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| Volume 4 | Issue 43 |
October 25, 2024 |
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Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
This week, the County finally received a step towards justice. Instead of serving as an example of what the American Dream can achieve, Andrew Do dragged his family and associates into an American Nightmare. I am disgusted by the staggering level of corruption, greed, and deception described in the federal indictments. Andrew Do and his associates carried out an overt scheme to enrich themselves off our hard-earned tax dollars. Our tax dollars are not monopoly money for powerful elected officials to use to enrich themselves and blatantly defraud our government. Andrew Do and his enablers must pay the price for their crimes against the people of Orange County.
The Veterans community has fought for more than a decade to secure a final resting place for our country’s noble servicemen and women. Today, we gained momentum on the litigation to thwart construction of the Orange County Veterans Cemetery construction. At a previous Board meeting, we voted to intervene in the lawsuit and support the defendant, the City of Anaheim. Today, the Court agreed that the County has a material interest in the lawsuit. This is a huge victory as we fight back against this nonsense lawsuit meant only to stop the cemetery from being built.
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 Big news – the Orange County Transportation Authority, where I serve on the Board of Directors, received a $125 million grant from the State of California to help protect the critical LOSSAN Rail Corridor in San Clemente. This funding is critical to helping us advance our most urgent projects, especially in the four identified hot spots, and to help us protect the rail line in the long-term.
On Friday, I pulled on my cowgirl boots and headed to the Balboa Fun Zone for the Balboa Island Museum’s Cowboy Carnival. As an event sponsor, I enjoyed line dancing with friends such as Newport-Mesa Unifed School District Board Trustee Carol Crane, and a performance by OCHSA students, all in support of the Balboa Island Museum and Historical Society!
 Here I am with the Balboa Island community, including Newport-Mesa Unified School Board President Carol Crane
On Saturday morning, I joined local artist Mike Tauber at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC), where I painted a tile for their new marine life mural in PMMC’s Founder’s Courtyard. PMMC leads in veterinary research, STEM education, and ocean conservation efforts. I continue to prioritize coastline conservation and the celebration of D5’s unique and precious marine life.
 On Sunday, I enjoyed celebrating the 25th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival with Councilmember Robyn Grant and Chamber President Steve Rosansky at their Festival Honors brunch! Honorees included Oscar-winner Nicolas Cage as well as Academy Award nominees June Squibb, Colman Domingo, Diane Warren, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and Amy Poehler. This year, our Fabulous Fifth District festival showed 130 features and 260 short films from over 50 countries, bringing the best of filmmaking to Orange County.
  I then spoke with Girl Scouts of Orange County about why democracy matters for girls. As future voters, understanding how our elections and our government work, provides a crucial foundation for Girl Scouts for lifelong civic engagement in their communities.
I began my Monday morning at California State University, Fullerton for their Third Annual Energy and Sustainability Summit. Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento and I spoke with students, staff, and faculty about the County’s Climate Action Plan and our aim to take County facilities and vehicles to net-zero Carbon emissions by 2045. A U.S. Department of Energy advisor also spoke about the state and community energy projects that are taking place in our region. Our teams were inspired by the CSUF student research to combat the release of carbon into our atmosphere.
Next, I attended the LOSSAN Board meeting, where we discussed and reviewed ridership through the LOSSAN Rail Corridor. In April, May, and June, we saw a 27.7% increase in ridership for all three services (Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink, and COASTER). Specifically, the Metrolink Orange County Line saw a 30.5% increase, with 329,243 riders over the three months. Additionally, as part of our business planning, I requested that staff offer all college graduate students discounts on the Pacific Surfliner. Currently, students 25 and under receive a 15% discount.
