A Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley

County of Orange, California sent this bulletin at 01/10/2025 05:34 PM PST

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Volume 5 | Issue 2

January 10, 2025

Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley

Supervisor’s Message

Dear neighbor:

This past week our neighbors in Los Angeles were devastated by wildfires. Many of our Orange County fire departments have stepped up to support the efforts to quell the fires, including Orange County Fire Authority, Laguna Beach Fire Department and Newport Beach Fire Department. We also enjoyed support for other states sending their firefighters to help California. I want to extend our heartfelt thank you and appreciation to all of the firefighters and first responders who bravely risk their lives.

Donation collection locations are throughout Orange County and the Fifth District to support first responders and victims of the fires. A detailed list can be found at the link in my bio.

Also, please make sure to sign up for Alert OC to stay up to date on all incoming information. To sign up, visit ReadyOC.com.

As we complete our first full week of the new year, it's time to focus on our New Year’s Resolution: improve on the work we dedicated ourselves to when I joined the Board and continue making life even better in the Fabulous Fifth. I remain committed to supporting public safety; reducing encampments; investing in sustainable infrastructure and climate resiliency; protecting our beaches, parks, and open spaces; revitalizing the middle class through job creation and support for small businesses and improving access to County services. Full steam ahead!

Our team documented our work in our 2024 Year in Review. Review our year online here. Soon you can pick up a printed booklet at our office, booths, or at any of the 12 libraries in the Fifth District.

Additionally, as we welcome 2025, I want my office’s priorities to reflect your needs. Fill out this survey and share with us the County issues that matter most to you.

Click here to participate in our survey

On Tuesday I met with OC Parks staff to discuss progress on the Talbert Master Plan. Next Wednesday we are hosting a community meeting to review the first draft of the plan. Join us on Wednesday, January 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. to have your voice heard.

Then I met with OC Community Resources Director Dylan Wright to discuss progress on the Master Plan for Aging, our efforts to expand permanent supportive housing, and efforts to increase recreational opportunities at Laguna Niguel Regional Park. This was followed by my monthly meeting with the OC Health Care Agency for updates on H5N1 bird flu in Southern California. The Health Care Agency released a video with our OC Agricultural Commissioner with the best practices to identify bird flu in animals.

On Wednesday, we received updates from the Dana Point Harbor Partners, OC Parks, and our CEO Real Estate team on the progress of the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization. We continue to breathe new life into this treasured District 5 landmark for generations of Orange County residents to enjoy.

Next, I met with interim Orange County Executive Officer Michelle Aguirre and Chief Financial Officer Kimberly Engelby to discuss planning the 2025-2026 County Budget and Strategic Financial Plan. Due to the uncertainties with the state and federal budgets, we remain diligent with monitoring our budget and conserving funds.

Wednesday evening, I met with Dana Point city officials and our County staff to tour potential locations for relocation of the Outriggers. We must make sure they stay in the Harbor. Then, I attended the Dana Point Harbor Oversight Committee. CEO Real Estate provided updates on Boat Slip Market Rate Appraisal and the upcoming phase of construction. The next phase includes the closure of Golden Lantern at the Main Harbor Entrance beginning Monday, January 13th. A detour will reroute all visitors through Casitas Place into the main village and Wharf Lots. An excellent alternative is the free Dana Point Harbor Shuttle service, operating 7:30am – 11pm daily.

Following this meeting, I celebrated dedication to excellence and holiday spirit at the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade Awards Reception. Congratulations to my Supervisor’s Cup winner, Ursula, and boaters Jernigan, David, and Tania on an amazing popcorn-themed display. Thank you for lighting up our harbor as part of this cherished Dana Point tradition!

On Thursday morning I spoke at the Laguna Beach Government Affairs Committee meeting about our office’s 2024 achievements and our priorities for the new year. I highlighted several key issues, including sand replenishment, the budget, the undergrounding of Laguna Canyon, and supporting small businesses like restaurants through more efficient permitting processes. With fires raging to the north, we also emphasized the importance of public safety, discussing improvements to Laguna Canyon Road and the County’s new HeloPods. Thank you to everyone who attended!

Next, I attended the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Joint Meeting of the Boards of Director where we elected new officers for 2025. Santa Ana Councilmember David Penaloza was selected as Chair of the San Joaquin Hills Board and Laguna Niguel City Councilmember Stephanie Oddo was selected as Vice Chair. Mission Viejo City Councilmember Trish Kelly was selected as Chair of Foothill/Eastern Board and Lake Forest Councilmember Scott Voigts was selected Vice Chair. Congratulations to all. Alarmingly, we received an update showing $249 million dollars in uncollected toll fees. The Board had a robust discussion about how to address.

Finally, I traveled to Costa Mesa’s Donald Dungan Library to join Greer Wylder for her book signing. In her recently published book, Born in OC, she writes about the artists, entrepreneurs, and visionaries that make Orange County the best place to work, play, and live.

Today, after my Board prep for Tuesday's meeting, I met with Congressman Levin to talk about County priorities and how he can help. We prioritized public safety and the Dana Point Harbor Sailing and Events Center and Harbor Patrol locations. Congressman Levin was recently appointed to the House Committee on Appropriations, so we look forward to Orange County benefiting from that role.

We invite you to upcoming local community events, including:

Join me for the Solarize Costa Mesa Community Solar Workshop on Monday, January 13, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Let's learn from experts about all things solar! I look forward to seeing you there.

Join me and Orange County Parks for the final community meeting on the Talbert Master Plan on Wednesday, January 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. I look forward to seeing you there.

Join me and United to End Homelessness for the Fourth Annual Orange County State of Homelessness Address on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Click here to RSVP.

united to end homelessness state of homelessness address

Be well, enjoy your weekend, and stay safe,

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!

Upcoming Board of Supervisors Meeting on January 14, 2025

Attend our 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2025 Board of Supervisors Meeting
View the Agenda: Here
See a list of our upcoming 2025 Board meetings: Here

Post of the Week

Deadline has passed to use federal COVID relief aid, here’s some of how communities benefited

Budget news inbound

Orange County Reins in Public Spending Amidst Possible Budget Shortfall

County supervisor highlights sand replenishment, undergrounding utilities as local priorities

Another OC COVID contractor accused of fraud scheme in whistleblower lawsuit

Staff Updates

Adam Tallabas

District Director

Happy Friday! This week, I represented Supervisor Foley at Good Morning CdM – the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce’s monthly morning meeting where elected representatives provide updates to the community. I spoke to the Corona del Mar and Newport Beach residents about our Year in Review, homelessness, and Sober Living Home regulation. Then, I met with South Orange County Post 281 regarding upcoming veterans events and providing more resources for veterans in South Orange County. Finally, I continued preparation for Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, including preparing materials needed for the presentations of Korean-American Day and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Tomorrow, I will attend the Grand Opening of the Stambolian Family Assembly Hall in Costa Mesa!

Have a great weekend!

Anthony Nguyen

Policy Advisor

Happy New Year D5! I am back from parental leave. Our little Ali is thriving and keeping us busy at home, but I am ready and excited to be back at work.

This week, I spent some time reviewing the County’s recently approved 2025-26 Legislative Platform and updated Budget Action Plan, Governor Newsom’s FY 2025-26 Budget Proposal and recent Executive Order to limit the harms associated with “ultra-processed foods”, and AB 1882 seismic compliance status annual reports for Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo and Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach. California Assembly Bill 1882 requires each general acute care hospital operator to annually report the structural and non-structural performance ratings for each individual hospital building used for providing care, and services housed in each. Reports are submitted annually until seismic compliance is achieved for all buildings by 2030. Supervisor Foley is committed to keeping our residents and community safe while ensuring that Orange County does our part remaining in compliance with state laws and mandates. We look forward to future annual reports on the Structural Performance Category ratings of the buildings and the services provided by our local hospitals as part of this compliance.

Tyler Mosher

District Representative and Policy Analyst

Hi D5!

This week, I coordinated our office’s preparation for the Orange County Board of Supervisors Meeting next Tuesday, January 14. Watch the meeting live online at this link.

I also planned for the next meeting of our Young Supervisors Program on January 28. During this session, students will watch a portion of the Board of Supervisors meeting. Then, our students will complete various assignments related to the various functions of Supervisor Foley’s office, including district/field work, public policy analysis, and communications/media tasks. We will also host a capstone project workshop to help our students stay on track with their amazing initiatives to propose to Supervisor Foley at the end of the year.

Lastly, after one year working for Supervisor Foley, I have recently accepted a new job with the North County Transit District in Oceanside as a Grants Coordinator and Government Affairs Analyst. While I look forward to my new role, I will miss my time working in service for District Five’s constituents – including my hometown of San Clemente. I look forward to tracking the work of Supervisor Foley and my colleagues this next year and beyond!

Here I am with OC Sheriff Don Barnes and Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Christopher Brown on my first day as an intern!

My last day in the office as a District Representative and Policy Analyst!

Morgan Goldstein

District Representative

Happy New Year!

This week I stayed productive tackling several important initiatives. First, I began the process of planning Wellness Walks for 2025, aiming to create engaging opportunities for the community to connect with the Supervisor and learn more about our wonderful District 5. Looking towards community engagement, I reached out to my city’s chambers to lay out my calendar for the beginning of the year. As we enter 2025, it is a goal of mine to increase collaboration between myself and the residents in the cities we represent. A significant part of my week was also dedicated to working with my team on an initiative designed to increase CalFresh signups for eligible families. We are also promoting healthy eating habits in tandem with this effort, as we recognize the importance of access to nutritious food across all income levels. Stay tuned for more details!

On Wednesday, I attended my first ribbon cutting of 2025 at Mint Desi Craft Kitchen with the Laguna Hills Chamber of Commerce. Emerging from the ashes of a kitchen fire, Mint is an incredible testament to the resiliency of our communities and the importance of supporting our local businesses. After the ribbon cutting, I tried Mint’s Indian and Pakistani cuisine, and it was absolutely phenomenal! I cannot wait to go back for dinner soon.

I'm excited to set a positive tone for the year ahead and continue making a meaningful impact with you all, D5! 🌟

Intern Update

This week, our interns started the year off strong with many community events. On Wednesday, Abby attended the Dana Point Harbor Oversight Committee meeting and the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights Awards Reception. Also, on Friday, she attended two grand openings in San Clemente, for Mathnasium highlighting a unique math tutoring resource for students in San Clemente, and Primrose Boutique, a women-owned clothing and jewelry store at the San Clemente Outlets. Luca attended Assemblywoman Diane Dixon’s Wake Up! Newport community meeting. There, he heard the Assemblywomen speak on her 2025 priorities, the future of fire insurance in California, and the regulation of sober living homes – an issue Supervisor Foley has also closely worked on.

County Updates:

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.

OC Public Libraries - 2024 Winter Reading Challenge!

Dana Point Harbor News

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

A Message From The Marina at Dana Point

Happy 2025! The new year brings continued revitalization efforts in the harbor with the commercial core moving into the next phase of the landside project. This very exciting and much anticipated ongoing progress will implement a temporary detour for the harbor entrance at Golden Lantern. Effective Monday, January 13, 2025 and for the duration of the detour, Boater Lot 1 and the commercial areas of the harbor can be accessed by way of Casitas Pl. Please see map below for details of the detour:

The detour is expected to be in effect through May/June 2025. Please click here for more information.

All Dana Point Harbor shops, restaurants and excursions will remain fully open and operating.

Please contact the marina office with any questions, (949) 496-6137.

Health News

Winter Respiratory Season is Here

Click here to learn more from the County Health Officer.

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.

Order your for free at home test kits: 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

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.

Community News

Pet of the Week

Meet Pet of the Week, Nala!

Hey there, I'm Nala! I’m a shy yet oh-so-sweet husky searching for my forever family. Once we get to know each other, you’ll see me blossom into the fun-loving companion you’ve been dreaming of!

I love playing bow and releasing my zoomies, but I also have a soft spot for cuddles, pets, and treats. Oh, and did I mention? I’m already a pro at “sit” and drumroll please, I’m potty trained! Hopefully, that earns me some brownie points.

Will you give me a chance? Come meet me, and I’ll do my best to show you I’m the one! Call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention my animal ID A1862751 to foster or adopt me today!

Support OCMA

Support Your Orange County Museum of Art, which makes art accessible to all through free admission! Click here to donate.

Foster Pets with OC Animal Care

Email ocacprograms@occr.ocogv.com today to be a foster hero!

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center Is Accepting Donations For The Los Angeles Wildfires

Our collective hearts are breaking over the fires ravaging our LA neighbors. Pacific Marine Mammal Center is stepping up to help as a collection/drop off location for much needed items for those affected by this tragedy.

We will keep our offices open 7 days a week from 8am – 6pm for folks to drop off items and will get these donations to the distribution centers throughout LA. Please pass this information along to your friends and family.

312 Broadway, Suite 206, Laguna Beach

381 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach

Suggestions items:

Nonperishable food items
Work gloves/Goggles
Bandanas/face masks
Can openers
Hygiene products for men and women
Deodorant/soap/toothbrushes/toothpaste
Diapers
Towels/wash cloths
New or gently worn clothing for children and adults
Shoes/sweatshirts/jackets/blankets/flashlights/batteries
Toys/children’s books
Pet food and pet supplies first aid items and kits
Visa gift cards
Amazon gift cards

Please email development@pacificimmc.org if there have any questions or if need your donation picked up.

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

Westwind Sailing Spring and Summer Registration is Open!

Make the Holidays a Masterpiece with the Pageant of the Masters

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.