A Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley

County of Orange, California sent this bulletin at 02/28/2025 06:02 PM PST

View as a webpage / Share

Volume 5 | Issue 9

February 28, 2025

Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley

Supervisor’s Message

Dear neighbor:

Tomorrow marks the start of Women’s History Month! Please join me in celebrating the Fifth District women educators who inspire, educate, and unite our communities by nominating them for my Annual Women Making a Difference Awards before March 8, 2025. I hope to then see you at my Fourth Annual Women Making a Difference Brunch on March 29, 2025 – all are welcome!

Last weekend, I joined Laguna Beach Community Clinic to celebrate the opening of their fully renovated medical home. What began 50 years ago as a free resource run by volunteer physicians now includes a new pharmacy, laboratory, triage room, and fully-refurnished lobby and patient exam rooms.

Upper: With Barbara and Greg MacGillivary and Laguna Beach Mayor Alex Rounaghi Lower: With LB Community Clinic CEO Dr. Jorge Rubal

I loved dancing and connecting with our fabulous OC residents of all abilities at Access Costa Mesa’s “A Friendship Dance” at the Costa Mesa Senior Center.

I also enjoyed watching the graceful Lunar New Year performers and congratulating the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center at their Tenth Annual OC Lantern Festival at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. As your Vice Chair, representing the Fabulous Fifth District -- which nearly 100,000 Asian-American residents call home -- I remain committed to bringing your voices to the table and celebrating your beautiful cultures.

Upper left: Irvine City Councilwoman Melinda Liu, Upper Right: Janie Tsao, myself, Rep. Min, Jong Limb, Councilwoman Melinda Liu, and Scotty Hong of Irvine Mayor Agran’s office

At Tuesday’s Board meeting, the board took the final vote to adopt my proposed ordinance to prohibit the sale of Nitrous Oxide in unincorporated Orange County. Nitrous Oxide is also known as “NOX,” “laughing gas,” “Whip-its,” or “galaxy gas.” Even though NOX is sold like a candy bar at a corner store, it is not safe. NOX suffocates your brain and causes serious neurological harm or even death. Where the state falls short of prohibiting NOX sales, the County of Orange and our cities must step up to enhance public safety. I look forward to working with our Orange County Health Care Agency, OC Sheriff's Department, OC Fire Authority, and the District Attorney’s office to engage in a robust public education campaign and better track data of NOX usage. Already, Costa Mesa Police Department seized 7,451 canisters and chargers that individuals would have otherwise used to get high.

If you see Nitrous Oxide canisters for sale at stores across the county – whether at a smoke shop, a liquor store, a sex shop, or a costume closet – call (714) 834-3550 or visit bit.ly/noxoc and report it. We will take action and protect public health and safety.

At OCTA we voted to save the taxpayers $5 million through refinancing federal bonds that support Measure M2 financed projects. I continue to support efforts to increase efficiency and save money that can be reinvested to enhance our transportation systems in Orange County. We also celebrated the winners of OCTA’s Annual Bus and Maintenance “Roadeo,” testing the maintenance, inspection, and driving skills of OCTA employees. Congratulations to all participants on your continued commitment to excellence!

I enjoyed connecting with residents at a variety of speaking engagements. First, I attended a meeting at Big Canyon in Newport Beach of Angelitos de Oro, an auxiliary of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire who support the organization’s youth mentoring programs.

Pictured above with Mary Fox and Marion Hartwich

I also celebrated the third anniversary of the SoCal Procurement Alliance which I helped start after a monthly Mayors meeting. Increasing government efficiencies, identifying goods and services with high potential for savings, and providing local small businesses with increased opportunities to bid for local government contracts.

Congratulations to the new Board of Directors installed to the Orange County Business Council (OCBC) Board at OCBC’s Annual Dinner this week! As the sixth largest county in the nation and home to some of the country’s brightest companies, our economic footprint is powerful. Congratulations to Jamboree Housing Corporation, the City of Santa Ana, and the County of Orange for our collaboration on the honorable mention in the annual awards for the Project Homekey development, Estrella Springs.

Senator Catherine Blakespear, OCBC CEO Jeffrey Ball, Mickey and Minnie

This morning, I enjoyed hearing about South Orange County Community College District’s (SOCCCD) achievements and plans for strengthening our district’s impact on education and workforce development in the region.

Meetings this week included meeting with my JWA Advisory Group on our ongoing efforts to reduce noise at John Wayne Airport through our Fly Friendly program and by advocating to commercial airlines for bringing new cleaner and quieter planes to Orange County. We increased the number of next generation aircraft Since 2021 the number of new next generation aircraft flying our of JWA has increased from 10% to 37% of all flights. We also confirmed that our FAA tower is adequately staffed by qualified air traffic controllers, with 19 of 22 positions filled.

I joined the South Coast Metro Alliance to provide a County update to local business and civic leaders. Later at the OC Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council, we approved a preliminary budget that continues funding essential recidivism and education programs supporting justice-involved youth. I also met with Brooke Weitzman of the Elder Law and Disability Rights Center, Brian Morales from the National Electrical Contractors Association, Rick Stein and Patrick Brien of ArtsOC, and representatives from Tobacco Free Orange County.

I met with Assemblywoman Laurie Davies and discussed her proposed legislation to enhance e-bike safety, and hold the operators of recovery residencies and group homes accountable.

More than 11,310 women veterans call Orange County home. On Saturday, March 8, 2025, join me and local community leadership in discussing our servicewomen’s health and wellness at our Woman Veterans Mental Health Symposium! Please RSVP at: https://bit.ly/WomenVeteransOC

Stay tuned for details about my upcoming Wellness Walk on March 13, 2025!

Be well,

Katrina Foley
Vice Chair
County of Orange

In This Edition

Read more about local events, community and health news, District and County initiatives, and other important updates!

Community Correspondence

Upcoming Board of Supervisors Meeting on March 11, 2025

Attend our 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2025 Board of Supervisors Meeting
View the Agenda: Here
See a list of our upcoming 2025 Board meetings: Here

O.C. driver arrested on DUI charges after passing out while on nitroux oxide

Costa Mesa police seize hundreds of nitrous oxide canisters at local smoke shops

Costa Mesa police bust 2 smoke shops for nitrous oxide sales, as county supports ban

Costa Mesa police seize hundreds of nitrous oxide canisters at local smoke shops

Supervisors look at more changes to handling of Orange County’s investments

Underwood: A Procession of Names

OC Supervisors Break Silence; Publicly Blast Treasurer’s Alleged Workplace Hostility

State assemblymember raises questions over county’s decision to bench OC treasurer

Supervisors look at more changes to handling of Orange County’s investments

Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce Hosts ‘Good Morning CdM’ with Newport Beach Police Chief Dave Miner

OC treasurer threw keys at subordinate, violating workplace violence policy, investigation found

Opinion: Supervisor Katrina Foley: Updates on public safety, protecting our beaches and more

Post of the Week

Staff Updates

Anthony Nguyen

Policy Advisor

Happy Friday District 5! This week, I tuned into the Orange County Transportation Authority’s (OCTA) Board Meeting. Then, I joined Vice Chair Foley and our District Director Adam Tallabas for a meeting with Health Educator Kaitlyn Han from Partners4Wellness, a non-profit organization in Irvine preventing substance use through programs like the Tobacco Free Orange County Project.

Coincidentally, at the Board of Supervisors Meeting on Tuesday, the Board voted unanimously to renew contracts for tobacco use prevention services and tobacco cessation services, recommitting OC’s efforts in reducing tobacco usage and mortality. We look forward to further supporting Kaitlyn and her organization as they lower youth access to tobacco and reduce community exposure to smoke.

Adam Tallabas

District Director

Hi D5! This week, I attended the Irvine City Council meeting where I provided updates on this week’s Board of Supervisors meeting and our upcoming events. I enjoy connecting with our local residents and jurisdictions, so you hear from our team -- directly and on a regular basis -- about the good work we do for you in the Fifth District.

I also represented Vice Chair Foley at the vigil hosted by the National Union of Healthcare Workers at Kaiser in Irvine. On Thursday, I joined AFSCME 3299 on the picket line for their Unfair Labor Practice Strike. Today, I joined 50,000 Southern California Grocery Workers as they began striking for fair wages, secure health benefits, reliable retirement plans, adequate hours, and better staffing. Supervisor Foley and our office stand alongside workers, steadfast in our support of a sturdy middle class in Orange County.

Morgan Goldstein

District Representative

Happy Friday, D5! Have you ever stopped and considered how differently we treat others as they age? This week, I explored the obstacles presented by ageism at the premiere of “Ageism: Making the Invisible Visible,” a film created by the Laguna Woods Community Bridge Builders. I valued discussions of the ways in which our office can better serve our 650,000 senior constituents, and I appreciate Community Bridge Builders for leading the conversation around this critical issue.

Pictured above, Rebeca Gilad, President of CBB

Robbie Labounty

District Representative

Hello District 5! This week I fielded calls regarding an ongoing traffic issue on Antonio Parkway and Sendero Avenue. When a car struck a cyclist this year, the community reached out to prevent further dangerous incidents. OC Public Works will receive additional traffic data by the end of this week, allowing them to conduct computer simulations and further assess the potential impacts of any traffic changes. Stay tuned for updates at an upcoming public safety town hall in the area.

Abby Paulson

District Associate

Small businesses in the Fabulous Fifth District experienced an exciting week and, as always, we joined our communities in celebrating! I joined the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce at two Grand Openings, celebrating Chelas Mexican Kitchen’s second location and new business Sickinger Orthobiologics & Regeneration, as well as a Grand Opening for Paris Baguette with the Ladera Ranch Chamber of Commerce. Then, I welcomed the 2025 Board of Directors for the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and honored the 2024 award winners at their Annual Installation Dinner and Awards Night. Vice Chair Foley’s office looks forward to continuing our support for the thriving small businesses vital to our community.

Intern Update

This week, Luca made progress on a project aimed at providing resources for domestic violence awareness and prevention in restrooms at OC Parks, where potential victims can privately seek help. Additionally, Noa assisted in finding a constituent a CalOptima caseworker better suited to their individual needs. Today, Willy presented a certificate at the ribbon cutting for Quantum eMotion’s U.S. grand opening in Irvine.

County Updates:

Join the Orange County Ethics Commission

District 5 is seeking a qualified individual to serve on the Ethics Commission, which oversees the County's Campaign Reform, Lobbyist Registration, Gift Ban Ordinances, and Code of Ethics.

Requirements:

Must be a registered voter.

Cannot hold any elected or appointed public office.

Must not have been an elected official, lobbyist, candidate, public agency head, or Grand Juror in the last 10 years.

No felony or misdemeanor convictions involving dishonesty or election law violations.

To Apply: Submit your CV or resume, a short bio, and the linked application to Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com.

Make a difference in ensuring transparency and accountability in Orange County!

OCTA Recruiting for Accessible Transit Advisory Committee

Accessible Transit Advisory Committee (ATAC) advises OCTA about issues that relate to OCTA fixed-route transit and paratransit services for customers with special transportation needs. The Accessible Transit Advisory Committee was originally formed in 1992 in response to the Americans with Disabilities Act and formalized the predecessor “504 Committee.”

2024 Recruitment Period

Each year, as terms of various members expire, a recruitment process is conducted to fill vacant positions on the ATAC. Applications will be accepted for the 2024-2025 Accessible Transit Advisory Committee spring of 2024.

APPLY HERE.

Share Your Input on the County of Orange Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget by April 15

The County of Orange invites you to share your input on the CEO Recommended Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget. Your feedback is essential in shaping the budget process.

Share Your Comments by April 15
Now is the time to provide public feedback before the budget is finalized. You can share your feedback at regularly scheduled Board of Supervisor meetings or submit your comments online:

Provide Feedback Here

Attend Upcoming Budget Events

a group of people sitting in front of a presentation screen

Public Workshop | May

Meet our Budget & Finance Team for an overview of the recommended budget.
Ask questions and share your thoughts.
More details coming soon!

Board-of-Supervisors-Meeting-Chambers-Empty-1920x1080

FY 2025-26 Public Budget Hearing | June 10

The Board of Supervisors will review the budget.
You’ll have the opportunity to provide comments directly.
This takes place at the regularly scheduled Board meeting on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

You don’t have to wait! You can submit your questions or feedback anytime.

We appreciate your participation and look forward to hearing from you!

For more details, visit: cfo.ocgov.com

Public Safety Update

South Coast AQMD Launches Dashboard for Air Monitoring Data

As cleanup of the Eaton and Palisades fires continues, South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) launched a new dashboard evaluating air quality. Debris removal could cause hazardous dust and ash to become airborne.

If you smell smoke, see ash, or see a rise in Air Quality Index, please take precaution by running air purifiers or an HVAC system, wearing a KN95 mask, closing your windows and doors, and avoiding vigorous physical activity.

Learn more about the data dashboard and South Coast AQMD’s wildfire response efforts at www.aqmd.gov/lawildfires.

Dana Point Harbor News

Dana Point Harbor Oversight Committee Update

My office advised the committee the County currently works with to determine the funding impacts on the County based on the Federal administration’s recent executive actions. The dredging of the main harbor channel will proceed as scheduled as the Army Corps of Engineers funding has not been impacted. The County currently reviews the status of the OCSEC dock rebuild and expects completion of construction by Dec. 2026.

Dana Point Festival of Whales

Join us as we come together to celebrate the majesty of the sea and create lasting memories at the Dana Point Festival of Whales at Dana Point Harbor! Learn more here.

A Message From The Marina at Dana Point

The new year brings continued revitalization efforts in the harbor with the commercial core moving into the next phase of the landside project. This very exciting and much anticipated ongoing progress will implement a temporary detour for the harbor entrance at Golden Lantern. Effective Monday, January 13, 2025 and for the duration of the detour, Boater Lot 1 and the commercial areas of the harbor can be accessed by way of Casitas Pl. Please see map below for details of the detour:

The detour is expected to be in effect through May/June 2025. Please click here for more information.

All Dana Point Harbor shops, restaurants and excursions will remain fully open and operating.

Please contact the marina office with any questions, (949) 496-6137.

Health News

Measles Information

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) confirmed a case of measles in an infant returning home to OC following international travel on February 19, 2025.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe illness such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death, especially young kids who are not protected. Common symptoms include fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes and it spreads very easily by air and by direct contact with an infected person. People are contagious from approximately four days before the rash begins through four days after the rash appears. Immunization provides the best protection. For more information about measles, visit www.cdc.gov/measles or www.ochealthinfo.com/measles.

OC Health Care Agency COVID-19 Update

Reduce transmission and protect vulnerable populations such as seniors, those younger than one-year-old, and those with severe medical conditions. For more information, please visit the OCHCA website at https://ochealthinfo.com/covid.

Order your for free at home test kits: Order your tests here.

Free Naloxone Deliveries in Orange County - FentanylSolution.org

In partnership with CalOptima, FentanylSolution.org is proud to offer free deliveries of Naloxone (8mg Kloxxado) -- an over-the-counter nasal spray that can reverse opioid overdoses -- at absolutely no-cost to all residents and businesses across Orange County.

To request your free delivery of Naloxone, please fill out our brief online form at https://tinyurl.com/FentSolOC

Transportation News

Youth Ride Free Bus Passes

The pass provides youth aged 6 to 18 with free travel on safe, clean and reliable buses. Youth Ride Free passes are available from your child's participating Orange County school. Parent signature is required. REQUEST A PASS

OCTA Free Hikes & Equestrian Rides

Lace up your hiking shoes or saddle up your horse, and sign up for a free hike or equestrian ride today. Come see Orange County as it was yesterday, and as it will be tomorrow.

State and Federal Resources Updates

A Message From Representative Lou Correa

Important news from Washington: The IRS has announced plans to issue a special payment for qualifying taxpayers who didn't receive a stimulus check or claim their Recovery Rebate Credit. Each taxpayer who didn't claim this credit when filing their 2021 tax return is eligible for up to $1,400 as a result of this special payment.

Most of the 1 million taxpayers who qualify won’t need to take any action to receive these payments. The IRS began issuing payments last month to eligible individuals who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns, and expects all payments to be received by late January 2025. However, those who didn’t file a 2021 tax return may be eligible to claim the credit and receive a refund if they file by the April 15 deadline.

My office is always here to help—if you have any questions, we can lend a hand. You can give us a call at (714) 559-6190 or visit my webpage at www.correa.house.gov.

Community News

Hey Costa Mesa, ready to see your skate park vision come to life? 🛹
March 12, we’ll be showing off the designs YOU helped shape, and enjoy a free meal on us! Don’t miss it! 😎💯

costa mesa skate park expansion design review meeting march 12

Apply for the SCAG Scholarship!

The annual 2025 SCAG Scholarship Program is now open; applications will be accepted through Friday, March 21, 2025. The program, in partnership with the California Transportation Foundation, provides nine $4,000 scholarship awards for high school or community college students from the SCAG region. Students in any field of study are invited to apply; however, preference is given to applications that demonstrate a commitment to community planning, regional planning, urban planning, civil engineering, political science, public administration, sustainable development, or other related fields.

For more information and to access the online application, please visit the SCAG website. For questions regarding the program, please contact Rachel Wagner at 213-236-1960 or wagner@scag.ca.gov.

Pet of the Week

Meet Pet of the Week, Gina!

Meet Gina, the two-year-old German Shepherd who's sweet as pie and fun like a cupcake with extra sprinkles! Gina is approaching her one-year anniversary at the shelter, and she's crossing her paws that being featured as Pet of the Week will help her finally find her forever home.

Gina loves sitting for treats, leaning in for pets, and rolling over for belly rubs. After a playful romp in the yard or a leisurely walk, she's more than happy to snuggle up for cuddles and kisses! She is also working on making new dog friends, and with the right introductions, she’s eager to expand her social circle!

Can you be the one to give Gina a fresh start? With lots of love and guidance, Gina (A1855090) will make a loving and loyal pet for your home. Call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 to visit her today!

Please visit our Pet Adoptions page to see more adoptable pets.

Support OCMA

Support Your Orange County Museum of Art, which makes art accessible to all through free admission! Click here to donate.

Foster Pets with OC Animal Care

Email ocacprograms@occr.ocogv.com today to be a foster hero!

Book Your Whale-Watching Tour & Watch Marine Life in the Wild!

See giant blue whales, finback whales, gray whales and many more in their natural habitat while whale watching in Newport Beach! Newport Whales offers some of the best whale watching California has to offer! Visit www.newportwhales.com & make your reservations.

Tickets

San Clemente Chamber of Commerce's Environmental Education Program:

Environmental Education san clemente chamber of commerce

Second Harvest Food Bank Walk To Feed OC

Second Harvest Food Bank invites the community to Walk to Feed OC and join our mission to provide dignified, equitable and consistent access to nutritious food for all in Orange County. This free, fun event opens at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Learn more here.

Westwind Sailing Spring and Summer Registration is Open!

Make the Holidays a Masterpiece with the Pageant of the Masters

OC Workforce One-Stop: OPEN NOW!

Ready Set OC offers no-cost employment training for Orange County youth ages 14-24. To find out more information, call the OC Business and Economic Recovery Call Center at (714) 480-6500 or text (657) 210-1295. Email info@readysetoc.com

Resources

OC Public Libraries: California State Parks Pass Program

OC Public Libraries is partnering with California State Parks and the California State Library to offer free State Parks vehicle-day use passes, available for circulation at all branches of public libraries in California. Click here to learn more about the program.

Bulky Item Disposal

Are you an Orange County resident trying to dispose of bulky items like old refrigerators and appliances but not sure how? For information on local haulers and recycling coordinators visit OCLandfills.com/quick-links.

BenefitsCal

Orange County officially switched over to a new benefits enrollment portal called BenefitsCal. Households interested in applying for benefits assistance can now create an account at www.BenefitsCal.com and submit their application or link their old MyBenefitsCalWIN case to their account. For more information about BenefitsCal, including new features and capabilities, click here.

Alert OC

Sign up for AlertOC to get notified in case of emergency in Orange County. The mass notification system is designed to keep Orange County residents and businesses informed in the event of a time-sensitive emergency. YOU MUST OPT IN TO RECEIVE ALERTS. Register today at this link!