Orange County, CA – OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) is issuing an alert to remind all county residents and businesses of the importance of proper disposal of hazardous waste, especially batteries. Improperly disposed batteries continue to be the leading cause of fires in the waste system, which endangers lives and the environment, has potential to cause significant damage and disrupts waste services.

According to US Fire Administration, each year in the United States an average of 8,300 landfill fires occur, resulting in potentially dangerous working conditions and property loss. Other leading hazardous waste culprits include items that are easily flammable and/or corrosive, such as paints, oils, cleaning chemicals and gasoline.
“When discarded in your trash or recycling receptacle, batteries can become compacted and punctured causing them to easily explode and cause fires in the collection vehicles, transfer stations and at our landfills,” said Tom Koutroulis, director OC Waste & Recycling. “With the fire season and high temperatures upon us, the proper disposal of batteries and hazardous waste is critical to minimizing these dangers.”

Disposal is easy and available via drive-through services at any of the four OCWR Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers (HHWCC) located throughout the County. Simply place items in the trunk or truck bed and upon arrival at a HHWCC, a trained staff will collect the materials for recycling or proper disposal.

HHWCC are a safe way to dispose of unwanted household hazardous waste such as pesticides, household chemicals, automotive products, or e-cigarette cartridges. E-waste such as televisions, tablets, old cell phones and computers are also accepted. Residents are encouraged to ask for a FREE battery collection recycling bucket, available while supplies last.

The four HHWCCs are conveniently located in Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Irvine and San Juan Capistrano, open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (except holidays and rainy days).

• Anaheim Collection Center -- 1071 N. Blue Gum Street, 92806
• Huntington Beach Collection Center -- 17121 Nichols Lane, 92647, Gate 6
• Irvine Collection Center -- 6411 Oak Canyon, 92618
• San Juan Capistrano Collection Center -- 32250 Avenida La Pata, 92675

For more information on the proper disposal of household hazardous waste visit OCLandfills.com/hazardous-waste or follow @OCWaste on social media. For general recycling questions visit OCRecycleGuide.com.

About OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR)
OCWR serves the County’s solid waste disposal needs by resource recovery, operating public landfills, protecting the local environment, investing in renewable energy enterprises and promoting recycling in order 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 and three compost greeneries, 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.

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Santa Ana, Calif. (July 17, 2023) – Chief Probation Officer Daniel Hernandez is pleased to announce the upcoming Probation Services Week, which will be held from July 17 to July 23, 2023. This special week aims to honor the invaluable contributions of probation professionals who work diligently to maintain community safety and provide support for justice-involved individuals undergoing rehabilitation. This year, the focus of Probation Services Week is on recruitment and the profound impact that individuals can make by working in probation. During Probation Services Week, the Orange County Probation Department is emphasizing the need for passionate individuals interested in joining their ranks to apply to be a probation officer and make an impact in our community and in the lives of justice-involved individuals.

In anticipation of Probation Services Week, Chief Probation Officer Daniel Hernandez expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “For 114 years, Probation has played a key role in transforming lives for the better and we continue to have a positive impact by producing the outcomes that lead to lower recidivism. In fact, a career in Probation is ideal for those who want to make a difference for individuals, families and communities”.

Modern probation officers play a vital role as mentors, coaches, and agents of change, and their dedication and expertise enable them to help the safety of communities by guiding justice-involved individuals, giving them the opportunity and proper support for change. The Orange County Probation Department encourages local community members to consider becoming a part of this transformative process by becoming a probation officer. To facilitate the recruitment effort, The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) has launched the CaliforniaProbationJobs.com website to provide comprehensive information on probation officer roles, testimonials, as well as county links to apply for a career in probation, and other resources.

Chief Deputy Probation Officer Tawnya Medina offered, “Every day, the men and women of the Orange County Probation Department work together to support the life changing goals of those under our care and supervision. With the support of our county and community partners, together, we can continue to build stronger and safer communities.” This week, the Probation Department’s Executive Management Team will conduct site visits at the facilities, area offices, resource centers and courts to spend time with Probation personnel and express their appreciation for their dedication and commitment to the mission and vision of the Department.

