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Volume 4 | Issue 32 |
August 9, 2024 |
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Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear Neighbor,
Happy Friday, District 5! I love meeting with members of the community – this week, I enjoyed all the opportunities to say hello and hear from you.
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After the resource fair, I joined South County and our D5 Butterfly Waystation Committee at San Juan Capistrano’s Festival of Butterflies, where I enjoyed dancing to wonderful live music, and, of course, seeing so many butterflies.
Did you know that in the last twenty years, our local western monarch population suffered a. drastic decline, negatively impacting our County’s precious ecosystem? I encourage you: please plant native plants, avoid pesticides, and bring milkweed seeds home from my community booths. When we protect our monarchs, we preserve Orange County’s beautiful and green open spaces!
I started my week at the OCTA Regional Planning Committee, which is responsible for regional planning and highway programs that are recommended to the Board of Directors. We discussed improvements to the I-5 in south Orange County between State Route 73 and El Toro Road. South Orange County’s traffic congestion is of great concern to me. I inquired on the progress of the Ortega Highway Improvements, which encountered multiple setbacks. I called on OCTA staff to do everything in their power to complete the improvements by 2028. Investing in sustainable infrastructure to increase regional mobility throughout the Fifth District, while minimizing any disturbances from construction, remains one of my top priorities.
Later, I spoke with the Dana Point Times about OC Parks’s new “Coast Snaps” program on Strands Beach. This is the first Coast Snap station in Orange County and serves as a valuable tool for measuring how coastal erosion impacts our beaches. By directly engaging residents we are able to gather valuable data while serving as good stewards of our beaches!
Caption: Photo courtesy of OC Parks
I then hosted my bi-monthly meeting on Orange County’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) Development. Last week, we released Orange County’s first ever Climate Action Plan draft. The Plan outlines our strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and significant carbon footprint from the County’s operation of three active landfills, nearly 19,000 employees, more than 800 facilities, and a 3,000+ vehicle fleet. The draft plan outlines measures for a resilient future through waste reduction, improved air quality, accessible and clean water, and expanded tree canopies countywide. Additionally, the plan reimagines our infrastructure and transportation systems to better protect our natural resources, beaches, parks, and open spaces for future generations.
The Board of Directors of the Orange County Housing Finance Trust
On Tuesday morning I chaired a special meeting of the Orange County Housing Finance Trust (OCHFT). We received updates on the Trust’s state and federal advocacy strategy to secure funding from Sacramento and Washington DC for critical housing projects. Later we approved a Pre-Development Loan that would match a $3,000,000 commitment by the CalOptima Health Board for new affordable housing. Ensuring that housing is attainable for all residents of Orange County and the next generation of homeowners remains a top priority for me.
Then, I met with Jeff Allison of Redtail Renewables to discuss potential future partnerships for capturing methane from our County Landfills, which are leading emitters of greenhouse gases in Orange County. This was followed by a meeting with CEO-Real Estate Briefing on the Civic Center Facilities Strategic Plan to discuss the potential $720 million revitalization of our Civic Center.
On Tuesday evening, we held our Community Meeting on the County’s Climate Action Plan with Second District Supervisor Vince Sarmiento and our County staff.
Left to Right: Lisa Fernandez, Deputy Director of Sustainability Tara Tisopulos, Supervisor Katrina Foley, Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, OCWR Director Tom Koutroulis, Public Health Officer Dr. Chinsio-Kwong, Public Health & Nursing Director Jenna Sarin
Wednesday morning began with a meeting of the Dana Point Harbor Partners for project updates, before I crossed the street for a meet & greet with the Orange County Grand Jury. Members of the Orange County Grand Jury fill an important role in investigating key issues facing Orange County residents and reporting them to the public.
Next, I met with the OC Climate Resiliency Task Force to gather more input on the County’s draft Climate Action Plan and hear a presentation from Dr. Sanders of the UCI Flood Lab regarding our successful sand nourishment project.
