Staff Updates
Jonathan Davis
Policy Advisor
Earlier today, Governor Newsom released his May Revise which is an important step in the California’s budget development process that kicks off the final rounds of negotiations between the Governors Office and state legislative leaders before the budget is passed in June. The May Revise offers insights into how the state will likely tackle the current budget deficit problem, which Governor Newsom expects will be $27.6 billion this year, as well as ongoing deficits of around $30 billion per year beginning in 2025. The states budget has a massive impact on the county and the services that we are able to provide to residents.
I spent part of my week analyzing the proposed cuts and deferrals outlined in the Governors May Revise, and analyzed the impact that this will have on core services provided by the county. Our office will continue to work with county staff on minimizing disruptions and on working with state legislative partners on advancing on our priorities in the states budget. Stay tuned for more developments on this issue!
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Adam Tallabas
District Representative
Good afternoon District 5! This week, I attended the Great Park Development Open House in Irvine. There, I learned about the exciting new developments coming to Irvine’s Great Park, including:
Brand new retail/food space, botanical gardens, a temporary amphitheater and more! I am excited for the future of what will become the nation’s largest municipal park.
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![great park](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/05/9469491/great-park_original.png) Later in the week, I attended the grand opening of Shake Shack in Costa Mesa – their second location in Orange County.
![shake shack](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/05/9469514/microsoftteams-image-491_original.png) To end the week, I attended IKEA Costa Mesa & Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s Breakfast Business Mixer & Ribbon Cutting for their new B2B planning space inside their Workspaces Department.
Sarah D'Agostino
District Representative: Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Ladera Ranch and Rancho Mission Viejo
Hello, District 5! Sunday evening, I had the honor of attending the 11th Annual Crystal Apple Awards. This event celebrates educators who go above and beyond for their students to succeed. Nominated by their students, these remarkable teachers are praised for their outstanding commitment to furthering student education.
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![sarah awards](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/05/9469486/sarah_original.png) On Tuesday, I attended the Grand Opening of Bricks and Minifigs in Laguna Niguel. Bricks and Minifigs is a store which offers an abundance of Legos and small figures for all to enjoy.
![ribbon cutting](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/05/9469499/microsoftteams-image-500_original.png) Our first of Supervisor Foley's Fresh Air Fridays approaches! Join us on May 24, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. 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
Last Saturday, I attended the City of Laguna Niguel’s Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. Congratulations to those recognized for all you do for Orange County residents.
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![josh newman](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/05/9469457/microsoftteams-image-495_original.png) Here I am with State Senator Josh Newman!
At Tuesday’s San Juan Capistrano City Council meeting, I presented a certificate of recognition from Supervisor Foley to Marco Forester Middle School celebrating their designation as a 2024 California Distinguished School. Marco Forester received this prestigious award for excelling in two areas: closing the achievement gap and delivering exceptional student performance.
Later on Tuesday night, I attended the Laguna Canyon Road: Protect & Connect Community Workshop in Laguna Beach. There, city staff proposed potential improvements to Laguna Canyon Road, which serves as a critical transportation route for everyday and emergency use. I enjoyed listening to feedback from Laguna Beach residents on this project and will brief the Supervisor next week.
![yogurtland](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/05/9469483/tm-yogurtland_original.png) ![anytime fitness](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/05/9469498/microsoftteams-image-525_original.png) Ribbon cuttings celebrating new San Clemente businesses with San Clemente City Councilmember Rick Loeffler
Rachel Carr
Policy Intern
Hello, District 5! This week, I participated in Good Morning Corona Del Mar with special guest speaker, Charlene Reynolds, the Director of John Wayne Airport. She detailed the Airport’s initiatives for capital improvement, dedication to public safety, and integration of John Wayne Airport into the community through proactive engagement. The airport actively monitors all aviation noise, and the public can access this information either through the office of the director, or online via WebTrack, a partnership with John Wayne Airport, which also records sound decibels for overhead flights. Have a fantastic weekend.
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Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
Happy Friday District 5! Last weekend, I provided resources on local environmental initiatives and info at the Dana Point Film Festival (DPFF) supported by Supervisor Foley. The DPFF threw its second 4-day ocean-inspired Endless Summer film fest, celebrating our oceans by showcasing films that recognize the importance of keeping our oceans clean and healthy. Alongside film screenings, DPFF offered free family-friendly movie nights at Salt Creek Beach, and live music performances by local legends like Common Sense. The Supervisor champions this celebration of ocean conservation, climate education and local artists!
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Christine Park
District / Policy Intern
This week I have been working on certificates for many different organizations including the Girl Scouts of Orange County. Our D5 girl scouts have been working all year to relate to the needs of our community. From standing for tireless hours in front of shops to sell cookies, to endless meetings with their troop, these girl scouts have proven dedication and leadership to serve the county.
Congrats to the scouts who reached the Gold Award, the highest-level award! These girls are outstanding in everyway, not just in the Girl Scouts but in their everyday lives.
Madison Lewis – Newport Coast
Katie Pfeiffer – Aliso Viejo
Tara Smith – Ladera Ranch
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Commission Updates
John Wayne Airport Commission Update from Sue Dvorak
Get ready for some BIG changes at the airport! The Concessions Redevelopment Program will bring exciting new OC-based and nationally recognized retailers and restaurants to John Wayne Airport, and host lively local musical entertainment in an effort to create a fun atmosphere and help define a “sense of place” for guests.
