THE S UEEZE -
Innovation
The Foster-to-Adopt Pilot Program provides a unique opportunity for individuals or families to take select dogs home for two weeks before deciding if the relationship is meant to be This program provides a crucial bridge between the shelter environment and a forever home to ensure that both the animal and the adopter are well-suited to each other, which increases the likelihood of a successful and lasting adoption.
During the Foster-to-Adopt period, your dog will have a chance to get to know you and show off their unique personality, while at the same time, giving you the opportunity to learn if they are a good fit for your family. All while having the guidance and support from the OC Animal Care Foster Team to ensure the Foster-to-Adopt process results in a meaningful and successful adoption match
The Foster-to-Adopt program benefits both animals and adopters by providing dogs with a break from the stressful shelter environment It allows them to experience a home setting, alleviating stress, promoting socialization, and showcasing their behavior and health, enhancing their chances of finding a permanent home.
The program helps adopters by providing them with the experience of the day-to-day responsibilities of being a pet parent, such as feeding, caring, and training, all with the support of the OC Animal Care Foster Team to enable them to make a well-informed adoption decision
OCCommunity
services
Under OC Community Services, Workforce and Economic Development Division (WEDD) participated in a regional collaboration with local community colleges to launch addressing critical skill gaps in healthcare, cybersecurity, IT, and supply chain management. These initiatives reflect WEDD’s commitment to preparing the workforce and driving regional economic growth.
In response to global supply chain challenges, WEDD and Coastline College also developed courses in supply chain management. These courses train people on how to manage logistics, procurement, and operations, helping local businesses meet customer needs and cut costs. A strong supply chain workforce is crucial to making the region’s economy more resilient
By partnering with these colleges, WEDD has successfully aligned education and training with industry needs. These programs not only boost job prospects for participants but also innovative programs strengthen Orange County’s economy.
One key program is the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program, developed with Saddleback College. It equips students with skills needed to become certified medical lab technicians, including hands-on clinical experience essential for patient care.
WEDD also teamed up with Coastline College to expand training in cybersecurity, IT, and supply chain management. The cybersecurity and IT programs help meet the growing demand for professionals who can secure digital infrastructure and navigate the evolving tech landscape Participants learn skills in network security, data protection, and systems administration, preparing them for high-demand careers.
Development & &
The OC Universal Public Housing Authority (PHA) Application simplifies how individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness can access housing opportunities in Orange County.
To address housing issues, Orange County's Office of Care Coordination and partners developed the OC Universal PHA Application, launched in October 2023. This standardizes the housing voucher application process, simplifies referrals, and includes training for service providers and office hours for support. Despite HUD not requiring collaboration among PHAs, Orange County proactively created this system to assist those seeking housing. The County aims to expedite the transition of individuals into stable housing through the OC Universal PHA Application. This application has streamlined eligibility, reduced voucher processing time, and standardized service delivery. It has also minimized returned applications, assisting 369 house- holds. Previously, 86% of referrals needed follow-up, but now only 38% do, greatly enhancing efficiency.
The Coordinated Entry System (CES) aims to connect people facing homelessness with services and housing solutions to secure stable housing. The Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA) and three City PHAs are part of this system and receive referrals for programs like the Emergency Housing Voucher and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs. Previously, each PHA used its own application and process, leading to confusion for service providers and delays for applicants. If an application was misunderstood or filled out incorrectly, the applicant would need to start the process over, prolonging the wait for housing.
OCParks
To counter the impact of coastal erosion, OC Parks, in collaboration with OC Public Works (OCPW) and various other public agencies, successfully implemented a sand replenishment project at Capistrano Beach and adjacent Doheny State Beach that concluded in September 2023
In recent years, areas of Capistrano Beach and Doheny State Beach have washed away due to rising tides and coastal erosion Over the course of three months, approximately 45,000 cubic yards of sand was trucked from the Sana Ana River flood control channel and placed along a 1.1-mile stretch of beach, offering a creative and sustainable solution to combat this decade-long challenge. The sand, a byproduct of flood control maintenance activities by OCPW that could have otherwise ended up in a landfill, is recycled to help combat coastal erosion, restore the beach for continued public use, protect valuable infrastructure and maintain a sustainable natural coastal habitat
Since its completion, this project has received the 2023 Orange County Business Council’s Turning Red Tape into Red Carpet award for Sustainable and Green Development and a 2024 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for County Resiliency: Infrastructure, Energy and Sustainability. Staff recognized for their involvement in the project include Susan Brodeur, Makana Nova, Scott Fegley, Sean Bengtson, Kyle Frazer, Erik Hanson, Ramiro Ramirez, Gabriel Villafan, Rick Maturino, Jared Loyd, Orkideh Vakilian and Danielle Kennedy.