Later, I visited Strawberry Farms Golf Course for a walkthrough of a recent landslide and other capital improvement proposals for lease amendment.
My next stop brought me to Capistrano Beach for a visit with Surf & Turf Therapy. Beyond facilitating surfing, horseback riding, and community-based activities for attendees, Surf & Turf’s therapy offers unparalleled opportunities for building strength and daily life skills. I'm committed to supporting organizations like Surf & Turf Therapy in their mission: empowering people in our community to live independently and joyfully.
Supervisor Katrina Foley playing a game with kids at Dana Point Harbor!
I wrapped up my Wednesday evening with a meeting of my Dana Point Harbor Oversight Committee. We discussed the continuance of the Market Study and appraisal to determine the market value of Dana Point Harbor’s slips. This will help the County determine the validity of the Dana Point Harbor Partners proposed slip rate increases. The committee also reviewed the County’s consolidated FAQs document to proposed slip rates increases. This document provides my answers to common concerns from our residents and boaters about the Harbor.
On Thursday morning, I joined John Wayne Airport Director Charlene Reynolds for a discussion hosted by Association of California Cities, OC (ACC-OC). We presented Overview of the General Aviation Improvement Program and Airport Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing aircraft (eVTOL) trends. Yesterday Archer Aviation announced plans to launch the network in Southern California to replace one- two-hour drives with 10-20 minute electric flights. They are developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that carry up to 4 passengers. California continues to lead in the nation in innovative clean energy transportation options. Here in Orange County, we lead in airport programs that prioritize noise and pollution reduction, such as the Fly Friendly initiative at John Wayne Airport. We look forward to this working with Archer, Clay Lacy, the FAA, and local community members to safely and successfully bring this future sustainable quiet local air travel to our region.
This meeting provided an overview of a monumental project breaking ground in just a couple of weeks – the General Aviation Improvement Program (GAIP). The GAIP will change the face of John Wayne Airport and influence general aviation in Orange County over the next 50 years. I've initiated an Air Taxi Task Force to ensure minimal community impacts and safety protocols as this new technology evolves.
Supervisor Katrina Foley presenting at the ACC-OC event at John Wayne Airport.
Today, I presented the State of the County, hosted by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, alongside Supervisor Don Wagner and Jon Gould, Dean of the School of Social Ecology at UC Irvine. This annual event brings together Orange County elected officials, public sector employees, businesspeople, and residents for discussion on the past, current, and future state of Orange County. We discussed a wide range of topics. Here are just a few of the updates I provided. Next week we will send the video of the update to you, so you can hear directly of our work on behalf of you.
- Our County’s fiscal health is strong. Our $9.5 billion budget includes healthy reserves, including catastrophic reserves in case of a severe economic downturn or emergency
- In July, the County received a credit upgrade to a AAA rating, placing us in the strongest position possible to fund the $2.6 billion in our Capital Improvement Projects in the next seven years.
- Job Growth is strong in Orange County. We added 23,800 jobs in the last 12 months. In 2023 64% of all new jobs were in the Fifth District.
- Our housing market is strong, but the cost of housing remains a challenge for our future workforce. Through my work as Chair of the Orange County Housing Finance Trust we are creating programs to bring down costs and cut red tape for affordable and permeant supportive housing developments.
- Coastal Tourism grew 5.8% in 2023 and is a $15.3 billon dollar industry. Our work to modernize John Wayne Airport, save our beaches through sand nourishment, and protect our coastal rail are essential to protect and grow tourism in Orange County.
- The Dana Point Harbor Revitalization is officially underway with the construction of the new parking structure and approval of new hotels by the California Coastal Commission.
- The OC Fire Authority is on the forefront of wildfire prevention, bringing online state of the art Firehawk Helicopters that can fight fires 24/7 and that carry 250% more water than the current fleet.
