Staff Updates
Adam Tallabas
District Director
I checked out the OC Fair last weekend with the Team. There, I enjoyed a Fair staple – deep fried Oreos which you can try at Chicken Charlie’s! After our snack, we hit my favorite ride at the Fair -- “G-Force.”
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 Here I am with the team before the ride!
In the office, I prepared our District Team for the next few weeks in the Fifth District at our District Sync Meetings. Our team’s presence at events like Costa Mesa Concerts in the Park, Laguna Niguel Pet Palooza grants us excellent opportunity for connecting with you. If you see us out at events, say hello and let us know how we can better serve your community.
Tyler Mosher
District Representative & Policy Analyst
 Thursday, I attended the San Juan Chamber of Commerce Installation and Awards Dinner. There, I joined the Chamber in expressing Supervisor Foley’s support and recognition to all award recipients for their amazing contributions to the City of San Juan Capistrano. Congratulations to Business of the Year winner Rancho Capistrano Winery, CEO Award winner San Juan Capistrano Councilmember Howard Hart, Cornerstone Award winner the Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley, Ambassador of the Year winner Susie Wernet, and Citizen of the Year winner Bart Moore!
Mecca McFadden
Policy & District Fellow
Hi everybody! My name is Mecca McFadden and I am Supervisor Foley’s new District Fellow! I’m from the Inland Empire, and earned a degree in International Studies from Spellman College, while on the side, I learned Mandarin. I’m looking forward to working with the Supervisor on community outreach at events, ribbon cuttings and council meetings, as well as policy.
In my free time, I enjoy baking, working out and hanging out with my baby sister. I enjoy time in the water, and you can often find me swimming, paddle boarding or begging my friends join me in trying a random water activity. I look forward to learning all things policy with the Fabulous Fifth District.
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Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
Happy Friday District 5!
The highlight of my OC Fair experience: learning about monarchs at the butterfly exhibit near Centennial Farm.
Did you know in the last two decades, the western monarch population drastically declined, majorly impacting our local ecosystems? Let’s band together with Supervisor Foley’s District 5 Monarch Butterfly Committee and save our monarchs. By planting native plants, avoiding pesticides, and taking milkweed seeds home from Supervisor Foley’s community booths, we play a crucial part in keeping Orange County green and beautiful.
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Christine Park
Policy Intern
The OC Fair remains an annual favorite of mine, so I enjoyed attending opening day with the team. I started off the day with Mexican street corn -- elote -- my all time favorite! As a pescatarian, the Supervisor always loves to highlight the non-meat options at the OC Fair- check out the corn options here.
The Piglet races quickly turned this day into the best experience at the OC Fair, as the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs team granted me the opportunity to open up the cages at the starting line! This event occurs at various times throughout the day and allows families to take a break in the shade for 30-45 minutes with fun entertainment for free.
Enjoy the rides, games and food at the OC Fair -- please click here for more information and tickets!
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Willie Rounaghi
Policy Intern
Luca and I attended the Costa Mesa OC Parks’ Concert in the Park this Tuesday, where the Tijuana Dogs jammed with a packed crowd. The people of Costa Mesa completely filled up the park, and we talked with many passionate community members about important issues
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Aayush Manapat
Policy Intern
Hi District Five!
I spent this last week preparing and briefing the Supervisor on the July 23, 2024 Board meeting. I focused on grant amounts and applications for our County agencies. My week’s highlights included $75,000 in California State Library grant funding for the circulating Library of Things, a collection of items to check out like kitchen appliances, yard equipment, sewing supplies and equipment, and tools. This great focus on sustainability and resource sharing helps educate our citizens on practical sustainability strategies. The Library of Things marks an exciting step towards decreasing our environmental footprint through education and I feel so excited to experience the collection myself at libraries in District Five – namely in San Clemente, Costa Mesa and San Juan Capistrano!
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Noah Bolton
Communications Intern
This week, I attended the Orange County Fair with the team, exploring all of the booths set up with unique food and gadgets, including a misting water reusable bottle – perfect for the heat. On Wednesday, I worked on our social media content and updates. Make sure to checkout the Supervisor on Instagram and Facebook!
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Luca Shakoori
Policy Intern
This week I enjoyed finalizing materials for the Board of Supervisors meeting, attending the Costa Mesa Concert in the Park, and assisting various constituent cases. Preparing for the Board meeting, I learned of how Airport staff ensures commercial flights go through John Wayne Airport efficiently and with minimal noise at late hours.
