Staff Updates
Nick Anas
Chief of Staff
Last week, I attended a meeting of the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Board on behalf of Supervisor Foley. Read more about modifications to the Toll Enforcement Ordinances, our Capital Improvement Plan for 2025, and the resuming of the Live Oak Cattle Grazing Program below:
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Adam Tallabas
District Representative
In addition, we continue accepting applications for our summer fellows volunteer program! Submitting your resume and cover letter to Adam.Tallabas@ocgov.com and CC Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com. for the opportunity to join our office this summer.
Sarah D'Agostino
District Representative: Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Ladera Ranch and Rancho Mission Viejo
Happy Friday D5! This week I attended the Dana Point City Council meeting, where I provided an update on behalf of Supervisor Foley. During the council meeting, we celebrated Coffee Importers as 2024 Business of the Quarter, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 2023 Police of the Year Deputy Edward Aguilar, 2023 Firefighter of the Year Shelly Appleby, 2023 EMT of the Year Connor Macleod. We enjoy recognizing those who contribute to the safety and joy within our District 5 community.
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Mark your calendars for the return of Supervisor Foley's Wellness Wednesday Walks on May 22, 2024 at 8:30 AM. Join us for a tour of the docks and harbor led by Dana Point Marina staff. Meet us at Coffee Importers. Click here to sign up for our planning purposes. Hope to see you there!
Tyler Mosher
District Representative: Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Coto de Caza
Hey, District 5! On Wednesday I attended a Legislative Affairs Committee meeting with speaker San Juan Capistrano City Manager Benjamin Siegel who updated attendees on the City’s strong fiscal standing and upcoming developments in the community. Notably, the council invested $40 million over the next several years for road improvements in San Juan Capistrano. Other exciting projects included the $2 million improvement to the City’s sports park and an approved and budgeted skate park.
Lastly, City Manager Siegel commented on the City’s partnership with Jamboree Housing and our OC Housing Finance Trust Chaired by Supervisor Foley to develop a new City Hall in tandem with 49 new housing units of wrap around services and enriched affordable housing. Individuals must qualify for this specific housing and will be referred to the property from the Orange County Health Care Agency and/or the Department of Veterans Affairs. Jamboree will coordinate onsite services with Home First FSP, OC Health Care Agency’s Full-Service Partnership program. Additionally, OC Housing Authority’s Veterans Affairs Support Housing team will assist Veterans who live in this new development.
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Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
Fellow intern Christine and I celebrated Earth Day last night at Costa Mesa’s Donald Dungan Library! OC Waste and Recycling taught us about “gettin’ wiggly” with worms. When we compost our food waste, we nurture the ecosystems in our own backyards and create a greener Orange County for all.
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Christine Park
District / Policy Intern
This last Saturday, Olivia and I attended the Ladera Rancho Chamber of Commerce Earth Day Festival at the Pavillion Park. There were so many fun interactive activities for families! Always such a fun time connecting with D5 residents.
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On Thursday, I represented the Supervisor at Orange County United Way’s Community Chat about the Continuum of Care (CoC) Program. Since 1998, Orange County’s CoC develops and implements strategy in collaboration with County departments, local governments, service providers and community groups for ending homelessness in Orange County.
Parking Lot Survey Update
On Tuesday morning, Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Napuri met with the Dana Point Boaters Association to conduct a survey of the day boater parking lot at the Dana Point Harbor. The California Coastal Commission requires that 334 day use boater parking spots remain available at the Harbor, and with the construction of the new parking structure the parking spots were moved around in the Embarcadero. However, our team of four counted, surveyed, and measured all spaces, and are compiling an inventory to share with all in the future.
ICYMI: Dana Point Harbor Oversight Advisory Committee Meeting April 3 2024 by Dennis Parks, Secretary
Click here to read the last update.
Learn all about the Dana Point Harbor Plans on Supervisor Foley’s homepage at https://d5.ocgov.com/ under the new DANA POINT HARBOR REVITALIZATION drop down menu.
Commission Updates
Housing and Community Development (H&CD) District 5 Commissioner Update
From Laguna Niguel Mayor Pro Tem Stephanie Oddo
The BOS recently approved Orange County Housing Authority’s Annual Plan outlines the $187,500,000 in annual contributions.