- Orange County's new strategically placed water tanks, called HeloPods, are connected to hydrants and refill automatically. These allow our helicopters to refill faster and reduce the need to drain local lakes and ponds during a wildfire.
UCI School of Social Ecology Dean Jon Gould, Supervisor Katrina Foley and Supervisor Don Wagner
After the State of the County, I joined Assemblywoman Laurie Davies' Salute to OC First Responders event in Laguna Niguel. Public safety remains a top priority in my office, and I enjoyed celebrating the brave men and women that keep Orange County safe.
(Left to Right) Laguna Niguel Mayor Pro Tem Stephanie Oddo, Supervisor Katrina Foley, Assemblywoman Laurie Daives (AD-74), and South Orange County's first responders.
Tonight, I join the South Orange County community in Rancho Mission Viejo in honoring Olympic Silver Medalist Robert Ridland! Robert served as the coach for the United States Show Jumping Team.
Photo courtesy of Paris 2024 via Capistrano Dispatch
I hope to see you at the upcoming events in the Fabulous Fifth District:
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August 10, 2024: Check out the Ocean Institute’s Founder’s Day in celebration of their newly renovated Maritime Barn and Village, which highlights Dana Point's vibrant maritime history, offering an enriched experience to our visitors. This renovation brings a new sense of liveliness to the area, so join in on marking this milestone together!
- August 13, 2024: Join our team at the Ladera Ranch National Night Out! This is a wonderful opportunity for families to learn more about public safety, enjoy interactive activities, and have a great time together. Make sure to stop by our booth and say hello.
Be well and wear your sunscreen out and about this weekend,
Katrina Foley Supervisor County of Orange
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In This Edition
Read more about local events, community and health news, District and County initiatives, and other important updates!
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Staff Updates
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Xin Chào! Hello District 5! My name is Anthony Nguyen and this week, I joined Team Foley as Policy Advisor. I am a San Diego native and previously worked for Congressman Scott Peters (CA-50) at his district office and on Capitol Hill. I graduated from San Diego State University with a BA in Political Science. I also received my MA degree in International Relations from the University of San Diego and a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy. Go Trojans! My wife grew up in Santa Ana and we look forward to raising our growing family (two boys and a baby girl on the way this November) here in Orange County. We enjoy taking our boys to the Irvine Farmers Market, exploring OC Parks, and playing with the sand and waves along the beaches of Dana Point and San Clemente. As I wrap up my productive and eventful first week, I look forward to preparing and supporting the Supervisor and our team for all future Board of Supervisors meetings.
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Adam Tallabas
District Director
Happy Friday!
This week, I joined Supervisor Foley & Alyssa at the special meeting of the Orange County Housing Finance Trust. Throughout my tenure in Supervisor Foley’s office, I learned much about the barriers that developers and local jurisdiction face in the production & development of affordable housing. Later in the week, I joined the team at the State of the County. I enjoyed connecting with so many of you there, and look forward to partnerships benefitting residents of the Fabulous Fifth District. I thoroughly enjoyed Dean Jon Gould's presentation on Brain Drain in Orange County - and lines up directly with the work we are doing with the Housing Finance Trust to produce more affordable housing to keep our Orange County natives in Orange County. I am excited to continue my work in Supervisor Foley's office to create a future that is for all of us.
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Tyler Mosher
District Representative & Policy Analyst
Hi D5! This week I helped Supervisor Foley write a letter of opposition to the San Clemente City Council regarding their consideration of placing a sales tax measure on the City’s November ballot aimed at helping fund sand replenishment and coastal resilience efforts. The Council’s proposed sales tax increase places an undue burden on the residents of San Clemente at a time when residents’ already -aid taxes support readily available unprecedented government funding. For example, at Supervisor Foley’s request, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) applied for more than $460 million in combined grant requests from various federal agencies for coastal rail resilience in Fiscal Year 2023-2024. Anywhere from $70 - $145 million of these dollars will directly aid San Clemente’s sand nourishment efforts at no additional cost to the City’s residents.
