New Santa Ana | Category Archives: California

Gov. Newsom orders local water suppliers to move to Level 2 of their Water Shortage Contingency Plans

Posted on June 2, 2022 by Editor Posted in California, Water 2 Comments

SACRAMENTO – Following the driest first three months of a year in the state’s recorded history, Governor Gavin Newsom today took steps to drive water conservation at the local level, calling on local water suppliers to move to Level 2 of their Water Shortage Contingency Plans, which require locally-appropriate actions that will conserve water across all sectors, and directing the State Water Resources Control Board to consider a ban on the watering of decorative grass at businesses and institutions. (Editor’s Note – the Santa Ana City Council will vote to move to Level 2 of their Water Shortage Contingency Plan on June 7).

In an executive order signed today, the Governor ordered the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to evaluate the adoption of regulations banning irrigation of “non-functional” turf (or grass), such as decorative grass adjacent to large industrial and commercial buildings. The ban would not include residential lawns or grass used for recreation, such as school fields, sports fields and parks. The Department of Water Resources estimates this ban alone will result in potential water savings of several hundred thousand acre-feet. An acre-foot of water serves the needs of approximately three households for a year.

“While we have made historic investments to protect our communities, economy and ecosystems from the worsening drought across the West, it is clear we need to do more,” said Governor Newsom. “Today, I am calling on local water agencies to implement more aggressive water conservation measures, including having the Water Board evaluate a ban on watering ornamental grass on commercial properties, which will drive water use savings at this critical time. Amid climate-driven extremes in weather, we must all continue to do our part and make water conservation a way of life.”

A copy of the executive order can be found here.

As the drought persists into a third year and conditions worsen amidst dry, hot weather, today’s order called on the SWRCB to consider requiring urban water suppliers to activate, at a minimum, Level 2 of their customized Water Shortage Contingency Plans. These plans, required by state law, are developed by local water agencies to navigate drought and each plan is customized based on an agency’s unique infrastructure and management. Triggering Level 2 of these plans involves implementing water conservation actions to prepare for a water shortage level of up to 20 percent. For example, in many communities, this would mean reducing the number of days that residents can water outdoors, among other measures.

To further conserve water and strengthen drought resiliency in this critically dry year, the Governor is encouraging suppliers, where appropriate, to consider going above and beyond the Level 2 of their water shortage contingency plans, activating more ambitious measures. The Governor has also ordered state agencies to submit funding proposals to support the state’s short- and long-term drought response, including emergency assistance to communities and households facing drought-related water shortages, facilitating groundwater recharge and wastewater recycling, improvements in water use efficiency, protecting fish and wildlife, and minimizing drought-related economic disruption.

Today’s executive order includes several other provisions that will protect all water users:

Ensuring Vulnerable Communities Have Drinking Water
Cuts red tape so communities that need access to emergency hauled or bottled water can get it immediately
Safeguarding Groundwater Supplies
Requires local permitting authorities to coordinate with Groundwater Sustainability Agencies to ensure new proposed wells do not compromise existing wells or infrastructure, as 85 percent of public water systems rely heavily on groundwater during drought
Streamlines permitting for groundwater recharge projects that help to refill aquifers when rains come
Protecting Vulnerable Fish And Wildlife
Expedites state agency approvals for necessary actions to protect fish and wildlife where drought conditions threaten their health and survival
Preventing Illegal Water Diversions
Directs the Water Board to expand site inspections in order to determine whether illegal diversions are occurring
The Governor’s California Comeback Plan invests $5.2 billion over three years to support the immediate drought response and build water resilience, including funding to secure and expand water supplies; bolster drought contingency planning and multi-benefit land repurposing projects; support drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, with a focus on small and disadvantaged communities; advance Sustainable Groundwater Management Act implementation to improve water supply security and quality; and support wildlife and habitat restoration efforts, among other nature-based solutions.

Earlier this month, Governor Newsom advanced an additional $22.5 million to bolster the state’s drought response. Of this funding, $8.25 million will be used to increase educational and outreach efforts, including through the Save Our Water campaign, which is providing Californians with water-saving tips via social media and other digital advertising. The Governor’s California Blueprint proposal includes $750 million in additional drought funding, $250 million of which was set aside as a drought reserve to be allocated in the spring, based on conditions and need.

More information on the state’s response to the drought and informational resources available to the public are available at https://drought.ca.gov/.

Six suspects arrested for recycling $10M worth of cans and bottles brought to CA from Arizona

Posted on May 31, 2022 by Editor Posted in California, Crime, Recycling Leave a comment

LOS ANGELES – California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with the CalRecycle Director Rachel Machi Wagoner today announced the arrest and filing of felony charges against six individuals for allegedly operating a recycling fraud scheme in the Los Angeles area and defrauding California’s beverage container recycling program by bringing more than nine tons of out-of-state materials from Arizona for redemption. The defendants have been charged with recycling fraud and grand theft.

The defendants were identified as Miguel A. Aguirre, 42; Juan A. Gutierrez, 47; Martin E. Ornelas-Silva, 30; Jose H. Gonzalez, 50; Walter Gonzalez Reyes, 29 and Celso O. Gonzalez Reyes, 26.

“When individuals skirt California’s recycling laws, California consumers are hurt in the process,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The California Redemption program is an important tool in our efforts to encourage recycling, reduce waste, and address climate change. My office will continue to fiercely defend California’s programs and resources — and we will hold bad actors who defraud our state accountable.”

“CalRecycle works alongside our partners at the Department of Justice to root out fraud and safeguard the program that helped California recycle 454 billion bottles and cans and reduce trash pollution across the state,” said CalRecycle Director Wagoner. “Beverage deposits belong to Californians and the state will continue to actively protect these funds.”

The California Redemption Value (CRV) program is California’s beverage container recycling program administered by CalRecycle and incentivizes recycling at privately-owned centers with a 5- or 10-cent return on eligible beverage containers. California consumers subsidize the CRV program every time they purchase CRV-eligible bottles and cans in the state. Only material from California is eligible for redemption under this program. From September 21, 2021 through March 30, 2022 a California Department of Justice investigation revealed a scheme by the individuals to import aluminum cans and plastic bottles from Arizona to the state of California to unlawfully redeem the California recycling refund value of those items.

Arizona does not have a recycling program that provides redemption value for bottles and cans. The illegal redemption of out-of-state beverage containers drains California’s CRV fund and takes funds that are subsidized by the beverage container purchases of California consumers.

The defendants allegedly brought truckloads of ineligible materials from Arizona to recycling centers in Southern California where the scheme is estimated to have defrauded the CRV fund of more than $10 million.

It is important to note that a criminal complaint contains charges that are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.

A copy of the complaint can be found here.

The California State Assembly approves a bill to ban toxic PFAS in cosmetics

Posted on May 26, 2022 by Editor Posted in California, Environment, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Today, a bill to ban intentionally added toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS from cosmetics sold in California passed the state Assembly.

“Exposure to PFAS compounds, even in very low doses, has been linked to serious health problems,” said Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), who introduced Assembly Bill 2771. “I’ve authored this bill because Californians shouldn’t have to worry that they’re putting their health, or the health of their loved ones, at risk by doing something as routine as applying lotion or wearing makeup.

