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| Volume 5 | Issue 18 |
May 2, 2025 |
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Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear neighbor:
Every day, my office works to build a safer, healthier, more economically thriving Orange County for us all to call home. This week, Fitch Ratings announced the County maintained its designation as an AAA-rated organization with a financially stable outlook. This reflects our strong fiscal health and responsible financial management – despite turmoil at the State and Federal government. I remain committed to protecting our taxpayer dollars, investing strategically, and growing our local economy for the future.
Growing our economy must be a shared endeavor, and all of us play a part. Small businesses make up 96% of Orange County’s businesses, serving as the backbone of our thriving economy in the Fabulous Fifth. Our public protection budget derives mainly from Prop 172 sales tax. Join me in supporting our economy and public safety funding by investing in local businesses. Next week is Small Business Week, but we need to intentionally shop local every day to support a strong local economy.
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 In other County news, the Board of Supervisors held a series of first-round interviews to find our next CEO of Orange County. I seek a candidate with California county experience who brings creative, innovative bold ideas, especially for reducing costs and boosting our community’s economic growth. I value your input. Please email me what you want us to prioritize for our next CEO to Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com.
A Glance at My Week:
Safety
I’m honored to work alongside local leadership, victims’ advocates, and survivors to build a safe Orange County for all of us to call home. I joined Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer at his Crime Victims’ Rights Ceremony. Thank you to those who shared their stories of immeasurable grief and resilience, a reminder that our responsibility to victims extends far beyond conviction.
 Upper Left: Paying my respects at the Crime Victims Memorial with Laguna Beach Mayor Alex Rounaghi and Laguna Beach Police Chief Jeff Calvert; Upper Right: District Attorney Todd Spitzer, Supervisor Don Wagner, Chairman Doug Chaffee, Founder/CEO of Crime Survivors Patricia Wenskunas, and Waymakers Chief Program Officer Lita Mercado.
Expect suspension of passenger rail service through San Clemente for the next six weeks, as OCTA crews begin emergency efforts to stabilize sections of track threatened by landslides and coastal erosion. OCTA expects to add 240,000 cubic yards of sand in front of the boulders next to the track, and construct a 1,400-foot debris catchment wall to protect the tracks from landslides. Passengers, check metrolinktrains.com/service-updates for the latest rail service updates.
 Orange County residents deserve safe streets and neighborhoods. This week, I hosted a Public Safety Town Hall in Rancho Mission Viejo with OC Sheriff's Department, California Highway Patrol, and OC Public Works. We provided updates about our work on traffic calming, E-Bike safety measures, and planned road improvements. Please consider sharing your drive and roadway safety feedback through our transportation safety survey. We value your input.
 With Captain Isaac Felter of the OC Sheriff’s Department, Commander Tannon Brown of CHP, & Dennis Bilodeau from OC Public Works. Our town hall gathered a crowd of more than 100 engaged residents.
As promised, I received an update about Ortega Highway improvement plans which you can read in the community investments section below.
Sexual violence ends with all of us. When I first joined the Board, thousands of backlogged rape kits dating back to the 1990s gathered dust at the County of Orange. I voted to help our County clear the backlog to bring justice to sexual assault victims. Under my watch, we will always work to avoid unconscionable delays of justice for sexual assault victims. Team Foley wore denim on April 30 in honor of Denim Day, spreading awareness about sexual violence and the role victim-blaming plays in injustices toward survivors. Help is available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Find resources here.
 Since my 2022 investigative hearing on reducing Orange County fentanyl deaths, we've reduced fentanyl deaths by more than 9%, but we still have a lot of work to do. In light of Fentanyl Awareness Day this week, we urge continued efforts to ensure families have access to life-saving resources like naloxone, while also holding drug traffickers responsible. We’ve hosted a series of fentanyl townhalls throughout the Fifth District this past year because education and distribution of naloxone remains critical to reducing fentanyl poisonings in Orange County. Learn more: https://www.fentanylisforeveroc.org/
 From my past town halls on addressing the opioid crisis in Orange County with Community College District, Orange Coast College, the OC Sheriff's Department, and our OC Health Care Agency.
The success of Orange County Probation’s Day Reporting Centers (DRCs) shows rehabilitation works when people have the right tools for lasting change. I’m so pleased with the work of our Probation Department under Chief Hernandez’ leadership. With re-conviction rates dropping from 42% to as low as 3% for those who complete programming, DRCs help individuals break the cycle of reoffending and reduce strain on our justice system, helping us invest in a safer, more sustainable future for our communities.
 Veterans
This week, I met with my Veterans Advisory Team to discuss cuts to our mental health initiatives through OC Vets and US Vets, legislation we are sponsoring for Veterans and their families, including AB571 by Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva that exempts our Veterans Cemetery from CEQA, and SB55 by Senator Tom Umberg that allows Gold Star families to visit State Parks for free.
To lend your voice to support AB571 contact Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva by clicking here: A67.asmdc.org/contact
We also continued planning for Memorial Day events and Flag Day, in honor of our Veterans.
