(Santa Ana, CA) - The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has officially assumed management along with operations of the Be Well Orange Campus, located at 265 South Anita Drive, Orange, CA 92868. As of October 1, 2024, the County of Orange (County) began overseeing the delivery of vital mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services at the campus, ensuring continued support for the wellbeing of Orange County (OC) residents.
 
The Be Well Orange Campus provides essential services designed to address behavioral health crises and substance use disorders. With this transition, the County will uphold its commitment to providing high-quality care, maintaining existing programs, while seeking to enhance the services offered. The following services will continue to be offered:

• The Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), operated by Exodus, offers emergency psychiatric evaluation, treatment, and crisis stabilization services for residents experiencing behavioral health crises. Available 24/7, 365 days a year, the CSU serves individuals 13 years and older, offering services such as psychiatric evaluation, individual and group therapy, family education, and peer mentorship. For access, residents can call (714) 410-3500.
• The Crisis Residential Program (CRP), also provided by Exodus, offers short-term, voluntary services for adults in need of additional support to avoid hospitalization, stabilize symptoms, and return to their previous level of functioning. The program specializes in providing care for individuals with co-occurring behavioral health and substance use issues, ensuring culturally sensitive, peer-supported care in a homelike environment.
• Substance Use Disorder (SUD) residential treatment services, managed by HealthRIGHT 360, will continue uninterrupted at the campus. This program includes treatment for 30 adults, with designated beds for both men and women, offering comprehensive care including treatment planning, counseling, medication services, and care coordination.
• The Sobering Center at the Orange campus is temporarily closed and will reopen soon in partnership with CalOptima Health. In the interim, sobering services are available at Phoenix House in Santa Ana. For more information, please call (714) 953-9373, extension 2 during business hours, or (714) 752-0854 after hours and on weekends.

The County of Orange remains committed to enhancing behavioral health services for our community and looks forward to continuing to build on the Be Well brand as a trusted resource for mental health and substance use treatment in Orange County.
 
For more information about the Be Well Orange Campus or to access services, please contact OC Links at (855) 625-4657, available 24/7, or visit OCNavigator.org.

# # #

Source

(Lake Forest, Calif.) – Celebrate the spooky season with OC Parks at the fourth annual Fall-O-Ween at Heritage Hill Historical Park Oct. 11-13 and 18-20. 

Explore the decorated historical grounds during special park hours and enjoy family-friendly festivities including fall and Halloween-themed photo opportunities, a scavenger hunt for ghoulish goodies and a bewitching straw maze. The event is free to attend with free parking.  

"We're looking forward to another fantastic year of Fall-O-Ween at Heritage Hill Historical Park,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. "Join us for two fun-filled weekends complete with picture-perfect photo backdrops and seasonal activities for the whole family in a charming historic setting."

Costumes are highly encouraged and pets are welcome on leashes no longer than six feet. Grab your cameras and celebrate the fall season with OC Parks at Heritage Hill Historical Park this October.

Fall-O-Ween
Dates: October 11-13 & 18-20
Time: 4:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park 
Address: 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Website: www.ocparks.com/heritagehillhistoricalpark
Cost: Free
Parking: Free 
Public Contact: (949) 923-2230 

Read this release in:

• Chinese-Traditional
• Korean
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

###

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

Source

(SANTA ANA, CA) – Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport decreased in August 2024 as compared to August 2023. In August 2024, the Airport served 947,733 passengers, a decrease of 8.8% when compared with the August 2023 passenger traffic count of 1,038,889.

Commercial aircraft operations in August 2024 of 7,904 decreased 5.5% and commuter aircraft operations of 535 increased 52.9% when comparing with August 2023 levels. 

Total aircraft operations increased in August 2024 as compared with the same month in 2023. In August 2024, there were 32,602 total aircraft operations (takeoffs and landings) a 25.5% increase compared to 25,978 total aircraft operations in August 2023.

General aviation activity of 24,153 accounted for 74.1% of the total aircraft operations during August 2024, and increased 40.0% compared with August 2023.

The top three airlines in August 2024 based on passenger count were Southwest Airlines (253,496), United Airlines (156,915), and American Airlines (153,103). 