“Prohibiting the sale of personal care products that contain these forever chemicals is a critical step toward reducing unnecessary exposure,” Friedman added.

A.B. 2771 is co-sponsored by the Environmental Working Group, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners and CALPIRG.

“It’s long past time to prohibit PFAS from being added to products Californians apply to their hair and skin every day,” said Susan Little, EWG’s senior advocate for California government affairs. Two years ago, California led the nation when it banned 13 PFAS from use in personal care products.

“These chemicals are ubiquitous. Concerns are mounting throughout the world about the toxicity and environmental persistence of PFAS chemicals. To tackle PFAS pollution of our bodies and the environment, all nonessential uses of PFAS must be restricted immediately,” Little added.

PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment and they build up in our blood and organs. They are among the most persistent toxic compounds in existence.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fluorinated chemicals contaminate the bodies of nearly all Americans, but cosmetics face little federal oversight.

Very low doses of PFAS in drinking water have been linked to increased risk of cancer, reproductive and immune system harm and liver and thyroid disease. PFAS exposure is also linked to interference with vaccines and is associated with an elevated risk of breast cancer, increased cholesterol and other serious health concerns.

Despite their well-documented risks, PFAS chemicals are added to many consumer products, including beauty and personal care products.

Why are PFAS in cosmetics?

In 2018, EWG scientists scoured the Skin Deep® database, which provides ingredient lists and safety ratings for more than 85,000 cosmetics and personal care products, to see which contained PFAS. Researchers identified 13 types of PFAS in more than 300 products among more than 50 brands. PTFE – a type of PFAS better known as Teflon – was the most commonly found ingredient, used in more than 200 different products.

“PFAS chemicals that are linked to breast cancer, pollute our drinking water and persist in the environment forever are too big a price to pay for beauty,” said Janet Nudelman, director of Breast Cancer Prevention Partner’s Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. “Women living with breast cancer shouldn’t have to wonder or worry if their daily use of a favorite lipstick or lotion is increasing their risk of a recurrence of this devastating disease.”

Forever chemicals are used in products like dental floss, lotions, cleansers, shaving cream, lipstick, eyeliner and mascara to improve durability and texture, and to condition or smooth skin or make it appear shiny. Cosmetics with the highest levels of PFAS are often marketed as waterproof, wear-resistant or long-lasting.
Last year, University of Notre Dame researchers tested 231 cosmetics for PFAS. More than half the products tested contained PFAS, but most did not list any on their ingredient labels. The study found more than three-quarters of waterproof mascaras, nearly two-thirds of foundations and liquid lipsticks, and more than half of eye and lip products had high fluorine concentrations, indicating the likely presence of PFAS.
Putting health at risk

Absorption of PFAS through skin is likely not a major route of exposure, but applying products containing these compounds around the eyes and lips can increase the absorption risk.

Some PFAS have been linked to a higher risk of harm to the immune system, such as reduced vaccine efficacy; harm to development and the reproductive system, such as reduced birth weight and impacts on fertility; increased risk of certain cancers; and effects on metabolism, such as changes in cholesterol and weight gain.

“Products we use on our bodies every day shouldn’t contain toxic ingredients that put our health at risk,” said Jenn Engstrom, state director of CALPIRG. “Yet every morning, many Californians are covering ourselves with toxic PFAS chemicals because they’re currently permitted – and in – our cosmetics and personal care products. We applaud the California State Assembly for advancing this important legislation to make sure what we put on our bodies is toxic-free.”

Regulation of forever chemicals

The U.S. cosmetics industry is notoriously underregulated. For more than 80 years, Congress has neglected to increase the Food and Drug Administration’s authority over cosmetics, limiting the agency’s ability to ensure the safety of personal care products.

But some federal lawmakers are hoping to spur FDA action. In 2021, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced the House and Senate versions of the No PFAS in Cosmetics Act. They would require the FDA to issue a proposed rule within 270 days of enactment to ban the intentional use of PFAS as an ingredient in cosmetics, with a final rule due 90 days later.

But states are not waiting for Congress or the FDA to act.

In September 2020, California enacted a landmark law banning 24 of the most harmful chemicals in personal care products, including 13 PFAS compounds. In June 2021, Maryland enacted a similar law.

In July 2021, Maine also adopted a law that will ban the unnecessary use of PFAS in all products, including cosmetics. Although the law takes a phased approach over the next few years, it will ban the sale of new products that contain intentionally added PFAS starting January 1, 2030, unless a company can prove they are essential.
In May 2022, the Colorado legislature passed a bill to ban “intentionally added” PFAS in a wide range of consumer products, including cosmetics. The bill awaits Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’s signature. That law would go into effect on January 1, 2024.

Six other states have introduced bills to ban PFAS in personal care products, and Friedman’s bill would apply this prohibition in California, which is the largest cosmetics statewide market and the sixth biggest economy in the world.

Given the serious impact of PFAS on public health and the environment, these chemicals should be banned from the beauty and personal care products for sale in California. Eliminating PFAS from personal care products will also reduce the amount of these compounds washed down drains or tossed into landfills.

California lawmakers know these chemicals pose a serious threat to public health and have banned the use of PFAS in food packaging, firefighting foam and children’s products.
In the meantime, consumers who want to limit their PFAS exposure should avoid most products marketed as waterproof, grease-resistant or long-lasting. They also should look for a
“PFAS free” label on products. People also can use EWG’s Skin Deep database and Healthy Living app to find, and avoid, products that may contain PFAS.

The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.

Breast Cancer Prevention Partners is the leading national science-based, policy and advocacy organization focused on preventing breast cancer by eliminating our exposure to toxic chemicals and radiation. Learn more at www.bcpp.org

CA Democrats again vote “No” on suspending gas taxes

Posted on May 7, 2022 by Editor Posted in California, Democratic Party, Energy 1 Comment

SACRAMENTO – Senate Democrats recently failed to provide gas price relief when they killed Senate Bill 1156, which would have permanently eliminated the annual gas tax increase. SB 1156, authored by Bakersfield Republican Senator Shannon Grove, failed on a party-line vote during its first policy hearing in the Senate Governance and Finance Committee.

With the gas tax set to climb from 51.1 cents to 53.9 cents per gallon on July 1, legislative Democrats have stubbornly refused to provide a lifeline for California drivers. While Democrats sit on their hands, Californians continue to pay the highest prices in the nation at $5.78 for a gallon of unleaded gas. (GasBuddy.com)

“The double whammy of steep inflation coupled with California’s already sky-high cost of living is breaking Californians,” said Senate Republican Leader Scott Wilk (Santa Clarita). “Republicans have been calling for a gas tax holiday since last July. Tone-deaf Democrats have hemmed, hawed, and promised relief but done absolutely nothing to help Californians. It’s deplorable.”

“It’s ironic that Sacramento Democrats refused to give taxpayers even the smallest of breaks when it comes to gas prices, yet they passed tax cuts for marijuana growers on the very same day my legislation died,” said Senator Grove. “This is another example of how the majority party’s agenda is disconnected from the reality that families live every day.”

