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| Volume 5 | Issue 11 |
March 14, 2025 |
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Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear neighbor:
Earlier today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a nationwide warning advising consumers against inhaling products containing nitrous oxide. The dangers of inhalants are clear and not disputed. Last month my ordinance to ban these dangerous products in unincorporated Orange County was adopted. I am grateful that the U.S. FDA takes the threat these products pose seriously. It is now time for our cities and neighboring jurisdictions to join us to address this life-threatening drug.
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Happy Irish American Heritage Month to all of my family and Irish friends.
As a girl, I heard the story of my great great Irish grandfather with the barnacle-scarred face who survived keelhauling and indentured servitude after stowing away on a ship to America. Our family history is rooted in hard work, thick skin, and overcoming obstacles to reach our goals. That’s the luck of the Irish I feel every day.
In addition to the many events and meetings I participated in this week, I also worked with our County staff on numerous initiatives and projects related to clearing encampments, child care opportunities, reducing red tape and delays in our development services permitting, template plans for pickleball court conversions and builds, our mental health and wellness care system, and impacts of decisions at the state and federal level that impact our local budget.
Every week, sometimes twice or more, Supervisor Sarmiento and I receive email complaints from residents who live near the flood channels bordering Costa Mesa and Santa Ana as well as about Talbert Marsh connecting Costa Mesa and Newport Beach about encampments, criminal activity, and vandalism. This week I met with OC Public Works to discuss our pilot projects in these impacted areas. I’m pleased to report that within the month we will see a 24/7 security guard on Sunflower/Flower channel and an evening security guard near Talbert Marsh. Additionally, the ladders down into flood channels will be removed, and new fencing near Talbert Marsh this summer. The Army Corps of Engineers also plans to contract out clean up services so that the trash does not collect.
We appreciate the updates shared by the residents to keep eyes on these areas to prevent encampments.
A glance at my week:
 Every year, I look forward to welcoming our deep-sea neighbors on their migratory journey at the Dana Point Festival of Whales. This weekend, I enjoyed sampling clam chowder, supporting the Dinghy Dash from the water, and engaging with you in the Whale and Dolphin Watching Capital of the World.
  Thank you to the Rancho Mission Viejo family for your $50 million investment in Providence Mission Hospital. The physicians and caregivers work tirelessly to provide compassionate, quality care to the people of Orange County. I look forward to this expansion and investment's further improvement of the experiences of hospital staff, patients, and visitors.
Board of Supervisors Updates:
At the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, the Board approved the extension of the Urgency Ordinance Moratorium on Large-Scale Battery Energy Storage (BESS) facilities for 10 and a half months. This is to give County staff the necessary time to work with the utility companies, industry experts, and the OC Fire Authority to identify where we could support the development of BESS facilities with the highest standards of safety. These facilities have the potential to stabilize energy costs, but it cannot at the expense of public safety.
The Board then approved an operating license for JSX to enable the private charter to provide expanded service at John Wayne Airport. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to supporting operators who follow the County’s curfew and passenger limits, and fly the newest generation of cleaner, quieter, and environmentally friendly aircraft.
“I am deeply grateful for the leadership of Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley and JWA Airport Director Charlene Reynolds, who worked tirelessly to make this come to fruition,” said JSX CEO Alex Wilcox. “We look forward to continuing to serve as a responsible and innovative member of the Orange County aviation community, providing more travelers with access to our seamless public charter flights on low-noise aircraft.”
We directed OC Animal Care to prepare a plan to expand operating hours for unscheduled visits, assign a community liaison, increase online data reporting, and an analyze Trap, Neuter, and Release practices of neighboring jurisdictions.
The Board declared March as “Procurement Month” in recognition of our County Procurement Office. This office was initiated in 2021 as a collaboration between my office and Buena Park City Councilmember Connor Traut when seeking opportunities for government agencies to partner on contracts to reduce costs and increase efficiency for taxpayers. After meeting with affordable housing developers and discussing ways government can cut red tape and decrease the costs to develop housing, we identified the need to drive down the costs of materials. Our County Procurement Office Maria Agrusa and I worked to procure steel & lumber contracts, and now materials for these projects cost 5% less.