This summer, a second round of sand nourishment took place at Capistrano Beach, with more than 20,000 cubic yards of sand placed along a 550-foot stretch of beach. The OC Parks staff involved in the initial sand replenishment project were instrumental in laying the groundwork for designing a beneficial re-use sediment management strategy and providing a solution in combating the continuing threat of coastal erosion in our communities.
L A Da Shell F
Marshall click here!
OC Parks Resource Specialist
OC Public
Libraries
The Library of Things at OC Public Libraries is an innovative collection that empowers our communities to explore, learn, and create like never before With a library card from OC Public Libraries, our patrons gain access to a diverse collection of non-traditional library items which include a selection of gardening tools, kitchen tools, induction cooktops, sewing machines, and other items for the community to share.
OC Public Libraries created a Library of Things collection earlier this year with a pilot program at six branches lending outdoor games and musical instruments, and will be expanding to the Fountain Valley, Laguna Niguel, and Los Alamitos-Rossmoor branches by Fall 2024 with collections of children’s toys and kitchen tools The Library of Things promotes resource sharing, reduces consumption, and helps community members save money by borrowing instead of buying.
innovative
The Library of Things is by fostering curiosity, building community, sustainability, and promoting lifelong learning. By embracing innovation, we empower our patrons to explore passions, connect with others, and unlock hidden talents. If you are interested in checking out one of these items, please visit your local OC Public Libraries branch.
“Library of Things”
Administrative Services
Administrative Services (Admin Services) strives to foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, with various units working diligently to streamline processes, optimize resources, and implement cuttingedge and innovative solutions to OCCR Programs. Some of these initiatives included the following:
The Business Office assisted with the County Local Assistance Center, a one-stop shop with critical government and local services for residents impacted by the recent Airport Fire. The team along with other Admin Services volunteers shared the different OCCR resources available to those who attended the event. With less than a day’s notice, The Business Office and the OCCR PIO collaborated to develop an OCCR infographic as a resource for the public This innovative approach ensured that critical information was easily accessible and visually engaging, helping residents quickly understand the services and support available to them. Additionally, the team provided on-site guidance, answering questions, and offering personalized support to attendees.
The Procurement Team has been utilizing OpenGov, the new Countywide Procurement system. This new application includes an all-in-one system that includes scoring, analysis, and final report for solicitations. Additionally, OpenGov is being used to track grants and capital assets The team continues to work diligently to ensure the software is used to its fullest capacity
The Finance Team will be replacing FMS with Finance Tracker. This new system is more user friendly and streamlines the budgeting process. It will work like FMS and will contain similar functions like copying from a prior year. Training for users will be launched in November.
Service
July 1-October 31
30
Awards
Lara Seto, Admin Services
Stefani Waterman, OC Animal Care
20
Mylinh Tu, Admin Services
Ev Mena, OC Parks
Graciela Garcia, OC Public Libraries
25
10
Cymantha Atkinson, Admin Services
Alfonso Rodriguez, OC Housing Authority
Gregory Dean, OC Parks
Maria Nofal, OC Parks
Blake Schooley, OC Parks
Nemia Arabe, OC Public Libraries
Cecilia Monroy, OC Public Libraries
Fatemeh Najafi, OC Public Libraries
Mary Pezzetti, OC Public Libraries
15
Desiree Gonzalez, OC Community Services
Julia Bidwell, OC Housing & Comm Dev
Elvira Alvarado, OC Housing Authority
Helen Edwards, OC Parks
Frank Amaro, OC Parks
5
Gary Rivas, Admin Services
Brandon Nelson, OC Animal Care
Maggie Lopez, OC Community Services
Linda Tarzjani, OC Housing Authority
James Dinwiddie, OC Parks
Julia Park, Admin Services
Zitlalic Domond, OC Community Services
Jacqueline Sanchez, OC Community Services
Jeanne Herrera, OC Housing Authority
Joel Antunez, OC Parks
Esme Campos, OC Parks
Matthew Fox, OC Parks
Stephen Paredes, OC Parks
Eduardo Quiroz, OC Parks
Kyle Sato, OC Parks
Licette Alcantar, OC Public Libraries
Heidi Vazquez, OC Animal Care
Amy Hernandez, OC Animal Care
Jason Acevez, OC Parks
Oscar Alvarez, OC Parks
Shannon Seeley, OC Parks
Anthony Nguyen, OC Public Libraries
Jeffrey Kearney, OC Parks
Enrique Orozco, OC Parks
Justin Sikora, OC Parks
Jonathan Trumbull, OC Parks
Kellee Vessey, OC Parks
Emily Cottrell, OC Public Libraries
Marilyn Diebold, OC Public Libraries
Kelly Heinlein, OC Public Libraries
Vivian Kim, OC Public Libraries
Angela Le, OC Public Libraries
Timothy Mangan, OC Public Libraries
Deanna Morlang, OC Public Libraries
Carl Phillips, OC Public Libraries
Angelique Rosenqvist, OC Public Libraries
Erin Wroe, OC Public Libraries
When did you begin working with the County and what was your position/agency?