Senate Republicans’ Efforts on Suspending the Gas Tax:

–June 2021: Senate Republicans called for a gas tax holiday.
–July 2021: Republican Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (Yucaipa) offered amendments formally requesting the suspension of the state gas tax and waiving an upcoming increase. Democrats failed to act then – just as they are failing to act now.
–January 2022: With another anticipated budget surplus, Senate Republicans released our priorities for 2022, including an urgent call once again for a gas tax holiday.
–March 2022: Senate Republicans doubled down on their calls for gas price relief. Such calls included formally requesting a gas tax holiday in the state budget, introducing legislation to reduce gas tax burdens, and calling on legislative budget committee chairs to take action amidst skyrocketing gas prices earlier this year.

Senator Wilk represents the 21st Senate District, which includes the Antelope, Santa Clarita and Victor valleys. Learn more about Scott by visiting his website and be sure to connect with him on social media.

Senator Shannon Grove represents California’s 16th Senate District which encompasses large portions of Kern, Tulare and San Bernardino counties and including the cities of Bakersfield, Barstow, California City, Exeter, Frazier Mountain, Joshua Tree, Mojave, Needles, Ridgecrest, Rosamond, Taft, Tehachapi, Twentynine Palms, Tulare, Visalia, Yucca Valley and portions of the Kern River Valley.

Brazen So. Cal. siblings busted for $6m home listing real estate scam

Posted on May 3, 2022 by Editor Posted in California, Crime, Fraud, Real Estate Leave a comment

LOS ANGELES – A South Bay man pleaded guilty today to a federal criminal charge for participating with his sister in a $6 million real estate scam that involved listing homes without the owners’ consent and collecting money from multiple would-be buyers for each of the not-for-sale homes.

Adolfo Schoneke, 44, of Torrance, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. United States District Judge R. Gary Klausner has scheduled an August 8 sentencing hearing, at which time Schoneke will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

On April 4, Schoneke’s sister, Bianca Gonzalez, 39, a.k.a. Blanca Schoneke, pleaded guilty to the same criminal charge. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 3.

According to court papers, from November 2013 to December 2016, Schoneke and Gonzalez, along with co-conspirators, operated real estate and escrow companies based in Cerritos, La Palma and Long Beach under a variety of names, including MCR and West Coast Realty Services. Schoneke, Gonzalez and other co-conspirators found properties that they would list for sale – even though they did not intend to sell them to anyone.

The properties were listed on real estate websites such as the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and were marketed as below-market short sales opportunities. In some cases, the homes were marketed through open houses arranged by tricking homeowners into allowing their homes to be used.

Multiple offers were accepted for each of the not-for-sale properties, but the co-conspirators hid this fact from the victims and instead led each victim to believe that his or her offer was the only one accepted. The co-conspirators strung victims along – sometimes for years – by telling them closings were being delayed because lenders needed to approve the purported short sales.

At the co-conspirators’ direction, office workers opened bank accounts to hide the co-conspirators’ involvement in the fraud. Those accounts were used to receive down payments on the homes and other payments from victims who were convinced to transfer the full “purchase price” after receiving forged short sale approval letters. The co-conspirators directed the office workers to withdraw large amounts of cash from these accounts, which made the proceeds harder to trace.

Investigators estimate that several hundred victims collectively lost more than $6 million during the scheme.

A co-conspirator, Mario Gonzalez, 50, was charged in a related case and pleaded guilty in January 2019 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. His sentencing is scheduled for October 3. The FBI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General investigated this matter. The investigation was initiated by numerous complaints to the Long Beach Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, both of which provided substantial assistance during the federal investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Kerry L. Quinn of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting this case.

Outdoor watering cut to one day a week for 6M So. Cal. residents

Posted on April 28, 2022 by Editor Posted in California, Water, Weather Leave a comment

One-third of Southern Californians face new restrictions limiting outdoor watering to one day a week under an unprecedented action taken by the Metropolitan Water District to dramatically reduce water use in communities most affected by the state’s historic drought.

The restrictions, unanimously adopted by Metropolitan’s Board of Directors during a special meeting on Tuesday, apply to dozens of cities and communities in Los Angeles, Ventura and San Bernardino counties – home to about 6 million Southern Californians.

While much of Southern California benefits from diverse water supplies, these communities depend on water from Northern California, via the State Water Project, and have limited or no access to water from the Colorado River or local resources. With deliveries from the State Water Project severely reduced over the last three years because of drought, these communities face water shortages this year.

Metropolitan General Manager Adel Hagekhalil cautioned that if enough water isn’t conserved in the coming months, or if supply conditions worsen, all outdoor watering could be banned in these communities as early as September.

“The reality is, this drought has left us without the water supply we need to meet normal demands in these areas. To make sure we have enough water for their basic human health and safety needs, everyone in these communities must immediately and dramatically reduce their water use,” Hagekhalil said.

Metropolitan’s board declared a Water Shortage Emergency for the SWP-dependent areas and executed an Emergency Water Conservation Program requiring member agencies dependent on SWP deliveries to immediately cut water use by implementing one-day-a-week watering restrictions, or the equivalent, by June 1.

The affected agencies include: Calleguas Municipal Water District, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Three Valleys Municipal Water District, and Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District.

“Metropolitan has never before employed this type of restriction on outdoor water use. But we are facing unprecedented reductions in our Northern California supplies, and we have to respond with unprecedented measures. We’re adapting to climate change in real time,” Hagekhalil said.

As Southern California’s regional water importer and wholesaler, Metropolitan will not directly impose the restrictions on consumers, but rather require its member agencies that are receiving SWP supplies to enforce the watering limits. Specifics on which day of week watering will be allowed and enforcement protocols will be determined by each member agency. However, Metropolitan’s action allows for the hand watering of trees to maintain the natural urban canopy.

Water agencies in the SWP-dependent areas also could select an alternative path that sets volumetric limits on the amount of water used. Agencies that don’t enforce the one-day-a-week watering restrictions or exceed their volumetric limits would face financial penalties from Metropolitan.

“We’re doing everything we can to alleviate the immediate crisis and make investments to avoid this from happening again. But now we need the public’s help,” Metropolitan Chairwoman Gloria D. Gray said. “We can get through this by working together.”

The SWP on average supplies 30 percent of the water used in Southern California. However, three consecutive years of severe dry conditions have resulted in the lowest deliveries ever from this critical supply over the past three years.

Metropolitan declared a drought emergency for the SWP-dependent areas in November 2021. Since then, conditions have only deteriorated. California just endured the driest January, February and March – typically when the state receives about half of its precipitation – in recorded history.

Metropolitan has been working in partnership with its member agencies since last year to provide communities dependent on state water with new access to Colorado River water or other supplies. The agency continues to explore additional engineering and infrastructure improvements to improve the resiliency and flexibility of the region’s water-delivery system. Metropolitan is also investing in drought-proof, climate change-resilient water supplies, such as recycled water.

While the emergency is particularly acute in SWP-dependent communities, all Southern Californians have been called on to conserve by 20-30 percent under Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order issued last month.

A state inspection showed that food at the O.C. Jail is consistent with grocery store standards

Posted on April 11, 2022 by Editor Posted in California, Food & Health, Health, OC Sheriff, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Ca. (April 11, 2022): The California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) conducted an onsite unannounced inspection of food service at the Orange County Jail, and found that “kitchen facilities were clean, orderly, well-stocked and contained food items that were consistent with grocery store standards.”