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Tula Larsen
Policy Intern
Happy Friday fifth district!
On Tuesday, I attended a tour of UC Irvine's state-of-the-art research facilities, where they currently study the acceleration and production of clean, renewable energy. The campus itself boasts 23 LEED-Platinum Buildings, an all-electric bus fleet and remains one of the most environmentally conscious college campuses in the nation. During our weekly staff meeting, I briefed the Supervisor and our team where we discussed county partnership opportunities.
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 Next, I attended the Laguna Woods City Council Meeting, during which the El Toro Water District led an informative presentation on the importance of water conservation.
Meghan Bartsch
Policy Intern
Landon Russell
Policy Intern
On Monday, I presented certificates at the Noble Path Foundation in San Clemente in celebration of the completion of the AIM High program. This 7-week leadership program for local teens encourages meaningful dialogue by pairing groups of teens with community leaders each week.
Past speakers and topics include the Wellness and Prevention Center on Self-Esteem and Social Media, Laura’s House on Healthy Relationships, Waymakers and San Clemente Rotary on Leadership, the OC Sheriff’s Department on Trending Drug Cultures, and Partners4Wellness on Stress and Coping Skills. In conjunction with the presentations, AIM High hosts fun social activities during the week, fostering peer relationships through free yoga, music lessons, meditation, karaoke, ping pong tournaments and movie nights.
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 Yesterday, I presented a certificate at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows in Dana Point celebrating their grand opening! As a Dana Point resident, I felt excited and proud seeing this historic property in my neighborhood revitalized and open for business!
Rachel Carr
Policy Intern
Greetings, District Five!
It’s great to be back after finishing my most recent quarter abroad in Italy. For my first week back in office, I loved catching up with the team and seeing how many projects progressed throughout the summer.
Most notably, I enjoyed attending the recent Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council meeting on Thursday, where they voted on an initiative worked on by Supervisor Foley this year for a more streamlined process for community-based organizations to apply for funding. Our office has been a strong advocate for streamlining the application process for community organizations to reduce youth recidivism rates within our justice system. Additionally, a major thanks you to fellow policy interns, Christine and Willie, for their continued efforts on ensuring staff stay up to date on the intricacies of our Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council. The new grant application portal opens August 1. I look forward to seeing what new programs apply. Until next week!
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OCTA & the OC Fair
Message from Darrell Johnson, Orange County Transportation Authority CEO
Update from Darrell Johnson, Orange County Transportation Authority CEO
I’m happy to share that the OC Fair Express is returning this year for the first time since the pandemic halted it in 2020. Through the special bus service, OCTA will offer direct routes to the fair from four locations around the county on Saturdays and Sundays. Regular OCTA fares will apply, including free rides for those 18 and under and for those with the Community College Pass.
OC Fair Express Service runs weekends through August 18, from Anaheim, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, and Laguna Hills.
Update Regarding San Juan Creek Bike/Pedestrian Trail Closure
San Juan Creek Bike/Pedestrian Trail to Temporarily Close as Part of Railroad Bridge Construction
The Orange County Transportation Authority, in coordination with Metrolink, continues progress in constructing a new railroad bridge over San Juan Creek in San Juan Capistrano. As part of the ongoing construction, the adjacent San Juan Creek Trail is expected to close for approximately two weeks beginning on Thursday, July 18.
Cyclists and pedestrians who use the trail are being asked to plan for the closure, follow the designated detour route or avoid the area during the closure, if possible.
During the closure, trail users will be detoured to Camino Capistrano, Del Obispo Street and the Trabuco Creek Trail. Detour signs will be in place. (See the map below for more details.)
The detour is necessary so that construction crews can remove pavement and conduct pile driving to construct the new bridge that will go over the trail. The trail is expected to reopen on Friday, Aug. 2.
However, after the scheduled closure, contractors are expected to continue working in the area, prompting intermittent trail closures through August. During that time, workers will be present to hold back trail traffic for their safety as construction equipment is moved through the area.
OCTA appreciates the patience of trail users during this construction.
The work is being completed in partnership with Metrolink as part of a $65.6 million project to replace the existing San Juan Creek bridge, which was constructed in 1917, enhancing safety and reducing maintenance costs.