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Past year accomplishments highlighted in the plan:
1. Opened Housing Choice Voucher Program Waiting List with 57,000 applications received. (We randomly selected 12,000 applicants to be exhausted over a 3–4-year period, after we exhaust the current waiting list.)
2. Contracted with Languages Line Services to provide interpretation in 163 languages
5. Conducted landlord engagement & incentive programs
6. OCHA awarded 25 FYI Housing Choice Vouchers for the first time
7. OCHA awarded 10 additional HUD-VASH Vouchers (1039 total)
8. 6 projects using Project Based Vouchers which pay base rent for 55 years for units leased FY 22/23.
9. 5 projects under AHAP contract were leased FY 22/23
10. 9 projects in progress FY 23/24
The lease up rate for March 2024 was 90.2% with 10,468 households receiving Voucher program rental assistance. VASH veterans represent 830 of the assisted tenants, 34 were in the Non-Elderly Disabled program and 140 are in the Mainstream Program.
John Wayne Airport Commission
From Sue Dvorak
The Airport Commission considered two contracts and heard a JWA staff presentation on the General Aviation Noise Ordinance. Watch the meeting and read more about these items here: Airport Commission page.
Agenda Item #2: Approve Extension to Contract for Elevator and Escalator Maintenance Services
Unanimous vote to recommend approval to extend the contract with Kone, Inc. for elevator and escalator maintenance services from June 1, 2024 through September 30, 2024 in the amount of $319,595 for a cumulative total not to exceed $3,195,947.
Agenda Item #3: Approve Sole Source Contract with IED Support Services, LLC
Unanimous vote to recommend approval of a sole source contract with IED Support Services, LLC for ongoing maintenance and repair services of JWA’s public announcement system, effective June 1, 2024 through May 31, 2027 in the amount of $327,000 for a cumulative total not to exceed $327,000.
What is the Genera Aviation Noise Ordinance?
The General Aviation Noise Ordinance (GANO) regulates the hours of operation and permitted noise levels for general aviation (GA) aircraft at John Wayne Airport. Nighttime noise level limits for GA operators are much lower than the daytime noise level threshold. If a GA aircraft meets the daytime noise limits and the lower nighttime noise limits, then they are permitted to fly into and out of JWA 24 hours per day.
3 Strikes and You’re Out?
If a GA operator violates the daytime or the nighttime noise limits three times within three years, they will be issued a “denial of use” letter from County counsel and not be permitted to use JWA for three years. However…if an operator receives three noise violations specifically during nighttime hours, they can request a modification to the denial of use so that they can continue to use John Wayne Airport during daytime hours only. The JWA Noise Office reports a 99.8% compliance rate with the GANO stipulations.
I also serve on Supervisor Foley’s Aviation Advisory Team. We continue to work on educating general aviation pilots on the quietest departure out of JWA through the Fly Friendly program. Watch to learn more.
OC Parks Commission
From Hallie Jones
On April 5, the Orange County Parks commission toured the historic George Key Ranch in Placentia, in North County. This historic home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and provides a glimpse of the County’s citrus industry. The home was built in 1898, severely damaged in an earthquake in 2014, and re-opened to the public in 2021. While not in 5thdistrict, this tour gave me the opportunity to collaborate with fellow parks commissioners and learn more about Orange County Parks’ incredibly diverse resources, ranging from wilderness parks to regional parks and historic facilities.
On April 11, I participated in the Orange County Parks Trails Subcommittee meeting. These meetings, which are open to the public, provide an opportunity for residents and representatives from various trail user groups to give input to OC Parks staff and Parks Commissioners on trail and parks related issues. In this meeting, OC Parks staff provided an update on the opening of Gypsum Canyon Wilderness. This newly opened area, which is within the Irvine Ranch Open Space, is now open to the public on managed access days. This beautiful section of our county is home to incredible vistas, rock formations and wildlife.
If you have parks or trails concerns related to Fifth District resources, please reach out or attend a Parks Commission or Trails Subcommittee meeting. For further questions, please contact Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com.