 John Wayne Airport
Monthly Airport Statistics - August 2024 (*REVISED October 1, 2024*)

John Wayne Airport
Monthly Airport Statistics - August 2024

-###-

Ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction among Large Airports in the J.D. Power 2024 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, 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 X (formerly Twitter) @johnwayneair and Instagram @johnwayneair.

Source

The County Community Service Center in Westminster, 15496 Magnolia St., is closing effective noon Wednesday, September 25, 2024. 

Clients can continue to contact their assigned case worker or obtain services through:

• BenefitsCal.com, the new statewide portal to apply for and check on benefits,
• SSA’s Call Center at (800) 281-9799, available from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, or
• Other SSA offices: https://www.ssa.ocgov.com/about-us/office-locations/office-location-list.

For additional information on SSA programs, visit: www.ssa.ocgov.com.

Source

(Buena Park, Calif.) – Join OC Parks on Saturday, Oct. 12 at Ralph B. Clark Regional Park for Prehistoric OC, a free family-friendly event celebrating local paleontology, archaeology and the rich natural and cultural history of Orange County. Visitors of all ages can enjoy fun crafts, games, live animal demonstrations and hands-on learning opportunities about ancient artifacts, fossils, prehistoric animals and more. Attendees are invited to participate in numerous educational activities and demonstrations from local cultural, paleontological and geological organizations. Food will also be available for purchase on-site.

Participants will have access to the Interpretive Center, which showcases fossils recovered within Clark Regional Park, northern Orange County's Coyote Hills and other surrounding areas. Volunteers will be stationed in the center’s fishbowl lab where visitors can view how fossils and artifacts are prepared for research and display.

“This family-friendly event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to learn about Orange County’s rich prehistoric past,” said Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “People of all ages are encouraged to come explore local fossils and artifacts and learn more about the people, animals and cultural traditions that came before us.” 

Prehistoric OC honors California Archaeology Month, Indigenous People’s Day (Oct. 14), the National Park Service's National Fossil Day (Oct. 16) and the Archaeological Institute of America's International Archaeology Day (Oct. 19). 

Participants of all ages are encouraged to attend, and pets are welcome on leashes no longer than six feet. 

Prehistoric OC
Date: October 12
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Clark Regional Park 
Address: 8800 Rosecrans Ave., Buena Park, CA 90621
Website: www.ocparks.com/clarkpark
Cost: Free
Parking: Free 
Public Contact: (714) 973-3170 

Read this release in:

• Chinese-Traditional
• Korean
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

###

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

Source

https://www.OCTreasurer.com/OCTaxBill

Santa Ana, Calif. – OC Treasurer Shari L. Freidenrich announces the launch of the newly redesigned secure property tax page that provides information on each property on a single page versus clicking through numerous pages.  This combining of specific property information in a single page provides taxpayers a streamlined, user-friendly experience. Information provided on the single page includes property tax bill copies, a property taxes payment link to the third-party vendor’s secure payment site, payment history, payment status of all property tax bills and tax amounts due, if any.    

The Treasurer’s common-sense approach in updating the property tax website focuses on reducing the time a taxpayer spends accessing publicly available property tax information. The new design simplifies the payment process with a prominent “Payment Options” button after navigating to the specific property page.   Currently, 44% of property tax payments are paid online, with 41% paid using the free eCheck (bank account) and 3% using credit/debit card including recently available Google Pay and Apple Pay options.  The Treasurer’s website receives over 1 million hits monthly and over 10 million hits annually. Government’s role is to serve taxpayers, and this update will enable taxpayers to quickly and securely view and pay property tax bills.

The redesign encompasses both secured property taxes (real property) and unsecured property taxes (personal property such as business assessments, boats and aircraft), and is planned to be mobile-friendly for tablets and smart phones.  Users can access and print 15 years of property tax bill copies, as well as payment details for the last two years.  Additionally, plans are in place to transition the domain to the secure octreasurer.gov. This update demonstrates the Treasurer’s ongoing commitment to enhancing secure tax services for property owners and businesses of Orange County.

