Staff Updates
Adam Tallabas
District Representative
Happy Fourth of July! This week, I continued planning for our next Coffee & Conversations event. We completely revamped the format of the events – now each event will center around a single topic relevant to the host city! Come prepared to learn, ask questions, and stay up to date with your local government!
I also prepared our team for the Independence Day extravaganza – we have Four community booths in 24 hours from the Costa Mesa 3rd of July Celebration at the OC Fair to the various 4th of July Celebrations. Today, catch our team at the Mesa del Mar 4th of July Parade, San Juan Capistrano 4th of July Celebration, Ladera Ranch 4th of July Celebration! Have a safe and fun Independence Day!
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Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
Wishing you a happy Independence Day D5!
With summer in full swing, I look forward to walking and talking with you at our upcoming Wellness Walk! Join Supervisor Foley for good exercise and good conversation at San Clemente Pier on July 23, 2024 at 6 p.m. Our walking club provides you with the perfect opportunity for connecting with your County representative in our County’s most beautiful spaces. Please RSVP here, or email Jessica.Balli@ocgov.com
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Aayush Manapat
Policy Intern
Hi District Five! This last week I provided the Irvine City council with an update about some of our team’s great work. Some highlights include a federal grant application we worked on with Irvine to provide additional funding to address the homelessness crisis and the passing of a balanced, fiscally sound budget. This last week I traveled to Washington D.C to attend the annual Schaeffer Fellows in Government Summit. The Schaeffer fellowship is a fellowship at USC, Princeton, Harvard, UVA, and UC Berkeley and supports 50 undergraduates every year at an internship in government. As a fellow, I attended the summit and learned about the values of public service, how to improve my skills as a public servant, and future career pathways. I also met so many other fellows from other universities and saw how the work we do at the Supervisor's office interacts with federal and state offices. I hope to use what I learned at the summit to help all our constituents! Here are some pictures of me and other USC fellows at our nation's capital.
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Willie Rounaghi
Policy Intern
Tula and I will spend Fourth of July at Ladera Ranch’s Independence Day Celebration at Founders Park. The event offers residents a beautiful firework display, exciting booths, and fun games. Today offers an opportunity for me to reflect on the privileges of being an American as well as the responsibility each citizen possesses to ensure the well-being and sanctity of this great nation. Happy Fourth!
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Landon Russell
Policy Intern
Happy 4th of July District 5!
Last week, I worked with Meghan organizing our office and ensuring that everything we need is ready and easily accessible for the many community events we have coming up this summer!
This week, in the office, I spent time researching housing in Orange County, and what the county is doing to create more affordable housing units across the county. In addition, I familiarized myself with some of the city governments in our district by watching recent city council meetings. Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend!
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Noah Bolton
Communications Intern
Happy July 4th District 5!
This week, I had a great time working out in the community. On Wednesday, I attended the Costa Mesa Fourth of July Celebration at the Orange County Fair Grounds and had an amazing time talking to residents about what July 4th means to them.
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Luca Shakoori
Policy Intern
Happy 4th of July! This week was short, but sweet in the office. On Monday, I read up on the news in the county and did miscellaneous tasks. I spent the beginning of Tuesday down in Laguna Niguel with the Supervisor, Alyssa, and Tula to learn more about the proposed battery facility that has raised many concerns with local residents. Wednesday, I helped organize more than 100 certificates of recognition for the Orange County Fire Authority and finished up my office work for the week. On the 4th, I will go down to San Juan Capistrano for some festivities and to meet many of you!
Dana Point Harbor Advisory Committee Town Hall
Last month, 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.
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.
From California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara:
Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet more than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States, including many in California. As California endures high heat and increased wildfire danger for the July 4 holiday, the California Department of Insurance is sharing a fact sheet on Preparing for Extreme Heat and Wildfire Risk.
CalOptima Health Grant Opportunities:
Click here and complete the Community Event Sponsorship Form!
Transportation News
E-Bike Update
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.