On March 11, 2022, BSCC notified the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OC Sheriff) of an American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) inquiry regarding meal delivery service in the jails. The ACLU asserted that OC Sheriff was in violation of multiple standards and regulations set forth in Title 15 of the California Code of Regulations pertaining to jails. The Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) provided documentation to BSCC on March 15 to verify that OCHCA’s recent inspections found no areas of noncompliance related to the alleged Title 15 violations.

On March 17 and 18, BSCC conducted unannounced onsite inspections to “verify that food service has resumed to normal operation, that food storage systems are appropriate and that items being served are fit for human consumption.” An April 6 letter from BSCC outlines their verification through visual observation and interviews that “hot meal components are included in meal service, medical and religious diets have not been interrupted, and the kitchen facilities were clean, orderly, well-stocked and contained food items that were consistent with grocery store standards appearing edible, without mold or a rotten appearance from a consumer perspective.”

“Despite assertions, the findings from BSCC after an unannounced inspection show exactly what we have said time and time again – we provide nutritionally balanced and healthy meals that meet or exceed requirements for incarcerated persons entrusted to our care,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes.
BSCC also noted that OC Sheriff and OCHCA have fully cooperated and provided access to the facilities, requested information, and documentation during the inquiry.

Statewide construction organization provides job training and opportunity to Californians

Posted on April 4, 2022 by Editor Posted in California, Education, Jobs, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Sacramento, Calif. – The Associated Builders and Contractors of California (ABC of California) today renewed its commitment to Second Chance Month in April – making a pledge to lift those up who are committed to rejoining society and making meaningful contributions. In March of 2021, the White House Proclaimed April as “Second Chance Month,” citing that incarcerated individuals after serving their time should have the opportunity to fully reintegrate into society and that America’s criminal justice system must offer meaningful opportunities for redemption and rehabilitation.

“Second Chance Month highlights the value that reentering citizens bring to California’s construction workforce,” said John Hamo, Chair of the Board of Directors for ABC of California. “These individuals have paid their debt to society and should be given the opportunity to achieve their newly found career dreams. We have inspiring stories throughout the Golden State where ABC of California members are working with individuals seeking that second chance to build a bright future for themselves. California has significant infrastructure needs and requires a skilled construction workforce now and in the future, and reentering citizens can help us rebuild better and stronger than ever before.”

An example of this effort shines through in partnerships like the one between Hope Builders and Sunwest Electric, Inc. Hope Builders is an Orange County program that prepares disadvantaged young adults for living-wage careers by providing mentorship, life skills, and job training. Sunwest Electric, Inc. is an established leader in the construction industry with 37 years of experience and a member of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Southern California (ABC SoCal) that’s providing job opportunities for those looking for a second chance. Through this partnership, Hope Builders and Sunwest Electric have trained and employed a countless number of reentering citizens for successful careers.

Like the model established between Hope Builders and Sunwest Electric, ABC of California has member companies throughout the state are helping reentering citizens reconnect to the workforce and build futures that last. Hamo added, “It’s a successful program and here’s how it works: member contractors accept matched students, for some contractors, it’s more than 10 students at one time, into ABC training programs across multiple disciplines. It’s a win-win scenario – as these students are driven, motivated and changing their lives for the better.”

A similar partnership can be found between the Associated Builders and Contractors of Northern California (ABC NorCal) and the Salvation Army Alameda County. Together, ABC NorCal and the Salvation Army sponsor a program that’s providing a new transformational set of skills for individuals in need of personal reform after encountering recovery or homeless programs. While some in this program are switching career paths, others are gaining a change in lifestyle after experiencing substance abuse, homelessness, or a cycle of entries within the justice system.

Throughout the Golden State, ABC of California is building a workforce that is safe, skilled and productive using innovative and flexible learning models and apprenticeships. In fact, ABC of California member companies pay millions of dollars each year into workforce training programs that are connecting students, women, those in underserved communities, reentering citizens, and veterans with rewarding and quality careers in construction. To learn more about this partnership or ABC of California, visit the organization’s website which is found here.

Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 that represents more than 21,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 69 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at abc.org.

CA Supreme Court rules that DUI defendants are not eligible for misdemeanor diversion

Posted on March 18, 2022 by Editor Posted in Alcohol, California, Crime, OCDA, Todd Spitzer 3 Comments

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Driving under the influence (DUI) defendants across California remain categorically ineligible for diversion following a decision by the California Supreme Court to deny review of a District Court of Appeal published opinion rejecting an Orange County DUI defendant’s appeal.

In December, the Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three published a unanimous decision that agreed with Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer that driving under the influence (DUI) defendants are not eligible for misdemeanor diversion under newly enacted Penal Code section 1001.95 because existing law already specifically prohibits granting diversion to DUI defendants, pursuant to Vehicle Code section 23640.

“Our roads – and our residents – are safer as a result of the Orange County District Attorney’s unwavering position that drunk and drugged drivers must be held accountable,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “We are doing everything we can to prevent first-time offenders from becoming repeat offenders and when first-time offenders become repeat offenders we have to have the laws on the books to be able to hold them responsible. I am not going to be put in a position where I am forced to let a repeat drunk driver not have to face additional consequences and a family whose entire lives have been devastated by the loss of a loved one not be able to get the justice they deserve. I am incredibly proud of the dedicated prosecutors and investigators in my office who continue to combat the epidemic of drugged and drunk driving and prevent more innocent lives from being lost.”

This is the first published opinion by the Court of Appeal on the issue in the state and clarifies the limits of Penal Code section 1001.95, which gave judges broad discretion to grant diversion to misdemeanor defendants with very few exceptions. Defendants charged with driving under the influence were not specifically prohibited from a grant of diversion under the new law.

For that reason, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office along with the California District Attorneys Association (CDAA) and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) fought vigorously to defeat AB 3234 (Ting). Despite those efforts, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law, which went into effect as Penal Code section 1001.95 on January 1, 2021.

In his September 30, 2020 signing statement for AB 3234, Governor Newsom wrote that he was concerned that DUIs were not excluded from diversion eligibility by the new law and promised to expeditiously remedy the issue in the next Legislative session.

To date, it has not been remedied by the Legislature.

Misdemeanor DUI defendants immediately began filing petitions for diversion under the new law. Among those was Nancy Grassi, who was charged by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office with driving under the influence of drugs in 2019.

In February 2021, Grassi filed a motion for misdemeanor diversion under the new misdemeanor diversion law. Her request was denied after Orange County prosecutors argued Vehicle Code section 23640, which was enacted in 1998, already prohibits driving under the influence defendants from receiving diversion. Grassi sought review in the Court of Appeal.

Presiding Justice Kathleen E. O’Leary of the Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three, wrote the unanimous published opinion in Grassi v. The Superior Court of Orange County, affirming that driving under the influence defendants are not eligible for court-initiated misdemeanor diversion pursuant to Penal Code section 1001.95 because Vehicle Code section 23640’s specific language – which prohibits diversion for any DUI defendant under any circumstances – still applies.

A copy of the published DCA opinion in Grassi v. The Superior Court of Orange County can be found here: https://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions/documents/G060362.PDF

Deputy District Attorney George Turner of the Writs & Appeals Unit argued this case.

