For the first time in Orange County’s history, Apostille services will be available locally for one day only. Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is proud to announce an innovative partnership with the California Secretary of State to host the one-day Apostille Pop-Up Shop on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event will take place at the County Administration South Building located at 601 North Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701. No appointments are necessary. Services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
“I am excited to save our county residents significant travel and mail time by bringing Apostille services directly to them,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “This partnership with the California Secretary of State underscores our commitment to convenient and accessible service.”
What is an Apostille?
An Apostille is a certificate that authenticates California public officials’ signatures on documents intended for use outside of the United States.
Examples of documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, single status certificates, educational records, and more.
Typically, individuals seeking in-person Apostille services must travel to the California Secretary of State’s offices in Los Angeles or Sacramento, or they may mail their request to the Sacramento office.
To ensure a smooth experience, please bring the following:
A document signed by a California public official or an original notarized and/or certified document. Photocopy is not acceptable.
California Secretary of State processing fee is $20 for each apostille document, along with a $6 special handling fee for every public official’s authentication signature. Payments for apostille services can be made using Visa, Mastercard, checks, or money orders. No cash accepted.
Notary public services will be available on-site from the OC Clerk of the Board office for $15 per signature and paid for by personal check or cash only. Make check payable to the County of Orange. For more information about obtaining an Apostille, visit the California Secretary of State’s website.
For any questions, please call the department’s information line at (714) 834-2500 during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays. Visit OCRecorder.com for details. For media inquiries, please contact Billy Le at 714-834-2248.
ORANGE COUNTY, CA (April 24, 2024) –OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) is excited to announce a countywide Community Compost Giveaway event on Saturday, May 4, from 7:30 a.m. to noon. This special event invites all Orange County residents and will be held at three locations: Bee Canyon Greenery (Frank R. Bowerman Landfill) in Irvine, Valencia Greenery (Olinda Alpha Landfill) in Brea, and Capistrano Greenery (Prima Deshecha Landfill) in San Juan Capistrano.
OCWR will be offering ready-to-use compost free of charge. At the Bowerman and Prima Deshecha Landfills, residents are encouraged to bring their own containers or heavy-duty yard waste bags and a shovel to load the compost. At Olinda Alpha Landfill, pre-filled bags of compost will be distributed, with each household limited to four bags, while supplies last.
“OC Waste & Recycling provides top-quality compost using green waste collected from local homes throughout Orange County. In 2023 alone, we recycled over 19,250 tons of organic waste for composting,” said Tom Koutroulis, Director of OCWR. “Through our community compost program, we aim to educate and inspire about the significance of organic recycling in preserving our local resources and the benefits of compost for healthy soil and reducing greenhouse gases.”
OCWR’s compost has been certified with the Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) by the US Composting Council, ensuring the highest standards of quality. The giveaway aims to supply residents with healthy compost suitable for backyards and home gardens.
Composting pick-up locations include:
Frank R. Bowerman Landfill, 11002 Bee Canyon Access Rd., Irvine
Olinda Alpha Landfill 1942 N. Valencia Ave., Brea
Prima Deshecha Landfill, 32250 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano
Make an Impact: Celebrate International Compost Week during the first full week of May!
Kick off International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) by picking up free compost on May 4th in honor of this global initiative. ICAW is celebrated annually nationwide and in other countries during the first full week of May. The goal of ICAW is to work together to raise public awareness on why we all should be composting our organics and using compost to create healthier soil. The program includes poster and video contests in the fall and activities and events held during the week in May.
Compost is a full-circle process that begins in the yard waste bins and transforms into nutrient-rich soil, promoting healthier plant growth, improved moisture retention, and natural weed suppression. By working together, we’ve repurposed nearly 7,500 tons of compost and mulch for beneficial reuse in 2023. Follow @OCWaste for additional ICAW related features during the week or visit OCWR’s website at OCLandfills.com/Compost for valuable tips on composting.
About OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR)
OCWR serves the County’s solid waste disposal needs by providing waste management services, operating public landfills, protecting the local environment, investing in renewable energy enterprises, and promoting recycling to ensure a safe and healthy community for current and future generations. The department manages one of the nation's premier solid waste disposal systems, three compost greeneries, all serving residents and businesses in the County’s 34 cities and unincorporated areas. OCWR’s three active landfills reflect environmental engineering at its best. Learn more by visiting the OCWR website at OCLandfills.com.
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (April 25, 2024) – –Older adults (aged 65+) constitute over half a million of our total county population. According to the Orange County Office on Aging’s Area Plan, this older adult population is the “only age group that is projected to grow as all others shrink proportionately.” With this in mind, OC Public Libraries is proud to celebrate Older Americans Month by offering a series of free events that honor our vibrant older adult community. These events, hosted by OC Public Libraries’ Senior Services Committee, are made possible through a generous grant from the California Department of Aging, as allocated by the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
Events during Older Americans Month 2024:
Collaborative Paint Program
Work together with someone from another generation to create a beautiful piece of art! This project is funded in part through a grant from the California Department of Aging, as allocated by the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
Wednesday May 1st at 4:00pm
Stanton Library
7850 Katella Avenue
Stanton, CA 90680
Thursday May 2nd at 4:00pm
Seal Beach Library
707 Electric Avenue
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Saturday May 11th at 11:00am
Katie Wheeler Library
13109 Old Myford Road
Irvine, CA 92602
Tuesday May 14th at 4:30pm
Irvine Heritage Park Library
14361 Yale Avenue
Irvine, CA 92604
Tuesday May 21st at 2:00pm
Laguna Woods Library
24266 El Toro Road
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
Wednesday May 29th at 4:00pm
Fountain Valley Library
17635 Los Alamos
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Senior Get-Together Event
Join us for a celebration of Older Americans Month. We will have a trivia game, Charlie Cart food demonstration, Library of Things demonstration, scanning party, adult craft and representatives from community partners: Cal Optima, SCAN, CalFresh, HICAP. OC Waste, OC Animal Care, OC Office on Aging and Meals on Wheels.
(Santa Ana, CA) Acclaimed collage artist David Krovblit unveils Rearranging Reality, a solo exhibition at John Wayne Airport from April 2 through July 8, 2024. This captivating showcase features a diverse collection of nearly 20 of Krovblit's original artworks, spanning several key periods of his illustrious career.
David Krovblit is a Southern-California based mixed media artist whose collages have earned international acclaim for their intricate compositions and profound commentary on memory, culture, and identity. With exhibitions across the globe, Krovblit's work offers a powerful narrative on the art of visual storytelling.
Artist David Krovblit with his work at Soho Hotel in Toronto
Renowned for his innovative collages that blend images and textures to challenge perceptions, Krovblit invites viewers into a world where reality is thoughtfully dissected and reassembled. The exhibition, a curated retrospective, highlights the evolution of Krovblit's art, offering a journey through his creative process and boundary-pushing exploration of collage.
Divers Paradise, David Krovblit, Collage
Rearranging Reality encapsulates Krovblit's artistic journey, extending an invitation to audiences to witness the intricacies and beauty of perceiving the world through his unique lens. The exhibition also features a unique display of materials from Krovblit’s studio. This ‘studio table’ view allows visitors to get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating the amazing works of art on view.
Lizard King, David Krovblit, Collage
The exhibition can be found pre-security on the lower Arrivals Level in the Terminals A & B Baggage Areas.
(Santa Ana, CA) John Wayne Airport is proud to collaborate with Munzón Gallery to present dual exhibitions in the Vi Smith Gallery, Terminal C. Founded by 1st-generation Angeleno artist Elizabeth Munzón in 2022, Munzón Gallery is a contemporary art gallery located in a subsection of Long Beach, California, known as Cambodia Town.
