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| Volume 4 | Issue 44 |
November 1, 2024 |
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Dear neighbor:
First things first: it’s time to show our appreciation for our nation’s heroes by voting and honoring our Veterans in the Fabulous Fifth District!
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VOTING RESOURCES – Election Day is Tuesday!
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.
Need a ride to a polling place? OCTA will offer free bus rides all day on Tuesday, Nov. 5 to encourage Orange County residents to vote.
 Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
From hosting forums on substance abuse in Orange County and press conferences to accept more than $200 Million in state and federal funding to protect our Rail Corridor and save our beaches, to unveiling cutting-edge OCFA firefighting equipment, to celebrating local families impacting historic changes to public education, Team Foley and I performed a busy week of important service on behalf of our residents.
Debriefing My Investigative Hearing
This week, I hosted an Investigative Hearing on the “Emerging Challenges Addressing Substance Abuse in Orange County.”
In March of 2022, when I was Second District Supervisor, we held our very first hearing on the then-emerging Fentanyl Crisis. We’ve made a lot of progress since 2022 by spending thousands of hours hosting dozens of educational town halls, training first responders and school personnel as well as distributing naloxone/Narcan in the community to prevent fentanyl overdose poisonings, tracking “Orange County Drug and Alcohol Misuse and Mortality Trends,” supporting the District Attorney with resources and staffing to prosecute fentanyl dealers, advocating for passage of Melanie’s Law that enhances penalties for dealers, as well as Senate Bill 43 – which added severe substance use disorder as a reason someone could be placed on an involuntary hold for treatment and care instead of dying in the parks. Still, there are delays in implementing Senate Bill 43, but we continue to advocate to expedite implementation.
On Tuesday, we gathered local first responders and public health experts, as well as legislators, to provide testimony on public health, public safety, and public policy around substance abuse. I asked tough questions, challenged some assumptions, and requested recommendations for initiatives to close gaps and prevent abuses.
We learned about new emerging challenges of under-regulated substances, including inhalants, a.k.a. nitrous oxide, NOX, laughing gas, whip-its, or galaxy gas. In California, any adult can legally purchase these substances at smoke shops even though they are not intended for non-medical human consumption and can suffocate your brain and cause neurological damage.
We also heard testimony from our public health office about products such as Ketamine advertised on billboards, online, and as IV treatment in local wellness centers to treat depression, PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain even though not FDA approved. Many of these “prescriptions” are handed out like candy, with little to no oversight by medical professionals or state regulators of prescription drugs. For example, the prescriptions for esKetamine, Spavado nasal spray, and IV Ketamine are not currently required to be entered into the state Prescription Drug Management Program database. We know from the tragic case with actor Matthew Perry last year, and our experience with unregulated detox facilities, when there’s a profit to be made, there will be abuse in the health care system if left unregulated.
Last week, the California State Auditor released its report requested by Senator Catherine Blakespear and Assemblywoman Diane Dixon on licensed detox facilities. As expected, the audit confirmed that inspectors fail to oversee and timely investigate complaints for most detox facilities, sometimes taking months or even a year to address concerns, even in the situation of overdose or other wrongful deaths, and regulations are not enforced. Unfortunately, while evidence of system-wide changes appears necessary, the audit did not offer substantive recommendations. Clearly, more local control and local inspections are needed.
 Our first panel on Public Safety featured panelists OC Senior Deputy District Attorney Nikki Elkerton, OCFA Assistant Chief of Emergency Medical Services Rob Capobianco, OCFA Medical Director Dr. Joshua Bobko, and Deputy Health Director and Medical Director for Behavioral Health Services Dr. Patricia De Marco Centeno
 Click here and watch our second panel on treating substance abuse and implementation of SB43, Fentanyl overdose prevention efforts, and law enforcement challenges with panelists OC Health Care Agency Director Dr. Veronica Kelley, College Hospital CEO Warren Bradley, Providence Mission Hosp. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Melanie Wolf, OC Behavioral Health Advisory Board Chase Wickersham, and Newport-Mesa Unified School District Director of Health Services Somer Harding & District Director of Student Services Sarah Coley.
 Our second panel on Public Health featured panelists. OC Health Care Agency Director Dr. Veronica Kelley, College Hospital CEO Warren Bradley, Providence Mission Hosp. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Melanie Wolf, OC Behavioral Health Advisory Board Chase Wickersham, Newport-Mesa Unified School Director of Health Services Somer Harding & District Director of Student Services Sarah Cole
Finally, we heard from our state representatives about their work on Public Policy solutions, such as detox facility regulatory audits, reforms, and SB36 public safety changes. Click here and watch our third panel with California State Assemblymember Laurie Davies and California State Senator Josh Newman.
 Assemblywoman Davies and Senator Josh Newman joined us for our third panel on Public Policy
All I learned from the testimony during the hearing further motivates me to advocate for reforms that set Orange County toward a healthier, safer future. Watch our panels online here.
