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| Volume 4 | Issue 45 |
November 8, 2024 |
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Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear neighbor:
Following rising tensions during election season, we must unite as Americans in support our great nation. Regardless of who you voted for – my job is to serve you. For the first time in five election cycles, my name was not on the ballot. This allowed my team greater flexibility to help Orange County’s 1,879,516 registered residents exercise their right to vote.
As you may have seen, some UCI students showed up to register and vote on the same day – for some, this meant waiting up to three hours to vote. My team helped expedite the line, build another polling location on site, prevent candidates from electioneering those waiting in line, and answer first-time voters’ questions about the voting process.
As your Supervisor, I remain committed to placing partisan politics to the side and prioritizing the issues that affect our everyday lives: supporting small businesses and job growth, reducing the cost of living, addressing homelessness, increasing housing options in Orange County, investing in wraparound health and safety services, and climate action.
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 Last Friday, I joined my friends Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens, and Irvine Councilmember Tammy Kim in honoring our Orange County veterans at Asm. Cottie Petrie-Norris’s Veterans of the Year event. I express my deepest gratitude and congratulations to District Five honorees Col. Victor Bakkila as Costa Mesa Veteran of the Year and Dr. Martha McDonald as Irvine Veteran of the Year for your valor and unwavering commitment to our nation. Learn more about their outstanding military service and contributions to fellow veterans in our community here.
 Here I am with Col. Vic Bakkila, Asm. Cottie Petrie-Norris, Dr. Martha McDonald, Michael Carter, and Irvine Councilmember Tammy Kim
 Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens, Col. Vic Bakkila, Asm. Cottie Petrie-Norris, Top Right: Irvine Councilmember Tammy Kim, Dr. Martha McDonald, Asm. Cottie Petrie-Norris
I began my Monday morning with the Orange County Transportation Authority’s Regional Transportation Planning meeting, in which we moved forward on the OC Connect project. The project will build a 4-mile cyclist and pedestrian trail between Garden Grove and Santa Ana. The project builds upon a greater effort that I support to make our County more accessible to all modes of transportation.
 
At Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, we proclaimed November 11, 2024, as Veterans Day. On Veterans Day, our country honors the brave servicemembers who embody a legacy of loyalty and service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
Supporting the more than 100,000 veterans here in Orange County remains a top priority for my office. When I joined the Board of Supervisors three years ago, I committed to going above and beyond to ensure veterans receive the treatment they deserve. Thank you to (VALOR) for recognizing the Board of Supervisors for our commitment to veterans, and for providing us with medals and Veterans Challenge Coins.
 Among other actions, I formed a Veterans Advisory Team to target gaps in services and priorities. We prioritize addressing long-standing veterans issues like suicide prevention, childcare, access to care, housing, food insecurity, job placement, and supporting veteran owned businesses. As Chair of the Orange County Housing Finance Trust, I am committed to creating more options for housing in Orange County to get veterans off the street and into housing that meets their needs. I am leading the efforts to expand Project Homekey in Orange County, which transforms office spaces, hotels and other unused buildings into housing. In the Fifth District, Homekey is housing veterans by transforming 30 units at Motel 6 and 10 units at Travelodge into high-quality permanent supportive housing apartments in Costa Mesa.
 Here I am, joined by Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens and Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, celebrating the opening of Homekey Project units in Costa Mesa!
After participating in an advocacy trip to Washington, D.C. on behalf of the County, and lobbying Congressman Levin and HUD, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development will now require public housing agencies to set the income eligibility for veterans at 80% Area Median Income, up from 50% AMI and excluding veterans' disability benefits from income determination. As many of you may know and have experienced, most veterans were priced out of receiving housing choice vouchers if they received disability benefits.
I invite you to attend my 2024 Veterans of the Year honors, which will be held right here in Irvine at the Los Olivos Community Center on November 14, 2024, at 6 p.m. RSVP at bit.ly/RSVPVOTY.
 From last year’s 2023 Veterans of the Year Awards!
Our short agenda wrapped up quickly, then I attended the Orange County Public Affairs Association (OCPAA)’s annual Election Day Lunch at the Pacific Club. OCPAA was created in 1993 as a forum for the growing ranks of OC public affairs professionals, elected officials, corporate executives and policy makers to connect, network, and share best practices. Thank you for inviting me and Chairman Wagner for a fun election update spoof. A light-hearted break amidst a full day.
 On Thursday morning, I enjoyed attending the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce’s “Women Who Mean Business” luncheon. I’m honored to accept the “Public Service & Government Award,” alongside fellow awardees: Carole Allen, Melissa Caldwell, and Caroline Swift. As I mentioned during the program, I love supporting small businesses, especially women owned, and our chambers. We’ve provided more than $725,000 to District 5 Chambers. We also set up a Doing Business with OC portal where local businesses can get certified as vendors and receive bid updates for services and products. Check it out here!
  I later attended a South Orange County Watershed Management Area Executive Committee (SOCWMA) meeting. The Executive Committee provides strategic direction for environmental enhancement programs in the watershed, advocacy of these programs, and a forum for discussion of watershed environmental issues. We received updates on water quality projects across the district, and rebates to help residents save money on rainwater systems and native plant gardens. Read our meeting agenda here.
 We invite you to upcoming local community events, including:
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November 9, 2024 – Veterans Day Event
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Costa Mesa: The OC Fair & Event Center’s Heroes Hall Museum will honor veterans with an “Art of Service” event from noon to 3 p.m. on Nov. 9. There will be entertainment, art projects, food and veterans service organizations will participate. The fairgrounds are at 88 Fair Drive.
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November 11, 2024 – Veterans Day Events
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Dana Point: VFW Post 9934 and its Ladies Auxiliary will join the city for a community event at 11:30 a.m. at Strands Vista Park, 34201 Selva Road.
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Irvine: The city will host a ceremony from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the formal garden area at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park, 4 Civic Center. The ceremony will pay tribute to our nation’s troops and honor local veterans and military organizations.
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Laguna Niguel: The community’s ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Sea Country Senior & Community Center, 24602 Aliso Creek Road, and will feature speakers, a color guard and recognition of veterans in attendance. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
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San Clemente: A Veterans Ceremony is planned at 11 a.m. on Nov. 9 at the Marine Monument in Park Semper Fi.
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San Juan Capistrano: American Legion Post 721 invites the community to an 11 a.m. gathering at Veterans Park, 31852 Camino Capistrano.
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November 20, 2024 – Join me on Tuesday, November 20, 2024, at the Heisler Park Amphitheater at 4 p.m. for my next Wellness Walk! Siân Poeschal, the Cultural Arts Manager for the City of Laguna Beach, will be pointing out key art installations along the walk. Dogs are welcome and parking is limited so carpool if you can. I hope to see you there!
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November 22, 2024 – Want to chat with me and hear about issues impacting our community? Swing by my upcoming Coffee & Conversations, Friday, November 22, 2024! From 8 to 9 a.m. at Costa Mesa’s Moongoat Coffee, join me for your morning brew and an informative community discussion. Please RSVP at bit.ly/kfcoffee
 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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We continue to advocate for affordable housing in the Fifth District:
 