These exhibitions pair with the newly opened show Symbology in the Vi Smith Gallery, Terminal A. Over the next four months, the secure side of the Airport will exclusively feature works by Latinx artists, reflecting an intentional effort to uplift and highlight the diverse and authentic Orange County.
This partnership marks the inaugural effort in which JWA will feature current, contemporary regional artwork, spotlighting the vibrant local art scene, with plans for more such collaborations in the future. Regarding the project, curator Heather Bowling says, “I’ve always wanted to partner with Elizabeth. I deeply admire her curatorial eye, her focus on printmaking (a rarely celebrated artform), and her desire to engage the local community.”
The Underbelly, Jacqueline Valenzuela, Oil and Oil Pastel on Canvas, 2022
Munzón Gallery focuses on painting and printmaking, showcasing the works of emerging and mid-career artists who produce captivating and inclusive art that reflects the spirit of the modern era. Additionally, the gallery offers services geared toward artists in the form of artist studios and a press room equipped with various sizes of printing presses and tools for relief printmaking. The space also features a patio that hosts a collection of rotating murals, all curated by resident studio artist Mister Toledo.
Throne of Maguey, Elizabeth Munzón, Oil on Canvas, 2023
This dual exhibition features a selection of work by artists represented by Munzón Gallery: Chris Estrada, Mark Anthony Hocutt, Edgar Martinez, Baby Mueller, Elizabeth Munzon, Mister Toledo, Jacqueline Valenzuela, and Josh Vasquez, with multiple pieces from each artist on view. Concurrently on view is an extension of Generaciones (Generations), a group exhibition co-curated by Mister Toledo. The main exhibition will take place at Munzón Gallery in Long Beach, CA, on view through May 18th, 2024.
Gimme Danger, Chris Estrada, Screenprint, 2023
Generaciones invites viewers to delve into the collective narrative of Latinx artists navigating their distinct paths of American upbringing while preserving their heritage. Through various mediums, the exhibition explores the complexities of assimilating into new societal landscapes while safeguarding ancestral customs, a poignant reflection on the delicate balance between adaptation and tradition.
This exhibition, located post-security in the Terminal C Vi Smith Gallery, between Gates 19 and 22, will be on view through August 23, 2024. Anyone from the public without a boarding pass can obtain an OCAirPass to visit the exhibition.
(Santa Ana, CA)– The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) invites the community to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at convenient locations throughout Orange County (OC). The public is encouraged to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse. Nearby collection sites can be located at: www.DEATakeBack.com.
"This event provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to clear out old medications while safeguarding loved ones from potential harm, addressing a crucial aspect of public health," said Dr. Veronica Kelley, Director of the HCA. "Pharmaceutical drugs, when misused, can be as hazardous as street drugs, contributing to the nationwide opioid crisis. National Take Back Day is a proactive step towards building a safer and healthier future for Orange County.”
This initiative addresses a crucial public safety and health concern. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aligns with the HCA’s commitment to the well-being of the OC community, promoting the responsible disposal of medications to prevent misuse and combat opioid addiction.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day serves as a vital reminder of our collective responsibility in keeping our communities safe. To find a convenient Take Back drop-off location, please visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) website at www.DEATakeback.com or call 1 (800) 882-9539. The drop-off service is both free and anonymous.
For further information on medication misuse prevention efforts in Orange County or to discover year-round safe disposal options, please visit: www.ochealthinfo.com/adept.
GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (April 16, 2024) – The County of Orange, in partnership with First District Supervisor Andrew Do, will host a Career Fair in Garden Grove for job seekers and employers on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration, admission, and parking are free.
“Career Fairs open the door to many opportunities for both businesses and job seekers,” said Andrew Do, First District Supervisor of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “Whether you're searching for talent, eager to explore new career advancements, or simply looking to expand your professional network, this event is for you.”
Job seekers are highly encouraged to dress professionally and bring copies of their resumes as they interact with prospective employers, interview for open positions, and potentially be hired on the spot. Participating employers will include in-demand employment sector companies ranging from service industries to high-level corporate and technical organizations.