The project is being funded by Measure M, the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, and a mix of state and federal funds.
Join Team Foley - Communications Director
My office seeks a Communications Director with the ability to move forward the Supervisor’s priorities and initiatives with a passion for public service and changing the status quo.
The Communications Director is responsible for managing the Supervisor’s daily press and digital operations, which includes media outreach as well as preparing press releases, talking points, briefing memos, social media content, and e-mail newsletters.
2024 State of the County Luncheon – Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce
This year's Orange County’s “State of the County” is hosted by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. Click here for more information, and I look forward to seeing you there!
OCTA Community Advisory Committee Update
Hello District 5 Residents,
I am Manuel Chavez, Costa Mesa Council Member and former District Representative for Supervisor Foley. With honor, I accepted Supervisor Foley’s appointment as a member of the OCTA Community Advisory Committee. At my first CAC meeting on Tuesday 7/16, I enjoyed learned of OCTA's diligent efforts to address the issues affecting the Beachside Rail Line. This rail line is crucial for connectivity between Orange County and Los Angeles and San Diego counties. Over the past four years, climate changes caused significant delays, but I am proud to report that OCTA is actively pursuing both short- and long-term solutions to keep the line operational. These efforts include sand replenishment (something the Supervisor strongly advocated to secure), rock retention, and the construction of a new catchment wall.
I extend my gratitude to Supervisor Foley for the privilege of serving District 5 residents. I look forward to advocating for all of our District 5 transportation needs. Let us know how we need to improve our system.
A reminder about the frequently asked questions from boaters and members of the public regarding the Dana Point Harbor Partners proposed slip rate increase. Access the completed document here.
To learn more: Visit Supervisor Foley’s Dana Point Harbor Revitalization website, including a document repository for members of the public to access. Also, go to the DPH website for events, community updates, and visitor info. If you have any feedback for our website, please contact Christian Gagne at DPHOversight@ocgov.com.
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.
Free Naloxone Deliveries in Orange County - FentanylSolution.org
In partnership with CalOptima, FentanylSolution.org now offers free deliveries of Naloxone (8mg Kloxxado) at absolutely no-cost to all residents and businesses across Orange County.
Naloxone, often known as Narcan or Kloxxado, is an over-the-counter nasal spray that can reverse opioid overdoses in just 1-2 minutes. It quickly restores normal breathing in someone experiencing an overdose, making it essential for bystanders to have on hand in emergencies. Naloxone is safe, non-addictive, and can be given to anyone suspected of overdosing, regardless of their age or medical history.
FentanylSolution.org staff can deliver these supplies at no cost to all OC residents, businesses, and organizations. Our goal is to reach community members who may find themselves in a position to act as bystanders during an overdose emergency. We also offer training upon request, and can accommodate bulk orders.
To request your free delivery of Naloxone, please fill out our brief online form at
https://tinyurl.com/FentSolOC
Join FentanylSolution.org in our mission to reduce opioid-related harm and save lives in communities across Orange County.
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, 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, Atlas!
Hi, I'm Atlas! I'm a good boy who knows some cool tricks, I have good manners, and I'm potty trained! And if you love staring into a handsome face, I'm definitely easy on the eyes.
I'm currently in foster right now and things are going great. I have a furry foster sibling who's been showing me the ropes and my foster parents are amazing at teaching me new tricks! Not to brag, but I've been told I'm great at learning new commands and routines. Just tell me once and I'll remember it furever! For example, on my first day at my foster home, I learned to take treats gently and to drop toys for a treat!
While I enjoy living in a wonderful home, it's still not my home. I would love nothing more than to know I am yours and you are mine, forever! Can you make my dreams come true and adopt me? I'm confident we'll have the best adventures together! Please call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my Animal ID A1858138 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!
Always a Good Time at the OC Fair!
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!
Ocean Institute Summer Camp Openings
Click here for more information about the Ocean Institute’s Summer Camps this year. Also, click here to learn more about the Ocean Institute’s 40th Annual Maritime Festival
Book Your Whale-Watching Tour & Watch Marine Life in the Wild!
See giant blue whales, finback whales, gray whales and many more in their natural habitat while whale watching in Newport Beach! Newport Whales offers some of the best whale watching California has to offer! Visit www.newportwhales.com & make your reservations.
Register for Summer Camp Scholarships at Westwind Sailing!
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.
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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