Staff Updates
Jonathan Davis
Policy Advisor
This week, I spent most my time preparing the Supervisor for the board meeting and reviewing all of our infrastructure and climate resiliency plans this week. I also continued coordinating with community leaders and stakeholders for a project in Costa Mesa funded by Supervisor Foley that will expand Costa Mesa’s Skatepark. Costa Mesa has one of the most popular skate parks in Orange County and is home to a significant community of riders who use the park on a frequent basis. These stakeholders will help create a community led vision for expanding and improving this skatepark and provide a state-of-the-art facility that serves as a signature destination in the region and cater to users of all ages and skill levels. We look forward to announcing more information about upcoming community input meetings that will occur later this year. Have a great weekend!
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Adam Tallabas
District Representative: Costa Mesa, Irvine, and Newport Beach
This week, I continued planning our Third Annual Flag Day celebration at Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor June 12-14. Please email me if your troop or organization has time to help set up the flags. I also joined Supervisor Foley at the South Coast Metro Alliance for a luncheon to discuss local issues ranging from business, public safety, to tourism and more. On Thursday, I attended California State Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris' Women of the Year event in Costa Mesa. Following our recognition of women leaders at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, I enjoyed continuing the celebration at Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris' event.
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Sarah D'Agostino
District Representative: Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Ladera Ranch and Rancho Mission Viejo
Hello, District 5! Exciting things on the horizon in Laguna Niguel, specifically the 2024 Summer Trolley! When you choose this eco-friendly rideshare from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, not only will you contribute positively to the environment, but you'll pocket some savings, because Summer Trolley rides are complimentary.
Additionally, Laguna Niguel also introduced the brand-new "You Are Not Alone" initiative, tailored for residents aged 65 and above. This program’s design ensures the well-being of our aging population by conducting regular check-ins via visits or phone calls twice a week. In the event our volunteer can't reach a resident, they'll promptly contact their designated emergency contact. More information about the “You Are Not Alone” program can be found here. Have a wonderful weekend!
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Tyler Mosher
District Representative: Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Coto de Caza
Hello again, District 5! You may remember me from our Interns section of the newsletter. I’m happy to announce that I am the Supervisor’s newest District Representative! I look forward to working in the southern portion of District 5, including the amazing cities of San Clemente (my hometown), San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills and the wonderful Coto de Caza unincorporated community.
This week, our office made strides towards bringing more sand to south county beaches. On Wednesday, I attended a stakeholder meeting with the Supervisor and other staff for the South Orange County Coastal Resiliency Strategic Plan. There, Supervisor Foley laid out the next steps for coordinating the group of agencies: form a regional collaborative, define a near-term regional beach nourishment, obtain funding, implement priority projects, and then develop mid- and long-term regional goals.
Furthermore, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced this week that they will resume the San Clemente Shoreline Sand Replenishment project at the end of April. In January, this vital project paused indefinitely due to unsatisfactory sand. The USACE revealed they will use a new borrow-site for San Clemente. Located off the coast of Surfside Beach, the site contains beach-quality sand sufficient for large-scale beach replenishment projects. Our office commends all parties involved who helped bring this project to its completion. Sand is on the way! Read more here.
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Rachel Carr
Policy Intern Covering Juvenile Justice
Hey there, District Five!
Hope everyone is having a fantastic week. I want to share a highlight of mine with you, attending the Corona Del Mar Chamber of Commerce meeting featuring Bill Maurer, Dean of UCI Social Sciences. The meeting discussed the future of digital currency and the what the future looks like for a central bank digital currency, or CBDC, in addition to the prevalence of the US dollar in the global economy. It was eye opening to me how many people in the United States are underbanked, not having a bank to place their money in, or pay bills from. I also provided a legislative update and heard from other local legislative offices in our district about what our elected officials are doing to keep our communities thriving. Have a wonderful weekend!
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Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
This March, we celebrate “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” Supervisor Foley seeks to honor women in Orange County who challenge and transform our legal institutions to center on such values. Such women leaders empower the current and future generations of women in the law to pursue their dreams, regardless of their gender.
Stay tuned on Supervisor Foley’s Facebook this month to learn more about outstanding models of excellence in our Orange County legal community and local historical legends like California Courts’ Presiding Judge Maria Hernandez. Judge Hernandez was elected as assistant presiding judge of the Superior Court of Orange County in 2021 and then elected as presiding judge in January 2023. Prior to serving on the bench, she worked as a senior deputy public defender in Orange County.
In her time with the juvenile court, Judge Hernandez created and presided over the dedicated court addressing commercially sexually exploited children, and cochaired the Orange County Committee relating to boys in the child welfare system. She recently launched a Young Adult Court, which addresses the special needs of emerging adults charged with felonies in the criminal justice system.
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From left to right: Superior Court Judge Michele Bell, Supervisor Katrina Foley, Presiding Judge Maria Hernandez
ICYMI: Dana Point Harbor Oversight Advisory Committee Meeting Report by Secretary Dennis Parks - March 8, 2024
Wednesday’s meeting kicked off with a report from Christian Gagne, the Dana Point Harbor Oversight Manager for the County of Orange, announcing that the administrative details that delayed the start of the parking garage and commercial core have been resolved. As a result, the site preparation for the parking facility construction has begun. The last compliance issue in play is confirming to the City of Dana Point that there will be 334 “day boater” parking spaces in the boat launch ramp area once the existing land parcel has been reconfigured for the parking structure and the new harbor entrance.
