Staff Updates
Alyssa Napuri
Deputy Chief of Staff
Saturday night I brought my mom to the Shea Center's Annual BBQ and Family Faire where we joined Dr. Veronica Kelley, OC Health Care Agency Director, former Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, Vice President of Jamboree Housing Kelsey Brewer, and UNIDOS South County President Heather Chapman. The Shea Center BBQ brings friends, families, and supporters together to continue Shea's mission to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities through therapeutic horse-related programs. The evening included dancing, great food, and heartwarming stories from Shea clients and their families. Hope you join us next year!
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 Thursday morning, I joined the Interfaith Council of Laguna Niguel for their annual Breakfast of Compassion. As a child of Laguna Niguel, it was beautiful to spend the morning with faith leaders from every sect in compassionate support of our too often silent yet suffering neighbors. The Breakfast this year supported Family Assistance Ministries (FAM) and South County Outreach. Both organizations support South County residents with food assistance, rental and utility assistance, and help bring residents from dependency to self sufficiency. FAM CEO Anna Conti highlighted the story of sisters Tammy and Vicki as they went from homelessness to stability, and now call Laguna Niguel their home of many years as one sister battles stage 4 breast cancer.
 Family Assistance Ministries (FAM) CEO Anna Conti
Last year 8,000 calls for assistance were made to FAM by Laguna Niguel residents. Meanwhile, South County Outreach provided nearly 900,000 lbs of food last year to residents from across South Orange County. CEO LaVal Brewer shared stories of client successes, like the four college aged Saddleback College students their organization brought from the streets into housing, and the silent struggles of our neighbors, like their new client who recently lost their job and arrives in a luxury car to the food pantry. The breakfast served as a reminder to check in on our neighbors, bring compassion to our daily lives, and always welcome the opportunity to serve.
 South County Outreach President & CEO LaVal Brewer
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Happy Friday District 5! This week, the policy team and I supported Supervisor Foley at the Board meeting; for a complete summary of the meeting, please review the Meeting Minutes. The next Board of Supervisors Meeting will be on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Please join us in person or watch the live stream here: Live Board Meeting Broadcast.
On Wednesday, I attended a Legislative Staff briefing hosted by Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) at Mission Hospital and learned about their unique “hospital within a hospital” model and specialty services including their inpatient eating disorders program and state-of-the-art pediatric sleep center. CHOC at Mission Hospital is a separately licensed 54-bed “hospital within a hospital” on the fifth floor of Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo. It is the only children’s hospital in south Orange County, the surrounding coastal areas and north San Diego County (my hometown). Last year, the Board of Supervisors voted to renew their contract with CHOC to continue providing inpatient mental health services. Supervisor Foley strongly believes that we must provide places for families to stay with their children as they receive mental health help. She is happy to support this vital service at CHOC for Orange County children and their families, especially given the recent critical increase in pediatric mental health issues.
Also on Wednesday, I represented Supervisor Foley at the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Senior Prom event hosted by OC Social Services Agency (OC SSA). The event was a celebration of OC SSA’s new Walnut Street Office and a show of appreciation for our IHSS caregivers for their compassion and dedication to our elderly, blind, or disabled residents who are limited in their ability to care of themselves at home safely without assistance. Thank you IHSS workers for all you do!
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Adam Tallabas
District Director
Good afternoon, D5! This weekend, I joined City of Costa Mesa Councilmembers Arlis Reynolds and Andrea Marr at an Energy Bill Savings Workshop. There, I learned about important resources available to residents from SoCal Gas & Southern California Edison to save money on their monthly energy bills. I learned about Southern California Edison's CARE Program, which is a program help qualifying families of all sizes lower their monthly energy bills when they need it most. This week, I remained working hard on this year’s Senior Summit, which will take place next Friday, October 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Wednesday, I also attended the 10-year anniversary celebration for Fully Promoted in Costa Mesa!
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 To close out the week, I attended the presentation of the “Invisibility Is Killing Us” report hosted by the Southern California Pacific Islander Community Response Team, CA AA & NHPI Health Equity Coalition and members of our District 5 AANHPI Roundtable Melenaite Fifita, Mary Anne Foo, Cevadne Lee, Priscilla Huang and more. The report summarized Pacific Islander and Asian American experiences with California’s county public health departments’ collection and reporting of public health data. Disaggregated data is important. This accurate, focused data allows public health departments to identify health issues in specific populations that may be hidden under the massive umbrella of “AANHPI”. Identifying these issues opens the doors to solutions and a better quality of life for our community. You can read the report here.
Tyler Mosher
District Representative & Policy Analyst
On Wednesday, I spent lunch at the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce’s Government and Affairs Committee meeting. There, I provided an update from our office and listened to guest speaker Sara Catalan of the OC Tax Board speak about key ballot initiatives in the upcoming general election.
On Thursday, our Chief of Staff Nick Anas and I took the Young Supervisors cohort on an educational tour of John Wayne Airport. Students first received a welcome and presentation from Airport Director Charlene Reynolds, Assistant Airport Director Komal Kumar, and Public Relations Manager and PIO AnnaSophia Servin. Next, we received an airfield tour from Richard Givens, Airport Emergency Preparedness and Security Manager. We also received a tour of Orange County Fire Authority's John Wayne Airport station.
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 John Wayne Airport Director Charlene Reynolds and Assistant Director Komal Kumar speak to the Young Supervisors
 Young Supervisors receiving a tour of the John Wayne Airport OCFA Station
Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
This week I paid a visit to the Regus Aliso Viejo ribbon cutting. While there, I presented a certificate of recognition to honor the new addition to the community. Regus Aliso Viejo provides a network of office, coworking, and meeting spaces that we are overjoyed to bring to District 5 to support our local workforce!