To help participants prepare for the career fair, the Orange County Workforce Solutions Centers are offering free workshops including resume writing and interview techniques. For a full list of online and in-person workshops available, visit ocworkforcesolutions.com/events.
This WIOA Title I financially assisted program or activity is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you need special assistance to participate in this program, please call 949-341-8000. TDD/TTY users, please call the California Relay Service at (800) 735- 2922 or 711. Please call 48 hours in advance to allow reasonable arrangements to be made to ensure accessibility to this program.
(Lake Forest, Calif.)-Immerse yourself in the rich history of Orange County’s rancho era at the annual Rancho Days Fiesta on Saturday, May 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Heritage Hill Historical Park. This event commemorates the unique history of rancho and Native American cultures through interactive activities, live music, dance performances and more in a family-friendly setting.
Free to attend and fun for all ages, Rancho Days Fiesta features a variety of activities including engaging exhibits, cultural performances, craft workshops, piñata breaking and more. Attendees will enjoy vibrant Folklórico and Native American dances, witness educational Charro horseback riding and roping demonstrations and explore the historic buildings at Heritage Hill Historical Park with guided tours provided by Amigos de la Colina docents. Pets are welcome in outdoor areas only and must remain on a leash no longer than six feet.
“Rancho Days Fiesta is the perfect way for visitors of all ages to glimpse into Orange County’s storied past,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “This annual event is a testament to our community’s history and to the dedication of the County of Orange in preserving and sharing this important legacy with future generations.”
Heritage Hill Historical Park spans 4.1 acres and includes four fully restored and furnished historic buildings that span the early history of the Saddleback Valley and El Toro area from the Mexican Rancho era to the founding of the town of El Toro through the citrus farming days of the early 20th century. Join OC Parks at Rancho Days Fiesta to experience the charm and excitement of the rancho era.
May 4 - Rancho Days Fiesta Time: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission: Free Parking: Free Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/events/annual-rancho-days-fiesta-0 Contact: (949) 923-2230
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OC Parks
OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources.http://www.ocparks.com
(Santa Ana, CA) – Due to the risk of lead poisoning, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) urges users of the Vietnamese hemorrhoid ointment called Cao Bôi Trĩ Cây Thầu Dầu (Castor Oil Hemorrhoid Extract) to immediately stop using the ointment and to get their blood tested for lead. The alert follows the death of a woman in Sacramento who developed severe lead poisoning after using the ointment, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The CDPH said the ointment, purchased in Vietnam and shipped to the US, contained 4% (four percent) lead. Exposure to any amount of lead can be harmful.
The HCA, in collaboration with the CDPH, urges anyone who used Cao Bôi Trĩ Cây Thầu Dầu (Castor Oil Hemorrhoid Extract) to immediately: 1.) Stop using the ointment. 2.) Place it in a plastic bag, seal the bag and call (510) 620-3620 or email toxoutbreak@cdph.ca.gov. 3.) See your health care provider and get your blood tested for lead (venous blood test). Also because other household members could have come into contact with the ointment, all household members should have their blood lead tested. Children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning. 4.) Residents who have additional questions can call HCA’s Health Referral Line at 1-800-564-8448.
Health care providers who have questions can contact California Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for clinical guidance on lead poisoning. See Health-Based Guidelines for Blood Lead Levels in Adults (PDF) for specific recommendations based on your patient's blood lead level results.
ABOUT THE OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is a regional interdisciplinary health jurisdiction and an accredited health department, charged with protecting and promoting individual, family and community health through partnership and coordination of public and private sector resources. Visit www.ochealthinfo.com to learn more about services and resources.
Santa Ana, Calif. (April 10, 2024) – Following a nationwide recruitment process, the County announced on Wednesday that Monica Schmidt has been selected as the new Director of OC Animal Care. Her start date will be April 19, 2024.