Mr. Gagne then reviewed the NEW Dana Point Harbor Main Resource web site on Supervisor Foley’s home page located at https://d5.ocgov.com/dph-resources. This comprehensive resource holds all of the pertinent documents concerning the harbor revitalization as well as the minutes from the DPHOAC meetings to date.
Supervisor Foley’s update opened with the news that the County of Orange signed off on the proposed new site for The Coffee Importers located within the Ocean Institute facility. Once the parties agree on the “business” aspects of the new venture, construction will begin on a much-needed amenity for Baby Beach users and visitors to the western end of the harbor. Supervisor Foley also advised the committee that her office scheduled the Supervisor’s annual flag display and “Flag Day” celebration for June 12 - 14 on the lawn area adjacent to Baby Beach. A date was also set for Supervisor Foley’s next Dana Point Harbor ‘town hall” meeting to coincide with the Supervisor’s already scheduled ‘coffee chat” at The Coffee Importers on the morning of June 21.
The meeting concluded with updates from Orange County Parks about the County of Orange’s plan to bring on professional space planners to help utilize the OC Sailing and Event Center efficiently for all 13 user groups. Additional discussion topics can be found in the March 6 meeting minutes on-line within the Dana Point Harbor Main Resource site.
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.
World TB Day - March 24
This month, we highlight World TB Day through the theme, “Yes! We can end TB!” In Orange County, the Health Care Agency works to keep residents aware of Tuberculosis, a disease affecting the lungs with the potential to impact the brain, kidneys, or spine. TB is contagious and can spread person to person through the air. In 2023, TB cases in the State of California increased by 271 (15%) from 1,842 in 2022 to 2,113. More than half with TB disease are hospitalized and 13 percent die with TB before or during treatment. Each year, more than 200 people die with TB, and someone dies with TB every other day in California.
On ochealthinfo.com, find resources for symptoms, what to do when you’ve been exposed, how to get tested, and other answers to frequently asked questions.
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.
Easter Events in the Fabulous Fifth District
City of San Clemente Playschool's Eggstravaganza - March 22
A sensational day for your little one and their friends to come out for a morning of crafts and activities! Register and join the staff from Playschool. Bring your baskets and camera and be prepared to SCRAMBLE for eggs, play some games, dye and decorate eggs, dance, and meet the Easter bunny! Avoid all the lines and celebrate spring with us at Tierra Grande Park! Space is limited - Register here.
Aliso Viejo Community Association Spring Celebration - March 23
Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 9:00 am - 11:30 am at Grand Park (6101 CIty Lights Drive Aliso Viejo, CA 92656)
Event includes:
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Community Booths
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Balloon Twisters
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Face Painters
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Visits with Peter Rabbit
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Children's Crafts
Pre-registration is REQUIRED for all egg hunt sessions. All other Spring Celebration activities (community booths, face painting, Peter Rabbit photos, etc.) will be open to the public.
City of Laguna Hills Hoppin' Hills Event - March 23
City of Laguna Niguel Bunny Bonanza - March 23
Ladera Ranch Spring Celebration - March 23
Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 12 - 4 PM at Founders Park (28275 Avendale Blvd, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694)
Join us for a blooming good time at the Spring Celebration! Enjoy a day with delightful activities, including games, creative make-it-take-it crafts, and an exclusive photo opportunity with the beloved Peter and Mrs. Rabbit. Dive into the Egg Scramble areas for some egg-citing treats, and don't forget to bring your basket or bag to collect the treasures you find. A delectable array of food will be available for purchase to satisfy your taste buds. Come one, come all, and hop into spring with us!
CHILDREN'S ACTIVITY WRISTBANDS Activity wristbands are only required for children who participate in the activities. Parents – only the kiddos need wristbands, so please don’t purchase one for yourself.
Beginning Friday, March 1, Activity Wristbands will be available for purchase for residents at $10 each. There are no in-person sales available all purchases must be through LaderaLife.com
This price will be available through 5:00 p.m. March 20, after they will be $18 at the event.
Pre-purchased wristbands, can be picked up at the Oak Knoll Village Clubhouse Thursday, March 21, or Friday, March 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you are unable to make it to the clubhouse, wristbands will be available for pick-up at the Spring Celebration Ticket Booth beginning at 11:45 a.m., and most important, please bring a copy of your receipt with you.
All wristbands are non-refundable, with no exceptions. Individual tickets will also be available for $1 at the Ticket Booth.
City of Irvine Egg-A-Pool-Looza - March 23
Saturday, March 23, 2024 - 1:00pm - 5:00pm at William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center (4601 Walnut Ave. Irvine, CA 92604)
Throw on your swimsuits and join us by the pool to celebrate spring. Activities include poolside egg hunt, family splash time, Easter bunny photos, bounce houses, and more. Treats will be available for purchase. Lifeguards will be on duty. An adult must accompany children 6 and younger one-on-one if they are in the water.
