Staff Updates
Jonathan Davis
Policy Advisor
Fifth District, I have news! Today is my last day with the Office of Supervisor Katrina Foley. This is such a bittersweet moment for me, over the past year I have learned so much and have gotten the chance to meet and work alongside incredible people. It has been a joy to meet residents of the Fifth District, many of whom read these newsletter entries and excitedly discuss the topics that I cover each week. Thank you all for reading, and for being so engaged in our community.
Soon, I will transition to the Southern California Association of Governments, where I will serve as the Senior Government Affairs Officer for Orange County. This new chapter of my career will allow me to continue my public service on behalf of Orange County and continue to engage in issues related to housing, transportation, and the environment.
If you read our newsletter, then you already know that we have an incredible team, and that Supervisor Foley is quite literally the hardest working public servant our community has ever seen. Beyond all that hard work, this is office is an incredibly fun place to work, learn, and grow. It definitely helps to continue to advance in a career. If you are interested in serving the Fifth District, I highly recommend that you apply for one of our open positions. You won’t regret it. Take care!
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Adam Tallabas
District Representative
Happy Friday! This week, I attended a planning meeting with OC Parks for our upcoming Flag Day event. As a reminder, our ceremony will be held on June 14 at 6 p.m. at Dana Cove Park in Dana Point Harbor! We encourage you to join us, and would love your help installing 249 full-size American Flags – sign up here!
On Tuesday, I joined the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce in honoring the Student-Athletes of Newport Harbor High School, Corona del Mar High School and Sage Hill School.
Wednesday, I attended Pride in Irvine to celebrate Harvey Milk Day. Our office is proud to support events celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, and we are so excited for Pride Month upcoming!
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Sarah D'Agostino
District Representative: Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Ladera Ranch and Rancho Mission Viejo
Hello, District 5! I am always thrilled to celebrate new businesses, especially in my hometown of Laguna Niguel. This Tuesday, I had the pleasure of attending the grand opening of Legends Seafood and Steakhouse, located at 31371 Niguel Rd, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677. This fantastic new restaurant offers a unique take on Italian-inspired cuisine, all served in a stylish and formal dining setting. With a creative menu, exceptional cocktails, and great prices, Legends Seafood and Steakhouse is poised to become a must-visit spot in Laguna Niguel. Make sure to experience this legendary new dining destination for yourself!
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On Thursday, I had the privilege of attending the Save Our Youth (SOY) Senior Scholarship Award Reception. Witnessing the achievements and potential of these remarkable students was truly inspiring. Congratulations to all the Newport Mesa Unified School District students graduating this year – a bright future awaits you!
Tyler Mosher
District Representative: Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Coto de Caza
Hi, D5! Last Friday, I presented a certificate of recognition to the City of Laguna Beach Public Works Department for completing access and safety improvements to Moss Street Beach. Along with an improved guard rail and staircase, the project included a new lifeguard tower to ensure safety for residents. Thank you to Senator Min for funding this important project.
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(Also pictured: CA State Senator Dave Min, Laguna Beach Mayor Sue Kempf, Laguna Beach Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi, Laguna Beach Councilmember Mark Orgill, CA State Assemblywoman Diane Dixon, Laguna Beach Councilmember George Weiss.)
This Thursday, I attended two ribbon cuttings with the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce at fabulous local businesses in District 5. Congratulations to both The Chakra Shack and Soulshine Laguna!
This morning, I attended the christening of Laguna Beach Marine Safety Department’s new marine rescue vessel, Wave Watch. The state-of-the-art vessel will play a vital role in rescue missions along Laguna Beach’s coastline starting this summer and bridges a critical gap in the Marine Safety Department’s offshore response capabilities and on-water emergency operations.
(Also pictured: Laguna Beach Marine Safety Captain Kai Bond, Laguna Beach Mayor Sue Kempf, Laguna Beach Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi)
Rachel Carr
Policy Intern Covering Juvenile Justice
Greetings, District Five!
