A Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley

County of Orange, California sent this bulletin at 11/15/2024 05:48 PM PST

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Volume 4 | Issue 46

November 15, 2024

Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley

Supervisor’s Message

Dear neighbor:

In my office, every day is Veterans Day, and this week we focused especially on uplifting and advocating for those who served.

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. This year’s national theme for Veterans Day is “A Legacy of Loyalty and Service,” and I remain committed to championing our veterans’ service.

Here I am on Veteran’s Day with the memorial plaque for Costa Mesa High School Football Coach Glenn Fisher.

As your Supervisor, I created a Veterans advisory team to help identify gaps in Veteran services at the County. With their help, we’ve secured more than $80 million since 2021 to serve our Veterans. I remain committed to ensuring Orange County's over 100,000 veterans are treated with dignity and receive the housing, childcare, healthcare, and job placements after service, along with other benefits and care they earned.

I joined VFW 9934 in Dana Point for their Veterans Day Ceremony and attended Irvine’s Veterans Day tribute to our nation’s troops on Monday morning.

All of these events led up to my annual Veterans of the Year Awards on Thursday! Overall, my office continues to prioritize veterans' employment, the County Veterans Service Office, and most of all, ending veterans’ homelessness in our county. 

Thank you to all who attended, and congratulations to our honorees: John K. White of Costa Mesa, Dr. Jacqueline White of Costa Mesa, Jameeka Green Aaron of Irvine, Bill Leber of Laguna Niguel, Jamie Poston of San Clemente, William Manes of Dana Point, Ben Briggs of San Juan Capistrano, Tom Boscamp of Newport Beach, and Ray Ricard of Newport Beach.

Saturday evening, I attended the opening night of the sixth annual Coast Film & Music Festival in Laguna Beach. As your Supervisor I directed $232,000 for the arts, after-school classes, neighborhood improvements, and local community organizations to prioritize access to the arts for all OC residents. Let’s continue to support and celebrate the arts as a vital part of our community’s future!

Top Right: Greg and Barbara MacGillivray of MacGillivray Freeman Films, pioneers of IMAX filmmaking and using the art of film to save our planet. Lower right: Here I am with Jayne Herring of the World Affairs Council

I began my week at the OCTA Board of Directors Meeting. Watch Board Chairman Tam T. Nguyen present highlights from today’s meeting here. I spent a busy Tuesday full of meetings, including discussing Spent Nuclear Fuel storage with Southwest Strategies LLC, covering community engagement with OC Educators Association, brainstorming with SoCal Pilots, and checking in with OC Health Care Agency Director Dr. Veronica Kelley and team.

Here I am with Chris Wahl from Southwest Strategies LLC.

Here I am with Laurie Martinez Schultz from the Orange County School Educators Association.

Here I am with my JWA Airport Commissioner Sue Dvorak, Julie Johnson, and Craig Ryan from SoCal Pilots.

On Wednesday morning, I joined the City of Santa Ana, Jamboree Housing, and other leaders from the OC Housing Finance Trust (OCHFT) to celebrate the Grand Opening of Estrella Springs. Estrella Springs was once a run down and dilapidated motel – now it’s nearly 90 homes with a focus on our formerly homeless veterans. With the OCHFT’s investment of $3.5 million, this development will house 10% of the remaining veterans living on our streets. As Chair of the OCHFT Board, I remain committed to our mission: strengthening the communities in Orange County by financing the development of affordable housing for homeless and low-income individuals and families.

Next, I enjoyed welcoming the Pacific Symphony’s new music director, Alexander Shelley, at the Segerstrom Center! As we welcome this new chapter with an outstanding leader, I continue supporting the Symphony’s ongoing mission of expanding access to art. That’s why my office supported the Pacific Symphony with a $200,000 grant, bringing the magic of music to our neighborhoods, seniors, and schools. Programs like the “Heartstrings Music & Wellness Tour” and “Symphony on the Go,” Pacific Symphony enriches our communities and instills a lifelong appreciation of creativity and culture in our children.