“Ms. Schmidt has over 16 years of high-volume shelter experience and has played a critical role at OC Animal Care since 2020,” said Donald P. Wagner, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “Her industry knowledge, leadership, and passion for animal welfare have been evident throughout her tenure, making her the most qualified candidate for the position.”
Monica graduated from Sam Houston State University in Texas with a degree in political science and began her career in animal welfare at the Houston Humane Society, where she served in a series of progressively responsible positions. She played a key role in a variety of diverse animal welfare experiences including hurricane disaster response, large-scale hoarding and animal cruelty seizures, and day-to-day shelter operations, all of which developed Monica into a proven leader in the animal industry. In 2016, she was presented with the Houston Police Department’s Humanitarian Service Award in recognition of the creation of Monty’s Task Force, a multi-agency initiative aimed at bettering the lives of horses and their owners, and in 2017, she was featured by KPRC as part of their spotlight on Women Making a Difference for her work helping thousands of pets find homes.
“Monica has extensive experience working with local nonprofits and community groups and a deep understanding of the complexities in animal welfare,” saidDoug Chaffee, Vice Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “She has used her knowledge and unique skills to enhance our shelter’s programs and services during her tenure, and I know Monica will continue to lead the extraordinary OC Animal Team successfully.”
Monica joined the County of Orange in 2020 as Assistant Director of OC Animal Care, then was promoted to the role of Interim Director in 2023. During her tenure as Interim Director, Monica managed and directed the day-to-day operations of the County’s largest animal shelter. Under her guidance in 2023, OC Animal Care had over 14,700 animal intakes, 55,679 field responses, 9,027 dogs and cats were reunited with their families, adopted, or transferred to rescue partners, 2,910 pets were fostered, and the shelter boasted a save rate for dogs of 93.85 percent.
In addition to this, Schmidt played a crucial role collaborating with leadership on strategic initiatives, identifying gaps in animal care programming, and developing solutions based on industry best practices. “We’re excited to welcome Monica Schmidt as the new director of the largest municipal animal shelter in Orange County,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, First District. “OC Animal Care plays a crucial role in Orange County, providing shelter and services to over 14,700 animals each year. Monica’s leadership as interim Director, leading the successful monthly Drive Thru Pet Pantry distributions, has demonstrated her commitment to the agency.”
“Monica’s commitment to creating a positive atmosphere for both the Animal Care staff and the animals they serve is commendable,” said Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, Second District. “Additionally, her cooperation in accommodating our office’s request to open the animal shelter to the public seven days a week, without requiring an appointment, is highly appreciated. I have full confidence in her ability to further enhance OC Animal Care.”
In recent months, Schmidt’s leadership during the recent Tustin Hangar Fire incident, mobilized the agency's response, pivoting to continue to provide services for the community while leveraging industry contacts to swiftly decrease the number of animals on campus through sponsored transports, including 109 dogs to the ASPCA Shelter in Ohio. Additionally, Monica guided the OC Animal Care team in developing and launching several pilot programs to determine the best balance of smart programming and community interests, which resulted in the introduction of Daily Adoption Options and a new dog foster program to support getting animals out of the shelter and back to loving homes.
“Within the last few years, animal shelters across the country experienced unprecedented overcrowding and understaffing after animals were returned to shelters at alarming rates. Orange County was no exception. Since taking the helm at OCAC, Ms. Schmidt demonstrated her visionary leadership through working with staff, volunteers, and the community to increase staffing and programs that expand public access to the shelter so more furry friends found loving families. Now, the shelter is in a better position to handle fluctuating numbers of animals. In this new role, I remain confident in Ms. Schmidt’s ability to continue our progress and keep animals healthy, happy, and safe at the shelter as they await forever homes within the community,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley, Fifth District.
“My career has been all about helping animals in need, and that’s what this team at OC Animal Care does best,” said Monica Schmidt. “I look forward to this next chapter as Director of OC Animal Care and what we can achieve as a municipal shelter, working together with the community, toward the shared goal of improving the lives of people and pets in Orange County.”
For more information about OC Animal Care, please visit OCpetinfo.com.
