A Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley

County of Orange, California sent this bulletin at 04/04/2025 03:12 PM PDT

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Volume 5 | Issue 14

April 4, 2025

Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley

Supervisor’s Message

Dear neighbor:

This year’s Women Making a Difference Recognition Brunch inspired. We honored more than 60 educators, community leaders, business owners, and dedicated volunteers -- a record-breaking number of trailblazing and influential women making a difference across the Fifth District.

The 2025 theme for Women’s History Month was “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” During a time of uncertainty for women and educators, I feel honored to see women continue breaking barriers and building up the next class of women leaders in Orange County. Thank you, Strawberry Farms Golf Club, for your beautiful venue and a smooth event. I already look forward to next year’s fifth annual celebration of Women Making a Difference in the Fifth District!

Thank you to Girl Scout Troop 5467 and local singer Rachel Hall for leading us in the Presentation of Colors and the National Anthem.

A glance at my week:

This week, I met with the following community leaders to discuss how my office can help build a healthier, safer, economically thriving Orange County: the Acjachemen Nation, Toxic Free OC, San Clemente Chamber of Commerce, Easterseals, Olive Crest, Environmental Nature Center and the Great Park Collaborative.

Pictured with San Clemente Chamber, Acjachemen Nation, Environmental Nature Center, and Toxic Free OC

I spent Tuesday in Sacramento advocating for Orange County on a wide array of issues, including our fair share of state funding for emergency response and coastal protection. We also pushed for tighter rules for illegally-sold Nitrous Oxide, funding for Talbert Park Master Plan, and more local control regulating battery energy storage facilities. It was great to run into our local representatives from the UA Local 582 and Orange County Employees Association Court Reporters. Fun fact: OC is the only County in CA that’s fully staffed with Court Reporters.

Top Left to Right: Here I am with Asm. Cottie Petrie-Norris, Asm. Blanca Pacheo, Sen. Catherine Blakespear, and CA State Parks. Lower Left: Local Pipefitters. Lower Right: All smiles with our OC Court Reporters.

Recent news of toxic algae blooms and sick sea lions washing up on the shores of Laguna and Newport signal our current climate condition. Toxic algae form as our ocean heats up. Fish eat the algae, then sea lions eat the fish and fall sick and have seizures. Thank you to the dedicated researchers at Laguna Beach’s Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) for treating more than 60 sick sea lions in the last two weeks and for protecting the health and safety of beach-going residents and tourists. I look forward to continued advocacy with PMMC at their Top Chef fundraiser this weekend in Laguna Beach.

Seal on Laguna Beach, posing for PMMC rescuers

Photo Credit: Pacific Marine Mammal Center

Last year we secured more than $300 million to protect four hot spots of the LOSSAN rail corridor most vulnerable to erosion. This week, OCTA requested emergency permits to begin our erosion preventative measures, including replenishing more than 540,000 cubic yards of sand along San Clemente’s beaches and building a preventative catchment wall to protect against landslides. Our LOSSAN Rail Corridor is crucial to national security, particularly for Camp Pendleton and San Onofre Nuclear Plant, and is a means of commuting for the millions of residents and tourists fueling our economy. We must cut through the red tape now to save taxpayer dollars and coastal livelihoods later. Listen to my interview with KNX here.

On Wednesday, I joined the Orange Coast League of Women Voters Climate Group, and shared updates on our County Climate Action Plan currently in the evaluation process, flying cleaner and greener planes through John Wayne Airport, and sand nourishment.

I discussed the County’s commitment to sustainable development with the Dana Point Harbor Partners this week. The brand-new docks at the Marina at Dana Point feature substantial environmental upgrades with environmentally-friendly materials, and the new parking structure will feature new electric vehicle chargers. I then met with my Dana Point Harbor Advisory Committee later in the week. You can read the committee updates here and below.

Thank you to Rivian for hosting this morning as I joined Laguna Beach Mayor Alex Rounaghi in addressing the Laguna Board of Realtors about successfully building 10,304 housing units across the County. We must address rising costs of housing, materials, and development in order to build more homes, and increase supply for prospective homeowners. People who work, study, and enjoy recreation in our County should be able to live and thrive in communities they've invested in.