Thursday morning, I joined Clay Lacy Aviation to break ground on their new hangar complex and fixed based operator headquarters at John Wayne Airport (JWA). Clay Lacy is investing $100 million to build the first new hangars at JWA in 40 years and presented a check to the Orange Coast College Aviation Science Program to invest in the next generation of pilots. This upgrade from Clay Lacy folds into the County’s General Aviation Improvement Plan (GAIP), which joins the County’s investment in improvements for commercial airlines. In total, JWA will have $1 Billion invested in improving and modernizing our airport.

Today, I plan to attend the Lawyers for Warriors 2024, marking a decade of advocacy for our Veterans.

This afternoon, I joined Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris as the guest DJs on KXFM's fundraising drive. We played our favorites and shared our journey together serving Orange County, stories about our public service adventures, and the music we danced or rallied to along the way.

To support the radio station, listeners can go online anytime and give at https://givebutter.com/IM0op9/laguna-talks-billy-fried. Just click on the Donate button and be sure to select our show from the drop down as the recipient of your gift. That way we each get credit* in the race for top fundraiser.

(*All donations of $5,000 or more will require behest of payment disclosure filings from each of us per FPPC RULE 803.)

We invite you to upcoming local community events, including:

November 20, 2024 – Join me on Tuesday 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!

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

‘Tis the season for my sixteenth annual New Coats for Kids Drive! Consider donating a new coat or jacket for local District 5 kids ages 4-17 in need this winter at any of the following District 5 locations and help spread warmth in our community:

Be well and wear your sunscreen out and about this weekend,

Katrina Foley
Supervisor
County of Orange

In This Edition

Read more about local events, community and health news, District and County initiatives, and other important updates!

Correspondence & Advocacy

It’s great to see our work and initiatives helping residents!

Tweet of the Week

Upcoming Board of Supervisors Meeting On November 19, 2024

Attend our 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 19, 2024 Board of Supervisors Meeting
View the Agenda: Here
See a list of our upcoming 2024 Board meetings: Here

Development begins on $100M private facility at John Wayne Airport for general aviation – Orange County Register (ocregister.com)

OCTA Receives Funding from Federal and State Agencies for Vital Coastal Rail Corridor Improvements - Railway Track and Structures (rtands.com)

Pacific Symphony taps Alexander Shelley as next artistic and music director - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)

Staff Updates

Alyssa Napuri

Deputy Chief of Staff

In July, Supervisor Foley joined leaders from across the state to share that we successfully received $500M for Southern California to support the transition to clean green energy and the development of a workforce training program which will lead to nearly 500 well paid positions with International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. More information can be found at this website here, and a helpful infographic is below:

Anthony Nguyen

Policy Advisor

Happy Friday District 5! This week our office’s policy team continued finalizing preparation work for the Board of Supervisors Meeting next week on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. Please join us in person or watch the live stream here: Live Board Meeting Broadcast.

Earlier this afternoon, I met with members of CIELO and The COOK Alliance to discuss the potential benefits of introducing Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs) to Orange County. MEHKOs allow home cooks to obtain a permit to legally sell food directly to the public from their home kitchens, offering a significant opportunity for economic growth and community resilience. Several counties in California, including Riverside, San Diego, and Los Angeles, have already opted into the MEHKO program, with positive outcomes. We will continue to discuss and explore how Orange County could benefit from joining this movement.

Adam Tallabas

District Director

Hi D5!

This week, I met with representatives from the Associated Students of UC Irvine to discuss issues facing students on the Irvine campus, including housing insecurity, food insecurity, and more.

Later, I joined the Corona Del Mar Chamber of Commerce for their Good Morning CdM meeting and provided updates on the Supervisor’s work in the Fifth District. We also heard from Newport Beach Councilmember Lauren Kleima n who provided important updates from the City of Newport Beach.

After months of planning, our “Fifth District Veterans of the Year” last night proved a resounding success. I enjoyed hearing stories and meeting so many accomplished heroes who call the Fifth District home.

Our District & Comms teams provided critical support to the event, and I am grateful to have them on Team Foley!