That evening, I received an award for my work on climate resiliency, and presented at the United Nations Association-Orange County’s event at UCI on our County Climate Action Planning to bring all County facilities and vehicles to net-zero carbon emissions by 2045, and our sand management efforts.
  I kicked off my Monday morning with the Orange County Transportation Authority’s Board meeting. The Board received an update on the OC Streetcar, which approaches 90% completion, and recognized our employees of the month – congratulations Lee Diep, Rafael Luna, and Kriss Garbowski! Additionally, we received an update regarding the fiscal health of our organization and projections to see supply costs and inflation flatten. You can also watch Chair Tam T. Nguyen present highlights from the Board meeting here.
 I then joined OCFA Director and Aliso Viejo Councilmember Ross Chun and the Orange County Fire Authority in Aliso Viejo for the unveiling of the Tivoli Helopod. Now, OCFA’s helicopters and response teams can pick up 1000 gallons of water at a time from 4,000-gallon tanks without returning to their bases or other distant sources. In addition, we watched an exciting demonstration of the new OCFA Firehawk helicopters, used in fighting the recent Airport Fire.
 
Next, I met with Burnham Ward, who is building the commercial core of the Dana Point Harbor, the mixed-use development at Laguna Niguel Center, and the Western State Carpenters to discuss potential future project partnerships with local contractors. I truly believe hiring local and highly skilled union workers saves time and money on construction projects and ensures high-quality work. The Carpenters have state-of-the-art training facilities and programs to ensure that contractors are employing the most professional, reliable, highly skilled workers in the business. Skilled union members provide better long-term value by to staying within budget, maintaining quality, and completing projects on time. In other words, it’s all done right the first time.
I then met with my Veterans Advisory Committee in preparation for the upcoming year of veteran advocacy. We discussed critical service gaps in veterans' services, legislative priorities, and creative ways to address serving our Orange County veteran population. We all know a veteran whose loyalty and service deserve celebration. Join me in showing our appreciation and nominate a Veteran for my fourth annual Veterans of the Year Awards.
 Veterans Advisory Committee members Evette Kim, Nick Berardino, Bobby McDonald, and Chase Wickersham
 Finally, I attended the second Talbert Park Master Plan Outreach meeting to talk to residents about the future they want to see at Talbert Park. At the meeting, residents engaged with OC Parks staff and provided critical input on the future of the park – including trails, disabled parking and more. The plan anticipates improvements by spring 2026.
On Wednesday, I met with the Governor of California’s Office to discuss the County of Orange’s efforts to secure the fifth round of state grant funding from the state’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program. The County of Orange continues to work diligently to meet its housing goals and prepare for the next generation of residents.
I also attended various meetings, including the OC Treasury Oversight meeting. The Treasury Oversight Committee was formed to restore confidence in the Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector (TTC) following the 1994 Orange County Bankruptcy. The committee is responsible for reviewing the TTC’s investment policy and investigating any and all regularities in the treasury operation. I then met with my team to brief Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. Please join us in person or watch the live stream here: Live Board Meeting Broadcast.
On Thursday, I joined Representative Mike Levin, Col. Andrew Baker of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local city officials in San Clemente to announce OCTA’s reception of a recent US DOT award of $100 million for the Coastal Rail Infrastructure Resiliency Project. The 351-mile LOSSAN Rail Corridor is the second busiest passenger rail corridor in the nation, annually carrying more than $1 billion in freight and over 3.5 million passengers throughout Southern California. As our community is all too aware, this rail line is also especially vulnerable to changing environmental conditions and coastal erosion. OCTA’s Coast Rail Infrastructure Resiliency Project addresses existing and future environmental risks including coastal erosion and landslides. The plan brings 500,000 cubic yards of new sand and a land side catchment wall. With this latest grant we are now fully funded now must work to cut through the red tape to cut permitting time from the state and federal government.
Later in the day, I received an update from Colonel Baker as to the status of our OCTA permits. I’m grateful for his prioritization of this important rail and sand nourishment project.
I started my morning with briefings from our CEO and department heads to prepare for the upcoming meeting on Tuesday. I then headed to Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie Norris’s Veterans of the Year Awards in Irvine. I loved watching my friend and retired Col. Vic Bakkila receive recognition. Thank you for your decades of service to our community and country.
 We invite you to upcoming local community events, including:
November 2, 2024 – Join Team Foley at Ladera Valley’s Pride Event in Town Square from 3 - 6 p.m!
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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
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. Supervisor Foley remains committed to ensuring the well-being of mental healthcare workers and patients alike!
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 , I toured CalOptima Health PACE Center in Garden Grove. CalOptima Health Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a long-term comprehensive health care program that helps older adults to remain as independent as possible. PACE coordinates and provides all needed preventive, primary, acute and long-term care services so seniors can continue living in their community. It’s the first of its kind in Orange County serving approximately 439 residents with combined medical care, home care, rehabilitation, activities, and transportation.
