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| Volume 5 | Issue 46 |
November 14, 2025 |
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Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear neighbor:
After a 43-day shutdown, the federal government officially reopened, bringing temporary relief to millions of Americans affected by the disruption. Federal workers will soon receive back pay and layoffs will reverse in time for the busy Thanksgiving season.
Congress failed to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits so health insurance costs for those on Covered California are expected to increase by double digits. As an elected leader, my concern remains on lowering the cost of living and health care costs for all.
This reopening will resolve flight cancellations through the holidays, resume SNAP benefits, and bring workers back – but it will take a few weeks, and is not permanent. Regardless of this week's outcome and the revisited conversation at the start of 2026, one thing stands clear: For too many, affordability is still out of reach.
Leaders at all levels of government must continue prioritizing the long-term safety, health, and economic well-being of everyone we serve. In the meantime, I urge you all to call your Congressional Representative to ensure your voice gets heard and advocate for changes you would like to see at the federal level. I'm writing and calling them, too.
This week, we honored our nation’s veterans and celebrated the profound legacy of service that strengthens our shared pursuit of a more perfect Union. As teachers and business owners, nurses and doctors, neighbors and parents, Orange County veterans continue living out America’s vision of freedom, liberty, self-determination, and equal opportunity. Honoring our service members and their sacrifices means fulfilling our nation’s promise to care, respect, and support them after they serve.
Veterans Day holds a special place in my heart. I feel immense pride when I think of my grandfathers and my brother who fought for this country. I understand the important sacrifices our service members and their families make to protect our liberties, asking for little recognition in return.
That’s why I stand honored to protect critical services and continue making progress at the County to build a safer, healthier, and economically thriving place for our veteran neighbors to call home.
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 Celebrating our Fifth District veteran community, from Irvine all the way down to San Clemente.
Our Fifth Annual Fifth District Veterans of the Year Awards
At our fifth annual Veterans of the Year Awards, we honored nine esteemed veterans whose continued service to our Orange County community upholds our nation's promise as a beacon of liberty and justice for all. Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
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Raymi Wun of Costa Mesa, United States Coast Guard
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Skip Stephenson of Laguna Niguel, United States Marine Corps
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Tom Joliet of Laguna Beach, United States Army
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Robert Lohrman of Dana Point, United States Army
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Jerald Quinlan of San Clemente, United States Navy
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Amanda Lassiter of Costa Mesa, United States Coast Guard
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Jorge Oliveros of Irvine, United States Army
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Troy Shenker of Aliso Viejo, United States Navy
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Lloyd Grim of Rancho Mission Viejo, United States Marine Corps
We also recognized 18 incredible veteran nominees across the Fifth District who exemplify this year’s theme: Service to our Nation. Thank you to our friends at Heroes Hall Museum for partnering with us host this meaningful event for our veterans. If you haven’t yet, be sure to stop by and explore this amazing venue, which features significant historical exhibits and patriotic artifacts. Thank you, also, to veteran Bob Ortiz for photographing the ceremony, and for his own service to our country.
 Honorees (Left to Right): Tom Joliet, Robert Lohrman, Troy Shenker, Amanda Lassiter, Me, Skip Stephenson, Jerald Quinlan, Jorge Oliveros, and Lloyd Grim
Keeping Our Community Safe
Decrease in Fentanyl Deaths in Orange County
A recently released report from the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner shows a decrease in fentanyl-related deaths, marking a five-year low in the county. The OC Sheriff Coroner Division report shows there were 407 fentanyl-related deaths in 2024, down from 613 deaths in 2023. The numbers reported so far for 2025 continue showing a downward trend. Any life lost to fentanyl abuse is one too many.
I commend the collective efforts by County departments and my office to educate the community and distribute naloxone to help reduce fentanyl deaths amongst our Orange County youth. From here, we must continue prioritizing treatment and holding drug traffickers accountable for poisoning our young adults.
 Speaking at a past press conference about solutions to the fentanyl crisis. I stand alongside Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, an OC Sheriff’s Deputy, and our District Attorney Todd Spitzer.
Senate Health and Judiciary Committees Joint Hearing
The Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act program, signed into law on September 14, 2022, aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders who require support and help. The CARE Act program adds another approach to the available toolbox of ways to support mental wellness in Orange County.