This Thursday, I worked with fellow Policy Intern Christine and the Supervisor to prepare for our upcoming Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council meeting, the county's local body facilitating programs to reduce youth recidivism in Orange County. We reviewed material ranging from the annual budget to our latest Juvenile Justice Realignment Plan with the Supervisor. I love seeing the impact of these community-based organizations within the district and collaborating to improve outcomes for system-involved youth.
I'm happy to share that I graduated from Orange Coast College today! Congratulations to my fellow graduates.
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Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
Last Saturday, our new intern Tula and I engaged with our Fabulous Fifth older residents at the Community Resource Expo at Oasis Senior Center in Corona del Mar. Over 450,000 older adults (aged 65 and older) account for 14.3% of Orange County’s population. Our office remains enthusiastic supporters of expanding services for our growing senior population.
The next morning, Tula and I hosted a booth at Dana Point Harbor Foundation’s Aquafest. This celebration of boating safety checked all the boxes: quality free life jacket giveaways, environmental resources The event highlight for me, however, was dancing the Electric Slide with Tula, event staff and boaters!
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Christine Park
District / Policy Intern
I hope everyone enjoyed an eventful and fun-filled week. Last Saturday, I attended an OCTA E-Bike Rodeo with our new intern Willie and learned about E-Bike safety. This event hosted by OCTA showcased obstacle courses and a demonstration of how to properly ride. So many families came out to test out new bikes on the road and try out these awesome courses.
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Tula Larsen
Policy/District Intern
My name is Tula Larsen, and I recently completed my freshman year at Emory University, where I plan on studying Environmental Science and Political Science. While I love all realms of District and Policy work, I am especially interested in working with environmental and clean energy legislation. I bring experience in lobbying on a local and national level for clean energy permitting reform and working on an environmental education curricula project, as well as passion for all types of environmental advocacy.
After beginning in the office a week ago, I joined Olivia in running a booth at the Dana Point Aquatic Foundation’s Aquafest, where I learned more about the Dana Point residents that the Supervisor represents.
Outside of the office, I enjoy songwriting and playing music (I primarily play guitar, bass guitar, piano, drums and ukulele). I also love watching Netflix, thrifting and playing with my dog.
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Aayush Manapat
Policy Intern
Hi District Five! I’m Aayush Manapat, and I am a rising senior at USC. I am super passionate about learning how to improve our county’s infrastructure to provide for our expanding and flourishing population. I am particularly interested in transportation and housing policy. Although this was my first week in the office, I was already hard at work to learn about the ways in which our office can best help our wonderful constituents. On Monday, I attended a planning meeting for our draft sustainability plan of action which works towards updating and upgrading facilities to make them sustainability standard compliant, expanding our efforts to ensure the County of Orange is resilient to climate change in every aspect of our operations and creating new, clean, green jobs for all. On Thursday, I also sat in on our Capital Infrastructure Planning meeting with the Public Works department where we worked on creating a cohesive plan of action and policies to improve public services for all Orange County constituents from library services to dock and harbor upkeep for years to follow. I look forward to continuing to work for the people of Orange County this summer!
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Join Team Foley - Apply by June 14
Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley seeks a Policy Advisor with the ability to move forward the Supervisor’s priorities and initiatives with a passion for public service and changing the status quo. Under the supervision of the Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff, the Policy Advisor is responsible for preparing memos related to the Board of Supervisors and appointed committees and commissions, as well as briefing the Supervisor and staff on pending agenda items under consideration. The ideal candidate will have an enthusiasm for public policy and have experience in professional writing, research, staffing, and working in a collaborative manner to deliver results for Orange County residents. The preferred candidate will have policy/legislative experience in the areas of homelessness, housing, public safety, the environment, local/state/federal governments, infrastructure, transportation and/or the courts are strongly preferred. Learn more and apply here.
Commission Updates
John Wayne Airport Commission Report from Commissioner Sue Dvorak
The Airport Commission considered two items at the May 15, 2024 meeting. You can watch the meeting video recording and read more about these items by visiting the Airport Commission page.
Agenda Item #2: Approve 2024 Capital Improvement Programs and Senate Bill 1 Project List
The Airport Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the 2024 Capital Improvement Programs and related reports to support the OC Public Works’ $700M+ project improvements for John Wayne Airport.