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Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
Hello! My name is Morgan Goldstein, and I serve as the new District Representative for the Fifth District.
I grew up in Corona, California, and earned my B.A. in International Security and Conflict Resolution with an emphasis on Human Rights at San Diego State University. After an AmeriCorps Fellowship with the County of Los Angeles, I moved to London, where I completed a Master of Arts in International Politics and Human Rights at the City, University of London. Upon returning home and settling in Irvine, I worked in the non-profit sector to combat food insecurity in Southern California.
My passions and work focus on advocating for equity and accessible resources for all. As a District Representative, I now work closely with the cities of Laguna Woods, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, and Aliso Viejo, and I look forward to applying my background as I engage with these communities. Please say hi when you see me at a local event – I can’t wait to meet you!
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Gagan Bhopal
Hello Fifth District! My name is Gagandeep Bhopal and recently I joined Supervisor Foley’s team as an intern. I grew up in Costa Mesa and graduated from Costa Mesa High School in 2023. I currently attend UCLA, double majoring in Political Science and Psychology. My passions lie in sustainability, especially regarding the conservation of our Orange County oceans and already-limited green spaces. My goals for this internship include aiding in all of Supervisor Foley’s efforts at protecting our county’s precious coastlines. I also look forward to engaging with my fellow residents of Orange County at community events.
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Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
Happy Friday and Happy National Book Lovers Day, D5!
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Willie Rounaghi
Policy Intern
I attended two events this week: the Student Resource Fair and the National Night Out in Costa Mesa. A positive, community-oriented theme ran through both events, and I enjoyed speaking with many great people who want their concerns heard and validated. These interactions serve as fuel for a continued dedication to public service as well as inform the policy and work I intend to pursue in the future.
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Aayush Manapat
Policy Intern
Hi District Five! This week I bid farewell to the office of Supervisor Katrina Foley farewell. While this ending feels bittersweet, I learned an invaluable amount about public service, developed my policy research and analysis skills, and helped create effective policies and programs for the public good. I focused on transportation, housing, and energy infrastructure, and enjoyed delving into the minutiae of what makes our County government tick.
I head back to the University of Southern California this fall, finishing my B.A. in International Relations and working on my senior thesis. My senior thesis centers on a comparative study of democracy in relation to religion, so the research and critical analysis skills I picked up in this office lend themselves perfectly to my upcoming work. Post-graduation, I look forward to working towards a career examining government in either law, policy research, or academia. Thank you to everyone I spoke with, worked with, and served with this summer!
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Luca Shakoori
Policy Intern
This week I researched Battery Electric Storage Systems (BESS), an innovative new technology aimed at combatting future power grid capacity issues. Though these facilities present a hopeful front to climate uncertainty, the technology displays safety issues. Through researching the current regulations in place, I observed how State, Federal, and local governments must ensure public safety comes before any other priority, climate resiliency included. The BESS facilities may help our long-term climate goals, but their risks beg close guidelines and restrictions. With a proposed facility in Laguna Niguel, the Supervisor is interested in researching the best practices and implementing them at the County level, maintaining local control.
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Tula Larsen
Policy Intern
Happy Friday Fifth District!
This week, I wrapped up my final days in the office before I return to the east coast for college. I feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the memories and opportunities I gained working for the Supervisor. This internship grew my communication skills, knowledge on current events, and my leadership abilities.
I attended the City of Costa Mesa’s National Night Out with Willie, where Costa Mesa neighborhoods and the Costa Mesa Police Department united in the promotion of community-wide safety. I enjoyed gifting families with free backpacks from the raffle and providing our residents with vital resources for a successful school year.