Tyler Mosher

District Representative & Policy Analyst

Dana Point’s Ocean Institute, founded in 1977, educates 100,000 children, teachers, parents, and visitors annually through over 60 marine science and maritime history programs. Located on 2.4 acres in the Dana Point Harbor, the facility offers in-depth marine science and maritime history programs. Growing up, I went to summer camp at the Ocean Institute – I know firsthand the value this nonprofit provides to residents of Dana Point and beyond. On Wednesday, I attended the Ocean Institute’s Board of Directors meeting on behalf of Supervisor Foley. Besides receiving financial, business, and fundraising reports, the Board also viewed the brand-new “Our Ocean… Our Youth” Mural.

Morgan Goldstein

District Representative

Happy Friday, everyone!

This week, I joined the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce at the Mercedes-Benz of Laguna Niguel Grand Re-Opening celebration. The event featured an interactive art experience with artist Tanja Stadnic, along with an auction. Proceeds from the event supported Family Assistance Ministries (FAM), a fantastic District 5 non-profit that helps people in need with food, shelter, and personalized coaching on their path to independence. It’s always a pleasure to support businesses that not only boost our economy but also give back to the community!

Next, I visited the Shae Center for Therapeutic Riding in San Juan Capistrano to tour the facility and discuss this year’s Holiday Resource Fair and Food Distribution. Thanks to the Shae Center’s generous hosting, last year’s event served over 500 individuals and 250 households. The evening was heartwarming, full of joy and support for families in need. We’re excited to make this year’s event just as, if not more, impactful!

From Our Interns:

On Tuesday, Ali and Noa attended a ribbon cutting in Laguna Heights celebrating the grand opening of Mathnasium, where residents can engage in comprehensive math tutoring lessons. Tuesday evening, Abby attended an award ceremony for the CEO Leadership Alliance of Orange County in Newport Beach, honoring this year’s Champion Award recipients for their contributions to Orange County’s economic growth and leadership development.

County Updates:

Housing and Community Development Requests Input for 2025-29 Consolidated Plan

By Stephanie Oddo, D5 Housing and Community Development Commissioner

The County of Orange Housing and Community Development Department has begun the FY 2025-29 Consolidated Plan process which will prioritize the housing and community development needs of the Urban County’s low-and moderate-income residents. The FY 2025-29 Consolidated Plan will influence the allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds to address those needs over the next five years.

A Stakeholder Meeting will be held on Monday December 2, 2024, from 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. for any non-profit organization providing services to low-to moderate income residents in participating cities. The stakeholder meeting will take place at 1501 E. St. Andrew Place, Santa Ana, CA 92705.

Please RSVP: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PNVB5Y3

California launches new rebates to help cut home energy costs

Homeowners: Receive $4,000 - $8,000 in rebates to reduce the cost of purchasing and installing a new, energy-efficient home heating and cooling heat pump

California homeowners with household incomes between 80% and 150% area median income (AMI) will be eligible for up to $4,000. Those with incomes less than 80% AMI will be eligible for up to $8,000. Applicants can find their AMI here and begin their application here.

The rebates can be added to other incentives for even more savings on home electric appliances and equipment.

For more information on rebates and customer eligibility, visit techcleanca.com/heehra.

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.

Requirements:

Must be a registered voter.

Cannot hold any elected or appointed public office.

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.

To Apply: Submit your CV or resume, a short bio, and the linked application to Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com.

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:

Deciding which types of organizations and programs get funded

Determining strategic direction

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.”

2024 Recruitment Period

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.

APPLY HERE.

Dana Point Harbor News

Please see the latest Dana Point Harbor Oversight Advisory Committee updates here.

Health News

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.

To request your free delivery of Naloxone, please fill out our brief online form at https://tinyurl.com/FentSolOC

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

Metrolink Holiday Express

The holiday season is here! Get in the spirit by riding Metrolink to festive events and activities! On the Metrolink Holiday Express, you can look forward to great holiday deals and delightful day trips from LA to Oceanside. Enjoy the magic of a classic, cozy train ride!