OC Planning Commission
From David Bartlett
The County of Orange is in the process of completing its State required County-wide Housing Element Update. Each update provides goals, policies, and objectives the County will pursue to meet its existing and projected housing needs for this eight-year planning period, including its allocation of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) assigned by Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). The County’s RHNA allocation for this Housing Element cycle is 10,406 units. Neither SCAG nor the State requires construction of these housing units, but the County needs to demonstrate capacity that housing goals can be met through planning and zoning changes that can accommodate this future growth. The Planning Commission is in the process of reviewing the General Plan, zoning and development standards changes necessary to accommodate the required housing capacity. A study session was held on April 12, 2024 with more public meetings to be scheduled through the next few months. Listen to our Planning Commission meetings 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.
OC Health Care Agency Urges Consumers of a Vietnamese Hemorrhoid Ointment to Stop Use and Seek Medical Testing
Due to the risk of lead poisoning, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) urges users of the Vietnamese hemorrhoid ointment called Cao Bôi Trĩ Cây Thầu Dầu (Castor Oil Hemorrhoid Extract) to immediately stop using the ointment and to get their blood tested for lead. The alert follows the death of a woman in Sacramento who developed severe lead poisoning after using the ointment, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The CDPH said the ointment, purchased in Vietnam and shipped to the US, contained 4% (four percent) lead. Exposure to any amount of lead can be harmful.
The HCA, in collaboration with the CDPH, urges anyone who used Cao Bôi Trĩ Cây Thầu Dầu (Castor Oil Hemorrhoid Extract) to immediately: 1.) Stop using the ointment. 2.) Place it in a plastic bag, seal the bag and call (510) 620-3620 or email toxoutbreak@cdph.ca.gov. 3.) See your health care provider and get your blood tested for lead (venous blood test). Also because other household members could have come into contact with the ointment, all household members should have their blood lead tested. Children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning. 4.) Residents who have additional questions can call HCA’s Health Referral Line at 1-800-564-8448. Learn 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 5 p.m.
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.
Emergency Program Alert
From the California Department of Food and Agriculture
The Asian Citrus Psyllid may be a small aphid-like bug, but these insects pose a big threat to citrus trees throughout Orange County, according to an emergency declaration from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CFDA).HLB/ACP present a significant, clear, and imminent threat to California’s commercial citrus production and state’s economy.
ACPs are spreading a disease called Huanglongbing (HLB), which kills citrus trees. HLB causes no harm to human or animal health.
How can you protect Orange County's namesake fruit trees against ACP and HLB? With advance, notice CFDA staff conduct surveys to determine the presence of ACP and other citrus pests and diseases in an area. This free survey is risk-based and both insect and symptomatic plant samples may be collected. Staff will visually inspect citrus trees and other closely related hosts for ACP and symptoms of HLB.
When ACP has been confirmed, a survey, trapping and suppression treatment will occur. The CDFA conducts pesticide treatments for all host plants (mainly Citrus and citrus family) on properties within a 50 to 250-meters radius surrounding each site where an infected tree with Huanglongbing (HLB) disease has been detected and confirmed positive by the CDFA lab or where a CLas-positive Asian Citrus Psyllid ( ACP) insect has been detected. Following treatment, staff will remove tarps covering non-host plants and/or household items and close gates behind them.
For any questions, please call the Pest Hotline: 1-800-491-1899.
In District 5, the CDFA will conduct treatment in the City of Costa Mesa as shown in the map below.
For more information, please visit: CDFA - Citrus - Asian Citrus Psyllid / Huanglongbing - Notice of Treatment and Proclamation of an Emergency Program (ca.gov)
Fentanyl Town Halls in Aliso Viejo: May 16 and June 4
Opioids and Fentanyl pose a dangerous threat to our community. It's time we learn more and act now.
Join me on May 16, 2024 and June 4, 2024 for an open forum with Orange County Sheriff's Department and OC Health Care Agency on preventing fentanyl deaths and life-saving resources.
We hope to see you there!
OCTA News
E-Bike Update
OCTA is developing an E-bike Safety Plan that will identify gaps and needs in outreach, education, encouragement data, and funding for e-bike safety. In May and June, OCTA will conduct two e-bike safety rodeos and two virtual workshops.
