(Santa Ana, CA) - The OC Health Care Agency’s 2021-2022 Biennial Ocean, Harbor & Bay Water Quality Report is now available online and provides a yearly analysis of bacteriological water quality data over a 22-year period for Orange County’s ocean recreational waters. The report also incorporates historical data during the 35-year period from 1987-2022.
Yearly data and trends are included that represent the period from 2000-2022 since California Assembly Bill 411 (AB 411) regarding bacteriological water quality has been in place to ensure ocean water quality meets standards to protect public health. Major findings of the report include:
A total number of 85 sewage spills were reported to the Water Quality Team in 2022, which was well below the 33-year average of 184 spills per year. One spill carried over from 2021 to 2022.
In 2022, 4% of the 85 sewage spills reported resulted in ocean, harbor and bay water closures representing a total of three ocean water closures for the year.
Blockages in pipelines have been responsible for an average of 72% of all beach closures since 1999. The major causes of pipeline blockages during this period include the infiltration of roots (31%), buildup of grease (25%), and unknown sources (22%).
Rain advisories are issued when bacterial levels are elevated and can cause illness to swimmers, surfers and divers. In 2022, twelve rain advisories were issued resulting in a total of 46 rain advisory days for the year.
The Water Quality Team is responsible for protecting the public from exposure to ocean and bay waters that may be contaminated with sewage or may cause illness along Orange County’s coastal areas. To learn more, visit www.ocbeachinfo.com.
(SANTA ANA, CA) – From May 18 to June 14, 2023, the John Wayne Airport Arts Program will showcase an electric collection of photography by Laguna Niguel artist Christopher Allwine. As a photographer specializing in the technique of light painting, Allwine’s creations explore the ways in which the camera can be used to tap into the visual and symbolic nature of the nocturnal scene.
Time Traveler, Photography, Silver Halide Print, 2020
Through the use of long exposure times – leaving the camera lens open for much longer than the typical second of a snapshot – and handheld light tools, he has the unique ability to augment nighttime scenes as if they were a blank canvas. Utilizing theatrical and cinematic techniques, he manages composition, creates mood, and leads the viewer's eye. Remarkably, all lighting effects are created in real-time and captured by Allwine’s camera. These images are not Photoshop creations, they are unique designs blending physical props with photographic innovation.
Next Stop, Photography, Archival Ink on Dibond, 2020
Luminous, striking, and intriguing, Allwine's progressive style of photography has been featured in art exhibitions throughout Southern California; predominately within the artist colony of Laguna Beach where he has been featured at all three of the city's major art festivals, including Sawdust Festival, Laguna Art-A-Fair, and the prestigious Festival of Arts where he has been an exhibiting artist for 5 years.
Artist Christopher Allwine
Allwine will debut his latest light painting series capturing the magic of the forest floor at the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts this summer. To find out more about upcoming exhibits and to see more of Allwine’s work, visit www.cwallwine.com.
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.
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.
Santa Ana, Calif. (May 25, 2023) – The County of Orange’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Recommended Budget has been released for review by the Board of Supervisors and the public. It is available online at https://cfo.ocgov.com/budget.
The total County base budget is $9.3 billion, of which $4.9 billion is the General Fund budget with $1B in discretionary funding to cover the cost of providing County mandated services. The Recommended Budget is consistent with the County’s long-term strategic priorities identified through the County’s five-year Strategic Financial Plan process.
A Citizens’ Guide to the FY 2023-24 Budget was developed, and is also available online, to provide members of the public with an overview of the FY 2023-24 Budget including General Fund revenue sources and uses, timeline, department requests, and key initiatives the County is prioritizing and funding including OC CARES, Office of Care Coordination, and Housing strategic priorities benefiting individuals in the County’s various systems of care.
The County’s OC CARES initiative links the various systems of care in the County to provide full care coordination and services for individuals to address immediate and underlying issues with the goal of attaining self-sufficiency. Significant achievements have been made in implementing the OC CARES 2025 Vision, including various initiatives in the FY 2023-24 Recommended Budget. Additional information on the OC CARES 2025 Vision can be found by clicking here.
