(Orange County, Calif.) – Join OC Parks, Newport Bay Conservancy and volunteers around the globe for Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay Saturday, Sept. 21. Lend a helping hand and make an impact on our coastlines as we work together to remove trash and recyclables from the marsh, waterway and beaches.

Every September, people across Orange County volunteer their time to clean up beaches and waterways, including Upper Newport Bay. With an increase in rain this year, the Upper Newport Bay team has an ambitious goal of removing more than 10,000 pounds of trash. Waste items harm wildlife, pollute waterways and threaten public health, making your support crucial.

“Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay is an annual reminder of the importance of keeping our beaches, waterways, estuaries, and bays clean for current and future generations to enjoy. I hope volunteers of all ages will join Team Foley this weekend as we preserve and protect our beautiful Newport Bay, the largest estuary in Orange County,” said Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley, who represents Upper Newport Bay on the Orange County Board of Supervisors. 

At least 1,000 volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to remove trash from the uplands and marsh areas of the Bay, as well as participate in the removal of invasive plant species. Volunteers will meet at different mini-cleanup sites around the 11-mile stretch of the Bay. Exact meeting locations will be shared prior to Sept. 21.

Participants are encouraged to wear old clothes and closed-toe shoes (tall/rubber boots are best). Remember to bring a refillable water bottle, reusable mask, gloves and a trash bag or bucket. A commemorative t-shirt will be given to volunteers.

September 21 - Coastal Cleanup Day

Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Cost and Parking: Free

Location: Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Register: www.eventbrite.com/e/coastal-cleanup-day 

Additional Event Partners: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, City of Newport Beach, Orange County Coastkeeper and Newport Aquatic Center

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Santa Ana, CA – In response to the local state of emergency declared by the Orange County Board of Supervisors and the State of California declaration due to the ongoing “Airport Fire,” the Office of Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is offering support to residents directly impacted by the fire. To help ease the burden on those affected, the Clerk-Recorder’s Office will provide free replacement of essential Orange County records lost or damaged in the fire. 

Services available at no cost include:

• Certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates

• Replacement of property records, including deeds and other land-related documents

“Our office is committed to assisting residents during this challenging time,” said Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “We want to ensure that everyone affected by the fire can easily access the important Orange County documents they need to begin the recovery process.”

Residents can obtain these records by visiting any of the Clerk-Recorder offices in Santa Ana, Anaheim, or Laguna Hills.

Office Locations:

• Santa Ana Main Office: 601 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, CA 92701

• Anaheim Office: 222 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805

• Laguna Hills Office: 24031 El Toro Rd., Laguna Hills, CA 92653

For any questions, please call the department’s information line at (714) 834-2500 during our regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit OCRecorder.com for details. For media inquiries, please contact Billy Le at (714) 834-2248.

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ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (September 11, 2024) – OC Public Libraries is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 to October 15, 2024. Celebrate and recognize the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of Hispanic and Latino communities. Join us for celebrations for all ages, from Quetzalcóatl crafts, Alebrije art, Mariachis, bilingual storytime, Loteria fun to tortilla making demos – OC Public Libraries is offering many great events for the community. 

Join author Mike Alfaro, creator of Millennial Loteria and the Si Sabo Kids Book Series, for a special fun family event, Si Sabo Fest: a bilingual celebration for kids to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month on September 14, 2024. at the San Juan Capistrano Library. The Si Sabo Fest includes storytime, crafts, games, food tasting and more. Complimentary books will be available while supplies last.

Please visit OCPL’s Hispanic Heritage Month landing page https://ocpl.org/hispanic-heritage-month for a full list of programs. 

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA

OC Public Libraries Presenta el Mes de la Herencia Hispana

CONDADO DE ORANGE, California (11 de septiembre de 2024) – OC Public Libraries celebra el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre de 2024. Celebre y reconozca las numerosas contribuciones, las diversas culturas y las extensas historias de las comunidades hispana y latina. Acompáñenos en celebraciones para todas las edades, desde artesanías de Quetzalcóatl, arte de alebrijes, mariachis, cuentos bilingües, diversión de lotería y hasta demostraciones de cómo hacer tortillas: OC Public Libraries ofrece eventos excelentes que celebrar la comunidad.