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Meghan Bartsch
Policy Intern
Hi District 5! Last week I attended Alexander Daas Optician’s Ribbon Cutting, where I presented this California-based opticianry with two generations exceptional craftsmanship with a certificate. Congratulations to Alex and Stephanie on their beautiful new location in San Clemente!
I also attended the San Juan Capistrano Festival of Butterflies along with members of the Supervisor’s Monarch Committee. At the festival, community members participated in butterfly and native-plant-themed arts and crafts, a butterfly parade, and a headpiece contest showcasing handmade organic and upcycled butterfly headpieces. After handing out lots of Milkweed seeds, the Supervisor and members of the Monarch Committee jumped into the Butterfly Western dancers group dance! Whether through public speaking presentations or local events, community engagement in this internship really enhanced my communication skills.
This is my final week as an intern before heading back to college, and I feel so grateful for the experience. Over the summer, I gained so many new leadership, communication, and writing skills and truly enjoyed my time talking with every member of our community. Thank you to District 5 and everyone that I worked with this summer for the opportunity to learn and grow.
Rachel Carr
Policy Intern
Happy Friday, District Five!
This Sunday, dance down to San Clemente for their Chamber of Commerce’s 69th annual Fiesta Music Festival for some summertime fun, and say hello to Team Foley. This event kicks off the end of summer with local bands and vendors coming out for a city-wide celebration from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Join us and grab county resources ranging from information about our one-stop online service platform OC Navigator, to ways our office assists with transportation, housing, and food insecurity in Orange County.
We look forward to connecting with you!
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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.
JWA Airport Director Charlene Reynolds receives the Inclusive Leadership Award
This award honors an Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) business or corporation member demonstrating diversity and inclusion within its procurement and employment corporate structure. Nominees lead in supplier diversity and best practices, and foster business capacity with their diverse partners. Congratulations, Charlene!
The Old Man & The Old Moon
An epic adventure across land, sea, and sky–all in the name of love! Indie-folk music and ingenious staging transform this tall tale into a thrilling theatrical event like no other. Can he find his love before the moon runs out of light and the world plunges into darkness?
Fun for all ages! Enjoy performances until Aug. 11, 2024, and an American Sign Language Performance this Sunday, Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
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
As of August 2024, an increase in COVID-19 activity and in hospitalizations impacts Orange County. People 65 years of age and older experience highest risk of severe disease. To those 6 months of age and older, stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations. If symptomatic, recommendations include preventative measures such as wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home. Reduce transmission and protect vulnerable populations such as seniors, those younger than one year old, and those with severe medical conditions.
Thank you, Regina Chinsio-Kwong, DO County Health Officer
Measles Information for General Public
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness. Measles presents with a fever and characteristic rash. Measles can be a serious disease:
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1 in 5 people who get measles are hospitalized
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1 out of 1,000 people with measles develop encephalitis (swelling of the brain)
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1 to 3 out of 1,000 people with measles die
Measles can be prevented with measles vaccine, usually as part of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Additional Information on measles can be found at the CDC’s Measles page.
Free Naloxone Deliveries in Orange County - FentanylSolution.org
In partnership with CalOptima, FentanylSolution.org is proud to offer 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.
Our 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.
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
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.
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, Adele!
Hello from the foster side! My name is Adele and I've been soaking up the love and attention from my foster family for the past 5 months! During this time, I've settled in nicely, learned routines, and became more comfortable around new people. My foster family has been nothing short of amazing, patiently helping me build my confidence and social skills. With their support, I'm beginning to replace my timidity with courage, and this overwhelming sense of warmth and love is what I live for! One of my quirks is that I love sitting under the dining table when my foster family eats. Call me silly but it calms my nerves! I also enjoy playing with other dogs, fetching, catching flies that land on my face, and I'm a master at waiting for food. Plus, I know a lot of commands and am fully potty trained! Rumor has it you're looking for a dog like me to adopt!
Someone like you may be just what I need! Please call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my Animal ID A1845917 to schedule a visit with 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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