The County Executive Office looks forward to presenting the FY 2023-24 Recommended Budget to the Board of Supervisors during the Public Budget Hearings scheduled for June 13, 2023. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to adopt the FY 2023-24 Annual Budget at their June 27, 2023 meeting. In addition, a Public Budget Workshop will be made available by Tuesday, June 6, 2023. The workshop will be previously taped and distributed via the County’s Facebook and YouTube channels. The public may submit comments on or questions about the Budget through the Budget and Finance website by clicking here.
The FY 2023-24 Recommended Budget, Budget Augmentation Requests, Transmittal Letter, Key Budget Message, Department Contact List and Citizens’ Guide can be found online at https://cfo.ocgov.com/budget.
The County also invites members of the public to explore additional budgetary and financial information online through the OpenOC data tool, the Strategic Financial Plan and budget reports. These helpful resources can be found at the links above and: http://ocgov.com/about/openoc/.
(Santa Ana, CA) – Orange County, Calif. – The Orange County Auditor-Controller’s Office has announced its new Property Tax System (PTS) was named a 2023 Achievement Award Winner by the National Association of Counties (NACo). The NACo Achievement Awards recognize innovative County government programs from across the United States. To view the PTS Award description, please click here.
“I am so pleased to announce that our PTS Team within A-C IT and the County Department users have been recognized with this prestigious award,” said Auditor-Controller Andrew Hamilton. “I’d like to congratulate the PTS team members at the County on this exciting achievement, and I’d like to thank NACo for recognizing their hard work and the quality of the newly implemented system. The development of the PTS was an extremely challenging undertaking and our team performed magnificently. The valuable lessons learned in this project, and its successful outcome is something that we feel all Counties could benefit from.”
The County’s legacy property tax system was originally developed in the 1980s on a mainframe environment with programming languages and a database that were past their end-of-life. Additionally, finding knowledgeable and skilled staff to support the system was becoming ever more challenging as the system was antiquated and out of date.
Using a team comprised of internal resources, previously embedded vendors, former retired staff returning to assist, and a third-party vendor, the project faced many challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Despite facing overwhelming obstacles and finding themselves working remotely in the midst of a global pandemic, our PTS Development Team successfully developed the new system without any operating issues, seamlessly and effectively running now for over 6 months,” said the Director of Auditor-Controller IT. “I’m so proud of this team, and would like to thank everyone for their dedication and commitment to ensuring we not only succeeded, but developed a fully automated system with the highest quality.”
Orange County moved its new automated property tax system into production in September, 2022 in the middle of the Secured Tax Roll season. The PTS system’s quality proved itself as it continues to operate without issue improving the department’s accuracy, efficiency and resiliency for the County of Orange.
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The Orange County Auditor-Controller’s Office and its 400+ employees work to ensure the County operates financially responsibly and effectively. Duties including payroll for over 18,000 employees, accounts payable, Information Technology, general accounting services, property tax, Satellite Accounting and financial reporting are just a few of the mandated responsibilities of the Office.
Santa Ana, CA – The Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for its Reducing Costs and Increasing Efficiency: The Orange County Passport Program in the County Administration and Management category. The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
In May 2021, The Orange County Clerk-Recorder department launched an efficient passport acceptance program to address long wait times and difficulty securing appointments at passport acceptance facilities due to the surge in demand. The department trained and certified staff as passport agents, opened offices strategically to best serve the public, offered appointments and accepted walk-in customers. Initially, the department offered two passport acceptance facilities and has added more since the implementation of the program.
“Once again, I am honored and humbled by this award,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen “We wouldn’t be able to celebrate this achievement if it wasn’t in large part due to the dedication and professionalism of my staff. Their dedication to serving the public and giving them their best day after day is truly admirable.”
Each year, NACo’s Achievement Awards are given in 18 categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and more. Launched in 1970, the program is designed to recognize innovation in county government. Each nominated program is judged on its own merits and not against other applications.