Probation offers a transformative alternative to incarceration, empowering individuals to make positive changes and embark on a journey toward a brighter future. By connecting comprehensive services and addressing the unique needs of justice-involved individuals, probation plays a vital role in fostering community safety and restoring people to help achieve long-term public safety. Our probation officers, equipped with extensive education and specialized training, possess the expertise to skillfully manage the complex needs of justice-involved individuals while upholding the utmost commitment to community well-being.

For more information about Probation Services Week and opportunities to join the Orange County Probation Department, please visit Join OC Probation | Orange County Probation Department (ocgov.com) To visit CPOC’s California Probation Job’s website, visit: californiaprobationjobs.com

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(SANTA ANA, CA) – Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport increased in May 2023 as compared to May 2022. In May 2023, the Airport served 1,041,342 passengers, an increase of 3.8% when compared with the May 2022 passenger traffic count of 1,003,582.

Commercial aircraft operations in May 2023 of 8,266 decreased 0.2% and commuter aircraft operations of 422 decreased 17.9% when comparing with May 2022 levels. 

Total aircraft operations decreased in May 2023 as compared with the same month in 2022. In May 2023, there were 22,748 total aircraft operations (takeoffs and landings) a 9.5% decrease compared to 25,126 total aircraft operations in May 2022.

General aviation activity of 14,042 accounted for 61.7% of the total aircraft operations during May 2023 and decreased 13.9% compared with May 2022.

The top three airlines in May 2023 based on passenger count were Southwest Airlines (331,150), American Airlines (175,111) and United Airlines (160,495).

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(Santa Ana, CA) - The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has received reports of three probable cases of mpox in Orange County (OC) in the past week. The three cases are the first reported in OC since April 8, 2023; five total cases have been reported here in 2023. While case counts are lower this year, mpox cases continue to be reported in Southern California and around the country. The best way to protect oneself from getting mpox is by completing the two-dose mpox vaccination regimen.

The mpox vaccine has been shown to be safe and highly effective when people complete the vaccine series (two doses, at least 28 days apart). During last month’s OC Pride Event, the HCA’s Public Health Services administered more than 80 mpox vaccinations to attendees. Since last year, more than 7,500 people in OC have received their first dose of mpox vaccine. However, 30% of those who received the first dose, have not received a second dose to complete their vaccination series.

To find a vaccine near you and schedule an appointment to be vaccinated, visit MYTURN.CA.GOV.

If you think you might have mpox or been exposed to someone with mpox, talk to your health care provider. The mpox vaccine can decrease your risk of getting sick if given within 14 days of being exposed. Testing for mpox is widely available and treatment for mpox can be discussed with your provider. If you do not have a regular provider, call 2-1-1 or the HCA's Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448 for assistance.

For more on mpox in Orange County visit www.ochealthinfo.com/mpox.

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(SANTA ANA, CA) – From July 14 through August 24, 2023, the John Wayne Airport Arts Program presents California Dreamin’, a group exhibition featuring oil painting, acrylic, and fiber art. Six talented Orange County artists, Jeff Fleming, Joan Gladstone, Mariana Ivanova, Jeffries Moore, Melissa A. Murphy, and Kevin Short come together to share what they love about beach life in Orange County, California. This bold, colorful exhibition celebrates all things summertime as each artist takes a unique approach to illustrating the sun, sand, and sea.

Jeff Fleming eloquently encapsulates his painting ideology with the following, “Art is alive! I don't just add paint to a canvas, I combine color and composition to create a dynamic spirit. Art should catch your eyes and speak to your emotions. My paintings are meant to be companions, they have personality and character, and when you look at them, they answer back with inspiration.”

Shimmering light upon gentle waves and a surfer glistening in the sun as they walk ashore are key features of Kevin Short’s work. The dance between light and color portrayed in Short’s paintings allow viewers to revisit moments in their childhood, where troubles seemed smaller and thoughts were clearer.

Huntington Beach based muralist Melissa A. Murphy scales down her typical work for this exhibit to showcase the magical world hidden under the waves. Utilizing every shade of green and blue to capture these depths, Melissa playfully captures moments of joy between sea creatures.

This painting-heavy exhibition is complimented perfectly by the delicate cross stitch works of Mariana Ivanova. Inspired by time spent walking the streets of cities around the world, she is inspired by streetlamps and lanterns with their lights, beauty, elegance, and mystery. Ivanova’s pieces act as a keepsake of her memories.