While only 8% of the California population, Orange County residents account for 41% of all e-bike accidents in the state. Unsafe e-bike usage remains a growing concern. After our office held numerous community meetings on this issue, our Deputy Sheriffs requested clarity on their ability to enforce traffic violations in unincorporated Orange County. At my request, the Board of Supervisors delivered this clarity just in time to increase safety during the Fourth of July weekend
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
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, Dudette!
"You're so totally rad, Dudette!" Imagine having a pet so awesome that you need to brag about how amazing they are. And guess what, I bet I can be that awesome pet for you. My name's Dudette and I am so ready to be your lifelong companion aka best friend aka dude...ette!
I'm currently in my third foster home and things are going great! I've been mastering my commands and not to brag, but I'm a pro at it. I also prefer walks and pets over toys. PS: that would save you so much money! My favorite game is playing "car wash," where I walk between your legs to get pets and scratches! It's super fun! I love lounging in the backyard, meeting and playing with new feline and canine friends, and I'm a total hit with kids. I am a respectful senior gal because I'm potty trained and I don't jump on furniture or people. Big win if you ask me!
I promise you that I'm worth visiting! Once I charm you with my personality, you can't help but take me home. Please call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my Animal ID A1587583 to schedule a visit with me!
Please visit our Pet Adoptions page to see more adoptable pets.
OC Animal Care is Urging Pet Families to Prepare Now and Keep Pets Safe
As we prepare in Orange County to celebrate with fireworks, barbeques and festivities, OC Animal Care is urging pet parents to make a plan and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their furry family members.
What you should do now before celebrations begin:
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Update collars and tags: Ensure your pets have a properly fitted collar and that ID tags have current, legible contact information.
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Microchip: If your pet doesn’t have a microchip, consider visiting your veterinarian or a low-cost pet clinic to get one. If your pet does have a microchip, be sure to check the chip registration to confirm your contact information is up-to-date and accurate.
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Consider creature comforts: A thunder shirt, pet specific calming sprays, or even a busy, food related toy like a lick mat, Kong, or snuffle mat may help reduce anxiety or give your pet something to focus on. Plan ahead for what may help your pet feel less stressed.
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Visit the vet: If your pet has a high level of anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about safe and effective medication options or over-the-counter remedies that may help reduce anxiety and follow your veterinarian's guidance on administering them.
It’s important to remember that these celebrations can be a source of anxiety and danger for our pets. Especially when fireworks light up the sky, many dogs experience heightened anxiety and stress due to loud noises and commotion. To help alleviate this, OC Animal Care is offering essential tips to ensure that pets remain safe and calm.
What you should do during festivities:
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Keep pets indoors: Fireworks can be frightening and disorienting for pets. Keep them inside in a quiet, secure area to minimize stress.
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Create a safe space: Set up a comfortable space with their favorite toys, blankets, and a cozy bed. Consider playing calming music or using white noise like a television to drown out the fireworks.
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Avoid human food: Keep pets away from barbecue and picnic foods, which can be harmful to them. Ensure they have access to their regular pet food and water.
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Secure doors and windows: Close all doors, windows, and pet flaps to prevent pets from running away if they get scared.
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Exercise pets during the day: Take your pets for a walk or engage them in playtime earlier in the day to tire them out before the fireworks begin. Be sure to keep them on a leash and limit free-roaming back-yard time as firework noise may interrupt their routine at all hours.
OC Animal Care, like most animal shelters in Southern California as well as throughout the US, are already at critical capacity. Every 4th of July, animal shelters across the country experience an increase in incoming dogs as they flee their homes from the loud fireworks. The shelter is in desperate need of fosters throughout the next few weeks to free up available space for new, incoming animals lost around the holiday.
The shelter is asking for a 2–3-week commitment to give a dog the opportunity to spend time out of a kennel and in the comfort of a loving home while freeing up critical space for newly stray dogs to hopefully be reunited with their family. Read more here.
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, 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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