It’s the end of week 7 and we are still learning and engaging with our constituents.
Since taking office, I’ve worked to ensure public transparency around the work we do. Sunshine is important in helping our communities understand how local governments work for taxpayers.
Our office has been quite busy in our communities and advocating on behalf of constituents and cities. A few highlights include:
In addition to participating in my third board meeting, I participated in 2 OCTA Board meetings and Finance and Administration Committee Meetings; as well as my first commission meetings for LAFCO, Behavioral Health Advisory Board, and Emergency Management Council. See links to these Commissions and their minutes under our transparency section below.
Assisted residents in connecting to service issues related to power outages, social services and elder abuse, vaccinations, homeless services, county recorder services and more.
This week, I also attended the One-Stop Mobile Unit in Buena Park, where I learned more about the on-site job and workforce development support and visited the new Hoag “Fly Well” center at the airport which offers rapid testing and vaccinations, as well as other non-Covid related wellness services. What a great way to help us get back in the skies!
I also toured the Stanton HomeKey motel conversion projects. It was an impressive, important effort, and I look forward to applying similar solutions in our district.
We also participated in briefings from OC Sheriff, OC Parks, OC Community Resources and Public Works re: capital projects, trail access, Newport Back Bay and Rossmoor concerns, our OC Librarian, Trust for Public Land, Property owners and Banning Ranch Conservancy, as well as the County’s state lobbyists to develop a strategy to help secure funding for D2 and County priorities.
Presented at the Orange County Business Council government affairs meeting & Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce. I also joined Dr. Clayton Chau at Chapman University’s “Ask The Experts” segment, where we discussed the results of a 2021 COVID-community survey.
Held first virtual small business roundtable and shared opportunities for local businesses to contract with the county.
Met with Costa Mesa and Newport Beach City Managers, Mayors, and Councilmembers to discuss priorities, County services and airport issues.
Met with our new Veterans Advisory Group to discuss their recommendations for legislation and county services, and to plan our first Veterans Business Roundtable.
Met w/ Senator Min to request funds for Be Well OC, the integrated data system for social services, and funds to support our coordinated reentry programing.
Sent letters to Congress on behalf of La Palma’s request for street meridian project and the Seal Beach/Huntington Beach/Newport Beach Sand Replenishment projects.
Sent correspondence and asks to Senators Min and Umberg regarding District 2 water quality and drought mitigation shovel ready projects needing funding in Seal Beach, Fountain Valley, Cypress, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. Stay tuned for updates in the future as to any projects selected for funding.
At this week’s Board meeting, I also supported the proposal for a voluntary digital vaccine record as a convenient option for consumers, businesses, students returning to in person college campuses, and those who wish to travel, especially to foreign countries. It was NEVER a mandate for a vaccine or a system to track people. That’s false. More than 2 million OC residents already have their first shot. I’m fully vaccinated and love the freedom it brings to visit with family, friends, and to travel, but the choice to vaccinate is personal.
As always, I encourage all of you to share your thoughts with me and my colleagues at our board meetings, even if you can’t attend. You can email response@ocgov.com for your public comment to be included in the public record.
Be well,
Supervisor, District Two
Orange County Board of Supervisors
WEEKLY UPDATE FROM DISTRICT 2 COVID-19 OFFICER, DEPUTY COS NICK ANAS:
Thank you to the team at the Los Alamitos Community Services Center for your support of our clinic!
Orange County is Getting Vaccinated!
Our latest data shows at least 2,001,194 residents have their at least one vaccine dose.
Vaccines are Safe and Effective!
Misinformation on the efficacy of vaccines has spread like wildfire in recent weeks. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. They were evaluated in tens of those of participants in clinical trials and met the Food and Drug Administrations rigorous scientific standards for safety. To learn more about the myths vs. facts of the COVID-19 Vaccine please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html
CDC Releases New Guidance for Individuals Fully Vaccinated
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky announced Thursday during a COVID Task Force briefing, "Anyone who is fully vaccinated, can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, large or small, without wearing a mask or physical distancing. If you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic." Learn more at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html
Last Chance for Pfizer at the OC Fair Grounds!
The Orange County Fair Super POD will close on June 5. The final day to receive a first-dose Pfizer dose at the OC Fairgrounds is Saturday, May 15. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be available through the close of business on June 5th. NO APPOINTMENTS NECESSARY – JUST DRIVE UP AND GET YOUR VACCINE.
Vaccinating Our Vets!
In the last two weeks, we have worked with our Veterans community to offer opportunities for them and their families to get vaccinated. We are thrilled to report 84% of veterans in Orange County have been vaccinated to date. We are still offering opportunities at the OC Fair POD for vaccinations on Saturday, May 15 at the OC Fair Super POD from 8am – 5pm.
QUESTIONS ABOUT COVID VACCINES? THE COUNTY HAS A RESOURCE!
