Staff Updates
Adam Tallabas
District Representative
Feliz viernes, District 5! This week, I continued final preparations for our joint Health Fair with CalOptima this Saturday. I look forward to seeing the public’s needs met by the vendors and services available at Lyon’s Park from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. I also placed finishing touches on our Flag Day and Army’s Birthday Celebration taking place on June 14, 2024 at 6 p.m. at Baby Beach in Dana Point. Please join us for an afternoon of celebration. On Tuesday, I attended the Grand Opening of the Mesa Teen Center at The Boys & Girls Club of Costa Mesa. This new destination provides teens in the Newport-Mesa community an invaluable space for meeting, studying, and achieving their academic goals.
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![adam1](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/06/9618572/5500556/img-4371-preview_crop.jpg) With Chief Operations Officer Kristle Duran and Director of Teen Services Elaine Le.
On Thursday, I joined the Chinese-American Club of Laguna Woods for their Dragon Boat Festival Party! I enjoyed a wonderful time learning more about Chinese culture, music and food.
![Laguna Woods](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/06/9619939/image-9_original.jpeg) Finishing out the week, I will attend the Save Our Youth Annual Celebration tonight. Our office appreciates Save Our Youth’s important work in Costa Mesa for at-risk youth!
Tyler Mosher
District Representative
Hi, D5! This week I helped our office prepare for the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday. At the meeting, the Board received and filed the South Orange County Regional Coastal Resilience Strategic Plan which seeks to form a collaborative of regional stakeholders under one umbrella organization and create a comprehensive plan for saving our beaches.
I also assisted Supervisor Foley in writing a letter to the California Coastal Commission supporting the issuance of a waiver to allow the placement of sand on North Beach in San Clemente. This project, in collaboration with OC Parks and the Orange County Transportation Authority, will benefit all entities and protect critical infrastructure by adding necessary sand to San Clemente’s coast. Let’s save our beaches together. 🌊
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Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
Happy Friday D5!
Ever driven a 1966 convertible Chevy Impala with the wind in your hair? I had not, but this week, Christine and I came close at the Juvenile Hall Youth Council Car Show. Classic car owners assembled with the OC Juvenile Hall Youth Council for dynamic discussion about the dedication required of obtaining and maintaining such cars. The owner of the car Christine and I sat in built its engine with his high school Auto Shop students. He hopes to create a similar program with Orange County Juvenile Youth, with aims of helping them earn automotive technician certificates and steady careers. I look forward to hearing more about such desistance programs through the Supervisor’s involvement with the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council.
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Christine Park
District Intern
As the school season comes to an end, I hope everyone is thrilled for summer to start!
This Thursday I attended a Grand Opening at Chicky Chicky Boutique a new women’s clothing shop in Costa Mesa offering music, refreshments, and a fun experience for all customers. A new store you should definitely check out for the latest and most fashionable pieces.
On Friday, I attended the Small Business Resources Fair in Costa Mesa with our new intern Tula. This event hosts residents as well as other county related and nonrelated organizations. During the event, I passed out resources for small businesses in D5 and helps owners connect with the county.
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![christine1](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/06/9618714/5500558/img-0174_crop.jpg)
Willie Rounaghi
Policy Intern
Last week, I attended the grand opening of Sonders Woods Cove, a new motel in Laguna Beach. After many years of vacancy and construction on the property, Sonders stepped in and turned the establishment into a great, comfortable stay for all guests. I talked to many residents of Laguna Beach and learned more about the unique history and persistent culture of the town.
Through studying and analyzing Board agenda items, and frequenting events around the community, such as grand openings in Laguna Beach and the Aliso Viejo Opioid Forum for Spanish-speakers, I continue gaining a greater, wholistic understanding of District 5 and county governance.
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Aayush Manapat
Policy Intern
Hi District Five!
This week I presented certs at the Grand Opening of Everleigh Senior Living Community in San Clemente and participated in their ribbon cutting ceremony. I enjoyed meeting the people of south county and learning about the great facilities that Everleigh provides, helping enrich the lives of our respected seniors.
I also helped prepare for the first of June’s three Board meetings and tracked progress on some policy areas I’m working on. Such areas included approving the contract policy manual to ensure that all government work is legitimate and provided by the best possible providers in the public interest through fair and competitive processes. I learned a lot! Have a great weekend!
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Tula Larsen
Policy Intern
I celebrated Wells of Life at their Open House, where I learned about their incredible work in providing East Africa with clean water access. I feel proud of the impactful work of our county’s non-profit organizations.
I also attended the Grand Opening of YogaSix in Laguna Niguel, and I learned about the county’s resources for physical and mental wellness. YogaSix provides a plethora of experiences, from sculpting workouts to restorative classes in a sensory room.
I continue to learn more about the County’s resources and goals every day I come into the office. I am so excited to keep learning and engaging with the Fifth District!
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Landon Russell
Policy Intern
My name is Landon, a new intern here in Supervisor Katrina Foley’s office. I am a graduate of Sonoma State University, where I majored in political science, and I am a Dana Point resident.
On Monday, I helped prepare for this week’s Board meeting, where I gained valuable insight into how the Board operates and everything that goes into decisions made at these meetings. Additionally, I assisted with the preparation of certificates for several new businesses opening in our District. I look forward to learning more during my time here and engaging with our wonderful community at upcoming events!
