Staff Updates
Jonathan Davis
Policy Advisor
This week, I worked with the City of San Clemente on advocating for congressional funding for repairs to the Mariposa Pedestrian Bridge. In January 2024, a landslide occurred at Mariposa Point that disrupted operations of the LOSSAN Rail Corridor in San Clemente and caused significant damage to the Mariposa Pedestrian Bridge and Coastal Rail Trail. The damage from the landslide led to the removal of several sections of Mariposa Bridge, cutting off a vital beach trail connection from public use.
Our office and San Clemente are now working together to secure funding for repairs to this bridge. Ultimately, this request funds a critical component of our response to this landslide, fostering regional transportation and public safety. The LOSSAN Rail Corridor is the second busiest intercity passenger rail corridor in the nation and a designated national defense rail corridor within the Strategic Rail Corridor Network by the Department of Defense. A reopened and resilient Mariposa Bridge is not only vital for public safety and use, it complements a range of projects that support the region’s transportation and emergency response infrastructure.
Keep your fingers as we wait to hear back from our federal partners!
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Adam Tallabas
District Representative: Costa Mesa, Irvine, and Newport Beach
Happy Friday! What a week! On Wednesday, I enjoyed seeing community members at our Wellness Walk at Aliso and Wood Canyons Regional Park. Already one of my favorite County parks, this Wednesday’s installment of the walk served as a great refresher for a busy in-office week. Perfect weather, fantastic guidance from OC Parks and gorgeous surroundings – you couldn’t ask for better!
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Sarah D'Agostino
District Representative: Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Ladera Ranch and Rancho Mission Viejo
This week, I've been busy preparing for the 64th Annual Swallow’s Day parade happening this Saturday, with this year's theme being 'Saddle Up San Juan!' It's going to be a blast with the parade and Mercado Street Faire, offering a whole day of family fun. We'll be celebrating the Old West vibes and welcoming back the swallows from their winter getaway in Argentina.
Remember to arrive early, as the streets will be closed off by 10 am, and the parade begins promptly at 11 am. Don't forget to swing by our office's booth at the Mercado all day on Saturday – come say hi! You can find more information about the parade here.
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Tyler Mosher
District Representative: Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Coto de Caza
Hey there, District Five!
On Wednesday I attended a Listening Session hosted by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) for its Orange County Rail Resiliency Study. This 24-month study began in late 2023; OCTA’s immediate objective is public outreach and stakeholder engagement. After OCTA’s presentation, I listened to public comments and had the pleasure to speak with San Clemente residents about their thoughts and concerns in regard to the coastal rail. I heard nearly unanimous support for more sand to save our beaches as part of the plan. Of course, Supervisor Foley agrees. OCTA will host more listening sessions in the coming months, including one at San Clemente City Hall tentatively scheduled for May 30. If interested, I encourage you to attend future meetings so you may learn more and share your feedback. I will post more information about these events as soon as I know.
Lastly, click here to see OCTA’s Orange County Coastal Rail Resiliency Study webpage. On the site, you can also sign up for email alerts when OCTA provides updates on the project.
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Rachel Carr
Policy Intern Covering Juvenile Justice
Greetings, District Five:
Did you know that an alarming nearly 80% of street drugs are laced with a lethal dose of fentanyl? After organizing Orange Coast College's first-ever on-campus Fentanyl Town Hall for students, I witnessed firsthand the impact of bringing information and resources directly to students regarding the risks of increasing fentanyl poisoning from street drugs. This groundbreaking event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of our office, Orange County Healthcare Agency, the Costa Mesa Chief of Police, Ron Lawrence, Fentanyl Solutions, and our very own Orange Coast College Student Health Center, alongside the dedicated support of Orange Coast College's Student Government Advocacy Committee.
Students were empowered with crucial insights into this emerging epidemic in addition to practical tools such as fentanyl testing kits, Narcan—the life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication—and fundamental, lifesaving, first-aid training.
If you or someone you know is affected by substance abuse, there are resources. Please visit https://www.fentanylisforeveroc.org for more information on this epidemic and community services available at no cost.
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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 Judge Karen L. Robinson.
As former Costa Mesa Mayor, and Orange County’s first African American woman Superior Court judge, Judge Karen L. Robinson set her sights high at a young age and strived to achieve her goals. Throughout her career packed with firsts, Judge Robinson has worked to open doors for others joining the legal profession.
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Christine Park
District / Policy Intern
Today, I attended the Grand Opening for The Togethership, which is a new holistic sports academy. This academy is designed for passionate athletes every opportunity and advantage possible to achieve their goals on and off the court and field. They provide high end athletic training whilst teaching academics to seventh to eighth grade in all subjects. For more information and applications apply here: The Togethership
This weekend is the annual Swallows Day Parade. Our office will be attending, and we hope to see you there! The parade is one of District 5’s favorites, so make sure to stop by our booth for some resources!
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Dana Point Harbor Main Resource Page
Check out 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.
Dry Stack Storage Update
Our office and the County of Orange are fully engaged in oversight regarding the operation of the Harbor and appreciate the outreach from concerned community members regarding the Dry Stack Storage.
We are investigating the issue now and will have additional information to report next week. Additionally, Supervisor Foley assigned a County Harbor Oversight Representative Christian Gagne to the project, who can be reached at dphoversight@ocgov.com. Feel free to direct your questions and concerns to him, and he will respond in coordination with our office.
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.
Oil Sheen Update
Feather samples from oiled birds recovered in Orange County show a correlation with the oil sheen observed offshore of Huntington Beach in early March.
14 live oiled birds were collected March 8-16, four of which died or were humanely euthanized. Samples have been analyzed from 11 birds and 10 consistent with the offshore oil sheen event, the Foxtrot Anchorage Incident. Eleventh bird believed to have been oiled from natural seep. 5 visibly oiled dead birds have also collected. Of those, samples analyzed from two so far; both more consistent with natural seep.
10 birds remain in care; 8 have been washed. Oil samples analyzed at OSPR Petroleum Chem lab did not identify specific source of oil from the Anchorage Foxtrot incident; samples did not match typical natural seep oil or archived samples of production oil from local platforms.
No oiled birds were collected on March 17, and crews from @oiledwildlife have concluded field operations. Crews will respond to additional reports as needed.
Anyone observing oiled wildlife should not attempt to capture it. Instead, please report observations to 1-877-UCDOWCN (1-877-823-6926). This is not an informational or volunteer hotline.
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
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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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, DJ!
Have you ever met a dog who has an itch for exploring the world? That's me, Dj! I'm a 2-year-old Doberman Pinscher who is yearning for a forever home. Last summer, I was found in Santa Ana and brought to OC Animal Care. While everyone at the shelter has shown me the love, care, and affection that I need, I would much rather spend my days with a forever paw-rent who can take me on new adventures!
Because I'm an athletic guy who needs brisk walking every day and all-out running as often as possible, I would love someone who can keep up with my activeness! If you're also strong, even better! We'll be great workout buddies! #gymbuddies #fitcouple #traininghard #fitfam
As far as other pets, I prefer the single life where I can bask in your undivided attention. I'm responsive to commands and corrections, and I am always ready to learn more tricks! Embark on your next adventure with me! I'm eager to discover new places beyond Santa Ana and the shelter. Call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my Animal ID A1831291 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!
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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