Agenda Item #3: Award Airport Executive-Level Program Management Services Contract
The Airport Commission voted unanimously to recommend awarding a contract for Executive-level Program Management (EPM) to PMG Executive Program Management, LLC in an amount not to exceed $4.2M for three years with the option to renew for one additional two-year term. The EPM will provide specialized program management services to help ensure smooth implementation of JWA’s $700M+ Capital Improvement Programs and help minimize operational impacts.
Assistant Airport Director and Deputy Airport Director for Commercial Development Named
Congratulations are in order for two John Wayne Airport staff members who have been promoted to key airport roles.
Komal Kumar has been named Assistant Airport Director for John Wayne Airport. In this position, she will be responsible for operations, administration, planning, and development activities. Ms. Kumar has worked for John Wayne Airport for eight years, holding the titles of Deputy Airport Director, Finance Administration; Finance and Fiscal Administrative Manager; and Budget Manager.
Amy Goethals was recently named Deputy Airport Director, Commercial and Revenue Development. Amy has played a key role in the creation and implementation of the multi-phase concession development program at JWA, and in her new role, she is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring all commercial real estate property contracts at JWA.
Dana Point Harbor Update
Dana Point Harbor Oversight Advisory Committees’ (DPHOAC) May meeting began with Christian Gagne, Dana Point Harbor Oversight Manager, presenting a consolidated list of public questions regarding the announced slip rate increase. He assured that answers would be provided at the next meeting and posted online. Following Christian’s update, Kelly Rinderknecht, General Manager of the Marina, and Bryon Ward of Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP) presented their detailed the rationale for the slip rate increase, comparing data from Orange County marinas. Robert Lanagan, DPHOAC Chair, challenged this rationale, arguing for a broader market definition that includes all Southern California Tideland Grant marinas. Despite the disagreement, Ward affirmed compliance with lease terms and justified the rate increase for ongoing harbor revitalization. In support of full transparency regarding the harbor revitalization, Supervisor Foley committed to funding a broader market study for future rate evaluations. The meeting concluded with updates from the Orange County Parks department on various projects surrounding the harbor. You can read the full, detailed report from the meeting minutes on Supervisor Foley’s website.
We encourage residents, Boaters, and concerned community members to join our DPH Oversight Committee’s Public Town Hall on June 21, 2024 at 8:30 am at Coffee Importers.
Health News
Aliso Viejo Fentanyl Town Hall - June 4
Community Health Resource Fair - June 8
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 June, OCTA will conduct two e-bike safety rodeos and two virtual workshops.
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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.
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
New MentalHealth.CA.Gov Website Helps Californians Access Support, Provides Transparency on Proposition 1 & California’s Transformation of Behavioral Health
It is now easier for Californians to connect with mental health services, including crisis services, counseling and treatment, real-time support, and specialized resources for children, youth, and older adults.
The office of the CA Governor recently announced MentalHealth.CA.Gov, a new state website offering life-saving resources, links to mental health support hotlines, and resources for all Californians - from youth and young adults, to older Californians, parents and families, veterans, and everyone in between.
It also includes key information on California’s behavioral health system transformation - accelerated by Prop 1 - and links to program and policy specifics.
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, Elton!
Of all the Dobermans you'll ever meet, I think I'm going to be your favorite. My name is Elton and I would like to be your forever furry friend!
I've been in foster care since last December and oh boy, I am loving it so much. I get along well with my foster siblings (3 small dogs and 1 cat) and I love my foster family (2 adults and 2 teenagers)! I love meeting new people, especially if they want to play catch with me, and I also love a good game of chase with other dogs if they're up for it!
When I see my foster family lounging around, I love going over and resting my head on their lap; it's this peaceful and content feeling I absolutely live for! I'm also a lover of hugs and belly rubs, I enjoy being brushed, and I like to sit next to you and cuddle. Overall, I think I'm a great candidate for adoption! Can you please schedule a visit with me to see if we're meant to be? Please call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my Animal ID A1845509!
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!
Home Electrification Fair - May 29
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!
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.
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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