 JWA Airport Director Charlene Reynolds
On Tuesday morning, I joined the Orange County Veterans & Military Families Collaborative at UC Irvine for their Veteran Health and Wellness Summit and shared about efforts I spearheaded for our Veterans, including $4 million in funding for a veterans peer-to-peer suicide prevention program, $50,000 in food assistance to OC veterans organizations, over $30,000 for art and equine therapy programs, and expanding Project Homekey to create more high-quality permanent supportive housing. We must treat the mental and physical health of our 100,000 Orange County veterans with dignity and respect reflective of our appreciation for their service to our Country.
At Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board proclaimed October 2024 as “National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” Too many of our neighbors in Orange County know the pain of losing a loved one to this disease.
According to the Orange County Health Care Agency, 354 women died from breast cancer in Orange County in 2023. It is the leading cause of death for Hispanic and Black women, and the second among White and Asian women. This underscores the importance of increased awareness, reduced stigma, and improved access to screenings to catch breast cancer early.
The valiant work done of healthcare professionals at the Orange County Health Care Agency, Planned Parenthood, CalOptima Health, HOAG, MemorialCare, the City of Hope, provides residents access to affordable screenings and expert opinion. Please schedule an appointment with your local health provider to catch this disease early.
The Board also approved the updated 2024 Civic Center Facilities Strategic Plan, consolidating major County services for OC residents. This presents a great opportunity to monetize our assets, generate more revenue, and create economic prospects, especially with the OC Streetcar coming online. As we develop, I hope developers consider creative ideas like housing on Main Street, a safe public park, and a conveniently located hotel for our legal community in the current OC HCA building.
On Wednesday morning, I attended my District 5 John Wayne Airport Advisory Group meeting, in which we discussed plans for our Air Taxi Task Force. This task force will ensure any air taxi service seeking operation at JWA is safe and complementary to the integrity of our neighborhoods. Our task force will also include the latest efforts to encourage commercial airlines to bring in greener and quieter aircraft, updates on the latest passenger statistics, and business development updates for our concessions program.
 Second, I joined Chairman Wagner at the California Association of County Executives (CACE) for a luncheon celebrating their opening in Newport Beach. CACE serves as a collective resource for its members to assist one another in achieving the highest level of county excellence. With the County of Orange in the best financial health it’s ever been in, we continue making investments in climate resiliency, homelessness outreach, and more. None of this is possible without an incredibly talented and hard-working County workforce that is dedicated to excellence and serving our community dutifully.
 Third, I hosted our 2021-23 Discretionary Grant Fund Awardees who provided presentations on how they spent their funds. We heard inspiring stories about new medical equipment, saving whales, teacher supports and school supplies & feeding our most vulnerable – among others. As your County Supervisor, I remain committed to transparency and ensuring taxpayer funds are being utilized responsibly.
 I wrapped up my Wednesday at the 14th Annual Roses & Radishes in Irvine! We celebrated friends to the taxpayer with the Orange County Taxpayers Association, which remains the only countywide organization focusing solely on representing taxpayers on government tax and spending policy issues. As your County Supervisor, I remain committed to oversight and transparency of taxpayer funds. The Transportation Corridor Agency, where I serve as a Director on the Board, received a Rose as a result of the agency’s fiscal responsibility and early paydown program.
 Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken, Buena Park Councilmember Connor Traut, 2024 Royalty Award Honoree Jon Coupal of the Howard Jarvis Association, Assemblymember Diane Dixon
On Thursday, I began my morning by making a special announcement in San Clemente with the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) Secretary, Toks Omishakin. We announced that OCTA will receive $125 million in Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) Cycle 7 funding for efforts to fund our hot spot sand replenishment and rail protection plan.
  Then, I attended the Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernadino Counties' Annual Event, during which we discussed turning complex data and analytic research into accessible insights for people making decisions about their health. Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernadino Counties provides vital services to pregnant people, from ultrasounds and prenatal care to emergency contraceptives.
 I then attended the Orange County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council meeting, where we approved more than $1.1 million to support positive programming for juveniles currently in custody in Orange County. Notably, the Carpenter Training Partners received funding at my request to provide hands-on training and experience for incarcerated youth as well as create a pipeline to high-paying employment once they are released from custody. The Council also approved a contract with Justice Systems Partners to evaluate the effectiveness of our Juvenile Justice programming and make recommendations for improvement.