The County of Orange has been awarded over $6M to buy a motel for homeless housing

Posted on March 16, 2022 by Editor Posted in California, homeless, Housing, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (March 16, 2022) – The County of Orange (County) has been awarded $6,070,000 in funding under Round Two of the State Homekey program to acquire the former Riviera Motel in Stanton.

The County submitted the application for the motel conversion project as co-applicants with the Jamboree Housing Corporation (Jamboree) and in partnership with the City of Stanton. Jamboree is also the co-applicant and developer on two Homekey projects awarded funding from Round One.

Located at 11892 Beach Boulevard in Stanton, Riviera Motel involves the rehabilitation and adaptive re-use of a 21-room motel into Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). 20 PSH units will target individuals who are at-risk of homelessness, homeless, or chronically homeless earning no more than 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI) including 9 units set aside for individuals meeting the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) eligibility criteria and 10 units for veterans. One manager’s unit will be provided onsite. The Riviera Motel will share a courtyard and amenities with the Tahiti Apartment Homes, formerly known as The Tahiti Motel, which received funding under Round One of the State Homekey program.

This project is the second awarded of the three the County of Orange applied for in Round Two of the State Homekey program, with HB Oasis being the first. If awarded all three, a total of 122 new affordable homes will be created for people experiencing homelessness who have been impacted by COVID-19 in Orange County. This will be in addition to the 132 units created from The Tahiti Motel and Stanton Inn and Suites projects awarded in Round One of the Homekey program.

In Round One of the State Homekey program, the County of Orange and Jamboree Housing Corporation were awarded a total of approximately $23.1 million in funding as co-applicants in partnership with the City of Stanton for the Tahiti Motel and Stanton Inn and Suites applications.

State Sen. Umberg got $2M in state funding for the Santa Ana Zoo

Posted on March 10, 2022 by Editor Posted in California, Santa Ana Zoo, Tom Umberg Leave a comment

Senator Thomas J. Umberg (D – Orange County) presented a check for $2 million to the Santa Ana Zoo for design and construction of a new Education Hub building. The Zoo’s 70th birthday was also celebrated at the event, with cake, cupcakes, and cookies.

“The Santa Ana Zoo’s 70th birthday is the perfect opportunity for us to be here to help expand the Zoo’s mission and outreach capabilities,” said Senator Umberg. He continued to say that, “Direct exposure to the animals and science-based professionals here at the Zoo will impact children like no textbooks can. I’m incredibly proud to have a hand in influencing our next generation of eco-warriors here in Orange County.”

Senator Umberg led the charge on this funding from the State of California that will help the zoo increase its work and outreach to underserved youth in Orange County and involve them in conservation and zoological efforts. The new environmentally sustainable facility will include a flex space, classrooms, and a hub for community volunteers and education coordinators. The classrooms will be flexible in design and layout to maximize their use potential throughout the day and year.

“We’re grateful for Sen. Umberg’s $2 million donation that will help us continue the transformation of the Santa Ana Zoo,” Santa Ana Mayor Vicente Sarmientosaid. “In 2021, Zoo education programs served over 40,000 people, and the Zoo has become an educational resource for not only local schools and teachers, but also community colleges and for university research.”

“The new Education ‘Hive’ will provide a welcoming gateway to the Zoo for school groups, a flexible space for programs, and a home base for education staff and volunteers,” said Lauren Bergh, Curator of Education for the Santa Ana Zoo. “We are thrilled to have a dedicated space to build connections between our community and the natural world through hands-on experiences.”

The Education Hub, nicknamed “the Hive” because it will be buzzing with activity, was conceptualized as a part of the 20-year Master Plan for the Santa Ana Zoo approved by the City Council in 2018. Community surveys in 2020 and 2021 showed widespread support for the Zoo and the desire for additional educational opportunities and programming. The Education Hub is a

Andrew Do announces bid for California Treasurer

Posted on March 9, 2022 by Editor Posted in 2022 Elections, Andrew Do, California, Elections, Politics Leave a comment

HUNTINGTON BEACH – Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do has filed the necessary paperwork to become California’s next State Treasurer. In doing so, Do seeks to become the first Vietnamese-American to hold statewide office in California.

Do’s perspective on public service remains defined by the hardship he and his family felt as refugees from war, fleeing the Fall of Saigon with just the clothes on his back.

“As State Treasurer I look forward to reforming our state’s investment and financing structures while managing our assets with an eye on protecting working families and those most in need,” said Do.

Do’s background as a refugee drove him to law school where he focused his studies on helping marginalized communities by volunteering to provide legal assistance to the homeless, poor and indigent. Today, Do continues his passion for helping those who are less fortunate on a larger platform.

Do’s public service began when he joined the Public Defender’s office in 1990. In 1997, he joined the District Attorney’s office and served as a Deputy District Attorney prosecuting Sexually Violent Predators. Do was previously elected by his community to the Garden Grove City Council and he now serves on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, while still acting as Chief Financial Officer for his business.

Andrew Do’s experience as an elected County Supervisor, former deputy District Attorney, and Chief Financial Officer of his business have uniquely prepared him to serve as California’s next State Treasurer.

Rep. Porter is trying to lower taxes for Californians who got squeezed by Trump

Posted on February 28, 2022 by Editor Posted in California, Donald Trump, Santa Ana, Taxes Leave a comment

WASHINGTON—Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45) and Congressman Tom Malinowski (NJ-07) this week introduced the Supporting Americans with Lower Taxes (SALT) Act to provide immediate relief for middle class families residing in states with high costs of living. The bill fully restores the state and local tax deduction for Americans making less than $400,000 a year, while phasing out the deduction for those making more than $400,000. It would apply the revenue raised over a decade to strengthen Medicare with new vision and hearing coverage.

“Middle class families in Orange County have been feeling the squeeze, and the Trump tax law’s cap on the state and local tax deduction has made it worse,” said Rep. Porter. “Our tax code should provide a level playing field across states, not punish some Americans for living in regions with high costs of living. Our SALT Act will restore fairness to our tax code, with sensible guardrails to prevent abuse by the ultra-wealthy.”

“When I first ran for Congress, I promised to right the wrongs of the 2017 GOP tax bill by restoring the SALT deduction for my middle class constituents,” said Rep. Malinowski. “The proposal Representative Porter and I are putting forward would keep that promise, while remaining fiscally responsible and delivering a new Medicare benefit that our seniors have long been waiting for. This is a win-win approach that we hope will produce compromise on the SALT issue.”

Who do you support for the O.C. Board of Supervisors in District 2?

The state and local tax (SALT) deduction exists to prevent Americans from being taxed again at the federal level on income already taxed and taken by their states. This deduction has been in our tax code for over a century, since the inception of the federal income tax in 1913. In 2017, then-President Trump signed a tax law that imposed a $10,000 cap on the SALT deduction through 2025. This cap discriminates against taxpayers—who earn the same incomes—based solely on where they live, and punishes states where residents have chosen to pay for better schools and services with higher state and local taxes.