Also featured are the playful, iconic works of Joan Gladstone. Capturing snapshots of OC beach life, from ice creams to lifeguard towers, Joan’s paintings evoke a sense of nostalgia and simpler times. Having studied at Boston University's School of Fine Arts and the Laguna College of Art + Design, she has painted oil paintings that celebrate beach life for over 20 years. 

The energetic, hyper realistic paintings of Jeffries Moore seek to capture the sea at its most powerful, highlighting both the beauty and danger of the water. His large-scale painting Hand of God is surely a focal point of the exhibition.

The entire collection of work is viewable pre-security. Paintings span from the upper Departure Level near security in Terminals A, B, and C and on the lower Arrivals Level by Baggage Carousels 2 and 4.

For more information about the John Wayne Airport Arts Program, visit www.ocair.com/terminal/artexhibits.

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John Wayne Airport (SNA) is owned by the County of Orange and is operated as a self-supporting enterprise that receives no general fund tax revenue. The Airport serves more than 11.3 million passengers annually and reaches more than 40 nonstop destinations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. More information can be found at www.ocair.com. Like us on facebook.com/johnwayneairport, or follow us on Twitter @johnwayneair and Instagram @johnwayneair.

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SANTA ANA, Calif. (July 5, 2023) – OC Public Libraries presents A Slice of Literary Orange, a series featuring keynote speakers throughout the year, in celebration of literacy. 

Nancy Horan is the author of Loving Frank, which remained on the New York Times bestseller list for over a year, was translated into sixteen languages, and received the 2009 Prize for Historical Fiction. Her newest title The House of Lincoln was released in June.  

Daniel Silva has been called his generation’s finest writer of international intrigue and one of the greatest American spy novelists ever. Compelling, passionate, haunting, brilliant: these are the words that have been used to describe the work of award-winning #1 New York Times bestselling author Daniel Silva. Join us for a conversation between Daniel Silva and award-winning correspondent Jamie Gangel.  

The authors will read from selected works and share their experiences as writers. Additionally, there will be a Q&A followed by a book signing. Early arrival is suggested.  

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Tustin, Calif. (July 5, 2023) – During the Independence Day celebration, the sudden noises and unfamiliar experiences can cause dogs to panic, resulting in them escaping from their homes or yards in search of safety. OC Animal Care has seen an increase of stray dogs arriving at the shelter throughout the weekend leading up to the holiday. Since Saturday, July 1, 57 dogs have been brought into the shelter and more continue to arrive.

Those who have recently lost a pet can visit the following websites:

• Lost pets currently at OC Animal Care shelter: petadoption.ocpetinfo.com/LostFound
• Reported found pets not at OC Animal Care: petadoption.ocpetinfo.com/foundocac     

Additionally, pet owners are encouraged to explore other avenues in their search for a lost pet, such as thoroughly searching their neighborhood, including neighborhood Facebook Groups and Nextdoor, reaching out to local veterinarian offices and posting photos with a detailed description of the pet in prominent locations.

One in three pets will go missing during their lifetime and a pet license is a pet’s best ticket home! Pet licensing makes the connection between families and their furry friends easy and can be just the thing to quickly bring pets home, safe and sound. Pets currently licensed with OC Animal Care will also qualify for OC Animal Care's Take Me Home Program. This pet redemption program is offered to pet owners who have had their licensed pets impounded for the first time and requires pet owners to redeem their pet(s) within the first 24 hours. For more information on how to license your pet, visit ocpetinfo.com/license.

By working together, we can reunite lost pets with their family quickly and ensure a safer and more secure summer for all.

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About OC Animal Care

OC Animal Care is the largest municipal animal shelter in Orange County. It services 14 cities and the County unincorporated areas and takes in over 14,500 animals each year. OC Animal Care provides refuge and care for animals, fosters the human-animal bond and promotes safety in our community. For more information about OC Animal Care, please visit ocpetinfo.com.

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TUSTIN, Calif. (June 30, 2023) – OC Animal Care is pleased to announce the launch of its comprehensive summer initiative, All Summer Long at OC Animal Care. This program aims to connect the community with shelter animals through numerous engaging events and pilot projects.

All Summer Long at OC Animal Care offers three distinct sections, ensuring there is something for everyone, including prospective pet owners, current pet owners and those looking to get involved with the shelter.

For more information, please visit www.ocpetinfo.com/AllSummerLong, where flyers for individual programs are available for downloading.