The Senate Health and Judiciary Committees held a Joint Oversight Hearing with Senator Tom Umberg and Senator Caroline Menjivar on the First Annual Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act Report. The report reviewed the first nine months of the CARE Act rollout, from October 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, and offers valuable insight on its rollout and implementation. Facts from the first cohort include:
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334 (68.2%) of petitions come from family members or partners
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107 (21.8%) from behavioral health professionals
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34 (6.9%) from first responders, and 14 (2.9%) were self-petitions.
In Orange County, out of 206 petitions filed, 51 people were confirmed homeless at the time of petition. Through CARE Court participation, HCA helped:
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21 clients into BHBH housing
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6 clients into shelters or bridge housing
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Made 2 confirmed permanent housing placements
Significant work remains. The CARE Act falls short of providing mental and behavioral health services to a vast majority of people needing intensive care. The extensive qualification process and systemic gaps in care allow far too many people to fall through the cracks and return to cycles of homelessness, incarceration, and hospitalization. I urge our lawmakers to consider the feedback from family members, mental health professionals, and people with loved ones facing a mental health crisis. We must improve the process for people with severe illness to find dignity, stability, and a path to recovery.
 Here I am with Senator Tom Umberg
Building Healthy Communities
California Association of Nurse Practitioners-Orange County Gala
We see the endless possibilities created by collaboration and investments in the future of our healthcare workforce. In 2022, I sat around a table at UCI with CalOptima Health to discuss nursing shortages and training programs. From that conversation came a $5 million grant from CalOptima Health to launch NURSE-OC, supporting 60 students with externships and funding six residencies for newly graduated nurse practitioners.
Initiatives such as these ensure we continue building a workforce that leads with compassion and care when serving Orange County families. I commend the California Association of Nurse Practitioners and the outstanding work of the more than 100,000 registered nurses and 1,000 nurse practitioners in Orange County who dedicate their lives to patient-centered care.
 Celebrating the nurse practitioners who dedicate their lives to patient-centered care in Orange County.
Advancing a Thriving Economy
Canadian Consul General Luncheon
Our Canadian neighbors support our economy and provide critically needed goods and products for American businesses and natural gas. I ensured our Canadian Consul General received a warm welcome at South Coast Plaza to the Fabulous Fifth during our discussion on economic relations this week.
 Top: Speaking at the World Affairs Council of Orange County’s Canada and US Relations Luncheon, held at AnQi in South Coast Plaza; Bottom: Here I am with South Coast Plaza Director of Travel Trade Development Brian Chuan and outgoing Canadian Consul General Zaib Shaikh
A Place to Call Home
OC Forum Signature Housing Program
Orange County’s housing crisis remains centered around affordability, economic competitiveness, workforce stability, and regional collaboration. I enjoyed moderating a panel of local leaders as we discussed shaping a comprehensive housing solution. Today, we see Orange County’s housing challenge does not suit a one-size-fits-all solution. Big projects, mid-size developments, and smaller community-driven models each play an important role. The real success lies in balancing them. We must connect economic reality with the unique needs of our neighbors.
 Top: Jamboree Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer Michael Massie, Intracorp Homes Vice President of Acquisitions Christopher Pierson, Me, and Lowe Executive Vice President Joel Mayer; Bottom Left: Me with OC Forum Board Member Henry Mendoza; Bottom Right: Me with Association of California Cities-OC Executive Director Kris Murray
Coastal Protection
Capo-Doheny Shoreline Community Meeting
For many years, Capistrano Beach and Doheny State Beach experienced ongoing coastal erosion with little action. I remain committed to protecting our precious coast through sand renourishment and proven sand resiliency efforts, such as the Capistrano-Doheny Nature Based Adaptation Project. This “living shoreline” consists of constructing a 1,150-foot system of vegetated sand dunes over a cobble berm along the shore to address coastal erosion and minimize impacts by utilizing natural materials to stabilize the coastline. This week, we hosted the first public outreach meeting, seeking public input on the project. Thank you to everyone who joined us!
Engaging with Our Community
Art + Nature -- Laguna Art Museum
For the first time in the Laguna Art Museum’s more than 100-year history, enjoy all admissions free this November, thanks to $50,000 grant from my office. The grant also funded the 13th annual Art + Nature art installation along Main Beach. I joined Laguna art-goers in participating in artist Ana Teresa Fernandez's interactive piece, “Save Our Seas.” Together, we ` "SOS" in Morse code, imploring our community to give voice to our ocean’s cry for help: “Save Our Seas!” We acted as more than a social sculpture, but a social monument dedicated to protecting our precious coasts.