Acompañe al autor Mike Alfaro, creador de Millennial Loteria y la serie de libros para niños ¡Sí Sabo! Kids, para un evento familiar especial y divertido, ¡Sí Sabo! Fest: una celebración bilingüe para niños que dará inicio al Mes de la Herencia Hispana el 14 de septiembre de 2024 en la biblioteca de San Juan Capistrano. El ¡Sí Sabo! Fest incluirá cuentos, manualidades, juegos, demostraciones de comida y más. Habrá libros de cortesía, cantidad limitada

Visite la página de del Mes de la Herencia Hispana de OC Public Libraries ocpl.org/hispanic-heritagemonth para obtener una lista de programas.

(SANTA ANA, CA) – John Wayne Airport is thrilled to announce the opening of "Subtle Folds," a new Community Focus Space exhibition featuring the hyperrealistic drawings of acclaimed artist James Thistlethwaite. The exhibit will be on view from September 10 through December 2, 2024, offering an in-depth exploration of Thistlethwaite’s masterful depiction of both the human form and multi-layered fabric.

James Thistlethwaite, originally from Yorkshire in the United Kingdom and now based in the United States, has made a significant mark in the art world since transitioning from a successful career as a Freelance Illustrator to the realm of artist and muralist. His work has been showcased in prestigious galleries and museums around the world, reflecting his exceptional skill and unique artistic vision.

"Subtle Folds" highlights Thistlethwaite’s exploration of candid human repose and the interplay between texture and color. His hyperrealistic drawings focus on the delicate and intricate details of fabric and skin, capturing the essence of their form with breathtaking precision. The exhibit features Thistlethwaite’s signature use of monochromatic charcoal, accented with vibrant, almost fluorescent touches of yellow. 

“This exhibition is a reflection of my journey through new environments and the introspective moments they inspire,” says Thistlethwaite. “Through my art, I aim to capture the dualities of our experiences—the comfort of the familiar and the challenges of the unknown—by highlighting the intricate details of the human form and the clothing that both reveals and conceals.”

Spanning six years of Thistlethwaite’s artistic career, "Subtle Folds" showcases a selection of intimate pieces that hint at his expansive murals up to 48 feet long and 28 feet high. Each piece invites viewers to appreciate the nuanced beauty in everyday garments and the complex interplay of light, texture, and form.

John Wayne Airport invites travelers and the public to explore this captivating collection found pre-security on the lower Arrivals Level, throughout the Baggage Claim of Terminals A & B. Learn more about James Thistlethwaite’s artistic practice by visiting his website at jamesthistlethwaite.com.

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, CA) – Since the opening of the Be Well OC campus in Orange, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) and Mind OC have worked collaboratively with the Board of Supervisors, CalOptima Health, and various public and private partners to serve the Orange County community.
 
Our shared mission has been to enhance coordination and access to crisis behavioral health care for all county residents regardless of payor. Leaders across the health care community — the County of Orange, CalOptima Health and Orange County’s largest hospitals and health systems — have invested significantly in improving behavioral health care through the Be Well OC initiative.
 
On Thursday, August 29, 2024, the HCA informed Mind OC of the intent to terminate the Master Services Agreement for the Orange Campus, effective September 30, 2024. This decision is based on an ever-evolving public, private partnership model. The HCA will manage the landscape of Medicaid programs at the site and partner with Exodus Recovery Inc. and HealthRight 360 to ensure continued high quality psychiatric crisis and substance use disorder services. Mind OC will continue to manage the property and will carry on its mission to build infrastructure and collaboration with health systems and community organizations to strengthen Orange County's system of care.
 
The Be Well OC movement has always had the health and well-being of our clients as our top priority with a goal to create a model where all stakeholders contribute to the behavioral health needs of all community members.
 
The County of Orange, the HCA, and Mind OC remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality behavioral health care to all residents of Orange County and will continue to uphold that promise.

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Free Battery Collection Bucket for First 100 Attendees

ORANGE COUNTY, CA (September 5, 2024) – OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) is hosting an OC Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Huntington Beach Corporate Yard. 