Adoption Programs

For those considering pet adoption, OC Animal Care’s adoption program is the perfect start. OC Animal Care’s adoption model features meet-and-greet sessions with adoptable animals, concierge services to find the right pet for your lifestyle and adoption counseling to ensure a seamless transition. This summer, OC Animal Care will offer:

• July Adoption Promotions: Throughout the month of July, adoption fees will be waived for dogs weighing 25 pounds and over. Additionally, thanks to generous donations, the community can adopt two cats and/or kittens for the price of one and fully sponsored adoption fees for rats.
• Littles on the Lawn: Littles on the Lawn is a new adoption event that will feature once-nervous small pups that have graduated into confident companions ready to find their forever family. This event will begin on July 19, 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., at the OC Animal Care shelter, and it will be held every Wednesday and Saturday. 
• Sittin’ with Kittens: Cuddles, purrs and adorable companionship await! This weekly adoption event will feature multiple litters of kittens formerly in foster care who are now looking for their forever home. This event will begin on July 23, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the OC Animal Care shelter and will take place every Sunday.
• Kennel Connection: Through Kennel Connection, visitors can view ready-to-adopt pets right in their kennels every Wednesday and Saturday. This program will begin on July 19, 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., at the OC Animal Care shelter. No appointment needed to walk through. One-on-one visits available on a first come, first serve basis.
• Pooches on the Patio: OC Animal Care spotlights dogs who are ready to find their forever homes at Pooches on the Patio, a weekly meet and greet adoption event, where dogs show off their large and loveable personalities. This event takes place every Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the OC Animal Care shelter.

Pet Owner Resources

From educational materials on pet care to pet food giveaways, OC Animal Care is committed to helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their beloved companions.

• Family Furst Drive-Thru Pet Food Pantry: OC Animal Care hosts the Family Fur-st Drive Thru Pet Pantry on the second Saturday of each month to provide important resources to pet owners in the community. In 2022, the Family Furst Drive-Thru Pet Pantry distributed over 85 tons of donated pet food to help keep over 9,000 pets at home with their families. All pet owners in the community in need of pet food are welcome!
• Lost Pet Prevention Month: July is National Lost Pet Prevention month. OC Animal Care will be running an educational campaign focused on responsible pet ownership. Its aim is to equip pet owners with effective ways to prevent pet loss and ensure the safety and well-being of our beloved companions. 

Get Involved

From assisting with animal care and enrichment activities to participating in events and community outreach, OC Animal Care welcomes dedicated individuals who want to lend their time and talents to serve the shelter animals. Join OC Animal Care in one, or all of these opportunities to be a hero for shelter animals throughout the summer and beyond.

• Summer Staycation Dog Fostering: Summer is the perfect time to open your heart and home to a furry friend in need. Fostering a long-stay dog provides them with a loving home environment, while giving them an opportunity to socialize, learn new skills and get some much-needed time away from the shelter. To become a foster and make a difference in the life of a shelter dog this summer, interested individuals are invited to attend one of the following orientation sessions.
  • July 15, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Register for the orientation session
  • July 20, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m., Register for the orientation session  
  • July 29, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Register for the orientation session  
• Cat & Kitten Fostering: During kitten season, there is an influx of kittens needing around-the-clock care and a loving temporary home. OC Animal Care is seeking new volunteer foster caretakers to provide care for these kittens until they are ready for adoption. Foster caretakers give the kittens a safe and nurturing environment, helping them grow and develop before they find their forever homes. Learn more about becoming a foster caretaker at www.ocpetinfo.com/get-involved/foster.
• Kitten Club: On the first Saturday of every month, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m., OC Animal Care hosts a bottle-feeding demonstration. During this time, interested fosters learn how to bottle feed kittens and basic medical training from an RVT.
• Volunteer Training Project: Those who have thought about becoming a shelter volunteer, now is the perfect time to start! To learn about the ways to volunteer, visit www.ocpetinfo.com/get-involved.

To learn more about All Summer Long at OC Animal Care and to get involved, visit www.ocpetinfo.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@ocanimalcare). Together, let's make this summer a memorable one for people and pets!

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About OC Animal Care

OC Animal Care is the largest municipal animal shelter in Orange County. It services 14 cities and the County unincorporated areas and takes in over 14,500 animals each year. OC Animal Care provides refuge and care for animals, fosters the human-animal bond and promotes safety in our community. For more information about OC Animal Care, please visit ocpetinfo.com.