“The Achievement Awards demonstrate excellence in county government and the commitment to serve our residents every day,” said NACo President Denise Winfrey. “This year’s winners represent some of the most innovative and collaborative efforts we have seen in over 50 years of presenting these awards.”
For more information about the Clerk-Recorder Department, please visit - OCRecorder.com.
For more information about NACo’s Achievement Awards, click here.
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The National Association of Counties (NACo) strengthens America’s counties, including nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking; promote exemplary county policies and practices; nurture leadership skills and expand knowledge networks; optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings; and enrich the public’s understanding of county government. www.naco.org
Santa Ana, Calif. (May 25, 2023) – The County of Orange’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Recommended Budget has been released for review by the Board of Supervisors and the public. It is available online at https://cfo.ocgov.com/budget.
The total County base budget is $9.3 billion, of which $4.9 billion is the General Fund budget with $1B in discretionary funding to cover the cost of providing County mandated services. The Recommended Budget is consistent with the County’s long-term strategic priorities identified through the County’s five-year Strategic Financial Plan process.
A Citizens’ Guide to the FY 2023-24 Budget was developed, and is also available online, to provide members of the public with an overview of the FY 2023-24 Budget including General Fund revenue sources and uses, timeline, department requests, and key initiatives the County is prioritizing and funding including OC CARES, Office of Care Coordination, and Housing strategic priorities benefiting individuals in the County’s various systems of care.
The County’s OC CARES initiative links the various systems of care in the County to provide full care coordination and services for individuals to address immediate and underlying issues with the goal of attaining self-sufficiency. Significant achievements have been made in implementing the OC CARES 2025 Vision, including various initiatives in the FY 2023-24 Recommended Budget. Additional information on the OC CARES 2025 Vision can be found by clicking here.
The County Executive Office looks forward to presenting the FY 2023-24 Recommended Budget to the Board of Supervisors during the Public Budget Hearings scheduled for June 13, 2023. The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to adopt the FY 2023-24 Annual Budget at their June 27, 2023 meeting. In addition, a Public Budget Workshop will be made available by Tuesday, June 6, 2023. The workshop will be previously taped and distributed via the County’s Facebook and YouTube channels. The public may submit comments on or questions about the Budget through the Budget and Finance website by clicking here.
The FY 2023-24 Recommended Budget, Budget Augmentation Requests, Transmittal Letter, Key Budget Message, Department Contact List and Citizens’ Guide can be found online at https://cfo.ocgov.com/budget.
The County also invites members of the public to explore additional budgetary and financial information online through the OpenOC data tool, the Strategic Financial Plan and budget reports. These helpful resources can be found at the links above and: http://ocgov.com/about/openoc/.
The Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department is proud to announce the grand opening of Passport Services inside its expanded South County Branch Office in Laguna Hills. Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen will be conducting a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, May 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in the Laguna Hills Civic Center at 24031 El Toro Rd., Suite 160, in Laguna Hills. Several civic leaders plan to attend, and the public is invited.
“With travel demand on the rise, this is the perfect time to offer South County residents convenient and easily accessible passport services,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “This location is basically a one-stop shop for passports, even offering passport photos for a low cost of $7,” he added.
The Passport Services is located inside the department’s new expansion suite. Customers will be able to apply and submit their applications for a passport and obtain their passport photos. Applicants born in Orange County will have the ability to obtain their birth certificates, needed for their application, in Suite 150. Customers will save time and money by not having to travel far from their homes to obtain passport services. The Laguna Hills office also offers free and convenient parking.
Only new passport applications will be accepted at this location. Renewal applications will not be accepted. Due to demand, appointments are highly recommended; however, walk-ins are welcomed. All applicants must bring a completed and unsigned passport application prior to visiting the office. To complete an online application and to make an appointment for passport services, please visit us online at OCRecorder.com. Appointments will be available starting Monday, May 15, 2023.
Passport application fees must be paid by check or money order and are made out to the U.S. Department of State. A Clerk-Recorder Department processing fee of $35 can be paid using any form of payment. As an added convenience, passport photos are available on the spot for the low cost of $7. For complete fee information, please visit this link: https://www.ocrecorder.com/passport
For more information about all the services available at the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department, please visit us at OCRecorder.com.