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E-Bike Rodeos: Kids of all ages can learn the rules of the road for bicycling, get safety tips for e-bikes, and practice their skills on a safety course. Bike repairs and maintenance will also be available. Bring your e-bikes and helmets to a safety rodeo:
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Virtual E-Bike Safety Workshops: If you can’t join in-person, there will also be two Virtual E-Bike Safety Workshops offered in June. These will take place over Zoom -- no bike or helmet required – and will give parents and kids the info they need to start practicing safe biking habits.
During the past several years, Orange County has seen an increase in the number and variety of e-bikes on roads and on paths. Over this time, OCTA has expanded its role to coordinate efforts regionally, monitor e-bike use and trends, and provide safety information to e-bike riders.
OCTA has a webpage dedicated to e-bike resources and safety information, which includes a database listing local bike and e-bike ordinances. To further promote safe and courteous e-bike riding, OCTA is also developing a series of videos about e-bike safety aimed at teen riders. The first video was a partnership with local influencer Goodboy Noah and other videos will be rolled out in the months ahead.
OCTA has also been hosting quarterly e-bike coordination meetings with partner agencies from around the county. These meetings allow the group to exchange ideas and coordinate resources with the goal of keeping people safe and connected in Orange County. At the same time, OCTA is also developing its e-bike safety action plan, which is expected to be finalized by December 2024. This plan will provide recommendations centered around educating the public about safely riding e-bikes and policy approaches to encourage safe e-bike riding.
OCTA Encourages Public to Join Listening Sessions on Coastal Rail Resiliency
The OCTA-led Coastal Rail Resiliency Study aims to evaluate and implement strategies to protect the railway in the vulnerable 7-mile stretch between Dana Point and the San Diego County Line, and keep rail traffic moving through the area for up to the next 30 years, while longer-term solutions are explored.
Two public meetings are scheduled – one virtually and the second in person – to gather feedback on the Coastal Rail Resiliency Study and an initial assessment that identified sites along the coastal rail line recommended for monitoring and reinforcement.
The goal is to ensure that rail traffic can continue moving without additional interruptions along this vital rail connection that links San Diego County passenger and freight traffic to Orange County and areas farther north.
One more listening session with the public is planned for:
May 30, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., an in-person meeting will be held at San Clemente City Hall, 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, CA 92673
To register to attend either meeting and receive updates, please visit: www.octa.net/CRRS.
OCTA Teen Council
Hey students! OCTA's Teen Council is THE place to be for high school leaders like you! Develop leadership skills, connect with awesome peers, and rock the community with positive change. Apply before April 30, 2024. Learn more at octa.net/teencouncil.
OCTA Free Rides for Earth Day
On Monday, April 22, OCTA will offer free rides all day on fixed-route buses. No ticket required!
We encourage the public to celebrate the planet and help make Orange County greener by enjoying a free ride on any fixed route OC Bus. Our fleet runs on clean, renewable energy now and OCTA is committed to a zero-emission future.
Enjoy Free Metrolink Rides on Earth Day
On Monday, April 22, 2024, Metrolink is offering free rides all day on Monday, April 22 (Earth Day) to encourage people to help our planet by traveling by train instead of car. By choosing Metrolink you are reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a healthier Southern California. With motor exhaust being a leading cause of air pollution in Southern California, we can take environmentally friendly steps to improve air quality and overall public health by using public transportation. You also avoid traffic while enjoying a comfortable, convenient, and stress-free ride with friends or family. Metrolink is committed to providing safe, affordable transportation for everyone.
No ticket or other document is needed for travel on Metrolink on Earth Day. Simply board our trains at a station and enjoy the ride. Details can also be found on the Metrolink website HERE.
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.
Applications are being accepted through May 3. 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/
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.
Youth Ride Free Passes
The pass provides youth aged 6 to 18 with free travel on safe, clean and reliable buses.
Youth Ride Free passes are available from your child's participating Orange County school. Parent signature is required.
If your child’s school is not distributing the Youth Ride Free pass, you may request a pass here. REQUEST A PASS
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.
State and Federal Resources Updates
California’s Strong Economic Week
California remains the 5th largest economy in the world. California is the 5th largest economy in the world for the seventh consecutive year, with a nominal GDP of nearly $3.9 trillion in 2023 and a growth rate of 6.1% since the year prior, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. California's per capita GDP is the second largest amongst large economies.
