A Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley

County of Orange, California sent this bulletin at 11/22/2024 06:06 PM PST

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Volume 4 | Issue 47

November 22, 2024

Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley

Supervisor’s Message

Dear neighbor:

Happy holiday season Fabulous Fifth District! My team and I enjoyed another week full of community engagement and productive meetings to advance our initiatives and support community projects. Our priority this week centered around our legislative platform, airport infrastructure improvement plans, mental health and housing, group home laws, legislative advocacy to support regulations that allow us to move and site spent nuclear fuel, and more public corruption and procurement reforms.

I spent my Friday night celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Veterans Legal Institute at their annual Lawyers for Warriors celebration event. This event raises crucial funds for Veterans Legal Institute, a pro bono law firm serving veterans. Congratulations to Attorney of the Year Rosanna E. Fristed, Esq.; Law Firm of the Year Ford & Diulio; Veteran Advocates of the Year Sahar Hanna, Vivien Hymen, Heidi Plummer, and Silvana Sarkis; Veteran of the Year Tom Boscamp (also our D5 Veteran of the Year), and Community Partner of the Year Judicate West!

On Saturday, our Young Supervisors cohort met for their fourth session, this time centered on Mental Health. Thank you to our guest speakers Dawn Smith, Assistant Deputy Director of Children & Youth Services at Orange County Health Care Agency and Amanda McConnell, Senior Manager of Behavioral Health Integration at CalOptima Health for providing your expert insight on this critical issue for our youth and sharing career opportunities. Our Young Supervisors also presented their ideas for their capstone research projects – stay tuned for more details!

young supervisors session 4: mental health

My Monday meetings were centered around transportation. I met with John Wayne Airport Director Charlene Reynolds to receive updates on airport projects and community concerns. I later spoke with staff at Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) about the 405 Express Lanes Excess Toll Revenue Policy and Expenditure Plan to discuss how revenue from the new express lanes will go towards improving transportation near the I-405.

BOS 11.20.24 National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week

At our Board Meeting on Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors proclaimed the week of November 17 – 23, 2024 as “National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.”

I remain committed to addressing the homelessness crisis at the source: the lack of housing and services available to individuals at all income levels. Initiatives such as Project Homekey rapidly expand housing for the roughly 4,173 unsheltered people in Orange County. In the Fifth District, we identified Project Homekey sites at Motel 6 and Travelodge, creating nearly 200 units of high-quality permanent supportive housing for persons experiencing homelessness – with a special emphasis on unhoused veterans.

On Wednesday morning I chaired the final meeting of the year for the Orange County Housing Finance Trust (OCHFT) Board of Directors. We discussed updates to our ADU Loan program and approved issuing a request for interest for a loan service provider, approved funding of more then $600k for a project in Placentia, and extended the funding opportunities for housing projects for nearly $4.9M.

Next, I facilitated a meeting with our Community Colleges, Universities, and Chief Hernandez of Orange County Probation and his staff. As a member of the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council we have resources available to collaborate with higher education to enroll justice involved youth into a degree program. By working together as a community, we can reduce recidivism in our Juvenile Probation programs, improve public safety, and – most importantly – create brighter futures for the citizens of Orange County.

I ended my Wednesday on a Wellness Walk from Laguna Beach’s beautiful Heisler Park all the way down to Main Beach. Thank you to all who attended and to Siân Poeschal, Cultural Arts Manager with the City of Laguna Beach for leading us on this walk and sharing highlights of the incredible art installations along the way.

I began Thursday by attending the OCTA Legislative & Communications Committee Meeting. There, we discussed our legislative platform that includes streamlining for sand nourishment and procurement partnerships, as well as how OCTA helps spread awareness about the wonderful services they offer and encourages safe E-Bike riding.

I then joined U.S. Representative Mike Levin, Spent Fuel Solutions (SFS) Executive Director Chris Wahl, and San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Community Engagement Panel Chairman Daniel Stetson in a webinar to introduce the Nuclear Waste Administration Act of 2024.

On Thursday afternoon I attended a meeting of the United to End Homelessness Leadership Council meeting, where I provided updates from the Orange County Housing Finance Trust. The council closed out our 2024 meeting schedule by discussing strategies for 2025 and beyond. This past year the Orange County Housing Finance Trust supported the housing development of 719 units through $$22,585,140 in financing. The OC Housing Finance Trust’s funding supported 3,444 units so far, including 1,481 permanent supportive housing units for our most chronically homeless and severely mentally ill.

Then, I attended the 43rd Annual South Coast Plaza Tree Lighting Ceremony at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. I enjoyed ringing in the holiday season with festive performances by talented Orange County School of the Arts students and, of course, a special visit from Santa!

Later, I closed out the night at the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) to tour their new exhibit Ordinary Extraordinary. The past two years OCMA has welcomed 500,000 visitors and set up school tours for more than 3,400 youth. Access to the arts supports our children’s mental health and sets them on a path to success. Our office’s $250,000 education grant for school field trips helps children experience OCMA exhibits with interactive docent-led experiences and eat a fresh cooked lunch. I remain dedicated to working with OCMA to uplift educational and mental health programs that enhance access to the local arts for Orange County students.

This morning, I hosted my Coffee and Conversation in MoonGoat Coffee in Costa Mesa. Thank you to MoonGoat Coffee for hosting our whole crew and to Mayor John Stephens for joining us as we discussed the Talbert Regional Park Master Plan update, City of Costa Mesa and Fifth District upcoming and current initiatives, and public corruption reform. Special thanks go out to Clay Lacy Aviation for bringing the first of many coats donated to our 16th Annual Coat Drive for Kids. Stay tuned for our next Coffee and Conversation!