Specifically, the SALT Act would:

Eliminate the SALT deduction cap for single or joint filers that make under $400,000;
For filers making $400,000 and above, the SALT deduction cap would start at $60,000. The $60,000 SALT cap would then be reduced at a rate of $10,000 for each $100,000 of income in excess of $400,000, so that filers making $1 million or more cannot deduct any state and local taxes.
Require all tax filers claiming SALT deductions to attest that their total assets do not exceed $1 billion; and
Direct the revenue raised by this bill to a new Medicare vision and hearing trust fund.
- The SALT Act is estimated to raise $150.9 billion over ten years compared to the status quo policy of maintaining a $10,000 cap through 2025, and then letting it expire entirely. This revenue would fully cover the cost of creating a Medicare hearing and vision benefit. A non-partisan analysis found that Medicare vision and hearing coverage would cost $30 billion and $89 billion, respectively, over ten years.

Click here to read the full text of the bill.

State Senator Tom Umberg is targeting the theft of catalytic converters

Posted on February 28, 2022 by Editor Posted in automobiles, California, Crime, Tom Umberg Leave a comment

Santa Ana’s State Senator, Tom Umberg, is working on a new law to target the theft of catalytic converters. The new proposed law will however mandate that car dealers apply a vehicle identification number (VIN) to the catalytic converter of each vehicle listed for sale. What the new law does not do is increase the criminal penalties for stealing the converters.

Stealing a catalytic converter is currently a crime under California law, which categorizes this offense as either petty theft or grand theft based on whether or not more than $950 worth of goods were stolen.

Our preference would be to also treat the theft of catalytic converters as grand theft given that replacing the stolen converters not only includes the cost to replace them but also the service involved – easily making it a loss of up to $4,000.

Who do you support for the O.C. Board of Supervisors in District 2?

We would also like to see a mandatory prison sentence of at least two years for theft of catalytic converters and a fine of at least $5,000. If the State of California keeps coddling thieves then they will continue to rob us blind.

Here is a recap of how the State of California currently handles thefts courtesy of Bulldog Bail Bonds:

Petty theft is a misdemeanor crime in California. The penalties for committing petty theft are:

Up to 6 months in county jail.
A max fine of $1,000.

Grand theft is a wobbler crime in California, meaning that it can either be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony depending on the facts of the cases. As a misdemeanor, the penalties for grand theft are:

Up to 1 year in county jail.
A max fine of $1,000.

As a felony, the penalties increase to:

16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail.
A max fine of $10,000.
Felony probation.

Most converter thieves don’t just steal one converter. They steal as many as they can get their hands on. In fact California is leading the entire U.S. in converter thefts, which have increased over 600% in the last two years.

Here is Umberg’s press release:

State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – La Cañada Flintridge) joined Senator Tom Umberg to announce the introduction of Senate Bill 986, a measure that combats catalytic converter theft by requiring dealers to apply a vehicle identification number (VIN) to the catalytic converter of each vehicle listed for sale. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón and LAPD Chief Michel Moore joined Senators Portantino and Umberg today during a press conference to announce the bill.

“Catalytic converter thefts are rising and serious. It is a crime that is affecting an increasing number of families in the 25th State Senate District and across the state,” stated Senator Portantino. “We must enact tougher law enforcement strategies and penalties to combat it. SB 986 offers a simple common sense solution to eliminating the legal challenges of prosecuting the theft of catalytic converters. The bill will also result in a reduction of thefts of used convertors, which is good news for both victims and law enforcement. I am proud to be a joint author of this measure with Senator Umberg and I look forward to working with him to curb the rise of catalytic thefts in our state.”

An imprinted serial number relating to the unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) identifies most major parts of vehicles sold in the United States. It is these identification markings that allow law enforcement to establish that parts are stolen, even if the stolen vehicle has already been fully broken down. However, this serial number identification process does not currently apply to catalytic converters. As a result, law enforcement may make arrests of individuals in possession of dozens or even hundreds of suspect catalytic converters — but be unable to prove a case in court because there is no way to identify the victims of crime to show that these parts are stolen. The application of a VIN to a catalytic converter is usually done by etching, in a process that is both easy and inexpensive.

“For whatever reason, car part thieves are perceived as emtpy-headed. The reality, however, is that catalytic converter theft can be quite lucrative. This bill is an important step forward in protecting California consumers, aiding our law enforcement agencies with enforcement, and continuing to crack down on illegal and environmentally-degrading car-part and vehicle disposal. We owe it to our communities to be more responsible, as a state, in regulating these illegal activities,” stated Senator Umberg.

Senate Bill 986 will require dealers to mark the catalytic converters of vehicles up for sale. The measure will also require core recyclers to record the unique identification number on each catalytic converter. Under SB 986, the core recycler’s obligation will only be relieved if the used catalytic converter, that was purchased or sold under a specified written agreement, is described with sufficient particularity. Upon request from local law enforcement, the burden will fall on the core recycler to prove that the catalytic converter was purchased under the specified written agreement.

“Catalytic converters have become a popular target of theft because they contain valuable metals and are untraceable and easy to sell,” District Attorney Gascón said. “This bill will give law enforcement important tools that will reduce property crime and save consumers the money and hassle of replacing the stolen parts.”

The OC Health Care Agency recommends we keep masking up against COVID-19

Posted on February 15, 2022 by Editor Posted in California, Disease, Gavin Newsom, Health and Medical, OC Health Care, Santa Ana Leave a comment

(Santa Ana, CA) – The California Department of Public Health has revised its Guidance for the Use of Face Masks as COVID-19 cases decline across the state. Effective February 16, universal masking will be required in specified settings and unvaccinated persons will continue to be required to mask in all indoor public settings. While fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to mask indoors, the County Health Officer recommends continued indoor masking for all individuals.

“We are seeing cases and hospitalizations decrease, which is a positive sign that our most recent surge is slowing down,” says Dr. Clayton Chau, OC Health Care Agency Director and County Health Officer. “The consistent masking efforts by our residents has contributed to the declines in cases. To protect those at high risk, we are recommending that OC residents continue masking in public, indoor settings, especially those who are at high risk or living with loved ones who have comorbidities, are immunocompromised or are prone to getting sick.”

According to a California-based study, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that wearing a mask in indoor public settings reduces your risk of testing positive for COVID-19. Surgical masks or higher-level respirators with good fit are highly recommended (such as N95s, KN95s, or KF94s). Well-fitting masks help contain droplets and particles that you breathe, cough, or sneeze out, as well as provide you protection from particles spread by others.

As part of the State’s updated guidance, masks will continue to be required for all individuals in the following indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status:

On public transit (examples: airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-shares) and in transportation hubs (examples: airport, bus terminal, marina, train station, seaport or other port, subway station, or any other area that provides transportation)
Emergency shelters and cooling and heating centers
Healthcare settings
State and local correctional facilities and detention centers
Homeless shelters
Long term care settings
Adult and senior care facilities
Indoors in K-12 schools and childcare settings – the universal masking requirement for schools will continue to be in effect for both students and school employees. Schools must continue to follow universal masking directives or face legal and financial risk. As previously mentioned in a statement from CDPH, scientific evidence strongly supports universal masking in K-12 schools as necessary to protect the health and safety of students, staff, and families. With lower vaccination rates among students compared to the general population, masking remains an important measure needed to provide a safe environment for all students, especially students who are vulnerable or at high risk.

Additionally, masks will be required for unvaccinated individuals in indoor public settings and businesses (examples: retail, restaurants, theaters, family entertainment centers, meetings, state and local government offices serving the public).