I began working for the county in September of 1983 a couple of months before San Juan Capistrano Library was to open I started there as a library page It was a great experience opening a brand new library designed by a very famous architect named Michael Graves. At the time there wasn't any computers and just the good old fashion card catalog.
What is your current position and what does it entail?
My current position is Library Assistant at the Laguna Niguel Library. I help check in and out library material, process new library cards, newspapers, and magazines I also assist with all the daily opening and closing procedures
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Within the next five years I hope to retire and enjoy life with my grandkids, gardening, reading and a little travel. I will probably start to do more crafting and work on some house p projects
Do you have a hidden talent you would like to share?
My hidden talent is crafting and floral arranging When there is a special occasion, I enjoy preparing some center pieces. I hope to dedicate more time to it when I retire.
How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated because I love what I do. My job is like my second home. Many coworkers have become lifelong friends after working with one another for many years
What's the best advice you can give to someone who just started their career with the County of Orange?
The best advice I could give is to do what you love If you enjoy what you ' re doing and invest time in it you will love going to work every day.
Safetycorner
As summer fades and the kids go back to school, we welcome the approaching fall season. The seasonal site of leaves changing colors, dusk creeping up when leaving work, and the sight of pumpkin patches scattered across town all remind us of this time of year. Another sight we experience, although not as prevalent as jack o ’ lanterns, is the Great California ShakeOut.
Beginning in 2008 in Southern California and occurring each October, the ShakeOut is a drill designed to educate the public about how to protect themselves during a large earthquake. Today, the event has grown to 20 different regions around the globe with an estimated 6.1 million participants annually. Thank you to everyone who participated in this year ’ s Great California ShakeOut which was on October 17 at 10:17 A.M.
Participating in earthquake drills throughout the year reminds OCCR staff of some key principals on how to stay safe during an earthquake Whether at work or home, it is important to remember when the shaking starts be sure to, “Drop, Cover, and Hold On ” In the event of being away from your desk, find a solid structure such as a conference table to get under or move to an open area away from windows or appliances.
If you are in your office during an earthquake, wait until the shaking fully stops before exiting. After the shaking stops, the evacuation alarm will then sound signaling it is time to exit. Be sure to take all your personal belongings and head towards the emergency exits of your building-do not use the elevator! Proceed to the primary meeting location with the rest of your team and check in with our assembly aide.
It is important to grab everything you need as re-entry back into the building is highly unlikely. If you report to another facility location, make sure to refer to your site-specific Emergency Action Plan, or EAP, for specific instructions and primary meeting locations If we are released from work, it is important to find alternative ways home as bridges, freeways, streets may be shut down The same precautions we take here at work can also apply to home. Creating a home evacuation map, having fire extinguishers in designated areas, and taking stock of your emergency food and water supplies all help with being prepared during an emergency.
With a little bit of planning and practice both at work and in the home, you will be better equipped in handling the stressful and uncertainties that often occur during something as scary as an earthquake
Ron Milone Safety Analyst
Nick Castro Safety Manager
Farris Safety Specialist
Josh
Please enjoy this short and fun OCCR/Fall-themed Trivia! The first 2 people to respond correctly to all questions will be rewarded with a small gift! Which part of the U.S. is best known for beautiful fall foliage? What trees