Earlier this year, the Board of Supervisors approved the Office on Aging Area Plan for the 2024-2028 period, which includes the importance of the PACE program and for us to re-evaluate and understand the changing health and social dynamics faced by our growing older adults population. Supervisor Foley remains committed to ensuring that Orange County’s older adults experience a high quality of life characterized by independence, safety, health, transportation, affordable housing, appropriate nutrition and social activity. We hope to bring something similar to South County.
Adam Tallabas
District Director
This week, I joined Supervisor Foley at the celebration of the passage of AB1805 – Assemblymember Tri Ta (AD-70)’s legislation to require the teaching of Mendez v Westminster, a landmark case that changed the course of American history. As a proud Mexican who is a product of the public education system, this case is incredibly important to me. The family of Sylvia Mendez, after being turned away from a “whites-only” school in Westminster, took the Westminster School District to court. The historical decision that the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth District made – ruling that the forced segregation of Mexican-Americans into “Mexican schools” was unconstitutional – changed the trajectory of our nation. This set the stage for the famous Brown v. Board of Education, where Thurgood Marshall (who would later become the first African-American judge of the US Supreme Court) used the same arguments to overturn legal segregation nationwide. A very important moment in United States history – right here in Orange County. All of this happening in the same area I grew up in – north/central Orange County!
Later in the week, I joined residents of the 73rd Assembly District in celebrating Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris' Veterans of the Year! Congratulations to District 5 awardees Martha McDonald, USMC (Irvine), and Victor Bakkila, US Army Reserve (Costa Mesa)!
Today is the LAST day to nominate a veteran for our Fifth District Veterans of the Year honors! Nominate a veteran at bit.ly/VOTY2024
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Tyler Mosher
District Representative & Policy Analyst
Looking for a job? Stop by OC Workforce Development Board’s Ready S.E.T. OC located in Laguna Niguel. This county program provides high quality services for young adults beginning with career exploration and guidance, continued support for educational attainment, opportunities for skills training for high-demand industries and occupations, and culminates with a great job along a career pathway or enrollment in post-secondary education.
This week, our Young Supervisors Program officially started working on their individual capstone projects. This assignment challenges our students to identify a program or policy to address an issue in their community and propose the solution to Supervisor Foley for implementation at the County of Orange. Throughout the school year, I will work with our students to fine-tune their proposals to ensure they fall under the County government’s umbrella. These students provide a new perspective on the Fifth District’s most pressing issues. I’m excited to see what they propose!
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Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
I find it hard to believe we’re already at this point in the year—time really does fly when you’re busy enjoying all the events we’ve attended together!
This week, I’m excited to share that we began planning our next Wellness Walk. Join Supervisor Foley on November 20, 2024 at 4 p.m. in Laguna Beach for a gorgeous sunset and leisurely stroll. A guest from the City of Laguna Beach will provide a tour of notable art installations along our walk from Heisler Park down to Main Beach. Meet us at the Heisler Park Amphitheater for the perfect opportunity to appreciate local art while enjoying the coastal scenery. RSVP at https://bit.ly/NovWalk. We can’t wait to get moving with you!
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This week, Mecca joined Supervisor Foley at UCI for the UNA-OC event where panelists brought global issues to a local stage by discussing climate change and AI sustainability. Luca and Ali joined in the festive family fun at OC Parks' Boo at the Bay.
Upcoming, Noa and Noah suggest you stay tuned for details about our next Coffee & Conversation event with the Supervisor, set to take place at MoonGoat Coffee in Costa Mesa on November 22, 2024. This Saturday, join Ali and Abby at Ladera Valley Pride! We can’t wait to see you there.
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.
Orange County Continuum of Care (CoC) Recruiting for Board
The CoC is currently accepting nominations for their board! The CoC Board oversees and governs the community’s work to end homelessness, including:
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Deciding which types of organizations and programs get funded
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Determining strategic direction
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Analyzing and interpreting data
The CoC is recruiting for seven to eleven members to serve a two-year term from January 2025 to December 2026 and is seeking to broaden board membership to more wholly reflect the diversity of identities and experiences in Orange County.
APPLY HERE
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.
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.
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
Free Rides on Election Day!
Ride OC Bus for free on Election Day! On Tuesday, November 5, all fixed-route buses in Orange County will be free, making it easy to reach polling places. Learn more at octa.net/vote.
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, Mac!
 Hi guys, I'm Mac! I'm a 5-year-old Siberian Husky waiting for my very own family. I arrived at the shelter in February, and I'm keeping my paws crossed that I'll be adopted in time for the holidays. I'm dreaming of a fur-ever home with a loving family I can call mine!
I'm a curious boy and I love to explore my surroundings, so if you're into the outdoors, I'd be a fantastic running or hiking buddy. I love playing with other furry friends, I'm housebroken, and my favorite pastime is giving you kisses!
Call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my animal ID A1826502 to adopt or foster 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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