Staff Updates
Sarah D'Agostino
District Representative: Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Ladera Ranch and Rancho Mission Viejo
Hello, D5! This week Supervisor Foley hosted her inaugural Round Table on the Status of Women and Girls, an enlightening and empowering event. It was remarkable to engage with a diverse array of women leaders from across Orange County, each sharing valuable insights and perspectives. The event highlighted the importance of fostering collaboration and advancing initiatives that uplift and empower women and girls in our community. If you are passionate about fostering collaboration and making a difference in the community, be sure to see the flyer below and apply to Supervisor Foley’s Internship program!
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Tyler Mosher
District Representative: Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Coto de Caza
How’s it going, District 5!
On Wednesday, I attended the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce’s City and Government Affairs Meeting. San Clemente City Planner Jonathan Lightfoot gave a quick presentation on new and exciting proposed developments in the city including several boutique hotels.
Thursday afternoon, I was lucky to drive to Laguna Beach for a Ribbon Cutting at Moongoat Coffee Roasters! Co-owner Matt gave me a rundown of the menu, including their famous matcha drinks. I also learned that Moongoat Coffee remains a Supervisor Foley favorite; Matt informed me he made a mocha almost every day for the Supervisor while she served as mayor in Costa Mesa!
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Rachel Carr
Policy Intern Covering Juvenile Justice
Greetings, District Five!
Despite the rain, I had a fantastic time at the Swallows Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano, celebrating the return of our feathered friends, swallow birds, over the weekend. It was my second visit at the event, and the community spirit was infectious. Chatting with locals and vendors was a highlight, allowing us to connect and understand your concerns better.
The event emphasized our community's resilience and togetherness, rain or shine. I'm grateful for the opportunity to participate and remain dedicated to representing our district’s interests. Keep an eye out for more updates and upcoming events!
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Christine Park
District / Policy Intern
This week I was delighted to attend the ribbon cutting for The Togethership, a sports academy that recently relocated to San Clemente! The founder, Devin, found a way to bring athletics and academics into one innovative, efficient academy. It was a pleasure to meet all the student athletes and our office wishes them nothing but the best of luck!
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 Inside the office, I have been working on projects for the highly anticipated, Women Making A Difference Event tomorrow! I've also been working on compiling ideas and concerns brought to our attention from the community during our Women’s Round Table and how we can implement their suggestions at the county level. I hope to see you bright and early tomorrow at the Women Making a Difference brunch!
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.
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.
Orange County Community Health Improvement Plan Survey
The OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) has published the Orange County Community Health Improvement Plan (OC CHIP) Plan update for 2024-26. The draft plan is posted and ready for public review. It will remain posted through Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 5pm.
The OC CHIP is a vital initiative designed to address the health needs and concerns of our community. It serves as a roadmap for improving health outcomes and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all residents. The community’s input was crucial in shaping this plan to reflect the diverse needs and priorities of our community.
HCA uses a comprehensive stakeholder process to develop the OC CHIP. Central to the development and implementation of all programs is the focus on community collaboration, cultural competence, and consumer- and family-driven services. Prioritization of serving the unserved and underserved is a focus, in addition to wellness, recovery, and resilience.
Public comments play a pivotal role in the development and implementation of the OC CHIP. By participating in the public comment process, you have the chance to share your insights, experiences, and suggestions for improving community health on the plan written by community members. Your input will help further define our community’s commitment to a healthier Orange County.
Participate in implementing OC’s 2024-26 Community Health Improvement Plan by completing an interest survey at this link: Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
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 later 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
UPDATED: City of Costa Mesa Springfest 2024 - March 30
UPDATED: 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.
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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, Eliza!
Hi everyone, my name is Eliza! I'm a vibrant 2-year-old Dutch Shepherd who's looking for my forever home. I'm proud to say that I am a sweet and gentle girl with a friendly personality! I take treats gently, walk on a leash like a pro, and I know my commands! I admit that I am shy at first, but once you give me some time, I blossom like a flower in spring, ready to embark on countless adventures with my paw-in-hand companion.
They say not to wear your heart on your sleeve, but I'm breaking the rule because when I love, I pour my whole heart into it. Affection is my middle name, and I promise to shower my adopter with unconditional love and devotion. If you're ready to embark on a journey of companionship and unwavering love, let's meet! Stop by or call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my Animal ID A1846394 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!
John Wayne Airport - AirACADEMY
John Wayne Airport is starting its next session of our new educational program, JWA AirACADEMY. The program is designed to engage with community members and provide an overview of the Airport. AirACADEMY is an educational outreach initiative aimed at offering residents a comprehensive understanding of the Airport's operations. Participants learn how technical processes, service programs, and business partners work together to implement the successful operation of John Wayne Airport.
The curriculum reflects the Airport’s mission to connect people, places, and opportunities. With classes offering firsthand experiences for attendees, participants will learn about sustainable aviation practices, community outreach and engagement efforts, operational security practices, and upcoming programs and enhancements taking place at the Airport.
The program will include seven two-hour courses, covering Access & Noise, Finance, Commercial and Revenue Development, Public Affairs, Sustainability, Operations, and Security. There is no cost to participate.
For more details on the program and to complete an application, please visit our website at www.ocair.com/AirACADEMY. The deadline to apply for the Spring 2024 session is April 1, 2024.
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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