Celebrate summertime outdoors with 10 free concerts and 14 free movie screenings at OC Parks June 9 to Sept. 8
(Orange County, Calif.) – The County of Orange and OC Parks are proud to present the annual OC Parks Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema film series. Enjoy summer nights under the stars with free live music and movie screenings at regional parks throughout Orange County. All events are family-friendly with free parking and food and drink options available for purchase.
OC Parks Summer Concert Series returns with 10 free outdoor concerts Thursday evenings, June 22 to Aug. 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy live music from exceptional bands and artists at Craig Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Mile Square Regional Park and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach.
The concert series kicks off with Paco Versailles June 22 at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, followed by popular local and acclaimed touring artists includingThe Rembrandts, Ozomatli, No Duh, FlashPants, The English Beat, The Aquabats! and Queen Nation, with an additional artist to be announced. Flashback Heart Attackwill close out the 2023 OC Parks Summer Concert Series with an electrifying performance at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach.
OC Parks Sunset Cinema film series brings the big screen to your favorite regional parks with 14 free movie screenings Friday nights beginning June 9 to Sept. 8 at Craig Regional Park, Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Yorba Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Laguna Niguel Regional Park and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach. Guests of all ages can enjoy recent blockbusters and popular classics, complete with pre-show entertainment beginning at 6 p.m. Showtimes begin after sundown, at approximately 8 p.m.
Friday night films kick off June 9 and include Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), A Bug’s Life (1998), Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), Top Gun: Maverick (2022), Clueless (1995), Lightyear (2022), Nacho Libre (2006), Cruella (2021), Kung Fu Panda (2008), Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), Uncharted (2022) and Mamma Mia! (2008).
“The County of Orange and OC Parks are thrilled to bring another fun-filled summer of entertainment to the community,” said Donald P. Wagner, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “Enjoying a free concert or movie in the beautiful parks across the County is a wonderful way for visitors of all ages to celebrate the summer outdoors."
OC Parks Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema film series are open to all ages and free to attend with free parking. Food trucks will serve a variety of cuisines at each location and a beer and wine garden will be available to those 21 and over. Join your friends and family and enjoy free concerts and movie screenings this summer with OC Parks.
Thursday nights, 5 p.m. (Event starts at 5 p.m., live music begins at 6 p.m.)
Date: June 22
Concert: Paco Versailles @ Craig Regional Park
Date: June 29
Concert: To be Announced @ Craig Regional Park
Date: July 6
Concert: The Rembrandts@ Irvine Regional Park
Date: July 13
Concert: Ozomatli @ Irvine Regional Park
Date: July 20
Concert: No Duh: The Ultimate Tribute to No Doubt @ Mason Regional Park
Date: July 27
Concert: FlashPants @ Mason Regional Park
Date: August 3
Concert: The English Beat @ Mile Square Regional Park
Date: August 10
Concert: The Aquabats! @ Mile Square Regional Park
Date: August 17
Concert: Queen Nation @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach
Date: August 24
Concert: Flashback Heart Attack @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach
OC Parks Sunset Cinema
Friday nights, 6 p.m. (Event starts at 6 p.m., movie begins at sunset)
*All movies will be shown in English.*
Date: June 9
Movie:Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) @ Craig Regional Park
Date: June 16
Movie:A Bug’s Life (1998) @ Craig Regional Park
Date: June 23
Movie:Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022) @ Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Date: June 30
Movie:Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) @ Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Date: July 7
Movie:Top Gun: Maverick (2022) @ Yorba Regional Park
Date: July 14
Movie:Clueless (1995) @ Yorba Regional Park
Date: July 21
Movie: Lightyear (2022) @ Irvine Regional Park
Date: July 28
Movie:Nacho Libre (2006) @ Irvine Regional Park
Date: August 4
Movie:Cruella (2021) @ Mason Regional Park
Date: August 11
Movie:Kung Fu Panda (2008) @ Mason Regional Park
Date: August 18
Movie:Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) @ Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Date: August 25
Movie:Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) @ Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Date: September 1
Movie:Uncharted (2022) @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach
Date: September 8
Movie:Mamma Mia! (2008) @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach
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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) - The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted cold overnight temperatures throughout inland, coastal and south Orange County cities beginning Tuesday, April through Thursday, April 6. Overnight temperatures in many areas throughout the county will dip to the high-30s tomorrow and stay in the low-to-mid 40s through Thursday. Colder-than-normal temperatures increase the risk of cold-related illnesses like hypothermia, especially for those who are more sensitive to extreme weather changes.