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(Santa Ana, CA) - Summer travel is underway and the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) encourages residents from Orange County (OC) to be up to date on measles vaccinations, following a Health Alert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC warns of an increase in measles cases, with 88% of the cases connected to international travel. You can read the CDC’s Health Alert here.

“Measles (rubeola) is extremely contagious,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer and Chief of Public Health Services. “One person infected by measles can infect 9 out of 10 of their unvaccinated close contacts. To prevent infection and spread, residents, especially those planning to travel overseas or who are welcoming visitors from overseas, should make sure they are up to date on their MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine,” she said.

Follow up with your primary care provider or local pharmacy for more information on where to get a measles vaccine. The HCA Travel Immunization Clinic offers vaccines by appointment. For more information on available vaccines visit: https://ochealthinfo.com/services-programs/flu-shots-immunizations/foreign-travel.  

The CDC has been notified of 16 confirmed U.S. cases of measles since the first of 2023, compared to 3 cases during the same time period in 2022. Most of the cases were among children who had not received the MMR vaccine. To prevent measles infection and spread from importation, all U.S. residents should be up to date on their MMR vaccinations, especially prior to international travel, regardless of the destination.

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Orange County, Calif. (July 01, 2023) – Today, Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire and John Wayne Airport kick off Trips That Transform, a monthlong celebration of the travel wishes granted to children battling critical illnesses and the donors that make them possible.

With over 75 percent of wishes requiring air travel, Make-A-Wish needs more than 40 million airline miles annually to fulfill travel wishes for children and their families living in Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Now more than ever, local wish kids with critical illnesses are depending on the ongoing generosity of individual and corporate donors who contribute their unused airline miles, expiring travel points and dollars.

To support granting more wishes in the local community, John Wayne Airport will promote the Trips That Transform campaign to its guests throughout the month of July with visual displays throughout the Terminal encouraging travelers to donate airline miles.

“We are thrilled to once again partner with Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire to help grant more travel wishes,” said Charlene Reynolds, Airport Director. “We encourage all who travel through John Wayne Airport to join us in supporting this incredible effort and donating their unused, low-balance, or soon-to-expire miles to help wish kids take flight.”

Once donated to Make-A-Wish, airline miles and points never expire, and each goes on to help wish kids and their families take flight to destinations around the world. Travelers can donate airline miles and points at ocair.com/wish

“Travel wishes are more than a trip; they are often an essential component of a wish kid’s treatment plan. In our recent Wish Impact Study, we found that 90% of medical providers observed children increase their compliance with treatment after learning they would receive a wish,” said Gloria Jetter Crockett, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire. “We are extremely grateful for John Wayne Airport and their support that will help provide local wish children with hope when the need it most through life-changing wish trips.”

To learn more about how a wish come true can transform the lives of everyone involved, follow Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire and John Wayne Airport and #JWAWishes on social media.

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About Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire

Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We seek to bring every eligible child's wish to life because every child deserves a childhood. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight their illness. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire chapter. Since our chapter’s founding, more than 7,800 wishes have been granted for children in the local community. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 34,000 volunteers, Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire and 57 other chapters throughout the U.S. have granted more than 360,000 wishes nationwide. For more information about Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire, visit wish.org/ocie.

About John Wayne Airport

John Wayne Airport (SNA) is owned by the County of Orange. The Airport serves more than 11 million passengers annually and reaches over 40 nonstop destinations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. More information can be found at www.ocair.com. Like us on facebook.com/johnwayneairport, or follow us on Twitter @johnwayneair and Instagram @johnwayneair.

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Make-A-Wish Media Contact:
Katelynn McDougall Leguizamo
kmcdougall@ocie.wish.org
714-573-9474 x234

John Wayne Airport Media Contact:
AnnaSophia Servin 
AServin@ocair.com
949-252-5182

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John Wayne Airport (SNA) is owned by the County of Orange and is operated as a self-supporting enterprise that receives no general fund tax revenue. The Airport serves more than 11.3 million passengers annually and reaches more than 40 nonstop destinations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. More information can be found at www.ocair.com. Like us on facebook.com/johnwayneairport, or follow us on Twitter @johnwayneair and Instagram @johnwayneair.

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