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. Join us in person or watch our next Board of Supervisors Meeting on November 19, 2024, at: Live Board Meeting Broadcast.
On Monday, I attended the graduation ceremony of the AIM High Fall program for teens organized by The Noble Path Foundation. This San Clemente non-profit pairs small groups of teens with outstanding leaders in our community each week, encouraging meaningful dialogues on topics such as stress, social media, financial literacy, and leadership. Congratulations to all the participants. Enjoy a good week everyone!
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Adam Tallabas
District Director
Tyler Mosher
District Representative & Policy Analyst
This week, I prepared for the next session of Supervisor Foley’s Young Supervisor Program. Next Saturday, we will host a mental health workshop where our students will learn about Orange County’s system of behavioral and mental health care. Our Young Supervisors will also learn best practices for caring for their own mental well-being. Our expert guest speakers include: Dawn Smith, Assistant Deputy Director of the Orange County Health Care Agency; and Amanda McConnell, Senior Manager of Behavioral Health Integration at CalOptima Health.
On Friday, I joined the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce for two grand openings in the new River Street Marketplace in the historic Los Rios district of San Juan Capistrano. The marketplace features farm-inspired architecture and a California native landscape palette that pays homage to the history of the site and surrounding area. Congratulations to Fermentation Farm and Seager for expanding to this fantastic new development!
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Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
Hello! This week, I had the pleasure of supporting women and girls of all ages and backgrounds in District 5. 💗
On Thursday, I joined the Supervisor, women on our staff, and the incredible women business owners of Laguna Niguel at the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce ‘Women Who Mean Business’ Luncheon. I found connecting with so many successful business owners who ensure the local economy thrives felt truly rewarding. What an honor, too, celebrating Supervisor Foley on receiving the “Public Service and Government Award.” Women empowering women always inspires me!
Next, I visited Girl Scout Brownie Troop 2604 in Ladera Ranch and presented on the role of a County Supervisor. Together, the second graders and I discussed the opportunities available to young women in government and public service. I loved hearing the girls’ big plans for their future careers, and I feel incredibly hopeful for the future knowing that these bright young leaders are ready to make a difference in the world!
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On Saturday, Mecca and Abby celebrated South County’s LGBTQIA+ community at Ladera Valley Pride. Abby also attended ribbon cutting for Ladyfolk watercolor art studio.
On Thursday, Luca visited the County IT Department’s Open House. Interested in how AI can assist government, he watched a presentation on how Microsoft’s AI software can help almost every County employee work more efficiently.
Join the Orange County Ethics Commission
District 5 is seeking a qualified individual to serve on the Ethics Commission, which oversees the County's Campaign Reform, Lobbyist Registration, Gift Ban Ordinances, and Code of Ethics.
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Must be a registered voter.
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Cannot hold any elected or appointed public office.
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Must not have been an elected official, lobbyist, candidate, public agency head, or Grand Juror in the last 10 years.
- No felony or misdemeanor convictions involving dishonesty or election law violations.
Make a difference in ensuring transparency and accountability 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.
John Wayne Airport Commission Update
JWA Commissioner Susan Dvorak
The Airport Commission considered two items at the November 6, 2024 meeting. The Airport Commission voted to recommend approval of revised parking rates to cover airport improvement costs, and the approval of a contract renewal to handle maintenance, operations and unforeseen repairs of the loading bridge and baggage services areas.
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, Leif!
 Hey folks, my name is Leif and I'm an 11-year-old Boxer. I can't help getting older, but like fine wine, I get better with age and the best is yet to come!
Let me tell you why you should adopt an old pal like me. I'm a friendly and sweet pup who loves treats and people! If things get better with age, than I'm approaching magnificent! With 11 years of wisdom under my collar, I'm easy to handle, I've already mastered my commands, and I'm also a fantastic candidate for new pet owners or seasoned pet parents!
I can't wait to give you tons of love and affection! Please adopt me so we can begin our new adventure! Call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my animal ID A1882962 to adopt or foster me!
Honoring All Who Serve at Newport Whales
 
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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Thank you for being an active member of our County.
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@SupervisorFoley
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