Agenda Item #2: Approve Job Order Contracts for Pavement Maintenance and Repair Services
The Airport Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of two Job Order Contracts (JOCs) with All American Asphalt and Sully-Miller Contracting Co. in the amount of $5M each for a total of $10M effective through May, 2025. The anticipated usage is expected to reach approximately $7M with the balance reserved for unplanned task orders and emergencies.
Agenda Item #3: Approve Amendment #2 with Siemens Industry, Inc.
The Airport Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval to renew a Subordinate Contract with Siemens Industry, Inc. for facility security, fire, and building automation systems in an amount not to exceed a revised cumulative total of $1.4M through April, 2025.
Agenda Item #4: Approve Concession Leases for the Concession Development Program
The Airport Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval to execute Concession Lease Agreements with operators so that JWA can move forward with the Concession Development Program implementation to redevelop and revitalize 45,000 sf of new concessions. The redevelopment program will be on-going through 2027. The total capital investment from the concession packages is approximately $49.6M.
Dana Point Harbor Update
The May 1st Oversight Committee meeting was postponed – it is now scheduled for May 21st. The questions we’ve received will be asked to DPHP when they present the draft 5-year plan. If you have any questions you’d like to have asked at the meeting please send them to Alyssa.Napuri@ocgov.com and DPHOversight@ocgov.com
We encourage residents, Boaters, and concerned community members to join Foley’s Fresh Air Fridays walk through the Harbor May 24, 2024 at 8:30 am, and our DPH Oversight Committee’s Public Town Hall on June 21, 2024 at 8:30 am at Coffee Importers.
Health News
SAVE THE DATE: Fentanyl Town Halls in Aliso Viejo: May 16 and June 4
![opioids and fentanyl town hall with supervisor foley](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/04/9344515/screen-shot-2024-04-18-at-4-25-39-pm_original.png)
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!
Community Health Resource Fair - June 8
![caloptima fair](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/05/9469409/5445556/6-8-24-community-health-resource-fair-v-5-1_crop.png)
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.
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 - May 30
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.
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
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, Melinda!
![melinda](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/05/9469590/melinda_original.jpg) Hey everyone, I'm Melinda, your fabulous three-year-old pittie with oodles of charm! I arrived at OC Animal Care over one year ago as a stray but found my way into foster care 8 months ago! Before my foster adventures began, I was already a cool gal who knew how to sit, loves pets, and playing in the yard. Now that I've been in foster, I am proud to say that I've added 7 more tricks!
- Stay? I shall freeze like a statue.
- Down? Okay, let me get comfortable.
- Heel? I'm right beside ya!
- Come? Wait for me!
- Leave it? Okay, fine.
- Forward? Baby steps in a straight line, easy peezy!
- Easy/Gentle? Soft boops only, got it.
Once we're acquainted, I play really well and will dazzle you with how smart I am! I've only hung out with a few other furry pals, so I believe I'll shine brightest as the only pet in the home. I want to give a massive shout out to my foster mom for shaping me into the perfect, adoptable pet! Will you do her proud and make me the happiest girl by welcoming me into your home? Please call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my animal ID A1810896 to adopt me!
![ocac foster](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/02/9000721/screen-shot-2024-02-15-at-12-06-04-pm_original.png) 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!
City of Costa Mesa Skate Park Expansion Design Input Meeting - May 11
Join my office and the City of Costa Mesa for the Skate Park Design Input Meeting on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 10 AM - 12 PM at the Costa Mesa Skate Park (900 Arlington Drive). Take our survey here.
Older Americans Month with OC Public Libraries!
Join us with OC Public Libraries for a celebration of Older Americans Month. 💙
On May 16, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., San Clemente Library will host a Senior Get-Together! Join in on trivia, Charlie Cart food, Library of Things demonstration, scanning party, adult craft and representatives from community partners: CalOptima, CalFresh, OC Waste & Recycling, OC Animal Care, OC Office on Aging and San Clemente Historical Society!
Work together with someone from another generation to create a beautiful piece of art on May 21 at 2 p.m. at Laguna Woods Library!
Home Electrification Fair - May 29
OC Parks: Summer Concerts and Cinema Series 2024!
![oc parks summer concerts](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/04/9277144/5370940/summer-concerts-2024_crop.png) ![oc parks summer cinema](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/04/9277163/5370941/oc-parks-summer-cinema-2024_crop.png) Save the Date for the OC Parks Summer Concert and Cinema Series in the Fabulous Fifth District District 5!
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!
![marine life tour](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/02/9006178/5266032/whale-and-marine-life-tour_crop.png)
OC Workforce One-Stop: OPEN NOW!
![one-stop](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2023/07/7982373/4883847/one-stop-final_crop.png) 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
![ca parks pass](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/03/9088595/capp-twitter-post_original.png) 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.
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
![benefits cal](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2023/05/7648035/4757566/english-benefitscal-social-media_crop.png) 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
![ON THE JOB TRAINING](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2023/02/7139058/screen-shot-2023-02-10-at-3-37-37-pm_original.png)
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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