 My deepest gratitude to our valued County social workers as the Board proclaimed March “Social Work Month.” In 2024 in District 5, our social workers supported over 305 elders and dependent adults, provided 4,936 residents with in-home support and 2,781 residents with CalWorks assistance, and placed 161 youth into safe and nurturing homes.
As the Chair of the Orange County Housing Finance Trust, this week, I participated in opening 144 units funded in part by the County and OCHFT. Two new affordable housing communities providing OC families with 85 units at Archways Santa Ana, and 66 units for seniors at Orchard View Gardens in Buena Park on land donated by the St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church.
 Left to right: Here I am with Health Care Agency Director Dr. Veronica Kelley, Santa Ana Councilmembers Jessie Lopez and Jonathan Ryan Hernandez, Supervisor Sarmiento, Chairman Doug Chaffee, Buena Park Vice Mayor Connor Traut, Buena Park Councilmembers Lamiya Hoque and Carlos Franco, HUD Director Spencer, and Kyle Paine.
This week, I enjoyed showcasing draft designs for the Costa Mesa Skate Park expansion shaped by ideas from residents like you. As a long-time advocate for our local Costa Mesa skateboarding community, I look forward to breaking ground on this 15,000 square foot expansion later this year.
 Here I am with Costa Mayor John Stephens and members of the community.
At our March Wellness Walk, we explored Irvine Spectrum Center, one of the Fabulous Fifth District’s premier outdoor shopping destinations and home to the iconic giant Ferris Wheel. After a rainy week, the sun came out just in time for us to get our mile walk in!
 I enjoyed attending the City of Irvine’s State of the City Address by Mayor Larry Agran and connecting with community members and leaders. The City of Irvine continues to rank as one of America’s safest cities and leads the way in housing, business, and environmental protections. I’m honored to serve Irvine residents in the Fifth District.
 Top LtR: Irvine City Councilmembers Mike Carroll, Melinda Liu, William Go, Vice Mayor James Mai, and Councilmember Kathleen Treseder. Bottom LtR: Mayor Larry Agran and Assistant City Manager Michelle Grettenberg.
In the spirit of Women’s History Month, I enjoyed celebrating the Greater Irvine Chamber‘s Women of Influence honorees, who lead and succeed in the Orange County business community: Dr. Cynthia West, Daniela Schardinger, Annette Morgan, Timorei Spaulding, and Suzanna Tashiro Choi.
Upcoming Events:
Fourth Annual Women Making a Difference Awards
Join me in celebrating the Fifth District women educators who inspire, educate, and unite our communities at my Fourth Annual Women Making a Difference Awards. This year’s theme is “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” All are welcome to join the celebration on March 29, 2025, at 10am. RSVP soon to attend as we are almost sold out: https://bit.ly/wmad2025
 Be well,
 Katrina Foley
Vice Chair
County of Orange
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In This Edition
Read more about local events, community and health news, District and County initiatives, and other important updates!
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Upcoming Board of Supervisors Meeting on March 25, 2025
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Staff Updates
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
 Also this week, the policy team and I prepared Vice Chair Foley for her Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency meeting next Monday, March 17. One item that Supervisor Foley discussed with staff was her disappointment in the BNSF on time stats for 2024. Especially since they moved all the dispatchers out of state which has caused delays due to failure to know the area. Please join us in person for this meeting or watch the live stream here: Live LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency Board of Directors Meeting Broadcast.
Adam Tallabas
District Director
As Supervisor Foley’s team leader for the Veterans Advisory Team, I helped plan the Women Veterans Mental Health Symposium alongside OC Black Chamber President & D5 Veterans Advisory Team member Bobby McDonald. The stories from the panelists, including the our Health Care Agency’s own Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, were incredibly moving and informative. Women veterans face unique challenges related to their health both while in the service & after – and service providers need to be ready to address them appropriately.
This week, I began contacting the selected participants in our Summer Intern Cohort! We look forward to working with this group of bright young minds. Additionally, I attended a meeting hosted by People for Housing OC, alongside various County/City representatives and discussed next steps on creating a universal portal for affordable housing units in Orange County.
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 Top Left: Here I am with Bobby McDonald, President of OC Black Chamber, Top Right: With Irvine Councilmember Melinda Liu’s Chief of Staff Evette Kim – both members of the D5 Veterans Advisory Team!
Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
Robbie Labounty
District Representative
Hi District 5! This week I went to a special Coast Community College District meeting about the potential downsizing of the OCC Harry & Grace Steele Children’s Center. The Supervisor was saddened to hear about the restructuring, since both of her sons attended the center as kids. I spoke on behalf of the Supervisor to relay that we will work with OCC and the center to identify funding solutions and help provide more childcare service opportunities, not fewer.
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Abby Paulson
District Associate
Happy Friday D5! This week, I joined San Clemente Mayor Steve Knoblock, the City of San Clemente, and the Kiwanis Club at the Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast where local faith groups, community leaders, and residents came together with gratitude and unity. We look forward to continued partnership serving the residents of San Clemente.
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 Pictured with Mayor Steve Knoblock and wife Twyla
I welcomed Riverbank, a non-profit providing resources for families and children in need, to the Fabulous Fifth District. Our office is grateful for the extraordinary work they do serving the community.
 I also celebrated Coastal Dental’s five-year anniversary with the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and connected with San Clemente residents at the Grand Opening for TailoredSpace and San Clemente Chamber Mixer.
Intern Update
Policy Intern Luca Shakoori headed over to the OCIACC Nowruz Festival & Market with his family on Sunday to celebrate the upcoming Persian New Years and shared some words from our office in Farsi. On Tuesday, he went down to the Newport Beach City Council Meeting to update the community on our office’s efforts to prevent the recreational abuse of Nitrous Oxide (aka NOX or laughing gas) and the impressive bond refinance by OCTA last week that saved OC taxpayers at least $10.5 million.
 On Tuesday, Mecca traveled to the Irvine Unified School District to give an update on current events on the County level. From extending invites to Supervisor Foley’s fourth annual Women Making a Difference brunch to relaying the news about the newly implemented directive to Orange County Animal Care that including adding a new community liaison, additional operating hours, and even analyzing our current Trap, Neuter, and Release program.
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. To Apply: Submit your CV or resume, a short bio, and the linked application to Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com.
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. 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.
Public Safety Update
OC Public Works E-Bike Safety Tips:
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Purchase e-bikes produced by known manufacturers with standard safety features (e.g. motor-interrupt brake levers, class sticker, reflectors, etc.).
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BEFORE RIDING: Wear an approved helmet & check your tires, brake, handlebar, and motor. Take extra care before you decide to ride at night. Use reflective gear and lights to make yourself more visible.
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WHILE RIDING: Understand the rules for e-bikes in your area, watch for obstacles and speed limits, & yield to pedestrians.
Please see the latest Dana Point Harbor Oversight Advisory Committee updates here.
OC Board of Supervisors Approved Amendment to Gravois Aluminum Boats DBA Metal Shark Contract
The Board of Supervisors approved a plan to update Orange County Harbor Patrol’s Police and Fire boat fleet with metal sharks, to support our law enforcement in keeping Newport, Sunset Huntington, and Dana Point Harbors safe for families to enjoy. Learn more here.
A Message From The Marina at Dana Point
Boater Lot 1 and the commercial areas of the harbor can be accessed by way of Casitas Pl. 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 remain fully open and operating. Please contact the marina office with any questions, (949) 496-6137.
Health News
Measles Information
OC Health Care Agency COVID-19 Update
Order your for free at home test kits: Order your tests here.
Free Naloxone Deliveries in Orange County - FentanylSolution.org
FentanylSolution.org offers 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. Request free delivery of Naloxone: 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.
Apply for the SCAG Scholarship!
Pet of the Week
Meet Pet of the Week, Oslo!
Leap into a lifetime of love with Oslo! This six-year-old husky has spent the last year brewing up his love and affection, and he's ready to pour his heart into his forever family.
Here's what Oslo's been up to:
Not only is Oslo a pro at fetch and zoomies, but he's also obedient, affectionate, and full of fun! If you're looking for a loyal and playful companion, Oslo (A1858489) is the perfect match. Make his dream come true and call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 to adopt him 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.
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
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!
Committee Appointments
If you have questions or comments that you'd like to share, in relation to the committees below, please email me at Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com
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Thank you for being an active member of our County.
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