 With the dedicated Laguna Art Museum team and featured Art + Nature artist Ana Teresa Fernandez, whose piece “Save Our Seas” implores our coastal community to steward our oceans with urgency and care.
Laguna Talks KXFM with Billy Fried
This week, I joined Billy Fried on Laguna Talks KXFM to celebrate Veterans Day and shared how my office continues protecting and supporting Laguna Beach residents. Listen to my full interview here.
Investing in the Fabulous Fifth
Mural Unveiling - Sherman Library & Gardens
A garden oasis nestled in the heart of Corona del Mar, the Sherman Library and Gardens cultivates a lifelong admiration of natural beauty in our community. As the Gardens embarks on revitalizing this historic and important community asset, my office contributed $15,000 toward a long-needed remodel, and $15,000 for the transformation of its highly visible public walls into murals. Check out the newly unveiled murals!
 Left: Celebrating the new mural with Sherman Library and Gardens Board of Governors member Kirstie Acevedo and Executive Director Scott LaFleur; Top Right: Thank you to Kirstie and the excellent Sherman Library and Gardens team for collaborating with my office on revitalizing this hub of culture in Newport Beach; Bottom Right: With Kirstie, Scott, and Education & Programs Director Lisa Wagner.
A Look Ahead
Tonight I head to the reception for the nation’s first all-electric hospital at UCI and then to the Lawyers for Warriors Gala for the Veterans Legal Institute.
My team looks forward to experiencing the best of USA Water Polo as players compete for the first-ever Legacy Crown right here in the Fabulous Fifth District! Don’t miss this golden opportunity to cheer on the nation's top clubs and colleges November 15-16, 2025, at Orange Coast College and Costa Mesa High School. Free admission.
I look forward to joining KXFM as a guest DJ on Monday, November 17. I plan to finalize my playlist this weekend. Tune in live at 9am on Monday morning.
Enjoy your weekend!
Be well,
 Katrina Foley
Vice Chair
County of Orange
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In This Edition
Read more about local events, community and health news, District and County initiatives, and other important updates!
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Upcoming Board of Supervisors Meeting on November 18, 2025
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Staff Updates
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Happy Friday, District 5! This Wednesday, I tuned into a Community Convening on the Impacts of H.R.1 hosted by the OC Hunger Alliance (OCHA), featuring our Orange County Social Services Agency Director An Tran, CalOptima Health CEO Michael Hunn, and Capistrano Unified School District’s Director of Food and Nutrition Services Kristin Hilleman. The new federal spending law will significantly reduce access to CalFresh, CalOptima, and other safety net programs by imposing stricter income caps, new asset limits, twice yearly applications, and work requirements. These changes are expected to push tens of thousands of Orange County residents off food and health assistance. The panelists shared that while the challenges are significant, the community is already mobilizing early to protect vulnerable residents and prevent families from falling through the cracks.
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Adam Tallabas
District Director
Hello! This week, we held the annual Veterans of the Year event, which is one of the signature events I plan and execute for the office each year. We count the event as a resounding success, and I feel thankful for the invaluable support of my team and the Communications Team. Supporting our veteran community remains a top policy priority for this office. Next Friday, November 21, Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva will hold a public hearing to receive the latest updates and developments on the long-awaited Orange County Veterans Cemetery from key stakeholders. The hearing will take place in Anaheim, RSVP here. If you are a veteran or know a veteran struggling in these tough times, please call 211 or visit 211oc.org to find helpful resources for housing, food assistance, crisis support, and more.
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Today, we welcomed our final members of the Fall Intern Cohort: Amy Aguilar, a Masters student at Long Beach State (Where I graduated from! GO Beach!) and Ninja Friberg, a student at Irvine Valley College. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish for the residents of the Fabulous Fifth District.