The state created more than 28,000 jobs in March. California added 28,300 new jobs last month – the state’s seventh job gain in the last eight months, while seven of the state’s major industry sectors gained jobs. Meanwhile in Orange County, we gained 7,100 jobs in March. Read more here.
California, which has the most equitable tax system in the entire country, is #1 in the nation for new business starts, #1 for access to venture capital funding, and #1 for tourism spending.
Disney is set to invest $1.9 Billion in California. DisneylandForward is estimated to generate $1.9 billion in economic output and create over 7,800 jobs over four years through new construction in California. Annually, the plan will generate $508 million and employ over 3,600 workers through operation. The Anaheim City Council unanimously voted in favor of the plan, with a final vote set to take place on May 7th.
Learn more here.
File Your Taxes or Request an Extension
Although the deadline for filing taxes passed on April 15, you can still file if missed the deadline or requested an extension. New federal government resources are available for filers still in need to file their taxes—all made possible by historic investments through the Inflation Reduction Act and other programs initiated by President Biden. Now, you have access to more FREE tools than ever before that will help you file electronically and track your refund.
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IRS Direct File is a new service that allows eligible Californians to file their taxes for free directly with the IRS. It’s open all day, every day for those that meet the eligibility requirements—and it’s accessible in English and Spanish on laptops, tablets, or desktop computers. You can watch a walk-through video on how to utilize this service HERE. This is a quick self-service resource for Orange County veterans, seniors, and families with the following tax situations:
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You can access IRS Direct File HERE.
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs have operated for 50 years to offer free tax assistance to those who might require help. The VITA program specifically helps people who generally make $64,000 or less, persons with disabilities, or taxpayers with limited English-speaking ability. TCE is geared towards those 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. These are reliable and free services offered around our own communities—-find a VITA or TCE site in Orange County HERE.
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Taxpayer Assistance Centers are offices dedicated to offering one-on-one in-person help with filing your taxes. Although these centers are open on weekdays by appointment, Taxpayer Assistance Centers across the country will be extending their hours and remain open on Saturday, April 13th from 9 AM to 4 PM to offer last-minute help. Services at these centers include Individual Taxpayer Identification Number renewals, identity theft assistance, and help with payments and refunds. You’ll need to bring your documentation to make sure you can receive the help you need. Two Centers around Orange County will be open this Saturday to offer assistance:
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501 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802
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300 N. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
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Interactive Tax Assistant is here for any additional questions you might have! An online tool available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this feature is perfect for asking any question you might have about whether your income is taxable, what your filing status is, or if you can deduct expenses.
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This tax season, more calls are being answered, more taxpayers are receiving better service, and already 90 million returns have been filled. The Ways and Means Committee has also shared that Americans are receiving an average refund of $3,050, and the IRS has delivered almost $186 billion in refunds in total—so it’s never been more important that you file your taxes before the deadline. Orange County residents have an opportunity to get the most out of their taxes, so I want to make sure you have this important information.
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Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Direct Pay’s Role in Uplifting Communities
The Inflation Reduction Act introduced a new era for clean energy development, particularly for tax-exempt and governmental entities. This toolkit is designed to help local government staff and elected officials understand and leverage Direct Pay provisions to enhance community well-being and sustainability.
Understanding Direct Pay: Direct Pay allows eligible entities to receive payments equivalent to tax credits for clean energy projects. This unprecedented move by the federal government is set to catalyze public sector involvement in the clean energy transition.
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Financial Empowerment: Provides immediate access to funds, increasing the scope and scale of potential projects.
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Uplifting Communities: Facilitates investments in clean energy that lead to job creation, economic growth, and improved public health.
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Environmental Justice: Ensures that the benefits of clean energy reach all communities, including those historically underserved.
Eligibility and Applicable Projects:
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Who’s Eligible: State and local governments, tribal entities, rural cooperatives, and more.
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Project Types: Solar and wind installations, EV charging stations, and clean vehicle fleets are among the qualifying projects.
Southern California Edison’s (SCE) Involvement: SCE is at the forefront of supporting clean energy initiatives that align with the IRA’s goals. Our programs offer rebates for home energy retrofits and support the electrification of transportation, which can be combined with Direct Pay benefits.
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Assess Community Needs: Identify potential clean energy projects that align with community goals. Let SCE know if you are planning any clean energy projects or are applying for funding.