 Grant recipients, PRISM, formerly incarcerated gang members who will be working with our juvenile hall youth offenders who will prevent them from continuing in gang life, present to the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council
Finally, I attended the Orange County Fire Authority Board of Directors meeting. We presented a special recognition to Orange City Fire Captain Carl Collins, who began his service for the department in 1981. While off-duty, Captain Collins witnessed the horrific rollover of a transport truck carrying eight Hand Crew Firefighters last month. He immediately sprang into action, triaging the victims and assisting OCFA on the scene. His brave actions saved lives, and we express our immense gratitude.
The audit confirmed much of what we suspected: Orange County hosts the highest concentration of sober living homes in the state. The California’s Department of Health Care Services’ failed regulation of sober living homes makes our communities less safe and less accessible by exploiting vulnerable patients and reducing housing options. Local residents sounded the alarm for far too long that bad actors were exploiting the system of care without proper oversight.
For me, this is personal. After the house across the street from mine converted to a detox home, burglars ransacked my home in Costa Mesa three times. As we continue addressing the growing addiction and homelessness crises in our community, government accountability and oversight remains critically important.
 We invite you to upcoming local community events, including:
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October 26, 2024 – Join the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for National Prescription Take Back Day! Got unwanted, unused, or expired prescription medication? Bring them in – no questions asked. Let’s keep our communities safe! Find your nearest drop-off location at dea.gov/takebackday.
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October 26, 2024 – Join OC Parks at Boo at the Bay: Family Halloween Party! We will read spooky stories, make creepy crafts, conduct weird science experiments, meet bizarre animals and play hair-raising games. Participants are encouraged to attend in costume.
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October 29, 2024 -- The County of Orange, OC Parks is developing a Master Plan for Talbert Regional Park and is seeking comments from the public. Come and share your thoughts regarding the future of Talbert Park! Attend the Public Outreach Meeting from 5 - 7 p.m. at Norma Hertzog Community Center (1845 Park Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627)
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November 14, 2024 – Nominate a veteran for my 4th Annual Orange County Veterans of the Year event that will be held at Los Olivos Community Center in Irvine on November 14! Nominations can be made at bit.ly/VOTY2024. RSVP at bit.ly/VOTYRSVP
 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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It’s great to see our initiatives helping residents!
 
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Staff Updates
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, November 5, 2024. Please join us in person or watch the live stream here: Live Board Meeting Broadcast.
On Tuesday, OC Social Services Agency (SSA) provided a briefing and overview of their various public benefits and programs, including Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and General Relief. We also learned about their Children & Family Services (which includes Child Abuse and Neglect and Foster Care) and Family Self-Sufficiency & Adult Services (which includes CalWORKS/Welfare-to-Work, Refugee Cash Assistance, Adult Protective Services, and In-Home Support Services). Thank you to the 4,700 SSA employees who serve the needs of 1 in 3 Orange County residents each day. SSA Supports Orange County Residents as they strive to enjoy a safe and supportive environment that promotes stability and self-reliance. If you or someone you know might need their assistance, please visit OC SSA website to learn more: https://ssa.ocgov.com/.
On Saturday, my wife and I plan on bringing our boys to the 2024 SoCal Vegfest, California’s largest annual vegan food festival. The purpose of SoCal VegFest is to introduce Southern Californians and others to the benefits of healthy conscious living. Their goal is to inspire and support anyone who wants to learn more about living a more healthy, environmentally friendly, and compassionate life. The event will take place at the OC Fair & Event Center, located in Supervisor Foley’s hometown of Costa Mesa. Join us for this family-friendly event featuring educational panels, speakers, and chef-led cooking demos. This year will feature the largest vegan holiday market in the U.S., with more than 80 vendors. Enjoy a good week everyone!