Please refer to the State’s Guidance for the Use of Face Masks for full masking guidance.

Between February 2 and February 8, the seven-day average COVID-19 case rate in Orange County decreased from 119 to 59.8 per 100,000 people, average number of daily COVID-19 cases from 3,842 to 1,932, and positivity rate from 16.6 to 11.3 percent. Hospitalizations also declined to 619, with ICU admissions at 125.

In addition to wearing a well-fitting mask where required or encouraged, Orange County residents and visitors are advised to:

Be up to date on vaccinations by completing your primary series, receiving your additional dose if immunocompromised, and receiving your booster dose when eligible, to maximize your immunity against severe infection.
Keep a safe distance from others outside of your household, to avoid close contact with people who may be unvaccinated or asymptomatic.
If you recently attended a high risk event, traveled, or came into close contact with someone who has COVID-19, self-monitor for symptoms and get tested. Stay home and follow self-quarantine guidance if you came into close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
If you are sick, stay home, follow self-isolation guidance and get tested.

For more information on COVID-19 information and resources, including case counts, vaccination and testing in Orange County, visit ochealthinfo.com/covid.

La Agencia del Cuidado de la Salud del OC, Recomienda que se Continúe con el Uso de Mascarilla en Interiores contra el COVID-19, ya que el Estado Emite una Guía Actualizada de Mascarillas

(Santa Ana, CA) – El Departamento de Salud Pública de California ha revisado su Guía Para el uso de Mascarillas a medida que los casos de COVID-19 disminuyen en todo el estado. A partir del 16 de febrero, se exigirá el uso de mascarillas universales en entornos específicos y las personas no vacunadas seguirán teniendo que usar mascarillas en todos los entornos públicos interiores. Aunque las personas totalmente vacunadas ya no están obligadas a usar mascarilla en interiores, el funcionario de salud del condado recomienda que todas las personas sigan usando mascarilla en interiores.

“Estamos viendo que los casos y las hospitalizaciones disminuyen, lo cual es una señal positiva de que nuestro repunte más reciente está disminuyendo”, dice el Dr. Clayton Chau, Director de la Agencia del Cuidado de la Salud y Funcionario de Salud del Condado. “Los esfuerzos constantes del uso de mascarillas por parte de nuestros residentes han contribuido a la disminución de los casos. Para proteger a los que están en alto riesgo, estamos recomendando que los residentes de OC continúen usando mascarilla en entornos públicos y cerrados, especialmente aquellos que están en alto riesgo o que viven con seres queridos que tienen más de una condición médica, están inmunodeficientes o son propensos a enfermarse.”

Según un estudio, realizado en California, los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades informan de que el uso de una mascarilla en lugares públicos cerrados reduce el riesgo de dar positivo en las pruebas de COVID-19. Se recomienda encarecidamente el uso de mascarillas quirúrgicas o respiradores de alto nivel con buen ajuste (como los N95, KN95 o KF94). Las mascarillas bien ajustadas ayudan a contener las gotitas y partículas que usted respira, tose o estornuda, además de proporcionarle protección contra las partículas propagadas por otras personas.

Como parte de las directrices actualizadas del Estado, las mascarillas seguirán siendo obligatorias para todas las personas en los siguientes entornos interiores, independientemente del estado de vacunación:

En el transporte público (ejemplos: aviones, barcos, transbordadores, trenes, metro, autobuses, taxis y viajes compartidos) y en los centros de transporte (ejemplos: aeropuerto, terminal de autobuses, marinas, estación de tren, puerto marítimo u otro puerto, estación de metro o cualquier otra zona que ofrezca transporte)
Refugios de emergencia y centros para refrescarse y con calefacción
Centros de salud
Centros penitenciarios y de detención estatales y locales
Refugios para personas sin hogar
Centros de atención a largo plazo
Centros de atención a adultos y ancianos
En interiores, en las escuelas K-12 y en las guarderías, el requisito del uso de mascarilla universal para las escuelas seguirá estando en vigor tanto para los estudiantes como para los empleados de las escuelas. Las escuelas deben continuar siguiendo las normas del uso de mascarillas universales o enfrentarse a riesgos legales y financieros. Como se mencionó anteriormente en una declaración del CDPH, la evidencia científica apoya firmemente el uso universal de mascarillas en las escuelas K-12 como algo necesario para proteger la salud y la seguridad de los estudiantes, el personal y las familias. Con tasas de vacunación más bajas entre los estudiantes en comparación con la población general, el uso de mascarillas sigue siendo una medida importante necesaria para proporcionar un entorno seguro para todos los estudiantes, especialmente los estudiantes vulnerables o de alto riesgo.

Además, se exigirá el uso de mascarillas a las personas no vacunadas que se encuentren en lugares públicos cerrados y en negocios (ejemplos: comercios, restaurantes, teatros, centros de entretenimiento familiar, reuniones, oficinas gubernamentales estatales y locales que atiendan al público).

Por favor, consulte la Guía del Estado Para el uso de Mascarillas para una guía completa de mascarillas.

Entre el 2 y el 8 de febrero, la tasa media de casos de COVID-19 en siete días en el Condado de Orange disminuyó de 119 a 59.8 por cada 100,000 personas, el número medio de casos diarios de COVID-19 de 3,842 a 1,932, y la tasa de positividad del 16.6 al 11.3%. Las hospitalizaciones también se redujeron a 619, con 125 ingresos en la UCI.

Además de llevar una mascarilla bien ajustada cuando se requiera o se recomiende, se aconseja a los residentes y visitantes del Condado de Orange:

Estar al día con las vacunas completando su serie primaria, recibiendo su dosis adicional si está inmunocomprometido, y recibiendo su dosis de refuerzo cuando sea elegible, para maximizar su inmunidad contra la infección grave.
Mantener una distancia segura de los demás fuera de su hogar, para evitar el contacto estrecho con personas que puedan estar sin vacunar o asintomáticas.

Si ha asistido recientemente a un evento de alto riesgo, ha viajado o ha estado en contacto estrecho con alguien que tiene COVID-19, vigile los síntomas y hágase la prueba. Quédese en casa y siga las recomendaciones de autocuarentena si estuvo en contacto cercano con alguien que tiene COVID-19.
Si está enfermo, quédese en casa, y siga las instrucciones de autoaislamiento y hágase las pruebas.

Para obtener más información sobre COVID-19 y recursos, incluyendo el recuento de casos, la vacunación y las pruebas en el Condado de Orange, visite ochealthinfo.com/covid.

Cơ Quan Y Tế Công Cộng Quận Cam Đề Nghị Tiếp Tục Đeo Khẩu Trang Trong Nôi Vi Các Khu Vực để Ngăn Ngừa COVID-19 trong khi Chờ Tiểu Bang Ban Hành Những Chỉ Dẫn Cập Nhật Hóa Về Việc Đeo Khẩu Trang

(Santa Ana, CA) – Bộ Y Tế Tiểu Bang đã sửa đổi các chỉ dẫn về việc sử dụng khẩu trang, trong lúc các tình trạng lây nhiễm COVID-19 đã thuyên giảm trên toàn tiểu bang. Có hiệu lực kể từ ngày 16 Tháng Hai, việc đeo khẩu trang toàn diện sẽ bắt buộc tùy theo các nơi được thông báo đặc biệt và những người chưa chích ngừa sẽ tiếp tục bị buộc phải đeo khẩu trang trong nội vi của những nơi công cộng hay được thông báo đặc biệt. Trong khi những người đã được chích ngừa sẽ không còn buộc phải đeo khẩu trang trong nội vi của những nơi công cộng, Ủy Viên Đặc Nhiệm Y Tế Quận Cam đề nghị tất cả mọi người nên tiếp tục đeo khẩu trang trong nội vi tại các nơi công cộng.