This collection event provides Orange County residents a safe and convenient opportunity to dispose of unwanted household hazardous waste, including pesticides, household chemicals, automotive products and e-cigarette cartridges. E-waste such as televisions, tablets, old cell phones and computers are also accepted.

Tom Koutroulis, Director of OC Waste & Recycling, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, "Events like these are a crucial part of our commitment to keeping Orange County clean and safe. By participating in this collection event, residents help prevent hazardous waste materials from ending up in landfills and storm water drains. Instead, these materials are properly recycled or disposed of responsibly, ensuring they don’t harm our environment."

Residents are encouraged to place unwanted hazardous waste items in their trunk or truck bed. Upon arrival at the event, trained staff will collect the materials for recycling or proper disposal. 

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
• Time: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Location:  Huntington Beach Corporate Yard, 17371 Gothard Street, 92647

In addition, if Huntington Beach is not close to your home, OCWR also operates three conveniently located Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers in Anaheim, 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
• Irvine Collection Center -- 6411 Oak Canyon, 92618
• San Juan Capistrano Collection Center -- 32250 Avenida La Pata, 92675

For your safety, please observe the following regulations in preparing for your visit:

• A maximum of 15 gallons or 125 pounds may be transported per vehicle, per trip (Department of Transportation Requirement).
• Containers larger than five gallons will not be accepted.
• Containers will NOT be returned.
• Materials must be in original containers (except motor oil, fuels and antifreeze).
• All containers must have lids, be sturdy, non-leaking, labeled and protected from breakage.

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 through resource recovery, 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 and three composting greeneries, all serving residents and businesses in the County’s 34 cities and its unincorporated areas. OCWR’s three active landfills reflect environmental engineering at its best. 

For more information on household hazardous waste disposal options and upcoming events, please visit our website at www.OCLandfill.com.

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(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) announces the return of the "Light Up Hope OC" Campaign during the month of September for Suicide Prevention Month, as part of its ongoing commitment to raising awareness and spreading hope. The campaign aligns with the statewide "Strive for Zero" initiative, an effort to prevent suicides. The County of Orange (County) will light up the County Administration Buildings in teal and purple, the official colors of suicide prevention.

“Light Up Hope OC shows the County’s commitment to suicide prevention for all, and especially for at risk populations hardest hit by suicide deaths, historically, like Veterans, older adults, members of the LGBTQ+ community and immigrant populations,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Third District. “On behalf of the entire Board, I want to emphasis that help is available. If you or someone you know are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call 988, or visit lightuphopeoc.com for resources.”

Suicide impacts all communities, regardless of race, age, gender, or income. Some key facts:

•  It is the third leading cause of death among young adults 15-29 years of age.
•  Nearly one in five women living in Orange County experience symptoms of depression during or after pregnancy, known as post-partum depression. Suicide is the leading cause of maternal death in the first year following childbirth due to added stressors.
•  In 2024, an average of 24 individuals died by suicide in Orange County each month and the median age was 49.

The HCA’s Office of Wellness and Suicide Prevention (OWSP) coordinates suicide prevention efforts at the Agency level and interfaces with local and statewide initiatives to build community awareness and reduce suicides in Orange County. The office has aligned with the state’s “Striving for Zero Suicide Plan” framework to implement local strategies for suicide prevention.

"Even one suicide is one too many,” said Dr. Veronica Kelley, HCA Director. “Through the “Light Up Hope OC” Campaign, as well as the ongoing efforts of the HCA’s Office of Wellness and Suicide Prevention, we are striving for zero suicides in Orange County. We all play a role in preventing suicide. I encourage our OC community to support one another in prioritizing mental wellness and not be afraid to talk about suicide prevention with loved ones who may be struggling.”

To learn more about the warning signs of suicide or the "Light Up Hope OC" Campaign, visit www.LightUpHopeOC.com. For immediate assistance or support, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 9-8-8. For additional resources visit www.OCNavigator.org or call (855) OC-LINKS.

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(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has issued a health advisory due to smoke drift from local wildfires. The health advisory follows a Wildfire Smoke Advisory for parts of Southern California from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) which indicates unhealthy air quality for parts of Orange County (OC). The HCA is urging individuals in smoke impacted areas to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity.
 