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Adam Tallabas
District Director
This week, I met with former Orange County Employees Association general manager & President of Veterans Alliance of Orange County Nick Berardino to finalize plans for the Supervisor’s Veterans Advisory Team – which will meet next week. The Veterans Advisory Team advises the Supervisor on gaps in services, address long-standing issues like housing/mental health/etc, and takes real action to improve the lives of veterans in Orange County. I look forward to the progress the Team will make this upcoming year.
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 This Saturday, October 26, join Orange County Public Libraries at the San Juan Capistrano branch library for a fun family festival celebrating Day of the Dead! Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos is a holiday celebrated by Mexican and broader Latin American communities to honor the memory of those who have passed.
Tyler Mosher
District Representative & Policy Analyst
You may know Orange County’s Probation Department, but have you heard of the Orange County Community Corrections Partnership? This partnership plays a critical role in developing programs and ensuring appropriate outcomes for low-level offenders. Although Supervisor Foley is an alternate on the partnership, our office stays up to date on any progress made by this committee. On Thursday, I attended the partnership’s meeting. Supervisor Foley remains to committed to supporting public safety in the Fifth District by preventing crime and ensuring safe neighborhoods. She also sits on the Orange County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council, which assists the Chief Probation Officer in developing a comprehensive, multi-agency juvenile justice plan.
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 Friday, I joined the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting ceremony with Coastal Shades! Originally from San Diego County, this family-owned business recently expanded to San Clemente and boasts an immense collection of custom window coverings for residents.
Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
This week I laced up my tennis shoes and joined the National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) picket line at Kaiser Permanente in Irvine. NUHW is fighting for pay and pension equity among mental healthcare workers at Kaiser facilities in Northern California. Furthermore, they are fighting for greater patient care through increased patient management time (PMT). Last year, Supervisor Foley voted to oppose Kaiser’s reduction in PMT in Orange County and other parts of Southern California. She also signed a letter with Supervisor Sarmiento arguing that the most sustainable path to compliance is increasing staffing levels, not reducing PMT. The Supervisor remains committed to ensuring the wellbeing of mental healthcare workers and patients alike!
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 On Thursday, I joined the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce at the TailoredSpace Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. TailoredSpace offers the residents of Laguna Niguel dedicated workspaces to build their businesses, develop their professional network, or simply to work elsewhere than their home office – even if just for an hour. The flexibility TailoredSpace offers residents is paramount to supporting the diverse needs of our workforce in D5!
This week, Noa and Abby delivered two certificates honoring students Kelsie Wong of Trabuco Hills High School and Ta’iuta Uiagalelei of Concordia University, Irvine for their outstanding academic achievement and active involvement in the National Pacific islander Education Network. On Saturday, join Luca and Ali at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center for OC Parks Boo at the Bay! The fun family Halloween party will feature spooky stories, creepy crafts, weird science experiments, bizarre animals and hair-raising games. Additionally, Abby and Noa joined Broken Yolk in celebrating their grand opening in Irvine! Finally, Mecca attended a ribbon-cutting of University Dermatology Trials in Newport Beach. Have a fabulous weekend District Five!
Orange County Airport Commission Update
The Airport Commission considered approving contract renewal for janitorial services and revised parking rates at the October 16, 2024, meeting. You can watch the meeting video recording and read more about these items by visiting the Airport Commission page.
OCTA Recruiting for Accessible Transit Advisory Committee
Accessible Transit Advisory Committee (ATAC) advises OCTA about issues that relate to OCTA fixed-route transit and paratransit services for customers with special transportation needs. The Accessible Transit Advisory Committee was originally formed in 1992 in response to the Americans with Disabilities Act and formalized the predecessor “504 Committee.”
Each year, as terms of various members expire, a recruitment process is conducted to fill vacant positions on the ATAC. Applications will be accepted for the 2024-2025 Accessible Transit Advisory Committee spring of 2024.
