Staff Updates
Adam Tallabas
District Representative
Happy Friday! This week, I joined countless community groups and the Small Business Diversity Network to commemorate AANHPI Heritage Month at OC Music & Dance! There, we heard from OCTA Chair & owner of Advance Beauty College Tam Nguyen and Philanthropist & founder of Pick Up Stix (AKA one of my favorite restaurants in college) Charlie Zhang! I enjoyed learning about Charlie’s inspiring story as a Chinese immigrant who became an extremely successful businessowner in the United States.
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![adam 5.31.24](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/05/9583981/5488761/image-1-3_crop.jpg) Additionally, I continued preparing for this year’s Flag Day & Army’s Birthday Celebration. Mark your calendars for June 14, 2024 at 6 p.m. at Dana Cove Park (the park behind Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor)! We will install 249 full-size American flags to honor the 249 years the flag has flown over our soil. Volunteer to help us install the flags on June 12, 2024 here.
Sarah D'Agostino
District Representative: Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Ladera Ranch and Rancho Mission Viejo
Hi District 5! Today I share bittersweet news: today is my last day with the Office of Supervisor Foley. My time here was truly invaluable, and words cannot fully capture the depth of my gratitude.
Starting as an intern and eventually transitioning to a full-time position, I gained incredibly meaningful experiences and skills. Working in this office provided me with a firsthand view of Supervisor Foley's tireless dedication to serving our community. Her commitment and passion constantly inspire and educate me.
I am deeply thankful for the opportunities and the connections I built within the District 5 community. This position allowed me the opportunity to pursue my passion in a new role working with domestic violence victims. I’ll continue to serve.
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Tyler Mosher
District Representative: Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Coto de Caza
This afternoon, I presented certificates to the City of San Clemente, the Office of Congressman Mike Levin, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers celebrating the successful completion of the first half of the San Clemente Shoreline Replenishment Project. Since April, this project added more than 100,000 cubic yards of sand to the beach along the San Clemente Pier. The Army Corps will return to finish the second half of the project in the Fall. The Supervisor commends all entities involved in this project for their hard work and collaboration to bring this project to fruition and save San Clemente’s beaches.
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![tyler san clemente 5.31.24](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/05/9583878/tyler_original.jpg) US Army Corps of Engineers 64th Commander, Los Angeles District Colonel Andrew Baker, Congressman Mike Levin, San Clemente Mayor Victor Cabral.
Rachel Carr
Policy Intern Covering Juvenile Justice
Happy Friday District Five!
This week, I participated in our policy team’s group agenda briefing for the upcoming Board of Supervisors meeting on June 4, 2024. We covered all items in detail with the entire team. I enjoyed hearing in-depth analyses from my fellow team members and policy interns about proposed programs and services within our county. Briefing policy is one of my favorite aspects of working on Team Foley. I love learning how policy works at the county level and seeing programs and grants from the state come to life to help our local residents.
Have a wonderful weekend.
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Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
This weekend, I look forward to joining my fellow intern Christine at the Juvenile Hall Classic Car Show. The Classic Car Show is a project of the Juvenile Hall Youth Council and provides the youth within our facilities a prosocial outdoor experience where they can see beautiful vehicles of all types and learn about the hard work that is required to obtain and maintain them.
Although this is not a public event and does not have a formal program, this event offers us an opportunity for spending quality time with our amazing Juvenile Hall Youth Council and staff and check out some gorgeous cars.
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Willie Rounaghi
Policy Intern
I attended the Laguna Beach Memorial Day event this week. The highlight of the event for me: a Gold Star mother's speech, sharing a compelling story about her son’s life and tragic death in service of our country. Through tirelessly helping Active Servicemembers, she honors her son and exemplifies the redeeming power of purpose and selflessness.
I enjoyed taking the time to fully appreciate what Memorial Day means to so many families and loved ones in my hometown.
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![Laguna Beach Lieutenant Cornelius Ashton](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/05/9581425/5488763/img-cbc1f636a9f4-1_crop.jpeg) Here I am with Laguna Beach Lieutenant Cornelius Ashton.
![Laguna Beach City Council Member Mark Orgill](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/05/9581431/5488764/img-2696b855a63d-1_crop.jpeg) Laguna Beach Council Member Mark Orgill and I.
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.
Spent Fuel Solutions Update from Consultant Chris Wahl
Earlier this month, Spent Fuel Solutions’ co-chairs, San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond and Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, and I visited Washington, D.C. to meet with Congressional leaders. During the meetings, we shared our policy priorities and discussed the importance of amending the Nuclear Waste Policy Act. Advisory Council member Tom Isaacs joined us for these briefings, which included staff from the House and Senate committees of jurisdiction and members of the California delegation.
While legislation is unlikely to move forward this session, we are optimistic that starting work on a House and/or Senate bill is possible next year. To that end, we will continue engaging federal leaders on this important issue and building bipartisan support to ensure success when legislation is introduced. This approach will help us leverage the considerable momentum we are seeing due to a House subcommittee hearing last month, DOE’s consent-based siting efforts, and ongoing leadership from Rep. Mike Levin and Rep. Scott Peters, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Spent Fuel and Waste Disposition Paul Murray, and others.
We are also excited to announce that Assemblywoman Laurie Davies and Senator Catherine Blakespear have officially introduced a joint resolution that calls on Congress to prioritize the federal government’s obligation to provide a home for the spent fuel in California and 33 other states across the nation. It also urges Congress and the U.S. DOE to take action on recommendations in the Blue Ribbon Commission’s final report on America's Nuclear Future. Additional information about the resolution is available here.
ICYMI: Dana Point Harbor Advisory Commitee Meeting Report from May 21 Meeting
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.
Health News
Aliso Viejo Fentanyl Town Hall - June 4
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
Upcoming TCA Road Closures:
![tca1](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/05/9583750/5488765/screen-shot-2024-05-31-at-11-46-41-am_crop.png)
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.
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, Leo!
![leo pet of the week 5.31.24](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/05/9571592/5488767/leo-a1852272_crop.jpg) Hi guys, I'm Leo! I dream of joining the ranks of famous Leos like the painter, actor, and ninja turtle, but what I want most is to be YOUR Leo. At only one year and seven months young, I've been on a journey of self-improvement to become the perfect companion for you!
When I arrived at OC Animal Care over four months ago, I was shy and unsure. The new environment made me feel small, and I wasn't ready to show my true self. However, with time, patience, and lots of love, I've blossomed! I'm thrilled to announce that I'm ready for adoption! I've worked hard on trust and self-control, and I'm an excellent sitter, especially when there are treats involved.
I'm looking for a pawrent who can give me the affection and love I crave, but also be firm with me when I need guidance. Sometimes, I act like the leader, but the puppy in me still needs someone to say, "Okay, Leo, it's time to go home!" Can you be my forever pawrent and take me home today? Please call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my Animal ID A1852272. I can't wait to meet you and start our new adventure together!
Please visit our Pet Adoptions page to see more adoptable pets.
![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!
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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