Bác Sĩ Clayton Chau, Giám Đốc Cơ Quan Y Tế Công Cộng Quận Cam kiêm Ủy Viên Đặc Nhiệm Y Tế Quận Hạt phát biểu: “ Chúng ta đã nhìn thấy các trường hợp lây nhiễm và phải vào bệnh viện giảm, đây là dấu hiệu tích cực cho thấy cơn dịch bùng phát đã dần dần suy giảm, những nỗ lực sử dụng khẩu trang của cư dân trong quận hạt chúng ta đã đóng góp vào sự suy giảm các trường hợp lây nhiễm. Để bảo vệ những người có nguy cơ bị lây nhiễm cao, chúng tôi đề nghị các cư dân Quận Cam hãy tiếp tục đeo khẩu trang trong nội vi của những nơi công cộng, đặc biệt là những người có nguy cơ cao hay sống với những người thân đang có bệnh nền, và có hệ thống miễn nhiễm yếu hay dễ dàng bị lây bệnh.”

Căn cứ vào sự nghiên cứu thuộc tiểu bang California, Cơ Quan Bài Dịch Liên Bang (CDC) phúc trình rằng đeo khẩu trang trong nội vi những khu vực công cộng làm giảm đi những nguy cơ xét nghiệm bị dương tính của COVID-19. Những khẩu trang giải phẫu hay những hay những dụng cụ bảo vệ đường hô hấp có đẳng cấp cao và vừa vặn, thích hợp với gương mặt người đeo ( như N95s, KN95s, hay KF94s). Những khẩu trang đeo một cách thích hợp vừa vặn giúp ngăn được các giọt nước hay những mảnh nhỏ khi các bạn thở, ho hay nhảy mũi, đồng thời cũng bảo vệ bạn từ những mảnh nhỏ có thể mang vi trùng từ người khác.

Đây là một phần trong các chỉ dẫn cập nhật hóa của Tiểu Bang, khẩu trang vẫn tiếp tục bị bắt buộc cho tất cả các cá nhân trong nội vi các khu vực công cộng, bất kể hiện trạng chích ngừa của người này:

Các phương tiện chuyên chở công cộng ( thí dụ như: máy bay, tàu bè, phà, xe lửa, xe điện ngầm, xe buýt, taxi, và các xe chuyên chở chia sẻ việc thuê bao) và tại các trạm hành khách (thí dụ: phi trường, trạm xe buýt, bến tàu, nhà ga, hải cảng hay các bến phà, trạm xe điện ngầm, hay các khu vực khác nơi cung cấp các phương tiện giao thông)
Các trung tâm tạm trú khẩn trương hay các trung tâm tránh lạnh và tránh nóng
Các trung tâm chăm sóc sức khỏe
Các trại cải huấn địa phương và tiểu bang và các trung tâm tạm giam
Các trung tâm tạm trú cho người vô gia cư
Các viện dưỡng lão,
Các trung tâm chăm sóc người lớn và cao niên.
Khu vực nội vi của các trường học từ lớp K-12 hay trường mẫu giáo. Việc đeo khẩu trang toàn bộ bắt buộc cho các trường học sẽ tiếp tục có hiệu lực cho cả học sinh và nhân viên trường học. Các trường học phải tuân thủ những chỉ thị đeo khẩu trang toàn bộ hay phải chịu trách nhiệm về pháp lý và những rủi ro tài chánh. Như đã nêu lên trước đây từ văn bản của Bộ Y Tế Tiểu Bang, các chứng cớ khoa học đã ủng hộ mạnh mẽ việc đeo khẩu trang toàn bộ cho các trường học từ lớp K-12 là sự cần thiết để bảo vệ cho sức khỏe và sự an toàn của các học sinh, nhân viên và các gia đình. Với mức độ chích ngừa thấp trong số học sinh so với đại chúng, việc đeo khẩu trang là một biện pháp quan trọng cần thiết để cung ứng một môi trường an toàn cho tất cả học sinh, đặc biệt các học sinh có thể bị nguy hiểm hay có nguy cơ cao.

Thêm vào đó, khẩu trang sẽ bị bắt buộc cho những cá nhân không chích ngừa trong khu vực nội vi của những nơi công cộng và các doanh nghiệp ( thí dụ: cơ sở bán lẻ, nhà hàng, rạp hát, các trung tâm tiêu khiển cho gia đình, các văn phòng chính quyền địa phương và tiểu bang phục vụ cho quần chúng công cộng).

Xin hãy vào Chỉ Dẫn Về Việc Sử Dụng Khẩu Trang của Tiểu Bang để biết toàn bộ chỉ dẫn về việc đeo khẩu trang.

Kể từ ngày 2 tháng Hai đến ngày 8 tháng Hai, trung bình bảy ngày các trường hợp lây nhiễm COVID-19 tại Quận Cam giảm từ 119 xuống 59-8 cho 100,000 người, trung bình các trường hợp lây nhiễm COVID-19 giảm từ 3,842 xuống 1,932, và tỷ lệ dương tính giảm từ 16.6 xuống 11.3. Phải vào bệnh viện cũng giảm xuống còn 619, số phải vào trung tâm khẩn trương ICU ở mức 125.

Ngoài việc đeo khẩu trang thích hợp vừa vặn ở những nơi bị bắt buộc và được khuyến khích, Các cư dân Quận Cam và du khách được cố vấn:

Phải cập nhật hóa việc chích ngừa bằng cách hoàn tất việc chích ngừa hai mũi đầu tiên, nhận chích ngừa thêm mũi phụ trội nếu tình trạng miễn nhiễm yếu, và chích ngừa mũi booster mỗi khi hợp lệ, để tối đa hoa hệ thống miễn nhiễm của mình chống lại sự lây lan nghiêm trọng.
Giữ khoảng cách an toàn từ những người ngoài các người thân trong gia đình, tránh không liên lạc gần với những người có thể chưa chích ngừa hay không có triệu chứng.
Nếu bạn vừa mới tham dự một lễ hội có nguy cơ cao, hay đi du lịch, hay đến gần liên lạc với những người đã nhuốm bệnh covid-19, hãy tự theo dõi các triệu chứng và đi xét nghiệm. Ở nhà và tuân thủ chỉ dẫn tự cách ly nếu bạn đến gần những người đã có bệnh COVID-19.
Nếu các bạn nhuốm bệnh, ở nhà và theo dõi chỉ dẫn tự cô lập và làm xét nghiệm.

Muốn biết thêm chi tiết các thông tin về COVID-19 và các tài nguyên, bao gồm các trường hợp lây nhiễm, chích ngừa, và xét nghiệm tại Quận Cam, xin vào ochealthinfo.com/covid.