“Individuals with heart and respiratory diseases, older adults, children and pregnant women are among those who can be most directly affected by smoke exposure,” said County Health Officer Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong. “Air pollution levels from the fire can change rapidly, depending on weather conditions, so we especially recommend that individuals in these higher-risk groups limit outdoor activity and physical exertion until the situation is over.” Other recommendations include:

• Keeping the windows and doors in your home closed, and using your air conditioner on the re-circulate mode, if available. This will limit the intake of outdoor air and keep your home comfortable.
• Keeping your mouth and nasal passageways moist by drinking lots of water. This helps your body filter out potentially harmful particles in the smoke.
• Contacting your health provider if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue. People who have not been previously diagnosed with lung or heart disease may begin having problems in smoky conditions.  
• Those with asthma should follow an asthma management plan, making sure to have at least a five-day supply of asthma medication on hand.

For more information on the smoke advisory visit the AQMD website at https://www.aqmd.gov. 

(Santa Ana, CA) - Temperatures in most of Orange County are expected to reach the low to mid 90s beginning today and are predicted to reach the high 90s and low 100 degrees through Saturday, September 7.

In addition to dangerous heat, South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has warned of poor air quality in certain areas. Residents and visitors are advised to check air quality levels regularly and limit outdoor activities as necessary.

High temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke for those at higher risk for heat illness, including people who work outdoors, infants, children, pregnant people, ages 65 or older, and people with chronic conditions.

Prolonged exposure to excessive temperatures may cause serious conditions like heat cramps or heatstroke and can even be fatal. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting and dizziness. Warning signs of heat stroke may include an extremely high body temperature, unconsciousness, confusion, hot and dry skin (no sweating), a rapid pulse, and a throbbing headache.

If symptoms of heat stroke occur, immediately call for medical assistance. Move the person to a shady area and begin cooling their body with water.

• Recommended precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses include:
• Drink plenty of water; don’t wait until you are thirsty.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Stay out of the sun if possible, and when in the sun wear a wide brim hat and use sunscreen.
• Avoid strenuous activities if you are outside or in non-air-conditioned buildings. If you are working outdoors, take frequent rest and refreshment breaks in a shaded area.
• Never leave children, elderly people or pets unattended in closed cars or other vehicles.
• Check on those, like neighbors, who are at high risk to make sure they are staying cool – including seniors who live alone, people with heart or lung disease, and young children.
• Stay cool indoors – if your home is not air conditioned, visit public facilities such as shopping malls and libraries to stay cool. To find a cooling center near you, visit Cooling Centers | Orange County (ocgov.com).

Since temperatures and conditions can vary widely throughout the County, local schools, child care facilities, and organizations working with children are encouraged to visit the State of California Office of School Health Hub for heat planning guidance and sports and activities recommendations to protect students and youth during these high temperature alert periods.

For more information on heat-related illnesses, visit the California HeatReadyCA.com.

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The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) has published its annual report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024, covering the period from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. The report highlights the agency’s accomplishments and initiatives and shares the positive impacts that SSA has made to the community as a whole, serving one in three residents.

The annual report features SSA’s FY 2023-2024 accomplishments, focused on serving the most vulnerable Orange County residents, including:

• Opening the County Community Service Center in the city of Brea to provide a second one-stop shop where residents can find so­cial services programs and other community services. 
• Connecting more than 1 mil­lion Orange County residents to low- or no-cost health insurance as full scope Medi-Cal eligibility expanded to more adults. 
• Launching the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs to serve as a bridge between immigrants and refugees, and the supports they need to thrive in Orange County. 
• Celebrating the one-year anniversary of the statewide CalSAWS eligibility system and online portal BenefitsCal, which streamlines access for residents to public assistance programs no matter where they live in California. 
• Embarking on SSA’s first five-year strategic plan, MOSAIC. 

“We have accomplished so much in the last fiscal year, from returning to pre-pandemic processes to providing enhanced training opportunities for our staff to leveraging technology to give our clients a better customer experience,” SSA Director An Tran said. “That work would not have been possible without our staff who every day engage our clients with compassion. The goals we have set for next fiscal year and the rest of our five-year strategic plan will strengthen our connections to the community so that we may meet their needs in ways that bring comfort and security.”

Read the full report.

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