Laguna Beach Board of Realtors on Housing

I enjoyed supporting local community radio at KXFM’s Laguna Achievement Festival, featuring great music, live entertainment, and delicious Laguna small businesses like AhbA and Rasta Taco, and celebrating Laguna’s artistic roots. With such a big media market around us, we must support local outlets dedicated to sharing the news happening right here in Orange County.

Top Left to Bottom Left: Heidi Miller; US Congressman Harley Rouda (Ret.) & Kaira Rouda; Laguna Beach Councilmember Hallie Jones. Top Right: Laguna Beach Mayor Alex Rounaghi. Bottom Right: Presenting singer Molly Bergman with Woman Artist of the Year Award.

I met with Dr. Angelica Suarez, President of Orange Coast College (OCC), and Coast Community District President Elizabeth Parker to discuss the OCC Children’s Center, which is facing cuts to services that benefit families and students. I implored OCC to work with the community on maintaining and increasing desperately-needed childcare for students, OCC staff, and the public. I remain committed to exploring solutions for expanding access to childcare, and building partnerships to ensure we keep childcare options available for those who need it most.

I also discussed updates on our County Master Plan for Aging with CEO Michelle Aguirre. For the more than 650,000 seniors in Orange County – most of whom call the Fabulous Fifth home –- our goals include ensuring seniors can afford to live and age here, receive quality caregiving, maintain their physical and mental health, and build community in their golden years.

Upcoming Events:

April Wellness Walk

On April 9, 2025, at 6pm, join us for a Wellness Walk at Fashion Island! We’ll meet at the Restoration Hardware/ Ocean Grill entrance, facing Newport Center Drive. For ease of access, we recommend parking in Lots 8 & 9, near Macy’s and Restoration Hardware. RSVP here to confirm your participation.

I'm looking forward to taking a break tonight and a date night with my husband Casey.

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

Letter of Support for SoCal Coastal Water Research Project's Ultra Plastic Sensor Development

Upcoming Board of Supervisors Meeting on April 8, 2025

Attend our 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2025 Board of Supervisors Meeting
View the Agenda: Here
See a list of our upcoming 2025 Board meetings: Here

Orange County departments to tighten spending, expand hiring freeze, cut vacant positions

San Clemente beach protection project held up by permit problems

OCTA asking for emergency permit for rail protection project through San Clemente

Mission Viejo moves forward with new regulations on group and sober living homes

Another Orange County City Cracks Down on Sober Living Homes

OCTA submits Emergency Costal Development Permit to expedite work on San Clemente rail corridor

OCTA Submits Emergency Coastal Develop Permit

Vice Chair Foley hosts Annual Women Making a Difference Brunch, Honors Laguna Beach Locals

Vice Chair Katrina Foley Honors Newport Beach Women Making a Difference

Breach sends confidential Orange County emails to disgraced former Supervisor Andrew Do

Post of the Week

UCI makes it to the championships of March Madness!

Staff Updates

Anthony Nguyen

Policy Advisor

Happy April and Happy Friday, District 5! This week, I attended various meetings and briefings to prepare Vice Chair Foley for the Orange County Transportation Authority Regional Transportation Planning Committee Meeting this Monday, April 7, and the Board of Supervisors Meeting this Tuesday, April 8. Join us in person for the Board of Supervisors meeting at 9 a.m. or watch the live stream: Live Board Meeting Broadcast

Lastly, congratulations to Rose Casey on being named Executive Director of Planning for the Orange County Transportation Authority and Dan Phu as the new Director of Transportation Planning and Analysis. Dan has played a vital role in addressing coastal rail challenges for our District and we look forward to working more with Rose and Dan in their new capacity.

Adam Tallabas

District Director

This week, I attended the Solidarity Strike hosted by AFSCME 3299 & UPTE-CWA 9119. Our office supports the working people of Orange County and their fight for fair wages, treatment, and an equitable workplace.