Laguna Beach Easter Egg Hunt - March 29
City of Costa Mesa Springfest 2024 - March 30
City of San Juan Capistrano Spring Eggstravaganza - March 30
Laguna Woods Easter Eggstravaganza - March 30
City of Dana Point Egg Hunts - April 8
New Food Pantry in Laguna Niguel!
South County Outreach is proud to announce the opening of their second Food Pantry in Laguna Niguel this March 2024!
The South County Outreach Laguna Niguel pantry is located at 28981 Golden Lantern, Suite D105, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677. Hours are Monday and Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Clients are able to visit either the Irvine pantry (located on 7 Whatney, Ste. B, Irvine) or the new Laguna Niguel pantry once a month.
Clients must fill out an application, complete a self-declaration of income, and provide the following identification for each household member:
- Provide Identification for all Household Members
- Adults: Government Issued, photo with expiration date
- Minors: Birth certificate, Medical Card, Social Security Card, Passport, OR State ID
- Complete Self-Declaration of Income Form
Share Your Input on the County of Orange Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget by April 15
The County of Orange invites you to participate in the planning of the CEO Recommended Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget.
Our Budget & Finance team created the following video to help our community to better understand the work that goes into building the County budget each year. Watch the Basics of Budgeting & Strategic Financial Planning at the County of Orange and let us know if you have any questions!
Public Workshop | May
An informal meet and greet with our Budget and Finance Team including an overview of the CEO Recommended FY 2024-25 Budget! We’ll be available to answer any questions that you may have. This will be in May with more details to come.
Public Budget Hearing | June 11
This is the Public Budget Hearing where the budget will be presented to the Board of Supervisors and where you can comment on any aspect of the FY 2024-25 Recommended Budget directly to the Board of Supervisors. This begins on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 regularly scheduled Board Meeting.
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Applications for First 5 OC now open!
The Orange County Board of Supervisors seeks candidates to serve on the First 5 OC . Three available seats for the 2024-2026 term include two in the category of Health and one in the category of Education. Candidates must live or work in Orange County and have relevant expertise or experience in one of these categories. The 2024 Application Package is available on the website at First5OC.org. Candidates are invited to submit an application and resume by March 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.
Application linked 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.
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/
Pet of the Week
Meet Pet of the Week, Nova!
Hi everyone, I'm Nova. I've been at OC Animal Care for almost 3 months now and I've been trying my best to learn and be a good girl. You see, I was brought here with my nine housemates, and we didn't know that we were lacking basic dog skills. For example, we thought our army crawl was normal, but it turns out we can totally walk on our legs!
I'm actually a really shy girl. I prefer slow introductions but once I warm up to you, I love to play and lean over for belly rubs! A lot of staff and volunteers at the shelter have been showing me what real affection is like. I had no idea my tail could wag so much!
I've come to learn what a leash is and why I need one, so I am proud to say I am easy to leash! I have to admit, crawling is still kind of a habit, so I am continuously learning how to walk while being leashed. I've been making a lot of progress, and I can't wait to show off my skills.
I still have a long way to go to being the perfect pup, so I will thrive in a home with someone who has a lot of patience and dog experience. Can you be the trustful companion that I am longing for? Please call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my Animal ID A1848476 to adopt me!
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!
Free Train Rides on the Mackeral Flats & Goathill Junction Railroad - March 16 & 17!
The Easter Bunny will be in town this weekend to help the Orange County Model Engineers out with the free train rides on the Mackeral Flats & Goathill Junction Railroad. The railroad will be in operation on both Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 3:30 PM (March 16th & 17th) Fairview Nature Park is an emerald green for St. Patrick's Day, and it's filled with gorgeous wildlife everywhere you turn. So come ride the trains, visit the Easter Bunny, and have a wonderful Spring outing at the park!
OC Metrolink - Swallows Day Parade & Mercado
Taking Metrolink is the easy way to get to the 64th Annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday March 23rd. Metrolink drops riders off within a short walk to the parade route.
Skip traffic and parking hassles and ride Metrolink to the Swallows Day Parade and Mercado on Saturday March 23rd. Arrive relaxed and ready to watch the parade and explore San Juan Capistrano.
Angels Express Is Back For The 2024 Season!
Ride in car-free comfort and celebrate on the train! Enjoy home runs, hot dogs, and friends without driving. Angels Express train service is rolling back into action for the 2024 season, so you won’t miss a pitch! 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
OC Public Libraries: California State Parks Pass Program
OC Public Libraries is partnering with California State Parks and the California State Library to offer free State Parks vehicle-day use passes, available for circulation at all branches of public libraries in California.
Last year, 9,957 people checked out park passes. Adventure beyond the book allows Californians to access beautiful parks, lakes, beaches, and monuments in the State Parks system for free. Place a hold today!
The goal of the passes is to support parks access equity, removing economic barriers to Californians’ park visits, and that they should be made available to those that need it or may not be using parks already.
To learn more about parks, visit the Parks website.
Click here to learn more about the program.
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 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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