We look forward to enjoying festive fun with neighbors across our 14 communities this holiday season. Here’s what is coming up:
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Christmas Tree Lightings:
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South Coast Plaza, November 21 from 6:30-8:30pm
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Aliso Viejo Town Center Fountain, December 4 from 5-8pm
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Laguna Beach City Hall, December 5 from 5-9pm
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Laguna Hills Community Center, December 5 from 6-8pm
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Laguna Niguel Crown Valley Park, December 6 from 5-8pm
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Irvine Great Park, December 6 from 3-8pm
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Crystal Cove, December 6 from 3-5:30pm
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Dana Point Pines Park, December 6 from 4:30-5:30pm
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La Plaza in Dana Point, December 6 from 4:30-5:30pm
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San Juan Capistrano, December 6
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Laguna Woods Clubhouse 1, December 7 at 5pm
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Costa Mesa City Hall, December 12 from 5-7pm
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Mission San Juan Capistrano, December 19-30, 2025
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Ladera Ranch Menorah Lighting, December 14 at 4pm
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Laguna Niguel Chanukah Celebration December 14 at 4pm
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Fashion Island Menorah Lighting, December 14, from 3-5pm
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Laguna Beach Surfboard Menorah on Main Beach
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Dana Point Menorah at the Harbor
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Happy Harbor Days in Dana Point Harbor, November 12, 2025 – January 1, 2026
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Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy, November 21, 2025 – December 21, 2025
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Costa Mesa Winter Fest at the OC Fairgrounds, November 28, 2025 - January 4, 2026
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Laguna Beach Hospitality Night, December 5 at 5pm
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Corona del Mar Christmas Walk, December 7 from 11am-5pm
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Dana Point Boat Parade, December 12-14
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Newport Beach Boat Parade, December 12-21 from 6:30-10pm
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Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall, December 12-19 from 5:30-8:30pm
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Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade, December 13 at 10am
Abby Paulson
District Representative
Happy Friday, D5! Over the weekend, I celebrated Native American Heritage Month in San Juan Capistrano. Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation in partnership with Stand Up to Trash hosted an interactive ceremony filled with stories, traditions, and voices of the Acjachemen people, including freshly made traditional fry bread and the meaning behind burning sage. Partnerships like this uplift Native voices and encourage community involvement, honoring the land and the region’s history.
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Here I am with Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation Tribal board member Chena Edmundson.
Robbie LaBounty
District Representative
Happy Friday District 5! This past weekend I got to represent the office at the 7th Annual Balboa Island Veteran’s Day Barbeque. I had the pleasure of hanging out with 94-year-old WWII and Korean War Veteran Bill Stewart and his wife Bobbie. Bill was a Boy Scout on the USS Arizona when it was homeported in Long Beach. At age 17, Stewart enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1946 and was deployed to Japan, where he graduated in radar maintenance at the Eighth Army Signal Corps in Yokohama. He was recalled during the Korean War to lead a radar repair unit in Casablanca. I was honored to spend time with him this weekend -- I hope everyone got a chance to thank a Veteran this weekend.
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 Here I am with Bill Stewart, his wife Bobbi, and other friends of the Veterans community
Application Open! District 5 Public Financing Advisory Committee Appointee
The Public Finance Advisory Committee (PFAC) is responsible for reviewing, approving, modifying, or denying debt financing proposals. No debt financing proposal is considered by the Board of Supervisors unless specifically recommended in writing by the PFAC. We seek applicants with a financial industry background to join this important committee.
Click here for the application. Please send a completed application and resume to Katrina.foley@ocgov.com
For regular updates from my Dana Point Harbor Advisory Committee on all things Revitalization, click here.
Health News
Health Safety: Protecting Against Rabies in Orange County
Stay vigilant, neighbors. As of October 2025, 13 bats in Orange County tested positive for rabies, similar to 2024’s total and slightly higher than 2023’s count of 10. Most cases this year reside in South County, particularly in Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, and San Juan Capistrano. Health officials remind residents to avoid contact with wild animals, make sure pets’ rabies vaccinations are current, and keep unscreened doors and windows closed, especially at night. If a bat enters your home, be sure to:
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Close off the area and contact OC Animal Care right away at (714) 935-6848.
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For potential exposure or bite incidents, wash the area thoroughly and call the OC Health Care Agency at (714) 834-8180.
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More information and safety resources can be found through OC Animal Care and the CDC Rabies website: www.cdc.gov/rabies
Kratom and Nitrous Oxide Retail Sales Tipline
 
Transportation News
Help us Plan for OC's Future
Complete OCTA’s Long-Range Transportation Plan survey to offer your thoughts on how to improve the future of transportation in Orange County. Please visit octa.net/LRTP to learn more.