When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Low body temperature may make you unable to think clearly or move well. Hypothermia occurs most likely at very cold temperatures, but it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.
“When prolonged exposure to very cold temperatures occurs, it is important to make certain that you are protected from hypothermia. In addition, it is critical to check that seniors who live alone, your neighbors, pets and vulnerable populations are safe during this time,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer and OC Health Care Agency Acting Chief of Public Health Services.
Residents are also cautioned against using their kitchen range or oven to heat their homes. Home furnaces and heaters should be inspected periodically, with needed repairs performed by a qualified and licensed heating or plumbing contractor. If space heaters are used, make sure there is nothing within three feet of the heater that could catch on fire, such as bedding, drapes, or furniture. Never cover your space heater and never leave children unattended near a space heater. If electric power is lost during a storm, never use a gasoline powered generator indoors, in a garage or near doors or windows where air may enter a home due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The County of Orange Cold Weather Emergency Shelter is no longer open. For information on accessing support, call 211.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that at high levels of exposure can be fatal. Low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning or other illnesses and can have a long-term health risk if left unattended. Some of the symptoms of low-level exposure include shortness of breath, mild nausea and mild headaches. Moderate levels of carbon monoxide exposure can present with headaches, dizziness, nausea, and lightheadedness. Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector, which is very similar to a smoke detector.
Recommended precautions to prepare your household for cold weather or power outage:
Check on those who are at high risk to make sure they are staying warm – including seniors who live alone, as well as other vulnerable populations such as young children.
The March 25 Community Resources & Health Fair, held in response to the loss of CalFresh emergency benefits, brought together more than 15 community partners to address the basic needs of vulnerable Orange County residents.
SSA’s eligibility staff provided live benefits assistance for more than 200 attendees who visited the Agency’s Mobile Response Vehicle, which is used as an office on wheels. CalFresh applicants who were approved for benefits received their Electronic Benefit Transfer cards on site that day.
“Thank you to all the community partners for making this event a success for our residents. The sheer volume of attendees demonstrates we still have more work to do. I plan to host future resource events in my district to continue supporting our most vulnerable community members,” said Supervisor Sarmiento.
SSA, whose public assistance benefits programs and services assist one in three Orange County residents, supports events like this one by bringing its Mobile Response Vehicles and teams of eligibility professionals out into the community.
“Visiting our clients where they live, participating in local community events and speaking with them in the language they are most comfortable helps build connections with them. We are here to help, and we are able to serve families and individuals more holistically when we collaborate closely with our partners such as CalOptima Health, the OC Hunger Alliance, Second Harvest Food Bank, OC Food Bank, Santa Ana Unified School District and many others who serve our clients as well,” said SSA Director An Tran.
Other participating partners included Abound Food Care, the Behavioral Health Advisory Board, City of Santa Ana, Community Action Partnership of Orange County, the Delhi Center, Head Start, Latino Health Access, Ministerios Betesda, OC Health Care Agency, OC Office on Aging, Rancho Santiago Community College Board of Trustees, Santa Ana College, Public Law Center and United Across Borders Foundation.
Residents receiving CalFresh benefits are encouraged to update their records when they have changes in their income or expenses, such as loss of a job or pay cuts, or increased daycare costs, rent or utilities. Seniors can maximize their benefits by reporting medical expenses that exceed $35 a month, in addition to their shelter and utility expenses.
Residents can update their information or apply:
Online at http://www.mybenefitscalwin.org to apply for or check on existing Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs or General Relief public assistance benefits or alternatively through one of the following options:
