Best Action to Improve Government:

County Contracting Reform and Oversight:  I worked as the staff lead on Supervisor Foley’s contracting reform proposals, which were long overdue transparency and oversight measures to restore public trust in the County after the scandal involving former Supervisor Andrew Do. 

Best Tools for Doing my Job:

Our staff. Our staff’s dedication is the driving force behind our accomplishments and ability to help our residents. Their hard work has a ripple effect, motivating others to give their best as well. I could not do my job without them. 

Best Surprise:

John Wayne Airport (JWA) Ranked #1 Large Airport in North America by J.D. Power: This was NOT a surprise for those who know the leadership at JWA, who strive every day for excellence. 

Best Underutilized County Service:

The Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (CAT): Many residents are not sure who to call, besides law enforcement, when they observe someone experience a behavioral health crisis. Clinicians from the CAT team respond to calls from anyone in the community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week year-round and dispatch to locations throughout Orange County. You can call l 24/7 at (855)625-4657 

Best Solutions for a Constituent Problems:

Helping Local Restaurants Open: This year I had the opportunity to directly assist 5 local restaurants who were seeking Enviornmental Health Permits for their establishments to open.  

Best Event (and Lesson Learned):  

At Supervisor Foley’s annual Flag Day event on June 14, we always support a local bakery and serve cake in celebration of our nation’s brave servicemembers and the Army’s 249th birthday. This year, I forgot the two most important tools: a cake knife and forks. In true Team Foley fashion, we efficiently problem-solved by slicing with our ceremonial saber and sourcing forks from our South County office. With our Veterans, we enjoyed our most laughter-filled Flag Day yet!  

Best Solution for a Constituent:

Supervisor Katrina Foley’s 16th Annual New Coats for Kids drive was a great success! This year, more than 45 boxes were displayed in Fifth District and nearly 1000 coats were donated. I have been a part of this event since the beginning and 2024 was especially overwhelming with the kindness of so many people. My tirelessly working team included Abby Paulson, Ali Menninger, Anthony Nguyen, Olivia Meis, Art Perry, and Noah Bolton. This year we were able to donate coats to the Boys and Girls Clubs in Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, and San Juan Capistrano, providing kids with coats just in time for winter. We were also able to donate to Laguna Niguel Hidden Hills Elementary, Costa Mesa Wilson Street Learning Center, RH Dana Elementary, Share Ourselves and more. I look forward to our 17th Annual New Coats for Kids Drive next year! 

Best Efficiency Action Taken to Reduce Costs and Improve Government:

We saved the Balboa Ferry! Supervisor Foley secured a $7.9 million grant from the California Air Resources Board to help with the convention of its vessel from diesel to electric, maintaining efficient access to this beloved island while reducing vehicle miles traveled by 4.2 million annually.  

Best Surprise:

Birthdays are my specialty – I so enjoy arriving early and sneakily showering our staff with confetti on their special days. Imagine my surprise: after a long and difficult week out of office, I returned to my desk decorated festively – with streamers, a crown, and, of course, confetti -- for my birthday! My colleagues went above and beyond, and I felt so thankful.  

Best Program in the County Library System:

As the office-proclaimed “Chief of Stuff” with all of the supplies, I love OC Public Libraries' Library of Things for the abundant useful items -- from kitchen appliances and vacuums to Chromebook laptops and musical instruments – for use, free with your library card. Click here and learn more about about the Library of Things.  

Best Community Event:

Every September, Orange County residents come out in the thousands on Coastal Cleanup Day to care for our 40+ miles of coastline. In 2024, Kimberlee Belli and I went to the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center in Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve to hand out water and County environmental resources to volunteers. We enjoyed talking with the amazing OC Parks and Newport Bay Conservancy staffs, and hearing about the interesting items cleared from the bay – my favorite was the mysterious, unmanned canoe with luggage in tow! 

Best Solution for a Constituent problem:

This past summer, our office received an inquiry from a resident seeking assistance with safety concerns at an upcoming event in one of the seven unincorporated communities in D5. With a few calls to OC Sheriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol, I connected our constituent with help. Our office receives such calls every day, and often, all our callers simply need a sympathetic ear and connection with the right resource. If you cannot find an answer at ocgov.com, Team Foley is here to help!  

Best efficiency action taken to improve government:

As the office scheduler, my job is to support the team that supports you. I work daily to arrange a calendar that allows Supervisor Foley and staff to reach as many community meetings and events as possible. After nine months with the County and a lot of knowledge under my belt, I look forward to making 2025 our most efficient year yet. 

Best Part of my Work:

The best part of my work is – hands down – serving on an incredible team of public servants. The Supervisor staffs our office with incredibly smart and thoughtful people who care deeply about improving the lives of their neighbors. When you see a Foley tent at your next community event, be sure to stop by and meet the sweet and cheerful folks behind the table – they’ll make your day as they so often make mine. 

Best Time of Day:

Crazy as it may sound, my best time of day in the office is when a staff meeting runs late. Hear me out: we meet weekly in the late afternoon, almost always at the end of a busy day, in a busy week, in a busy month. Occasionally, we find ourselves able to just sit, talk, and make progress on several fronts. We see the sun set over the county and watch local parrots on their daily migration from tree to tree. There’s something so peaceful about having this quiet moment to reset together – a rare occasion among the hardest working people I know. 

Best Community or Office Event:

As a Pacific Islander myself, I strive to bring my community to the table and make our voices heard, so I organized the 2024 District 5 AANHPI Roundtable and held critical conversations on the diverse and complex issues such as language barriers and housing overcrowding that Orange County AANHPI populations face. 

Best Cultural or Arts experience, artifact, or event:

At the Inaugural Hall of Fame induction in January, I met a mainstay on my Spotify playlists and the “Orange County Girl,” Gwen Stefani. Thank you to Ms. Stefani for your kindness and giving me my most treasured 2024 souvenir: a photo with you! I felt inspired by seeing someone who grew up in a neighborhood like mine become a global superstar and Orange County icon. 

Best Solution for a Constituent problem:

In April, our office received a call from a concerned resident of the City of Costa Mesa regarding trash and encampments inside the Randall Preserve. Further investigation revealed a barrier, cut-open fence, and trash in sensitive habitats. Working with federal partners, the County cleared the growing encampment and cleaned the affected areas. Our office remains committed to protecting our open spaces and providing services for individuals experiencing homelessness. 

Best efficiency action taken to reduce costs or improve government:

Thanks to Supervisor Foley’s advocacy in Washington, D.C., the Department of Housing & Urban Development now requires public housing agencies to set the income eligibility for veterans at 80% Area Median Income, so most veterans cannot be priced out of receiving housing choice vouchers as a result of their disability benefits. Our veterans served our nation dutifully, and we return that service with pride. 

Best public benefit offered by the County:

Literacy and knowledge remain our most important tools in protecting against harmful misinformation, especially in today’s digital ecosystem. In my opinion, Orange County Public Libraries system takes the cake as best public benefit, providing abundant resources – from free summer lunches for kids and technology classes to opportunities for learning together.   

Best Community Event:

This year, I attended more community meetings and events than I can count. But one stands out to me as the most special: hosting Supervisor Foley's annual Holiday Resource Fair in San Juan Capistrano. Special shoutout to my colleague Morgan for arranging such an important event, where residents picked up food, toys, and resources for the holidays. 

Best Solution for a Constituent Problem:  

Thanks to the diligent work of our County staff, I helped a family secure temporary housing. Months later, the constituent reached out to me, expressing her gratitude and informing us she enrolled in community college to start working towards a better life. Such success stories make my year.  

Best efficiency action to reduce costs or improve government:

Supervisor Foley and her fellow OCFA Board members debuted a new “Helopod” station in partnership with our office, the Aliso Viejo Community Association, and the Moulton Niguel Water District that will significantly improve response times to wildfires, with quicker access to water for our helicopter fleet. 

Best Constituent Phone Call:

When I first started at the Supervisor's office, I helped write a proclamation for the Chinese American Club of Laguna Woods. To help write the proclamation, I called Mike Yang -- the President of the club. When I told Mike I was calling from the Supervisor's office, he lit up with excitement. Mike told me how much it meant to him that Supervisor Foley wanted to recognize him for the great work and services his club provided for the Chinese-American community in Laguna Woods. This moment made me realize that I was in the right place. 

Happy holidays, District Five! 

Best Community Event:

Organizing the 2024 Holiday Resource Fair was a powerful experience, serving over 450 families in need. Partnering with CalOptima, SSA, Unidos South OC, and the Shea Center, we provided toys, food, and critical resources to families at a crucial time. A great reminder of why I’m proud to work here. 

Best Solution for a Constituent Problem: 

Helping Laguna Niguel residents affected by the 2022 Coastal Fire felt so rewarding. In a true team effort, we collaborated with SoCalGas and successfully resolved an issue where homeowners were incorrectly charged for gas line reconnections. 

Best efficiency action taken to reduce costs or improve government:  

This year, our office facilitated breaking ground on 12 new public docks in Newport Harbor, in partnership with the Irvine Company and the City of Newport Beach, providing disabled folks with better, more efficient access. 

Best Reason to Work for the County of Orange:

The best part of working here is knowing the direct, positive impact we have on our community. Every day brings an opportunity to make a difference. 

Best Surprise:

The biggest surprise of 2024 was joining such a supportive and friendly team. It’s been a pleasure working alongside colleagues who quickly became friends! 

Best Community Event: 

Bringing Supervisor Foley’s First Annual Irish Dance & Culture Celebration to life was a perfect celebration of Supervisor Foley’s heritage and District 5’s rich cultural diversity. Special thanks to OC Parks and OC Employees Association for their dedication to excellence (from hosting to free hot dogs), to our performers from Aniar, O’Connor-Kennedy, Thistle, and Lyons Dance Academies, and Cillian’s Bridge Irish folk-rock band. 

Best efficiency action taken to reduce costs or improve government:  

Our Restaurant Roundtable connected business owners with Orange County Health Care Agency’s Environmental Health Services Department to fund the addition of 37 full time staff over three years to streamline restaurant health permitting and improve timely responses for inspections, so our local business community thrives.  

Best OC Public Libraries Program:

Beyond the pages, our OC Public Libraries introduced residents to their favorite storytellers through the Slice of Literary Orange program. I enjoyed writing Supervisor Foley’s welcome remarks for Julia Quinn, author of the beloved Bridgerton historical romances at Donald Dungan library in Costa Mesa.   

Best Solution for a Constituent Problem:

When our over 650,000 residents wonder, “How does my County leadership help me?” and “What’s going on in my backyard?” our weekly newsletter and social media provide an in-depth look into Supervisor Foley’s work in the Fabulous Fifth. Sign up for our newsletter or find us at @supervisorfoley on all platforms!  

Best Reason to Work for the County of Orange:

I feel grateful to serve such a beautiful community with such a dedicated, brilliant team. Together, we enjoyed Wellness Walking and summer concerts at D5’s OC Parks, crowd surfing at the OC Fair, and of course, serving our community at hundreds of events with you. I look forward to making more memories in the new year! 

Best efficiency action taken to reduce costs or improve government:  

As a Black woman, the health of both mothers and their children is an issue I am passionate about and I’m happy the County granted the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) with over $1 million dollars grant for Black Infant Health, improving Black infant and maternal health and decreasing the inequities in mortality rates.  

Best Solution for a Constituent problem:

The contract between Orange County Public Library and Overdrive INC grants OCPL access to the digital library material license. By doing so, Orange County student have easy access to age-appropriate e-books and audiobooks that will make their learning experiences more accessible and seamless.  

Best Community or Office Event:

My favorite community event of the year was the “We, the Girl Scouts: Why Democracy Matters for Girls Today” event I attended with Supervisor Foley, former Irvine Mayor Farrah Kahn, and Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris. As both a former Girl Scout and a current girl in politics, I enjoyed this event encouraging involvement in the local government process. Girls can do anything they put their mind to! 

Best surprise:

December 4, 2024 was our Board of Supervisors Holiday Open House, and just so happened to be my birthday. We usually have in-office birthday celebrations, but in the hustle and bustle, we didn’t have the time. I came into work the next week to a surprise celebration and had the best time enjoying sweets with my office. 

Best Cultural or Arts experience, artifact, or event:

I enjoyed practicing my conversational Chinese skills with new friends at the Global Federation of Chinese Businesswomen Association’s holiday luncheon. I attended alongside Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Liu, and learned how the Orange County chapter of GWBCWOCC supports its members -- both locally and globally.  

Best Ribbon Cutting:  

The opening of LadyFolk Studio in Laguna Beach was very interactive and exciting, with free painting templates for everyone, and the space was so beautiful. I am so excited to watch them grow!

Best Solution for a Constituent Problem:  

As a South County resident, I enjoyed helping bring more sand to south Orange County. So many people are impacted by the eroding beaches, and Supervisor Foley has worked hard this year to secure funding and bring sand back to the beaches of District Five. 

Best Community Event:  

I enjoyed attending Ladera Ranch Harvest Festival. With laser tag in the field, rides, fall-themed games, and local goods, there was a little bit for everyone. All of the vendors passed out candy for the kids to “trick-or-treat” at, making the whole event lively and fun! 

Best Efficiency Action:  

The best efficiency action that the County of Orange has taken to improve the government is improvements in mental and behavioral health access. Supervisor Foley has been outspoken about the importance of vulnerable populations having access to the care they need, and I appreciate the progress the County has made with Medi-Cal to provide those services.  

Best Resource Fair: At our recent holiday toy and resource drive in San Juan Capistrano, I enjoyed a wonderful time handing out toys to kids! I am grateful for all the other community and County partners who helped provide resources to families in need this holiday season. 

Best Community or Office Event: I loved our 2024 Open House. At this special event where our office opens its doors to the public, droves of residents came in to say hi, chat with the Supervisor, and enjoy delicious treats with the team. I had a delightful time providing guests with our lovely Foley bags and sustainable boxed waters. 

Best Solution for a Constituent Problem: Providing Spanish-speaking communities with important healthcare services and information at our Holiday Food & Toy drive. Language barriers act as a significant obstacle to marginalized communities’ right to health. I adored the opportunity to use my Spanish-speaking abilities to assist the event’s execution and help these residents however I could. 

Best efficiency action taken to reduce costs or improve government: The external audit of County contracts stands out to me as one of the best efficiency actions to improve government this year. While an extensive and complex feat, this operation will provide the necessary checks and balances to further ensure transparency remains a priority in government. I appreciated Supervisor Foley’s support of this action and commitment to carrying it out as efficiently as possible.  

Best song that inspired: Pua Samoa by The Five Stars motivated and inspired me throughout this year. One of my grandma’s favorites, this song keeps me grounded in the love and support that my family consistently provides. I seek to one day return the favor to my loved ones, so this song serves as a reminder of what I am working towards and why I pursue a career field characterized by advocacy and altruism.  

Best surprise: I got accepted into UCLA School of Law! I received the phone call while working in our office a few weeks ago and could not believe I got into my dream school. I still await other schools’ decisions, but this was a notably special and exciting moment. Everyone at Team Foley has been so supportive during my admissions journey – I am truly grateful!  

Best Resource Fair:  

I had a great time at Supervisor Foley's Senior Summit, where seniors were connected with valuable resources that they may not have been aware of. Our office remains dedicated to ensuring that county services are accessible to those who need them most. We will continue working to make these services available to all in the new year. 

Best Community Event:  

I had an absolute blast attending OC Parks Sunset Cinema Series this year. It was such a great way to connect with the community and enjoy some amazing films together. My favorite movie experience was The Super Mario Bros, as it holds a special place in my heart as it was during the early days of Noa and I being at the office. It felt like such a warm and welcoming introduction to District 5, and I'm grateful for the chance to share that moment with all of you!  

Best efficiency action taken to reduce costs or improve government:  

The County Climate Action Plan creates green jobs while promoting sustainable practices that benefit our environment. By helping reduce pollution and boosting the local economy, this initiative creates a healthier future for all of us. Let’s keep pushing for positive change!  

Best Solution for a Constituent problem:  

At Supervisor Foley’s Toy and Food Drive with Orange County SSA, Unidos South OC, and CalOptima at the Shea Center, we provided toys, free eyeglasses, flu shots, health screenings, and County resources for families in need. South County struggled with a lack of access to essential services, and Supervisor Foley remains committed to changing that. 

Best Chamber experience or ribbon cutting:  

I enjoyed a fantastic time at the grand opening of Dirty Dough in Dana Point in October! Dirty Dough offers incredible cookies and fun sodas – what an honor to celebrate this milestone with them and to meet the welcoming members of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. Here’s to many sweet successes for Dirty Dough in Dana Point! 

Best Community or Office Event:

The best community event I organized was our November Coffee and Conversation event hosted at MoonGoat Coffee in Costa Mesa. This event allowed me to connect with many residents, listen to problems and issues in their community, and propose solutions. I particularly enjoyed working with Matt from MoonGoat Coffee and Noa from our office to ensure this event ran smoothly and provide exceptional service to the residents of the Fifth District. 

Best Solution for a Constituent problem:

In October, a resident called our office seeking desperate help for a family member needing humanitarian relief. After collaborating with Orange County’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, we were able to assist them in having their family member back for the holidays. 

Best efficiency action taken to reduce costs or improve government: 

The best efficiency action taken was at the September 24 Board of Supervisors meeting, where the board approved ethics and contract policy manual reforms to maintain oversight and transparency for all residents of Orange County.  

Best Resource Fair:

The best resource fair was the 2024 Holiday Resource Fair where we partnered with CalOptima, SSA, Unidos South OC, and the Shea Center to serve more than 450 families with food, toys, and critical resources like CalFresh. This event truly reminded me how impactful our work can be, and I loved seeing the reactions on families’ faces when they received their toys! 

Best Chamber experience or ribbon cutting:

The best ribbon cutting I attended was earlier this year at Urban Workshop’s 10th Anniversary and Grand Re-Opening in Costa Mesa. At this event, I received an incredible tour of the facility and learned how Urban Workshop partners with local high schools to fast track welding certificates for students so they can immediately enter the workforce. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this year, and I look forward to seeing what the next year has in store! 

Best Community or Office Event: 

My favorite event of the year was our office’s Irish Dance & Culture Celebration, where I enjoyed working the hot-dog wagon with our friends over at the Orange County Employees Association (OCEA). I loved seeing the excited faces when the attendees heard the hot dogs were, in fact, free! 

Best Change of Plans: 

In September, I grabbed a hard hat and vest and toured OCTA’s OC Streetcar project with our Chief of Staff, Nick Anas. The Streetcar will connect our existing bus lines to the Metrolink and Amtrak services, as well as provide dedicated stops to the bustling businesses of Downtown Santa Ana. Among other things, I saw how construction work keeps surrounding businesses and residents in mind and how OCTA maximized use of domestically-sourced materials. 

Best Solution for a Constituent Problem: 

Constituents in South Orange County need greater electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure as our state inches closer to an EV future. In October, through an effort spearheaded by Supervisor Foley, the Board approved the construction of 24-spot Tesla Supercharger Station on the often-underutilized Laguna Niguel Park & Ride parking lot.  Though Tesla will maintain and operate the 24 charging stations, the station will serve many EVs from various manufacturers. This effort taught me how acting as a good steward of public funds remains imperative to public service. In this case, we must ensure no parcel of publicly-held land goes underutilized. 

Best Ordinance: 

The rapid development of new Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) presented unique threats to community safety. Though these facilities present a hopeful front to climate uncertainty, the technology displays safety issues, which beg close guidelines and restrictions. I helped craft a request for an ordinance to ensure the safe placement of BESS facilities, alongside State law guidance. This ordinance will serve as a model to other jurisdictions and will keep unincorporated OC safe. 

Best Efficiency Action Taken to Reduce Costs or Improve Government: 

This year OCTA purchased a headquarters building in Santa Ana, as opposed to continuing to rent out their current facility in Orange. Though the HQ purchase presents great upfront costs, the organization will see savings of greater than $50 million over the next 30 years. That means 50 million taxpayer dollars that can go back to transit, streets, and highways!