moving to Orange County, Judge Giller served as an Assistant Defender at the Defender Association of Philadelphia from 2004 to 2006. During the ceremony, we heard from her mother, colleagues and her rabbi. Her mother spoke on their lives in Ukraine and the struggle of being Jewish in a country hostile to them. Judge Giller, a proud immigrant, spoke on how her life experiences shaped her identity today and how that will inform her work at the Court. Congrats to Judge Giller!
|
My coworker Sarah, Judge Giller and I with the Certificate of Recognition from Supervisor Foley (Photo by Matt Fitt).
I also joined the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce for their Legislative Affairs Committee meeting. I updated attendees on the expansion of the summer trolley program, recent Public Safety Town Halls we held in South County, the San Clemente landslides and the railroad bridge update in San Juan Creek.
Sarah D'Agostino
District Representative: Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, & San Clemente
Hello, District 5! Supervisor Foley and I had the pleasure of attending the San Clemente Chamber Awards this afternoon, where we celebrated the exceptional individuals enriching San Clemente, fostering a stronger community for all. These outstanding individuals not only enhance our local community, but they also better our entire County. Among the many individuals making impactful strides here in Orange County, I'm thrilled to share information about Supervisor Foley’s annual Women Making a Difference Awards. Aligned with this national Women’s History Month theme celebrating "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion," we direct our efforts towards honoring those individuals who exemplify these values in the legal sphere. I encourage you to nominate any exceptional women you know who are making an impact here in Orange County, in the legal sphere. Together, let's celebrate and uplift those dedicated to creating a more equitable and inclusive society. You can submit your nominations for the Women Making a Difference Awards here.
|
Rachel Carr
Policy Intern on Juvenile Justice: Representing Newport Beach & Corona del Mar
This week, I dove into analyzing policy for our upcoming February 27, 2024 Board of Supervisors Meeting. I am particularly interested in Item 25, which, if passed, will establish new Recovery Residence Services in Orange County, fulfilling a need for responsible, post-addiction, adult recovery housing under the supervision of our county healthcare agency. Monitoring such facilities through our local health agency ensures code compliance, best practices, and good neighbor protocol. Life-saving services combined with proper oversight benefit neighbors, community members, and the individuals they serve to live in a safe, uplifting, and supportive environment as they work to improve their lives.
|
Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
Happy Friday, District 5!
This Black History Month, follow along on the Supervisor’s Facebook as we give Black-owned businesses building community in our Fabulous Fifth District their flowers!
At Studio C Florals, owner Crystal shares an upscale, sustainable floral arrangements from Newport Beach for every occasion! In addition to her custom bridal bouquets, arrangements, boutonnières, and whimsical head crowns, Crystal boasts extensive experience in standing structures (chuppahs, canopies, arches), and creating outdoor vignettes in large, open spaces. Elements of Crystal’s Santa Barbara upbringing and outdoor lifestyle bring a fresh yet timeless touch to her designs. Learn more here!
|
Tyler Mosher
Policy / District Intern
Hello, District 5! Last week, I attended the grand opening of Gus’ Fresh Jerky, a family-owned jerky and artisan foods shop in my hometown of San Clemente. Not only was the food delicious, but the store’s collection of hats, leather goods and miscellaneous western items are worth checking out. The owner, Nancy, grew up helping her father, Gus, run the shop at its original location in Olancha, CA. Today, Gus’ Fresh Jerky stores exist in multiple locations across California and Arizona. At the celebration in San Clemente, Nancy expressed joy that her 13-month-old daughter will experience the same exciting childhood that she had, helping her parents around their store and interacting with the community. I presented Nancy and her family with a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of Supervisor Foley. I look forward to meeting more business owners in my community and learning their stories!
|
Gus’ Fresh Jerky Grand Opening in San Clemente. Other people pictured: business owner Nancy and family, a representative from the Office of Catherine Blakespear, Rick Divel and Arlen Flores from San Clemente Chamber, and San Clemente City Councilman Rick Loeffler.
Christine Park
Policy / District Intern
Happy Friday, District 5! This week, I worked on posters highlighting all the women elected officials in Orange County for the upcoming Women Making A Difference Awards. Make sure you submit nominees for this beloved event happening in March. Find nomination forms and information here.
I also had the pleasure of attending the Coffee and Chat held at the Laguna Woods City Hall this morning! I always appreciate talking with the community and hearing about relevant issues. This specific event was for senior citizens of the community, and I absolutely loved connecting with residents over coffee and donuts. Participants then had the opportunity to talk and listen to Supervisor Foley.
|
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.
Orange County Registrar of Voters
After receiving a ballot in the mail, voters may now mark the vote-by-mail ballot with their voting choices at home. State law provides voters with four easy and secure ways to cast the vote-by-mail ballot they marked at home:
- Place the voted ballot into the ballot return envelope, seal and sign the envelope, and then place it in the mail (no return postage required; must be postmarked by March 5).
- Place the voted ballot into the ballot return envelope, seal and sign the envelope, and then place it in one of the Registrar of Voters 122 Ballot Drop Boxes located throughout the county (until 8 p.m. on March 5).
- Place the voted ballot into the ballot return envelope, seal and sign the envelope, and then drop it off at our office or any of the 183 Vote Centers (37 open on Feb. 24; all 183 Vote Centers will be open March 2 through March 5 at 8 p.m.).
- Bring the voted ballot to a Vote Center from Feb. 24 through 8 p.m. on March 5, sign the electronic voter roster to be an in-person voter, and then place it into a ballot scanner to cast the ballot.
Voters visiting a Vote Center can also choose instead to receive a newly printed ballot after signing the electronic voter roster, mark their voting choices on the ballot in a voting booth, and then place it a ballot scanner to cast the ballot.
A Vote Center Customer Service Representative will ask each voter who walks into a Vote Center whether the voter wants to drop off a vote-by-mail ballot in a signed return envelope or to check in to vote in-person by either scanning their marked vote-by-mail ballot or by receiving a newly printed ballot to mark in a voting booth.
Note: Voter participation is tracked in real time with the electronic voter roster to ensure no voter casts more than one ballot.
More information about voting options and the locations of Vote Centers and Ballot Drop Boxes can be found on the Registrar of Voters website at ocvote.gov/voting.
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!
Pet of the Week
Meet Pet of the Week, Morgan!
Hey everyone! I'm Morgan, a 7-year-old spayed Pittie. I'm currently in foster right now, and while things here are going great, I would love to put my full heart and soul into my next forever home. ❤️
Here are just a few reasons why you should adopt me! First, I love playing with hoomans. When someone is at the door, I like to bark out a happy greet and show my toys. Sharing is caring, and I'm all for it. I'll ask you to play with me, and when play time is over, I'll gently collect my toys and we can have some cuddle time before you leave! Second, I'm potty trained and I'm also a great house sitter, so don't you worry about me making a mess. Third, I like to get my exercise in during long walks! The small birds and cats I encounter while out pique my curiosity, so I have to be reminded to be gentle when saying hi. Lastly, I would prefer to be around people more than other furry pals.
Please ask to visit me so we can be best friends forever! Call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my Animal ID A1837999. I hope to see you soon!
Please visit our Pet Adoptions page to see more adoptable pets.
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!
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 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
|