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Olivia Meis
Communications Intern
Ripe Honeycrisp apples, freshly baked loaves of sourdough, ingredients for a cozy autumn soup – I spend my perfect weekend morning at a local farmer’s market, exploring fresh seasonal produce and local vendors’ goods. Did you know: Farmer’s Markets set up shop in District 5 every weekend? Find one closest to you, or shop somewhere new and support local small business, agriculture, and community:
- Saturdays:
- Aliso Viejo - 26701 Aliso Creek Rd., 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
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Corona Del Mar - PCH and Marguerite, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
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Costa Mesa SOCO - 3315 Hyland Ave., 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Dana Point - La Plaza Park, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Irvine - The Great Park, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Laguna Beach - Forest Rd. & 3rd St., 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- ***Rancho Mission Viejo -- 2 Tierno Street, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
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Sundays:
- Laguna Niguel - 27271 La Paz Rd., 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Ladera Ranch - 28275 Avendale, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Newport Beach - 1 Newport Beach Pier, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- San Clemente - Seville 200 block at Avenida Del Mar, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
***Every first Saturday of the month
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Luca Shakoori
Policy Intern
Happy Friday District 5!
One of my favorite parts of my job here at county-level government is the rich combination of nitty-gritty policy work and field events alongside my neighbors, which instills the crucial community aspect of local government. This week I analyzed and prepared for the OCTA Board of Directors meeting and the Board of Supervisors meeting and tomorrow I will head to the 2nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Event in Lions Park, Costa Mesa. I look forward to celebrating Hispanic cuisine, music, and dance. Come on over and join Noa and I between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm!
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Noa Tuliau
Policy Fellow
This week, I want to highlight National Hispanic Heritage Month! Orange County proudly serves as home to over one million people who identify as Hispanic, myself included. Supervisor Foley continuously strives to provide important representation and service to all the communities underscored during this month. I am beyond excited to celebrate these beautiful cultures with Team Foley – ¡esperamos que te veremos durante los eventos del Distrito 5 que celebran este mes nacional!
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Alexandra Menninger
Policy Fellow
This week I attended Justice Served, an event hosted by Community Legal Aid of SoCal. Community Legal Aid of SoCal provides support and services to help people who are struggling with civil issues. Community Legal Aid advocates work extremely hard by addressing a wide variety of legal challenges such as family law, domestic violence, housing, immigration, and senior services. It was a beautiful event, and I was so lucky to have attended. The money raised at Justice Served supports law clerk stipends! This upcoming Saturday I will be attending Heritage Day in Laguna Hills and right after I will be going to the UCLA Oregon game! Go bruins! Have a great weekend D5!!
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GREAT NEWS! The California Department of Fish & Wildlife awarded a $3.2 million grant to the Orange County Sailing & Events Center Reconstruction Project in Dana Point Harbor. This project will rehabilitate the deteriorating Orange County Sailing and Events Center floating docks and improve dock facilities to comply with ADA access requirements. “While the rest of the Dana Point Harbor received a greenlight for revitalization in 2018, the County side of our Harbor continued to degrade,” said Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley.
“Now, the County of Orange can completely replace our remaining public docks because of the grant award from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Boating Access Program," "These new docks expand access to recreational boating, public programming, sailing lessons for disabled and low-income youth and a greater connection to our gorgeous ocean for all.” This project was identified, discussed and planned by our Dana Point Harbor Oversight Committee and OC Parks with design insights by the Dana Point Harbor Partners Marina team! Thank you all for caring and dreaming big!
City of Irvine's Interactive District Dashboard!
Health News
From the OC Health Care Agency
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
Free COVID-19 Tests
Beginning 9/26/24, you will be able to place another order of 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. Shipping will begin on 9/30/24. Order your tests here.
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!
Orange County Employees: September is National Preparedness Month!
This National Preparedness Month, it is important for employees to engage in preparedness actions and become more resilient for disasters. As part of preparedness efforts, two Lunch and Learn sessions will be held to help County employees prepare for disasters.
The Lunch and Learn sessions will be hosted by Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Emergency Management Division in partnership with Orange County Information Technology, CEO Risk Management, Orange County Fire Authority, American Red Cross, and additional County agency partners.
 For more information on how to prepare yourself, your loved ones, and your community, visit ReadyOC.org. To stay informed with important information during emergencies, register by visiting AlertOC.gov.
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, Rob!
 I'm Bruce, your friendly, and hopefully, soon-to-be pet! I'm a two-year-old Siberian Husky who's sweet like sugar cane, strong like Superman, and loving like a soft and fluffy puppy. The staff and volunteers here describe me as a big guy who loves to give hugs and kisses!
My idea of absolute happiness is cuddling up with you on a warm and cozy couch. Some people say that dogs have a way of finding people who need them and filling an emptiness they didn't know they had. That goes the same for doggies too! I would love to get adopted so I can feel that overwhelming sense of belonging and joy when I join your family.
Will you adopt me and make my life whole? I promise my love for you will be unconditional! Please call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my animal ID A1855007 to adopt or foster 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!
UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge
The UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge is a community movement to raise awareness and funds for critical cancer research at the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. Every participant-raised dollar directly funds pilot studies and early phase clinical trials that aim to develop new insights into cancer prevention, treatment, and cures to save lives.
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.
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 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!
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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