They are calling all high school and college students to participate in our t-shirt design competition for our beach clean-up this summer. Submissions are due by May 19th and the winner will be recognized at the beach clean-up by a local artist. To find out more information about the competition look here.
It’s Wildfire Preparedness Week which is a perfect opportunity to learn about the steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from the effects of wildfires. For information and tools to prepare for wildfire season visit here.
Fair tickets make excellent gifts for friends and family. Tickets must be purchased in advance, as capacity is limited, so get them as soon as possible! You won't want to miss a summer filled with OC Fair fun, including competitions, food, animals, music, exhibits and more!
We’re back to share another Pet of the Week from the Animal Care Shelter at the County of Orange!
Meet Fergie!
OC Pet Info says: Fergie the parakeet was found flying around the city of San Juan Capistrano by a Good Samaritan, who swiftly brought her to the shelter. Upon arrival at OC Animal Care, it was discovered that 1-year-old Fergie had a band on her leg, which often provides identifying information as to where the bird came from. In Fergie’s case, we were sadly unable to get any owner info so Fergie was placed up for adoption.
Did you know that parakeets (also known as budgies) are among the smallest of the parrot species commonly kept as pets? They are also the most popular pet bird by a large measure, due in part to the fact that they are quite affordable pets. Parakeets are typically friendly and easy to tame and can live for up to 10 years if cared for properly!
Please call 714-935-6848 to schedule an adoption appointment to meet Fergie!
ANIMAL ID: A1720013
CITY UPDATES
We’re excited to help share news from the cities in our 2nd District! If you have an update you’d like to share, please send them to: D2Social@ocgov.com
BUENA PARK
The OC One-Stop Mobile Unit is currently at the City of Buena Park every Monday in May. If you are looking for a job, they can help you find employment.
The Mobile Unit will be parked in the Buena Park Library parking lot from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will provide services by appointment only.
The City of Buena Park is also updating its emergency operations plan and would like to hear from residents about their safety concerns. The plan helps establish the City’s response strategy in the event of a disaster or major local emergency.
You can assist in two ways:
Read the Plan and submit your feedback to city@buenapark.com by May 21, 2021.
Attend the public comment meeting on May 18 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
On May 6, Chief Bryan Glass promoted Sgt. Jason Chamness, who has been with CMPD for 18 years, to lieutenant. Lt. Chamness' family attended and his daughter pinned his badge.
Chamness has been member of the SWAT team for the past 15 years, served on the graffiti abatement and gang task force, as well as in recruiting. Over the last three years, he has held the position of acting SWAT Commander, which is generally a management and lieutenant position. Congrats to Lt. Chamness.
City Teams Up to Promote Water Safety This Summer
The City of Costa Mesa’s Parks and Community Services Department is collaborating with Hoag Hospital’s Project Wipeout, Stop Drowning Now, the Orange County Drowning Prevention Task Force, Balboa Yacht Club and working in conjunction with the Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue Department to promote water safety.
It's not too late to sign up for the Cypress Summer Youth Sports Camps!
Volleyball, soccer, basketball, and a wide range of other sports programs for children aged 8 to 14 are available! Spots fill up quickly, so sign up as soon as possible! Health and safety regulations established by the state and county will be followed.
HUNTINGTON BEACH
PUBLIC SURVEY!
The city wants residents to take a survey about securing housing in Huntington beach, and the vision for what housing stock should look like!
Sign up for the Kiwanis 60th Anniversary Lunch! It’s being held on May 18th, and will be an outdoor, COVID-safe event!
The Oak View Family Resource Center in collaboration with the Children’s Bureau is inviting you to a workshop of highlighting Parental Social Connections!
Camp Newport Presale- Come sail away with us this summer. From Camp Newport summer camps to summer classes, start planning your summer with us by viewing the interactive digital Summer Newport Navigator at newportbeachca.gov/recreation.
Registration opens next Thursday, May 20 at 8am with a medley of fun and safe camps that begin in early June. Don’t forget to sign-up for CAMPS by Monday, May 31 to save 10%!
ROSSMOOR:
As part of the city’s Traffic Safety Campaign, the Rossmoor Community Services District is giving away free SLOW DOWN yard signs to Rossmoor residents.
Signs may be picked up at the Rush Park office between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm.
Please join us for free Saturday Jam Sessions from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Live rock, blues and Americana music is performed by Tonewheel Junction and Friends. Rossmoor has lots more activities planned in the coming months so stay tuned!
The City of Stanton will be hosting its first-ever art exhibit on Saturday, May 22 at Stanton Central Park. Join us as we celebrate the creative works of over 140 artists in our community. Come celebrate their work, enjoy live performances from local artists, and enjoy a day of colorful fun for the entire family.
I’m excited to announce our office is also accepting applications for our 2nd District internship program. To apply or to learn more information, please send a cover letter and resume to Katrina.Foley@OCGOV.com.
Please contact our office if you have any requests for certificates, meetings, or need assistance with any services by emailing Katrina.foley.@ocgov.com