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Review SCE Programs: SCE’s rebates and incentives can complement Direct Pay, providing additional financial support.
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Secure Funding: Apply for Direct Pay by meeting the requirements for both the payment and the underlying tax credit.
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Educate and Engage: Raise awareness among community members about the benefits of clean energy projects.
The IRA’s Direct Pay provision is a game-changer for local governments, enabling them to take decisive action towards a sustainable future. With SCE as a strategic partner, communities can harness the full potential of clean energy to create a healthier, more resilient society.
Pet of the Week
Meet Pet of the Week, Hubbard!
Have you ever thought to yourself, gee should I adopt a dog named Hubbard? Well, what do you know, my name is Hubbard! I am here to make your life better with my soulful eyes and irresistible charm.
Fun fact: I'm currently in foster right now! Being in a foster home makes me so happy because I can be my absolute, amazing self and go on new adventures every day. If you like to keep busy like me, we'll be perfect for each other! I enjoy a productive day of playing fetch, loving on humans, and eating delicious food. Keeping myself busy like an accountant during tax season actually puts my mind at ease.
In addition to being a great listener, I'm also a master of commands and I learn quickly with rewards! After an exhausting day of fun, I am a champ during bedtime, and I also do well in a crate while being home alone. I just know, with the right fur parent, we're going to have an amazing life together. Please consider adopting me by calling OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my Animal ID A1824841!
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!
New Food Pantry in Laguna Niguel!
South County Outreach is proud to announce the opening of their second Food Pantry in Laguna Niguel in 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
John Wayne Airport Arts Program
John Wayne Airport is thrilled to share the resounding success of the new direction of the Arts Program in supporting local artists and captivating audiences with thought-provoking exhibits. The recent showcase, "Endless Summer," was a hit, with an astonishing 96% of the featured artworks purchased and going to new homes!
Of the 72 single popsicle sculptures, an impressive 69 were sold, alongside one of the seven large popsicle stacks. Additionally, out of the nine paintings by Sarah Steiber on display, two were swiftly snapped up, marking an achievement that surpasses gallery standards.
The overwhelmingly positive response is further evidenced by the feedback received by resin sculpture artist Betsy Enzensberger and the buzz generated by the Vandals' Facebook post about our "That OC Sound" exhibit.
We extend our gratitude to all patrons and artists for their unwavering support, and we look forward to continuing to enrich the airport experience with vibrant and engaging artistry. To learn more about the Arts Program at John Wayne Airport visit https://www.ocair.com/travelers/dine-shop-relax/relax/arts-program
OC Parks: Summer Concerts and Cinema Series 2024!
Save the Date for the OC Parks Summer Concert and Cinema Series in the Fabulous Fifth District District 5!
Earth Day at the Bay: April 20, 2024!
City of Costa Mesa Earth Day Festival - Saturday, April 20
Laguna Niguel Earth Day Celebration: April 20, 2024
Dana Point's Earth Day Scavenger Hunt: April 1 - April 22, 2024
San Clemente Earth Day Beach Cleanup: April 20, 2024
Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce: State of the City Luncheon - April 24, 2024
Join Sherman Library and Gardens for Summer Day Camp Fun!
Monday, June 24 – Thursday, June 27
9 am - 12 pm, Ages 7 - 10
Kick off the summer with a full sensory experience! Discover a kaleidoscope of colors and symphony of sounds as we explore the garden. We will blend science and art as we investigate sweet smells and fuzzy feels. Top off the week by making your own garden-inspired tasty treat. Heighten your senses and discover all the wonders of the gardens!
Monday, July 8 – Thursday, July 11
9 am - 12 pm, Ages 7 - 10
We have a mystery in our garden that only a “Sherman Sleuth” can help solve. Learn how everything from the smallest plants to the largest animals are all connected here. You must search for clues and solve riddles to find what has been hidden. Grab a trusty magnifying glass and join us!
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.
OC Waste and Recycling
FREE Compost on May 4!
Join OC Waste & Recycling for a Free Compost Giveaway in San Juan Capistrano on May 4, 2024, from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Bring your own container and shovel and help create a cleaner, greener Orange County.
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
Bulky Item Disposal
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.
Free Compost and Mulch for OC Residents!
⏰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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