I then joined my team as we handed out Thanksgiving turkeys and boxes of food at the Fresh Beginnings Ministries Food Drive.(FBM) The Fresh Beginnings Ministries Food Drive is providing over 1,000 families annual food drive. Each year FBM provides over 1,000 families with a Thanksgiving meal to share on the holiday. Visit the FBM website to learn more about volunteering and supporting outreach with your individual donation or community sponsorship.

We invite you to upcoming local community events, including:

Did you know last year my annual New Coats for Kids Drive provided over 700 coats to kids in our community? Join me in spreading even more warmth this season and drop a new, unused coat for a child aged 4-17 off at any of our locations, including all OC Public Libraries in D5, the lobbies of both County Administration North and South buildings, and more – see the full list below:

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

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.

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)

We welcomed our first D5 staff baby this week. Congrats to team member Anthony on his new baby girl.

Bruin week passed me by this year. My family will be rooting for my UCLA Bruins vs USC this weekend and enjoying some fun rivalry experiences with friends. Go Bruins!

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!

Public Hearings

Tweet of the Week

Upcoming Board of Supervisors Meeting On December 3, 2024

Attend our 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 3, 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)

Clay Lacy Aviation Breaks Ground on Orange County FBO, Largest Private Infrastructure Investment in John Wayne Airport History - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)

Summit showcases CSUF’s commitment to a sustainable future – Orange County Register (ocregister.com)

O.C. Board of Supervisors mull outside probe, ethics code after corruption case - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)

OC supervisor calls for review of county contract with Rep. Michelle Steel’s campaign mail vendor | LAist

OC Board of Supervisors considers external audit, policy changes following Andrew Do bribery plea – Orange County Register (ocregister.com)

Moms speak out against LA, Orange county delaying start of major mental health law | FOX 11 Los Angeles (foxla.com)

Staff Updates

Anthony Nguyen

Policy Advisor

Happy Friday District 5! This week the policy team supported Supervisor Foley at the Board meeting; for a complete summary, please review the Meeting Minutes. Join us in person or watch our next Board of Supervisors Meeting on December 3, 2024 via the Live Meeting Broadcast.

On Monday, my wife and I welcomed our daughter, Nguyễn Ngọc Phượng Aliyah (Ali). Her brothers, Aiden (4.5 years old) and Aaron (2 years old), are excited for a baby sister. I will be on parental leave for the remainder of the year and look forward to our continued work in January 2025. Happy Holidays!

Adam Tallabas

District Director

Happy Friday! This week, I prepared our team’s outreach strategy for all of the festive holiday events in the Fifth District. I hope to see you out there at one of our community’s wonderful events. Do you live in the District 5 City of Irvine? The City of Irvine is seeking input on priorities for their Fiscal Year 2025-27 budget. Please take the survey and share it with your family, friends, and neighbors before it closes on Wednesday, December 4. To learn more about the City of Irvine's budget, please visit cityofirvine.org/budget.

Tyler Mosher

District Representative & Policy Analyst

On Monday morning, I attended the Orange County Health Care Agency’s Opioid Abatement Settlement Workgroup meeting. There, Assistant Deputy Director of Substance Use Disorders and Behavioral Health Science Mark Lawrenz discussed HCA’s upcoming initiatives to build out the County’s system of care for individuals suffering from substance use disorders. HCA plans to increase the amount of substance use treatment beds in Orange County while continuing its Fentanyl is Forever campaign to raise awareness of the fentanyl crisis.

Tuesday, I attended the Exchange Club of San Clemente’s Deputy and Firefighter of the Year awards luncheon. Congratulations for Orange County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Jared Hendee and Orange County Fire Authority Fire Captain Brandon Zinsmeister on this momentous achievement! Supervisor Foley remains committed to supporting, honoring, and celebrating our public service heroes. Thank you for protecting our communities and making Orange County a safe place for all.

Morgan Goldstein

District Representative

Hi, District 5!

This week, I attended the November Wellness Walk with our team at Heisler Park in Laguna Beach. I loved seeing all of the familiar faces while learning more about Laguna’s rich history of art and culture. Always such a pleasure to connect with residents, and I already feel excited for our next installment in this series!

On Thursday, I joined the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce at their annual State of the City event. As a newer member of this team and a representative of this beautiful city, this provided a fantastic opportunity to learn more about Aliso Viejo, the accomplishments of the past year, and its goals for the year ahead.

Me with Aliso Viejo Chamber President Julie Wright and Ali.

From Our Interns:

Yesterday afternoon, Abby attended a ribbon cutting with Mendocino Farms, welcoming the family-owned restaurant to San Juan Capistrano. This morning, Noah and Noa joined the Supervisor at her Coffee & Conversation at MoonGoat Coffee in Costa Mesa, where she discussed topics including the Talbert Park Master Plan to D5 and Costa Mesa initiatives.

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, Marty!

Hi there! I’m Marty, an 8-year-old Chow Chow mix, and I’m ready to bring some extra luck and love into your life! Did you know the number 8 is considered lucky? It represents harmony, balance, and endless possibilities. Sounds like I'm the perfect match for you, don’t you think?

I’m a friendly, easygoing senior who loves exploring the world one sniff at a time and soaking up all the affection I can get. Everyone I’ve met says I’m a good, calm boy, which I'm sure means I'm the perfect companion for those quiet moments or peaceful walks!

I dream of spending my golden years in a loving home filled with joy and belly rubs. Could that be with you? Please call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my animal ID A1870123 so we can create our happily ever after together!

City of Irvine Accepting Letters to Santa beginning Until Dec. 13

The City of Irvine is excited to welcome back Santa’s magic mailbox this holiday season 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

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.

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.