Meghan Bartsch
Policy Intern
Hi District 5! My name is Meghan Bartsch. I am rising sophomore at Claremont McKenna College, where I plan on studying public policy and legal studies. Last Saturday, Tula and I attended the “Map to Happy” Teen Wellness Fair in Newport Beach. I enjoyed seeing the community join together to learn about the importance of teen health with healthy snacks, therapy dogs and a silent disco!
This week, I helped prepare for the most recent Board of Supervisors meetings and learned about the needs of our district by reviewing City Council meetings online. I feel excited to keep learning and working for the people of the Fifth District this summer!
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.
OC Parks Update: Innovative Nature-Based Shoreline Adaptation Project at Capistrano and Doheny Beaches Project Secures Monumental Funding
![oc parks](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/06/9625012/5502988/screen-shot-2024-06-07-at-1-36-14-pm_crop.png) Photo simulation of completed project.
The efforts of OC Parks to preserve Orange County coastline reached a significant milestone with the award of a substantial federal grant.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded the proposed project a $9.8 million Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). The grant will fund OC Parks’ nature-based project to help slow erosion along the County’s Capistrano Beach and Doheny State Beach.
The project, aimed at preserving and enhancing natural ecosystems while bolstering community resilience against climate-related disasters, received an extraordinary boost with the combined investment of the $9.8 million BRIC program and an additional $220,000 from the California Ocean Protection Council’s Senate Bill 1 (SB1) Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program.
This grant funding received helps move forward the County’s sustainability efforts and initiatives. Receiving this grant underscores the growing recognition of the vital role that nature-based solutions play in mitigating the impacts of sea level rise. OC Parks continues to explore additional opportunities to secure the remaining funding needed to complete the approximately $20 million proposed project.
This month’s meeting of the Dana Point Oversight Advisory Committee opened with Supervisor Foley setting the agenda for the session and sharing an overview of the discussions about slip fee increases. She responded to questions and explained the plan to present the rate options to the committee for input and feedback before issuing notices was thwarted when the Marina sent notices out in April. To avoid future communication failures, the DP Harbor Partners will meet every 2 weeks with CEO Real Estate and Supervisor Foley for progress and planning updates. The County also will hire an appraiser to analyze the slip fee rates and determine a methodology for establishing fair market rate fees based on factors discussed and agreed to by the committee. Christian Gagne, the Dana Point Harbor Oversight Manager for the County of Orange, presented an overview of the public comments submitted that will be responded to in a table on the Supervisor’s home page regarding the slip rate increases announced in May by the Dana Point Harbor Partners. In addition, Mat Miller, Chief Real Estate Officer for the County of Orange, led a discussion regarding the factors that should be considered in a “study” of the Dana Point Harbor Marina to determine what the slip rate “market” is for the harbor. This study is to be used for analyzing future rate increases and whether they should be tiered or uniform across all slip lengths. Supervisor Foley also announced that the $10 million harbor dredging project will begin in late 2024 with a completion in the summer of 2025. 45,000 cubic yards of sand taken out will fortify the Capo Beach shoreline.
Michael Wilson of OC Parks then gave a quick update regarding the ongoing projects by his department in the DPH including; the Sailing and Event Center space planning initiative and re-roof project, a remodel of the Baby Beach picnic shelters scheduled for 2025 and that the County has received approximately $5 million in grant funding to design and implement a plan to secure the hillside above Cove Road. Read the full report here.
The committee requested that the Marina refresh the waitlist and remove duplicate names, and report back on the value of the waitlist deposit fund, how much interest accrued, and that legal staff analyze whether an affordable slip program is allowable and needed.
Health News
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.
Transportation News
E-Bike Update
This week, the Board of Supervisors approved the e-bike ordinance includes common-sense provisions such as grouping restrictions, sidewalk speed limits, helmets for minors, requirements for yielding to pedestrians and equestrians and for an audible alarm when overtaking, consequences for driving without a license when required, and more. Read the ordinance here.
Upcoming TCA Road Closures
![TCA closure](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/06/9624548/tca-closures-06-9-24-dragged_original.png) ![TCA closure 2](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/06/9624550/tca-closures-06-9-24-dragged-2_original.png)
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.
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Virtual E-Bike Safety Workshops: Join the Virtual E-Bike Safety Workshops offered in June. This 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, Hodges!
![pet of the week hodges](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/06/9618533/5500561/a1861837-3_crop.jpg) Hi everyone, I’m Hodges! A Doberman Pinscher Mix. I’m just a pup at 1 year and 2 months old, but I already love being around people and giving and receiving affection.
I am also quite intelligent and love to learn new tricks, especially if treats are involved! I love being outside enjoying long walks, running in the yard, and plenty of playtime. But at the end of a long day, I’d love nothing more than cuddling up right beside you.
I’m looking to join a loving family who is willing to work with me as I grow to become the best version of myself and isn’t afraid of size!
If you’d like to be my new paw-rents and love on me for years to come, please call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my Animal ID A1861837. I can't wait to meet you and start our new adventure together!
![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!
Register for Summer Camp Scholarships at Westwind Sailing!
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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