Staff Updates
Adam Tallabas
District Representative
Hello readers! This week, I organized the recognition of LGBTQ+ Pride Month and Gun Violence Prevention Month at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday. It is important for our office to use our platform at the County to uplift such important social issues so that our residents see that their elected leaders support them and stand with them against bigotry, hate and violence.
On Thursday, I conducted a site visit in Irvine for an upcoming Animal Adoption event with partners from OC Parks, the City of Irvine and OC Animal Care. Stay tuned for more details 😉 I hope you all have a safe, fun and fabulous final week of Pride Month! 🏳️🌈
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Tyler Mosher
District Representative
Hi D5! This week, I helped our office prepare for the last Board of Supervisors meeting before the end of the fiscal year. Several of Supervisor Foley’s key initiatives came to the Board for approval, including the second reading and adoption of our e-bike ordinance which will help law enforcement regulate unsafe use of e-bikes in our County’s unincorporated areas.
Thursday, I joined San Juan Capistrano’s Rosewood Social in celebrating their ribbon cutting. Chef John's culinary journey began in the vibrant hotel kitchens of his youth, where his father's work sparked his passion for cooking. With over 25 years of culinary excellence, he garnered international acclaim for his delicious creations across the globe, now right at home in the Fabulous Fifth District’s SJC!
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Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
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 from 5 to 8 p.m. every Thursday evening through Aug. 22, 2024.
OC Parks Sunset Cinema film series brings the big screen to the great outdoors in your favorite regional parks through Aug. 30, 2024. All ages may 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
Leading up to this week’s Board of Supervisors Meeting, I analyzed agenda items, furthering my understanding of how County government acts in relation to State and Federal mandates such as the Regional Housing Needs Assessment. This assessment requires the County provide a Housing Update to California, which must demonstrate how we intend on meeting housing needs, zoning code amendments and general plan changes for fulfilling such obligations.
Additionally, I attended a webinar on wildfire resiliency hosted by Mark Pignatelli, Director of the ICF. He spoke on the Wildfire and Natural Disaster Resiliency Rebuild Program sponsored by the state of California to incentivize property owners to rebuild low carbon emission homes post wildfire. I am glad for California’s response to the catastrophic risk of wildfires and will continue looking into policy that properly responds to the threat of wildfire in the County.
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Noah Bolton
Communications Intern
Hey District 5! My name is Noah Bolton, and I am from Huntington Beach, California. This is my first week working for Supervisor Foley and I already learned so much! On Monday, I received a tour of the office and the building and learned the ins and outs of working for the County. I look forward to working here this summer and making Orange County the best place for all!
Luca Shakoori
Policy Intern
My name is Luca Shakoori. I am from Newport Beach, and a returning intern from last summer. I feel glad to return to Supervisor Foley’s office and I look forward to spending most of my gap year before college at the County.
On Tuesday, I attended the beginning of the Board of Supervisors meeting, wearing an orange t-shirt with the rest of the team for Gun Violence Awareness Month. Then, I presented a quick update on the work in our office to the Newport Beach City Council. On Wednesday, I helped with some general planning and finding the locations for our upcoming Coffee & Conversation events. I hope to see you at the Costa Mesa Fish Fry this weekend and meet some of you!
Dana Point Harbor Advisory Committee Town Hall
Last week, 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.
Read the news coverage of the event here.
Check out the photos below to see the progress of the new parking structure construction.
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.
Commission Updates
OC Public Works, Development Processing Review Committee
Jeff Okamoto
The DPRC met this past June 5, 2024, where County Staff, Cindy Salazar and their consultant provided a briefing on the proposed update to the County’s General Plan. Their presentation gave an informative outline on the background of the current plan, a timeline, and goals for the update.
County Staff, Arturo Cervantes provided an update on the County’s Permit ready ADU Plans. He outlined the various floor plans and procedure to obtain a permit.
Justin Kirk, the Deputy Director for OC Development Services, provide and update the County’s LMS system, and the department staffing.
The committee is scheduled to meet in August.
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
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.
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, Dock!
Can you steer your love boat to my dock? Because I, Dock, will be waiting for you with open paws! Hi everyone, I'm Dock, and I'm ready to splash some joy into your life with love and tail wags. I'm a friendly guy who loves meeting new people and playing fetch. Whether it's in the backyard or even on the beach, we're guaranteed to have a blast together.
I'm already a pro at sit and shake, but I'm eager to learn more if you'll teach me! Think of me as a blank canvas, ready for happy memories to fill my days. My dream is to find a furever family who will love me unconditionally, let me shower them with kisses and snuggles, and always be there for me.
Are you the family I'm searching for? Please call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my Animal ID A1853160 to adopt me!
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!
Fourth of July in the Fabulous Fifth District!
Newport Beach
American Legion Yacht Club Presents: The Annual July 4 Old Glory Boat Parade
The American Legion Yacht Club in Newport Beach is once again setting sail around Newport Harbor for their annual Old Glory Boat Parade on Thursday, July 4 at 1:00PM.
Themed “Stars, Strips and Sails,” entrants are encouraged to decorate their boats to celebrate this theme.
The parade will begin at 1 p.m. off the east end of Lido Isle and follow a course throughout the harbor between the hours of 1-3:30 p.m., offering everyone a chance to enjoy the parade. Viewing maps can be downloaded from ALYC website at www.alyc.com
San Juan Capistrano
Ladera Ranch
Enjoy a day of family fun at Founders Park:
7:00 a.m. - 10K Freedom Run 8:30 a.m. - 5K Freedom Run 9:30 a.m. - 1K Kids' Firecracker Dash 10:30 a.m. - Community Parade 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Games & Activities 4:45 - 5:45 p.m. - Cupcake Bake-Off (Sold Out) 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Food Trucks 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Teen Zone (Free, Grades 6 - 12) 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Concert (Undercover - Top 40) Dark - Fireworks!
San Clemente
Celebrate the 4th of July in San Clemente with thrilling chair races in the morning, soak up the sun at the beach all day long, and end the night with a dazzling fireworks show at the San Clemente Pier. Don’t forget to catch the exciting Condor Squadron flyover in the early evening around 5:40PM!
To watch the fireworks, you’ll find plenty of room along the sandy shores and ocean trail. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the festivities with friends and family, soak up the sun, and create lasting memories on this special day. For front-seats to the fireworks show and a fun dining experience, secure a spot at Fisherman’s Restaurant at the pier. The free San Clemente Trolley will run extended hours from 11 am to 11 pm on July 4th.
Aliso Viejo
If you’re looking for family festivities to get into this 4th of July weekend, your search is over! On Monday, July 4th, the Aliso Viejo Community Association will hold its annual celebration and fireworks show at Grand Park from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Join the surrounding community for an evening of live performances, carnival games, festive activities, and more!
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!
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:
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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