Registrar of Voters
Prefer to drop your ballot in a drop box? Find your nearest drop box here! Remember – you can vote or drop off your ballot at any Vote Center or Ballot Drop Box in Orange County.
Public Safety News
Sheriff's Department Update
Investigators seek information in bank robbery in Lake Forest
Starting immediately, there will be expanded access for Veterans to get into supportive housing. First, more Veterans are now eligible because HUD will not consider disability benefits towards eligibility. Second, the number of vouchers available to veterans is increasing. The county will now have 1039 VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) Vouchers up from 821. Supervisor Foley has been advocating for Orange County to get Proposition 1 money for Veterans as well; with this multi- pronged strategy we can eliminate Veterans homelessness in Orange County.
At 12:03 p.m. on Oct. 17, Orange County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the Chase Bank off Portola Parkway and Bake Parkway in the city of Lake Forest reference a bank robbery in progress with an armed suspect.
If anyone has any information that may assist the investigation, they are asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff's Department at 714-647-7000. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
National Prescription Take Back Day: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Join the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for National Prescription Take Back Day! Got unwanted, unused, or expired prescription medication? Bring them in – no questions asked. Let’s keep our communities safe! Find your nearest drop-off location at dea.gov/takebackday
Please see the latest Dana Point Harbor Oversight Advisory Committee updates here.
Health News
OC Health Care Agency: Windblown Dust and Ash Air Quality Advisory
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) today issued a Windblown Dust and Ash Advisory where winds are high across the Los Angeles metro area, the Inland Empire, and Orange County. Air quality will be variable through Saturday afternoon or until windy conditions subside. Click here for suggested precautions.
OC Health Care Agency COVID-19 Update
Reduce transmission and protect vulnerable populations such as seniors, those younger than one-year-old, and those with severe medical conditions. For more information, please visit the OCHCA website at https://ochealthinfo.com/covid.
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
As we enter virus season, measles can be prevented with measles vaccine, usually as part of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Learn more 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) -- an over-the-counter nasal spray that can reverse opioid overdoses -- at absolutely no-cost to all residents and businesses across Orange County.
California Insurance Commissioner Update:
As California endures high heat and increased wildfire danger, the California Department of Insurance shares 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.
Youth Ride Free Bus 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. REQUEST A PASS
OCTA Free Hikes & 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.
Pet of the Week
Meet Pet of the Week, Maxine!
 Hi everyone, I'm Maxine! I'm a deaf, two-year-old Pit Bull who's been having a great time while in foster. Although I can't hear, that doesn't stop me from enjoying my daily activities and loving on my foster family!
In addition to being an awesome companion, I'm house broken! I've also mastered several commands (with hand signals), such as: sit, leave it, gentle, and paw! I can't wait to show them off to you.
When visitors come over, I get a little shy at first, but once I warm up, I become a cuddly little cuddle bug. I love playing tug-of-war with humans, and don't worry, I'll make sure to comfort you after I win.
If you're thinking about adopting a dog, please adopt me! I'm confident we'll have such an amazing life together. Please call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my animal ID A1879929 to adopt me!
OC Waste and Recycling Free Compost Giveaway
For more information, visit https://oclandfills.com/Compost-Giveaway-November.
OC Waste and Recycling Paint Collection Event
Have leftover paint? Recycle it this November at OC Waste & Recycling’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers, open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more info, check out oclandfills.com/PaintCare!
Foster Pets with OC Animal Care
Email ocacprograms@occr.ocogv.com today to be a foster hero!
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:
Help OC Develop our General Plan!
Learn more here:
OC Workforce One-Stop: OPEN NOW!
Ready Set OC offers no-cost employment training for Orange County youth ages 14-24. 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. 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? For information on local haulers and recycling coordinators visit OCLandfills.com/quick-links.
BenefitsCal
Orange County officially switched over to a new benefits enrollment portal called BenefitsCal. 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.
 
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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