Morgan Goldstein

District Representative

This week I attended the Orange County Older Adults Needs Assessment Report online presentation hosted by the OC Office on Aging. Are you a senior who wants to share your thoughts on the County’s Master Plan for Aging? Submit your priorities for your community here so we can make sure your voice is included in our discussions.

Robbie Labounty

District Representative

Hi, District 5! This week I attended the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s 62nd Scholarship Awards dinner. I felt honored to present certificates recognizing the outstanding achievements of our exceptional students who will continue contributing to the excellence of our district. Congratulations to the two teachers of the year Gwen Gaylord of Newport Harbor High School and Joanne Chen of Sage Hill School, for their work educating the next generation.

Left: Teacher of the Year, Gwen Gaylord. Right: Dr Jake Haley principal of CDM, Trustee Lisa Pearson, Dr Wesley Smith- Superintendent, and NMUSD board member Carol Crane

Abby Paulson

District Associate

Happy Friday D5! This week, I spoke at the San Juan Capistrano City Council Meeting, sharing updates on Vice Chair Foley’s work advocating for safety regulations and local control surrounding BESS facilities.

I also attended a Legislative Briefing Breakfast hosted by Children’s Hospital of Orange County. I learned about the amazing child wellness programs, such as their child life program, spirituality care, and family wellness focus. I also toured the incredible facilities that make one of our most vulnerable populations feel at home during their treatment. Thank you to all of the caregivers, hospital staff, and medical professionals working tirelessly to help our youth feel healthy, happy, and comfortable.

Interns

This week, our team wished our Policy Fellow Mecca McFadden the best of luck in all her future endeavors as her Fellowship came to an end. Thank you, Mecca, for all of the laughter and joy you brought our office. We can't wait to see all the incredible things you achieve next!

County Updates:

Join the Orange County Ethics Commission

District 5 seeks 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. 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.

Provide Feedback Here

For more details, visit: cfo.ocgov.com

Public Safety Update

Toxic-Free OC

This week I met with Toxic-Free OC, a community group working to end the spraying of toxic herbicides and pesticides in Aliso Viejo parks since 2023. Through their tireless advocacy, the Aliso Viejo Community Association (AVCA) terminated their contract with their landscaper, ensuring AVCA neighborhoods remain non-toxic for all. Thank you to Tracy Blum, Carolyn McCuan, and Melissa Christian from Toxic-Free OC and AVCA Board President, Lisa Naegele, for keeping our communities safe! Check out the map below of non-toxic areas in Aliso Viejo:

Dana Point Harbor News

Read the latest from the Marina at Dana Point to learn more about the Harbor Revitalization project.

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.

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. For more information about measles, visit www.cdc.gov/measles or www.ochealthinfo.com/measles.

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 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.

Community News

JWA Advisory Committee Update

The County Board of Supervisors 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.”

RAD Camp Update

Thank you for your incredible support of RAD Camp this year, we couldn’t have done it without you! We value your dedication to our mission in making RAD a reality to (a record!) 226 families and over 800 volunteers this past year! We recently finished our 2024 Annual Report and I hope you’ll take a moment to see how your contribution has helped shape RAD into what it is today. Click here to view the report.

Katie and Megz

Directors of Awesome, RAD Camp

Quantum eMotion Update

Thank you to Vice Chair Foley for attending last month's launch of Quantum eMotion’s first American office in Irvine, in support of our goal to save lives and protect patient and business information using the world’s fastest technology. Learn more here.

Francis Bellido, CEO of Quantum eMotion Corp

Pet of the Week

Meet Pet of the Week, Jordan!

Meet Jordan, a sweet and friendly 4-year-old German Shepherd who’s thriving in her foster home and ready to find her forever family!

If you have other furry friends at home, with slow and proper introductions, Jordan may become their new best buddy! If Jordan (A1888147) sounds like the perfect pet for you, then call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 to schedule a visit with her! 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.

Click here for tickets

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!