A Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley

County of Orange, California sent this bulletin at 11/29/2024 10:00 AM PST

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Volume 4 | Issue 48

November 29, 2024

Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley

Supervisor’s Message

Dear neighbor:

I hope you all enjoy a restful break and quality time with your loved ones over Thanksgiving. Thank you for this opportunity to serve the Fabulous Fifth District. All year round, Team Foley remains grateful for this work, making Orange County a better place to work, live, and play!

On Saturday I attended the Orange County Sheriff's Museum and Education Center’s 20th Anniversary Gala. This museum serves as an important landmark and center for education spanning the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s 135-year legacy of public safety in our community. Learn more about and how to visit at ochseriffmuseum.com.

I kicked Thanksgiving week off with an Orange County Transportation Authority Board Meeting. Congratulations to coach operator Alicia Gonzalez, maintenance worker William Verduzco, and administrator Sofia Perez on earning Employees of the Month for November 2024!

During the meeting, the Board voted to purchase 60 additional Zero Emissions Buses. Since entering office, I prioritized implementing more sustainable infrastructure, especially as it relates to public transit. This vote represents yet another crucial step towards that goal.

Additionally, the Board voted to employ more equitable fare practices, such as applying fare caps for daily and monthly bus rides. This means those who cannot buy a daily or monthly pass upfront will not pay more than the price of a pass for individual tickets in that period.

Then, I hosted my Women Judges Luncheon with OC Superior Court Presiding Judge Maria Hernandez and 14 Honorable Judges I have known many of these powerhouses in their fields since we were baby lawyers, dreaming of making the world a better and just place. I provided updates on our County budget, Civic Center Master Plans that may impact them, OC Cares & Juvenile Justice housing, education and work force reentry training programs to reduce recidivism.

We discussed additional resources for their courts to connect victims to services and offenders to reentry and housing. We also discussed court vacancies and they shared about a judicial membership mentor program to match judges with mentees who want to serve as judicial officers. Thank you, friends, for an empowering conversation about improving our court system and also opening doors for more women in our profession.

Monday afternoon, I swore in OC Historical Commission’s newest commissioner, Margaret Moodian. The OC Historical Commission is tasked with protecting and preserving the history of Orange County and promoting the preservation and use of buildings, sites, structures, objects, and districts of importance in Orange County. I look forward to working with Ms. Moodian to highlight the history of the Fifth District. I know she will do an incredible job on the OC Historical Commission.

On Tuesday, I held my monthly Orange County Community Resources meeting with Director Dylan Wright, in which we discussed everything from expanded Pickleball facilities throughout OC to improvements at Laguna Niguel Regional Park to a symphony concert holiday series to saving our beaches.

Then, I met with Randy Redwitz, former San Juan Capistrano Mayor Gary Hausdorfer, and James Campbell, from The Diamond Group for a discussion on the Caritas Corporation. Caritas is an affordable housing and workforce housing focused nonprofit, that specializes in preserving the affordability of Mobile Home Communities. Their 33 communities house 15,000 residents across the West Coast, including 3 in Orange County. We discussed their recent investments in Costa Mesa to buy an apartment complex and maintain affordability at 80% AMI. We must solve the housing crisis by working together to find creative solutions to the whole continuum of housing needs.

Tuesday night after our staff meeting, I met my girlfriends at the CampOut in Costa Mesa. This newly converted industrial building next door to The Camp includes a café, Salty Bear Brewery, a pottery-making shop and dried flowers, and the new venue Cowboys & Poodles. We enjoyed dinner at Vitaly then walked over for line dancing lessons with a country band in the parking lot. So much fun and a great community vibe. Great way to enjoy some downtime after a busy month! Check it out.

Back to serious work on Wednesday morning, I received a briefing from the County Counsel’s office relating to requests that the County revise our Sober Living Home Ordinance in prepare for our call with Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie Norris and the Attorney General’s office about impacts to our Housing Element certification. As your County Supervisor, I continue to champion regulations of recovery homes to protect patients and the public. I appreciate the help of our Assemblywoman who understands the issues and needs well.

Our staff spent the rest of the short day finalizing items for our December 3 board agenda, including my request to ban the retail sale of nitros oxide for recreational use and opening negotiations for our county homelessness outreach and engagement workers to address wages and work environment issues.

I spent the evening making Chocolate Pecan Pies and other treats as well as setting my table for our family’s Thanksgiving feast. I love this time of year to visit with family from out of town, catch up, and enjoy time with my husband Casey planning our activities and meal. I hope you do, too.

I hope your Thanksgiving was enjoyable. I’m so grateful for my health, home, family, and friends.

On Friday, I visited South Coast Plaza for my annual Fabulous Friday shopping tradition. I’m glad to see the economy humming strong as we end the year.

On Saturday, I’ll flip the switch to light up the Winterfest OC at the OC Fair & Event Center. This fun tradition brings lots of ice skating, holiday lights and fun holiday food and activities for families. Tickets on sale now.

We invite you to upcoming local community events, including:

In the spirit of giving, join me in spreading even more warmth this season and drop a new, unused coat for a child aged 4-17 off for my 16th Annual New Coats for Kids Drive. Find drop boxes at all OC Public Libraries in D5, my Dana Point office, local community and senior centers, and more – see the full list below:

Celebrate the season with the Board of Supervisors at our annual Holiday Open House! This free event is open tot the public on December 4, 2024, from 1 – 3 p.m. and presents an excellent opportunity for connecting with your County public servants. Find us at 400 W. Civic Center Dr., Santa Ana, CA 92701 on the sixth floor.