Learn more at Octa.net/MetrolinkWeekends.

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.

Community News

Pet of the Week

Meet Pet of the Week, Bronx!

Hey guys, I'm Bronx! I'm a three-year-old boy, and like my namesake, I'm full of history and culture. Okay, maybe not history, but I sure am ready to explore new beginnings and experience new things!

I'm actually a shy boy who prefers the art of slow introductions, but once I warm up to you, I get really happy and my playful personality shines through! I love playing with other dogs and play time really brings out the best in me.

If I could have one wish, I wish to be adopted into a loving home where my new family can help me blossom into the best version of me! I promise I'm just a good boy with so much love to give. Please give me a chance and let me prove to you that I'm the one you're looking for! Call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my animal ID A1863402 to foster or adopt me!

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!

Veterans Discounted Whale Watching TODAY – Nov. 17, 2024!

To celebrate our Veterans, Newport Landing Whale Watching offers $17 off standard whale watching TODAY - Nov. 17, 2024! Use Promo Code: 'Veteran50' at checkout to receive $17 off your next Standard or Luxury watching. *Active & Veteran families* receive FREE binocular rentals at check-in with valid ID.

Free Train Rides & Toys for Tots this Weekend!

Join Orange County Model Engineers on Saturday and Sunday November 16 – 17, 2024 for a wonderful miniature train ride around Fairview Park and bring a new and unwrapped toy for Toys-For-Tots. Learn more at: Orange County Model Engineers – RAILROAD FUN FOR EVERYONE (ocmetrains.org)

City of Irvine Accepting Letters to Santa beginning November 18

The City of Irvine is excited to welcome back Santa’s magic mailbox this holiday season, opening Nov. 18, 2024 until Dec. 13, 2024. The City will ensure each letter reaches Santa’s workshop, with responses ready for pick-up at the same location within approximately one week.

Santa's mailboxes are located at:

Heritage Park Community Center, 14301 Yale Ave.

Turtle Rock Community Center, 1 Sunnyhill

Northwood Community Center, 4531 Bryan Ave.

For more information, visit cityofirvine.org/letterstosanta.

OCMA Explores the Ordinary Extraordinary in Fall Exhibition!

No longer just a slice of cake, a refrigerator, or a traffic light, the works in this exhibition ask us to rethink the world we know, revealing a space of secret dreams, stories, and myths.

Learn more here.

South Coast Plaza’s Thanksgiving Dining 2024

Dine-in or enjoy at home -- select restaurants from South Coast Plaza’s dining collection will offer guests delectable Thanksgiving options on Thursday, November 28, 2024.

Learn more here.

south coast plaza, thanksgiving takeout or dine in

Dana Point Turkey Trot

Celebrate the 47th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving Day in the Dana Point Harbor!

Learn more at: Dana Point Turkey Trot | Run the Race Before You Stuff Your Face | Thanksgiving Day Race

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!

Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade

The Dana Point Harbor’s Boat Parade of Lights returns this holiday season for its 49th celebration on December 13, 14, & 15, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. Boaters will deck out their vessels for a chance to win $10,000 in cash prizes across different award categories courtesy of Dana Point Harbor Partners.

Dana Point Harbor’s FREE shuttle service will be available daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., picking up at the East Island Lot and stopping at key locations, including Mariner’s Village, Wind & Sea, and Dana Wharf.

116th Newport Beach Boat Parade

Spectacularly decorated boats light up Newport Bay each year for The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, on Dec. 18 – 24, 2024 from 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Learn more at: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade | Enjoy OC (enjoyorangecounty.com)

Click to edit this placeholder text.

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.

Tickets

San Clemente Chamber of Commerce's Environmental Education Program:

Environmental Education san clemente chamber of commerce

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

Resources

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!

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) provided the Board of Supervisors with an informational update from the Office of Population Health and Equity (OPHE) on the Equity in OC Initiative (EiOC). Click here to read the OPHE/EiOC updates for the months of October to December 2023.