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.
17th Annual New Coats for Kids Drive
‘Tis the season for my 17th Annual New Coats for Kids Drive. Please consider donating a new winter coat for ages 4-17 years old at one of our many drop-off locations across the Fabulous Fifth.
South Coast Repertory Presents: The Heart Sellers
Final Performance this Sunday!
A play by Lloyd Suh, directed by Jennifer Chang on the Julianne Argyros Stage. Two immigrants, one Filipino and one Korean, meet by chance in a supermarket on Thanksgiving in 1973. While their medical-resident husbands work through the night, the women bond over life in America, the families they left behind and how to cook a frozen turkey. Set eight years after the Hart-Celler Act overhauled U.S. immigration policy, this heartwarming comedy was called “a laugh-aloud love letter to friendship” by Broadway World. Buy tickets here.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts announces children’s casting for ABT’s The Nutcracker
A decade of holiday magic continues as students from the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) William J. Gillespie School join the stage in ABT’s 10th anniversary production of The Nutcracker. Segerstrom Center for the Arts (SCFTA) proudly celebrates this milestone season, announcing casting of students from the William J. Gillespie School who will share the spotlight with world-renowned American Ballet Theatre dancers in this spectacular holiday tradition. Find tickets here.
Stand Up to Trash in Dana Point Harbor
Join the Board of Supervisors for our Annual Open House!
Avoid Mail Fraud
Apply to Contract with the County of Orange!
New Art at Dana Wharf Whale Watching
Dana Wharf Whale Watching is proud to announce their latest collaboration with the world-renowned marine artist, Wyland, whose original artwork now adorns the hull of their Ocean Adventures catamaran.
Check out the art as the boat docks and departs on whale watching excursions! Now is the perfect time to experience this incredible marine life on daily whale watching trips in Dana Point Harbor. For more information, visit danawharf.com.
Prepare to Renew Your Covered-California Coverage
Support Ocean Friendly Businesses
This month, Surfrider celebrates the incredible Ocean Friendly Restaurants and Hotels that are leading the way in reducing single-use plastics and protecting our ocean. Join us in showing our ocean friendly businesses some much deserved love and appreciation!
Crystal Cove Art Classes
Our Great Plein Air Art Experience art classes invite you to take part in Crystal Cove's living history by spending a relaxing day capturing the beauty of the Cove on canvas with the help of Crystal Cove plein air artist, Debbie Morines. These five-hour classes from 9am – 2pm will take you through the process of creating your first plein air painting from beginning to end. For a full list of upcoming events, visit CrystalCove.org/Events.
Resources at OC Public Libraries
 Sorsha is one of the smartest dogs at the shelter! This 4-year-old German Shepherd is sweet, affectionate, and always eager to learn. She picks up new commands quickly and responds beautifully to treats and positive reinforcement.
Sorsha loves a good game of fetch, working on puzzle toys for mental enrichment, and showing off her growing list of tricks! She already knows sit, shake, down, leave it, touch, and stay, and she’s ready to learn even more with her future family!
While Sorsha prefers to be the only pet in the home, she has more than enough love and personality to fill your heart. If you’re ready to meet your new best friend, come foster-to-adopt Sorsha (A1910882) from OC Animal Care today!
Meet Pet of the Week, Noble!
Noble wants to celebrate National Senior Pet Month by being your one and only, Pet of the Week! This 7-year-old German Shepherd mix is friendly and playful and already potty trained! He's young at heart, with so much love to give.
Noble (A1899584) loves going on walks, playing fetch, and meeting new friends. He already knows sit and shake and he can't wait to learn more with you by side! His best years are the ones he'll spend with you. Give this sweet boy a chance and adopt him from OC Animal Care today!
Support Our Local Museums
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 and Dana Point! Visit www.newportwhales.com, www.danawharf.com, and Captain Dave's to make your reservations.
Metrolink Weekend Campaign
Avoid traffic and enjoy Metrolink! Metrolink Weekends offers $10 round-trip fares, and youth 17 and under ride free. Enter our weekly drawings for a chance to win a pair of Metrolink tickets or for the monthly grand prize: a $100 gift card plus two Metrolink tickets. For more information and to enter, visit metrolinkdaycations.com.
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
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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