“I regularly seek input from taxpayers about the property tax website and am committed to providing the tools and services they need to access information quickly, safely, and securely,” said Treasurer Freidenrich. “Our redesigned payment page represents a significant advancement in simplifying the tax payment process for all users and I encourage taxpayers to consider paying using  our secure online website, which provides same-day credit and an emailed/printed receipt with a date and time stamp.” eCheck payments offer the added benefit of a few extra days of available funds in taxpayers’ bank accounts, as they take 2-3 days to process while still ensuring same-day credit through a third-party security measure.

The redesigned secure property tax page features relevant images for various tax types, several search options for each tax type (physical address for secured and business name for unsecured properties), supplemental bill copies, a GIS parcel map of the County and links to tax bill inserts.  More resources are available on other property tax pages, including information on payment plans, the Top 20 Taxpayers and how property tax dollars are allocated. For these features, visit our homepage at OCTreasurer.com, expected to be OCTreasurer.gov soon.

###

Source

(SANTA ANA, CA) – John Wayne Airport (JWA) is proud to announce its #1 ranking in Customer Satisfaction among Large Airports in the J.D. Power 2024 North America Airport Satisfaction Study. This prestigious recognition reflects JWA's unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional guest experience.

"John Wayne Airport’s #1 ranking in the J.D. Power Satisfaction Study is a tremendous achievement and a reflection of the Airport’s vital role in Orange County’s thriving economy. A superior airport experience is crucial not just for leisure travelers, but for the businesses that rely on travel to connect with clients, partners, and markets,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Third District Supervisor.

Supervisor Katrina Foley, Fifth District, praised the recognition, saying, "John Wayne Airport continues to be a shining example of excellence in Orange County. Earning the #1 spot for customer satisfaction  demonstrates our focus on quality, safety, and the traveler experience. This achievement is not only a win for JWA but for our entire community."

The 2024 study introduced a new satisfaction index model based on seven core dimensions. The updated model reflects the evolving priorities of travelers and the changing landscape of airport services. Measured dimensions of traveler satisfaction include, Level of Trust with the Airport, Arrival Experience, Terminal Facilities, Food, Beverage, and Retail, Ease of Travel Through the Airport, Airport Staff, and Departure Experience.

John Wayne Airport excelled in three of the study’s core dimensions:

• Ease of Travel Through the Airport
• Arrival Experience
• Level of Trust with the Airport

"We are thrilled to be named the top large airport for customer satisfaction in North America," said Charlene Reynolds, Airport Director. "Our ability to lead in key areas like traveler trust, ease of travel, and the overall airport experience is a testament to our team's dedication and the superior quality of service we strive to provide every day."

JWA has consistently ranked among the top airports in the J.D. Power study, securing the #2 position in 2020, 2022, and 2023, and having previously earned the #1 spot in 2017 and 2018, and now reclaiming its top position in 2024.

For more information and the entire list, please see the J.D. Power press release.

-###-

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 X (formerly Twitter) @johnwayneair and Instagram @johnwayneair.

Source

(SANTA ANA, CA) – John Wayne Airport (JWA) is proud to announce the award of a $20 million grant through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This grant will fund vital facility accessibility improvements designed to enhance the passenger experience, particularly for individuals with accessibility needs, while also improving energy efficiency.

The grant enables the renovation of 12 public restrooms within Terminals A and B, ensuring compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and other relevant building codes. The project will also improve efficiencies along the path of travel from the terminal entrance to these facilities, enhancing ease of access for all passengers. As part of the improvement efforts, JWA will install at least one Universal Changing Station in Terminal B’s Family Restroom and two nursing pods to provide families and nursing mothers with improved amenities. The project also includes the installation of energy-efficient lighting fixtures and controls to improve sustainability.

"This $20 million is an investment in John Wayne Airport as a vital gateway for Orange County’s business community,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Third District Supervisor. “A well-functioning, accessible airport is key to maintaining our region’s competitive edge, driving economic growth, and fostering connections with national and international markets. These improvements will help JWA remain a critical asset for business in Orange County.”