Ring in the Winter season with Team Foley at Ladera Ranch WinterFest on Dec. 7, 2024 from 2 – 5 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon packed with holiday performances and activities for all ages—from bouncing on inflatables to shopping at the craft fair, playing games, making crafts, and capturing magical moments with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The fun doesn’t stop there—stay until 5:00 p.m. when Santa himself will light up the park with our dazzling holiday display!

Join Team Foley for hot cocoa at the 45th Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk on Dec. 8, 2024 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. For over 44 years, this popular community event proudly celebrates the merchants and restaurants of the Corona del Mar Village, drawing thousands of friends, neighbors, and business owners into the district of Corona del Mar for fun and merriment that can’t be matched.

Mark your calendars for our last Wellness Walk of the year on December 13, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. and enjoy holiday lights on a stroll along Dana Point Harbor with me! RSVP here.

Celebrate “Hometown Holiday” with Team Foley on Dec. 14, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the Laguna Niguel Holiday 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.

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)

Have a wonderful weekend and a happy Small Business Saturday! 95% of businesses in Orange County are small, family-owned establishments. Let’s show them our support, as our small business community is the backbone of our local economy.

Gloria's in Costa Mesa makes great tamales!

Be well and enjoy your holiday weekend. Don't forget to shop local,

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!

Community Correspondence

As County Supervisor representing the Fabulous Fifth District, I support the operations of Surf & Turf Therapy at Doheny State Beach.

I remain committed to supporting our dedicated community members as together, we work to make D5 a better place in which to live and play!

Congratulations, Letitia!

Post 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

Moms speak out against LA, Orange county delaying start of major mental health law

OC Board of Supervisors considers external audit, policy changes following Andrew Do bribery plea

Lax oversight again blamed for $275,000 OC contract for services never provided

Clay Lacy Aviation Breaks Ground on Orange County FBO, Largest Private Infrastructure Investment in John Wayne Airport History

Town Crier: Week of Nov. 22

Dickies to move HQ from Texas to Southern California - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)

Staff Updates

Adam Tallabas

District Director

Happy Thanksgiving, D5!

I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the good people of this district and create positive change through policy action. This week, I completed the first draft of an initiative I am leading for the office to help students and young professionals in District 5 – more details to come soon! I look forward to meeting so many of you at next week’s Holiday Open House on the 6th Floor! Did you know that November is National Adopt-A-Senior Pet Month? This month, give a senior pet their furr-ever home for just $7! This deal applies to all dogs and cats ages 7 years or older. Visit OCAC’s website for more information.

Morgan Goldstein

District Representative

Happy Holidays!

Cozy up with your loved ones this weekend at the Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy in Laguna Beach! This month-long festival features performances, art displays, and a Santa meet-and-greet. Laguna Beach residents can attend for free every Friday, and Chamber members receive a $2 discount on tickets with the code Chamber 2024. This family-friendly event is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of the Laguna Beach Winter Express Trolley, which is free to ride and operates every 30 minutes until 8 PM on weekends through Dec. 22, 2024. Check out the schedule here and enjoy the holiday season! ❄️

Intern Updates

This week, interns worked on advocacy letters, constituent services, and preparation for a holiday season full of community engagement. Luca prepped for and attended the Orange County Transportation Agency board meeting. We also celebrated Kimberlee, our Chief of Stuff and Office Manager’s birthday. Thank you for creating such a warm and welcoming office environment Kimberlee -- we adore you!

The interns and fellows also helped decorate the office for our Holiday Open House next Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 1 to 3 p.m. We hope to see you there!

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. 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 at 1501 E. St. Andrew Place, Santa Ana, CA 92705.

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

Exciting New Initiatives at the Orange County Animal Shelter

By Monica Schmidt, OC Animal Care Director

OC Animal Care is partnering with Vet Care Pet Clinic to host an Affordable Pet Vaccine Clinic on Sunday, October 6th, from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. Click here to learn more.

OC Animal Care is partnering with H.E.A.R.T. to host a monthly low-cost dog and cat vaccine clinic. Appointments are required. To learn more and to make an appointment, visit heart4pets.org

Fall in love and adopt your new best friend from OC Animal Care! Embrace the autumn magic by bringing home a pup who will fill your life with warmth, loyalty, and endless cuddles. For a sprinkle of ‘pupkin spice’ in your life, stop by OC Animal Care and find your perfect, pawsome match today! Adoption fees are waived for dogs 25+ pounds throughout November 2024. Waived adoption fees do not include licensing fees or puppies 6 months of age or younger.

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, Wilma!

Hi everyone, I'm Wilma. I'm a seven-year-old German Shepherd who prefers the art of slow introductions. Having a pet that's shy and timid may not be on your checklist, but if you give me a moment of your time, I promise you I'm worth it.

I came to OC Animal Care earlier this year after I was found tied to a bench. I have to admit, being abandoned deeply hurt my soul and since then, I built a wall around me to protect my heart.

The staff and volunteers here have been helping me blossom into the best version of myself as I slowly build my self-confidence! I would love a calm and quiet home where I can take my time adjusting to new surroundings, and a family who can be patient with me as I lower my walls and open my heart! Can you please give me the chance of a lifetime and adopt me? Call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my animal ID A1868038 to adopt or foster me!

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

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.