Staff Updates
Adam Tallabas
District Director
This week, I began interviewing candidates for our Summer Internship Program. Interested students and young professionals can email Adam.Tallabas@ocgov.com with their resume and a writing sample.
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 Additionally, I met with our Veterans Advisory Council to discuss the status of critical mental health resources, issues faced by women veterans, and ways to expand veteran services to South Orange County. Our District Team continued to address resident concerns from issues with CalFresh by working with SSA staff, to engaging with County staff in getting residents off our streets and helping residents access services at the OC Workforce Solutions center in Laguna Niguel. We are committed to serving your needs – call us during office hours at 714-834-3550 and our team is happy to help.
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
Working with the Young Supervisors Program on their innovative Capstone Projects this past month, I witnessed civic-minded and engaged students eager to learn and grow in their careers. Their ideas—ranging from library improvements to student housing to transportation infrastructure and climate resiliency—reflect essential policy initiatives our office aims to address. This program empowers our future leaders to tackle pressing community challenges. I look forward to seeing how these Young Supervisors shape impactful solutions around these key policy areas!
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Robbie Labounty
District Representative
Hello, District 5! This week, I attended the celebration of Asset Protection & Elder Law Center’s 20th Anniversary and Perspire Sauna Studios’ ribbon cutting.
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With Orange County Public Works, I investigated inquiries from constituents concerned about dry brush and fire-prone vegetation this week. We identified a canyon in Laguna Niguel behind Fairview Park as OC Parks land, and they will look into solutions for brush removal. As wildfire season stretches year-round, your safety remains top priority in Vice Chair Foley’s office.
First 5 Orange County recognizes the strengths that families bring to each child’s foundation. At First 5’s “Kid Builders” event at Donald Dungan Library, our office celebrated this free resource to support children’s development, helping over 5,700 Orange County children and families grow together.
Abby Paulson
District Associate
Women’s cardiovascular disease is an understudied, under-diagnosed, and under-treated yet widespread illness in our community. This week, I joined the Dana Point Women’s Club at their monthly meeting, hearing from Dr. Timothy Lee on heart disease and prevention. Dr. Lee, a cardiac and thoracic surgeon, shared valuable insight on the importance of healthy lifestyle choices for heart health, and scheduling regular appointments with your local health provider.
Dana Point Women’s Club also collected donations for their 7th Annual Handbags for Hearts fundraiser, providing handbags, toiletries, cosmetics, and other goods to South County women in need.
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Intern Update
Hey, District 5! My name is Willy Taylor, Vice Chair Foley’s newest intern. I currently live in Costa Mesa and attend Orange Coast College. Before taking this role, I served in the United States Marine Corp aboard Camp Pendleton here in Southern California. Driving to and from Camp Pendleton and my hometown of Oxnard, California, I fell in love with the scenery of District 5. In my free time, you can find me cycling or listening to the Pacific Symphony at the Segerstrom Concert Hall. I look forward to meeting you in the community!
 On Tuesday, Mecca headed to Laguna Woods and joined the Chinese American Club’s Lunar New Year celebration. She enjoyed interacting with residents in Mandarin, watching performances, and eating traditional Lunar New Year delicacies, like dumplings and spring rolls. On Thursday, Noa celebrated the grand opening of Il Girasole, Costa Mesa’s new spot for delicious Italian cuisine.
Airport Commission Update
By Sue Dvorak
At the February 5, 2025 Airport Commission meeting, Commission members considered one contract item; elected the 2025 Commission chair and vice chair; and selected the Noise Violation Committee members and interim chair. You can watch the meeting video recording and read more about these items by visiting the Airport Commission page.
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.
Join the Orange County Ethics Commission
District 5 is seeking a qualified individual to serve on the Ethics Commission, which oversees the County's Campaign Reform, Lobbyist Registration, Gift Ban Ordinances, and Code of Ethics.
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Must be a registered voter.
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Cannot hold any elected or appointed public office.
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Must not have been an elected official, lobbyist, candidate, public agency head, or Grand Juror in the last 10 years.
- No felony or misdemeanor convictions involving dishonesty or election law violations.
Make a difference in ensuring transparency and accountability in Orange County!
OCTA Recruiting for Accessible Transit Advisory Committee
Accessible Transit Advisory Committee (ATAC) advises OCTA about issues that relate to OCTA fixed-route transit and paratransit services for customers with special transportation needs. The Accessible Transit Advisory Committee was originally formed in 1992 in response to the Americans with Disabilities Act and formalized the predecessor “504 Committee.”
Each year, as terms of various members expire, a recruitment process is conducted to fill vacant positions on the ATAC. Applications will be accepted for the 2024-2025 Accessible Transit Advisory Committee spring of 2024.
Public Safety Update
Above The Influence - Youth Substance Use Prevention Program
Teen substance abuse continues to be a significant public health problem in Orange County, with children experimenting with various substances at very young ages. To reduce the risk a child will use a dangerous substance as a teenager, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Drug Use is Life Abuse have created a drug prevention program called Above The Influence. Fifth and sixth grade students learn how to critically analyze the dangers of addiction, recognize the long-term impacts of substance abuse, and seek positive peer groups. Learn more about Above The Influence or request the program for your students, by completing the program interest form or email CommunityEngagement@ocsheriff.gov.
Please see the latest Dana Point Harbor Oversight Advisory Committee updates here.
A Message From The Marina at Dana Point
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.
Transportation News
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.
 A Message From Representative Lou Correa
Important news from Washington: The IRS has announced plans to issue a special payment for qualifying taxpayers who didn't receive a stimulus check or claim their Recovery Rebate Credit. Each taxpayer who didn't claim this credit when filing their 2021 tax return is eligible for up to $1,400 as a result of this special payment.
Most of the 1 million taxpayers who qualify won’t need to take any action to receive these payments. The IRS began issuing payments last month to eligible individuals who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns, and expects all payments to be received by late January 2025. However, those who didn’t file a 2021 tax return may be eligible to claim the credit and receive a refund if they file by the April 15 deadline.
My office is always here to help—if you have any questions, we can lend a hand. You can give us a call at (714) 559-6190 or visit my webpage at www.correa.house.gov.
Pet of the Week
Meet Pet of the Week, Ace!
 Let's ace this day by adopting Ace as your new best friend! Ace is a strong and handsome 4-year-old Akita mix. He loves going on walks, playing fetch, and his favorite thing to do is sit for treats!
While he's waiting for the right family to adopt him, he's been brushing up on his talents and attempting to ace potty training! Potty training is still a work-in-progress, but his power of determination is strong as ever, and he is trying his best to become the pet you've been looking for.
Ace would love to be adopted into a family with older children that can match his enthusiastic and playful energy. Could that be with you? Call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 to visit with Ace (A1865747) today and find out if he's your perfect match!
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!
Book Your Whale-Watching Tour & Watch Marine Life in the Wild!
See giant blue whales, finback whales, gray whales and many more in their natural habitat while whale watching in Newport Beach! Newport Whales offers some of the best whale watching California has to offer! Visit www.newportwhales.com & make your reservations.
San Clemente Chamber of Commerce's Environmental Education Program:
Westwind Sailing Spring and Summer Registration is Open!
OC Workforce One-Stop: OPEN NOW!
Ready Set OC offers no-cost employment training for Orange County youth ages 14-24. To find out more information, call the OC Business and Economic Recovery Call Center at (714) 480-6500 or text (657) 210-1295. Email info@readysetoc.com
OC Public Libraries: California State Parks Pass Program
OC Public Libraries is partnering with California State Parks and the California State Library to offer free State Parks vehicle-day use passes, available for circulation at all branches of public libraries in California. Click here to learn more about the program.
Bulky Item Disposal
Are you an Orange County resident trying to dispose of bulky items like old refrigerators and appliances but not sure how? For information on local haulers and recycling coordinators visit OCLandfills.com/quick-links.
BenefitsCal
Orange County officially switched over to a new benefits enrollment portal called BenefitsCal. Households interested in applying for benefits assistance can now create an account at www.BenefitsCal.com and submit their application or link their old MyBenefitsCalWIN case to their account. For more information about BenefitsCal, including new features and capabilities, click here.
 
Alert OC
Sign up for AlertOC to get notified in case of emergency in Orange County. The mass notification system is designed to keep Orange County residents and businesses informed in the event of a time-sensitive emergency. YOU MUST OPT IN TO RECEIVE ALERTS. Register today at this link!
Committee Appointments
If you have questions or comments that you'd like to share, in relation to the committees below, please email me at Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com
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