Supervisor Katrina Foley, Fifth District, emphasized the importance of these improvements for JWA’s commitment to passenger accessibility and sustainability. "This grant allows us to not only enhance the experience for passengers with accessibility needs but also support our broader goals of sustainability and environmental stewardship," said Foley. "The restroom and path-of-travel improvements will make a meaningful difference for our travelers, while the energy-efficient upgrades will reduce our environmental impact."

John Wayne Airport was one of only 62 projects nationwide to receive funding from the highly competitive pool of 353 applicants requesting a total of $1.38 billion in project grants. The $20 million awarded to JWA will cover critical upgrades aimed at improving the overall passenger experience while promoting energy-efficient operations.

Charlene Reynolds, Airport Director, expressed her enthusiasm for the project. "John Wayne Airport is a critical asset for Orange County, and these improvements will continue our efforts of inclusivity for all travelers," she said. "By modernizing our facilities and addressing accessibility, we are demonstrating our commitment to ensuring every visitor has a superior experience when they travel through our Airport." 

The FAA highlighted the competitive nature of this grant and the importance of prioritizing accessibility and energy efficiency in airport improvement projects. "We are proud to support John Wayne Airport's efforts to improve accessibility and sustainability for its passengers," said an FAA spokesperson. "The Facility Accessibility Improvements project is one of many we are funding to ensure that airports across the country meet the needs of all travelers while contributing to environmental responsibility."

For more information on this project or to learn more about John Wayne Airport’s ongoing sustainability efforts, please visit https://www.ocair.com/capital-improvement-program/. 
 

-###-

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 X (formerly Twitter) @johnwayneair and Instagram @johnwayneair.

Source

(Santa Ana, CA) Due to popular demand, Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is excited to once again partner with the California Secretary of State to host the one-day Apostille Pop-Up Shop. The event will take place at the County Administration South Building on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 601 North Ross St, Santa Ana, CA 92701. No appointments are necessary. Services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We served nearly 500 customers during our first one-day Apostille Pop-Up Shop this past May,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “I am excited to provide our county residents convenient access to Apostille services on-the-spot without needing travel to Los Angeles or mail their requests to Sacramento through this special partnership with the California Secretary of State.”

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. 

• A completed Apostille Pop-Up Shop Request Cover Sheet found at:                        https://notary.cdn.sos.ca.gov/forms/apostille-request-apus.pdf

• 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. 

Source

(SANTA ANA, Calif.) – John Wayne Airport is proud to embark on a partnership with Balboa Island Museum (BIM) bringing pieces of our local history to the Terminal. Featured in the Destination Gallery, this exhibit highlights attractions, both past and present, of Balboa Island, Newport Beach. Created by Balboa Island Museum Executive Director Tiffany Pepys Hoey and her staff of historian-archivists, the exhibit will run through 2024, closing January 27, 2025.

The Balboa Island Museum Exhibit takes the travelling public on a century-long journey through much of the history of coastal Orange County. Scenes on display feature legendary citizens including John Wayne, Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, Laura Scudder, the Irvine Family, the Beek Family, Walt Disney and Disneyland, the Nixon Library, and many other important citizens who contributed to Orange County culture and whose deeds made an impact on life at the beach. 

The exhibit offers an often nostalgic and emotional glimpse into both the glory and the growth of coastal Orange County along with its challenges over the development of one of America’s most recognized communities. Hoey and her team have curated the photo gallery and editorial copy spanning the 200-foot gallery in the Terminal for thousands of travelers to delight in. Since its foundation, Balboa Island Museum has welcomed some 350,000 visitors through its doors at 210 Marine Avenue, free to the public, on iconic Balboa Island. Many of the visitors have come by way of arrival at John Wayne Airport, Orange County.

The Destination Gallery at John Wayne Airport is proud to partner with local Orange County arts and culture organizations to showcase their offerings to both visitors and locals alike. This exhibition featuring our local history will be on view through January 27, 2025. The Destination Gallery is located on the upper level on the non-secure side of the airport between Terminals B & C, and accessible to the public at any time.

To learn more about Balboa Island Museum, please visit https://www.balboaislandmuseum.org/.

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

-###-

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 X (formerly Twitter) @johnwayneair and Instagram @johnwayneair.

Source