Staff Updates
Adam Tallabas
District Representative
Hi District Five! Following the resounding success of Flag Day on Friday, I joined the Supervisor and the Butterfly Waystation Committee at the Irvine Eco Fair. This week, I continued the process of planning our next Coffee & Conversations event. Additionally, I worked with our Communications Director Stefanie Lao on preparing the recognitions of LGBTQ+ Pride Month & Gun Violence Prevention Month at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors Meeting! Finally, I continued planning on a fun Animal-related event coming to Irvine later this year 😊 Have a cool weekend!
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Tyler Mosher
District Representative
Hi D5! This week, I helped our office prepare for our Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, June 25.
On Tuesday, I presented a certificate to Tony Pointer for his decades of service as a community emergency response team volunteer with the City of San Juan Capistrano.
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![tyler sjc](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/06/9699660/image-2024-06-21t162025-330_original.jfif) Thursday, I joined the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce for the grand opening of Naked Dog Bistro & Bath. Dog owners in Laguna Beach, look no further for treats, food, and self-service bath and grooming stations.
Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
Happy Friday, D5, and happy summer vacation!
Enjoy family-friendly entertainment under the stars at regional parks with free live music and movie screenings all summer long, brought to you by The County of Orange and OC Parks. Attend all events for FREE, with free parking and food and drink options available for purchase.
OC Parks Summer Concert Series returns with nine free outdoor concerts every Thursday evening, June 20 to Aug. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m.
OC Parks Sunset Cinema film series brings the big screen to the great outdoors in your favorite regional parks, from June 7 through Aug. 30. All ages can enjoy recent blockbusters and popular classics, complete with dynamic pre-show entertainment such as character interactions, DJ-led games and more! Cinema events begin at 6 p.m. with screenings starting after sundown, around 8 p.m.
Save the date for District 5’s live music and movie nights this summer:
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Willie Rounaghi
Policy Intern
This week, Tyler, Aayush, Landon and I attended a tour of the County’s Public Works Glassell Campus. The immersive experience augmented my understanding of the many services the County provides to maintain infrastructure and public safety. The Agriculture Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures Office highlighted the many jobs their crew executes to hold businesses accountable with pesticide use enforcement as well as random checks on gas stations to ensure you pay for a gallon and nothing less. Additionally, we visited the Alert Weather Station which provides accurate weather information for residents as well as essential data for County maintenance teams and authorities to respond to storms. I particularly appreciated the amount of passionate specialist throughout the departments that exhibited their new technology and insights on best practices such as the County drones which help efficiently survey land. At the end of the tour, I operated a CAT excavator in a simulation.
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Aayush Manapat
Policy Intern
This last week I’ve worked on some important policy areas and preparing the Supervisor and our staff to deliberate on policy with as much information as possible. On Friday, I prepared meeting materials for the LOSSAN rail corridor board meeting, where the Supervisor voted on finalizing Pacific Surfliner timings for the upcoming months and expanded its availability and accessibility for the summer. I also worked on preparing for the upcoming board meeting on Tuesday, June 25 and examined some of the important items on the agenda – such as the Secure Gun Storage Ordinance initiated by Supervisor Foley. This ordinance mandates that Gun Owners must lock and securely store their guns when not in use. This is a step towards creating a safer and more secure Orange County and prevents deaths due to accidental gun discharge, guaranteeing the safety of children and families. Have a great weekend D5!
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Tula Larsen
Policy Intern
Last Thursday, I had the honor of attending Tango Laguna’s Grand Opening on the water of Laguna Beach. Tango offers a variety of globally inspired dishes, including delicious tapas and a cocktail bar. Besides having an incredible menu, Tango values community service and city-wide support. They plan on forming charitable partnerships with other local organizations, such as the Laguna Beach Food Pantry, Boys and Girls Club of Laguna Beach, and the Laguna Beach Police Foundation.
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![tango laguna](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/06/9699662/tango-tula_original.png) This Tuesday, I attended the Fifth District’s second public input meeting on the Climate Action Plan, where I learned about the Climate Action Plan’s priorities as well as the impactful work of other county departments in drafting the Climate Action Plan.
Landon Russell
Policy Intern
Last week, we had our Flag Day celebration in my hometown of Dana Point. It was a great turnout, and I enjoyed seeing everyone who came by to look at our installation.
On Monday, Meghan and I attended the 34th Annual Eagle/Lion Open Golf Classic at the Costa Mesa Country Club. It was a pleasure watching the golfers in their element participating in the classic, as well as talking with everyone who was attending and discussing all the work we are doing across the district!
Meghan Bartsch
Policy Intern
Hi District 5! Last week, I attended Oslo Coffee Company’s grand opening in Ladera Ranch. Oslo Coffee Company is inspired by Norwegian family heritage and has a philosophy of celebrating the little moments in life. This week I prepared materials for upcoming meetings, including the next Board of Supervisors meeting. I also helped with and attended Supervisor Foley’s Roundtable on the Status of Women and Girls. Attending this meeting as an intern was a valuable experience. I gained a deeper understanding of how to address challenges for women and girls. It was empowering to see so many community leaders join to discuss issues concerning women such as mental health, social media, and eating disorders.
Dana Point Harbor Advisory Committee Town Hall
This morning, I held a Dana Point Harbor Oversight Town Hall at the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce’s Coffee Chat at Coffee Importers with my DPH Oversight and Advisory Committee and Dana Point City Councilmember Mike Frost, where we checked in with the local community about the project and slip rate fees. I shared about last week’s Coastal Commission meeting where our proposal for two hotels at the harbor received unanimous approval as well as the progress on the day boater parking lots.
![day boater parking](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/06/9699642/parking-lot-day-boater_original.png) Check out the photos below to see the progress of the new parking structure construction.
![parking structure progress](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/06/9699629/parking-structure-progress_original.png) I also answered questions about the rollout of the slip rate fee increases and highlighted the frequently asked questions sheet our county staff created to address many of boater concerns. Access the FAQ sheet here and the Market Rate Factors graphic here that we presented during today's townhall. Stay tuned for an online recording of the townhall.
Health News
From the OC Health Care Agency
With COVID-19 continuing to affect the community, preventive measures and mitigation strategies are strongly recommended. Vaccines and testing also continue to play an important role. Read more here.
CalOptima Health Grant Opportunities:
Click here and complete the Community Event Sponsorship Form!
Transportation News
E-Bike Update
Next week, the Board of Supervisors will approve 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.
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, Moose!
![MOOSE](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CAORANGE/2024/06/9699684/moose-a1847249-1_original.jpg) Hello everyone! I'm Moose, the independent, real-life Garfield you didn't know you needed. I confess, I don't look a whole lot like Garfield, but we sure do share that charming orange fur! I'm an unconventional solo artist who enjoys a bit of attention and petting now and then, but I truly cherish my tranquil solitude. Don't get me wrong, I love affection and can be a total cuddle bug — just let me make the first move to kick off our cuddle session!
I'm also a big fan of playing with toys! I hope you have a variety because I thrive on stimulation and fun. If you're a cat-savvy person who understands the importance of "me time," I think we'll get along perfectly! Please contact OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my Animal ID A1847249 to adopt me!
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!
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!
San Clemente Chamber of Commerce's Environmental Education Program:
![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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