 Today I visited the site of the 150-acre Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon with my Veterans Advisory Committee. The Environmental review is already complete. The City of Anaheim approved the Environmental Impact Report addendum unanimously. The land is deeded. The funding — $20 million from my efforts at the County and $30 million from the state — is secured. We are ready for shovels to hit the dirt. The County of Orange, CalVet, and the Orange County Cemetery District work to finalize a shared-cost agreement to streamline operations and long-term maintenance. With each milestone, our collective efforts — legislative, legal, and financial — turn momentum into reality. The vision is clear. The plan is in place. And the path is forward. Orange County’s 105,000 veterans have waited long enough — now is the time to deliver.
  Middle left: With Evette Kim, Michelle de la Cruz, Nick Berardino, Bill Cook, CalVet Secretary Lindsey Sin, Bobby McDonald, & Hugh Crooks; Middle right: Assemblywoman Sharon Qurik-Silva and CalVET Secetary Lindsey Sin; Lower Left: Hugh Crooks, Bobby McDonald, Michelle de la Cruz, me, Evette Kim, & CEO Michelle Aguirre; Lower Right: Here I am with my Veterans Advisory Committee: Evette Kim, Dr. Jameeka Aaron, Bobby McDonald, Chase Wickersham, & Nick Berardino.
John Wayne Airport
Congratulations to the 2024 Fly Friendly winners who demonstrated extraordinary commitment to reduce noise and pollution from general aviation. Special thanks to our general aviation jet operators and fixed-based operators Clay Lacy Aviation and ACI Jet for soaring above and beyond in adopting greener practices by educating and encouraging pilots to fly quieter flight paths to protect surrounding communities. Our 12 winners earned rankings based on their total number of annual operations:
 Upper Left: Honoring Clay Lacy for educating and encouraging pilots to fly quieter flight paths to protect surrounding communities.
In other exciting airport news, the County of Orange celebrated JSX Air's new base of operations at Jay’s Aircraft Maintenance this week after three years of effort. The partnership with JSX benefits Orange County’s economic development and aligns with our vision to green up our airport, while also providing convenient state-of-the-art travel services to customers. I especially love that JSX flies a newer generation of cleaner, quieter, and environmentally friendly aircraft. Welcome to your new home, JSX!
 Upper Left: Cutting the ribbon with Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens, JWA Director Charlene Reynolds, JSX CEO Alex Wilcox, and JSX Vice President of Airport Affairs Ken Edmondson; Lower Right: With our excellent OC Sheriff’s team, who provide Airport Police Services and enforce the provisions of the Airport Rules and Regulations.
On Thursday, I met with County Department Directors to get updates on the Capital Improvement Programs future investments in the Fabulous Fifth over the next seven years. We discussed projects related to our airport, libraries, parks, animal care, and roads. There were two notable road updates I’m excited to bring back to the Fifth District:
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Laguna Canyon Road Improvements: Caltrans has begun the next phases of the Laguna Canyon Road Improvement Project, a cooperative project with the County, enhancing safety and mobility from El Toro Road to SR-73. This includes shoulder widening for new bike lanes, improved drainage, and utility undergrounding. Southern California Edison is currently undergrounding overhead lines, with completion expected by Summer 2025. This week, Caltrans also began constructing a check dam to support drainage improvements. This combined project is slated for completion by Spring 2026.
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State Route 74 Lower Ortega Highway Gap Closure Project: Caltrans is also progressing in plans to widen State Route 74 from Calle Entradero to Reata Road, expanding the highway from two to four lanes. This cooperative project with the County includes new paved shoulders for bike lanes and a painted median to improve safety and traffic flow. The County is currently reviewing the 95% complete design plans, with final design expected by Spring 2026. Construction is projected to begin by early 2027.
 Team Foley with OC Public Works Director Kevin Onuma, JWA Director Charlene Reynolds, OC Parks Director Pam Passow, OC County Librarian Julie Quillman, OC Animal Care Director Monica Schmidt, and OCCR Director Dylan Wright.
We continued our conversation around reshaping policy and shifting trade dynamics at the Cal State University Fullerton/Small Business Development Center (SBDC) “Economic and Trade Forecast” event. SBDC shared a recap of their recent trip to Vietnam where they met with business leaders and learned about the economic drivers in the Vietnamese economy. Then Dr. Anil Puri and Dr. Mira Farka gave a macro update and forecast on our economy, covering potential impacts of tariffs and the effects on consumer and business confidence, as well as impacts on inflation.
Community Engagements
At the Newport-Mesa Schools Foundation Teacher Awards Banquet, I enjoyed celebrating the valued educators shaping the Fabulous Fifth District. My husband is a teacher and I’ve witnessed his passion for education and mentorship for 30 years. The impact of our teachers extends beyond the classroom, empowering students to invest in themselves creatively, physically, and with discipline for learning and good citizenship. Congratulations to the following grant recipients and Teachers of the Year:
- Kirby Piazza/Costa Mesa High "Empowering Young Artists w/Printmaking Tools"
- Ryan Longacre/ TeWinkle Elementary "ImPRESSive Art/Print Press"
- Garrett Young/Costa Mesa High "Orchestrating Equity/Cellos"
- Kelly Archibald/Killybrooke Elementary "Multi-Positional Mobile Platform Stage"
- Tim McFadden/Rea Elementary "Enhancing Music Education/Flutes"
- Erick Sanchez/Wilson Elementary "Drum Up Literacy/Snare Drums"
 
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Aimee Gealer, Adams Elementary
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Megan Merrick, Andersen Elementary
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Jennifer Carter, Back Bay High
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Macaulay Guyser, California Elementary
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Destiny Ramos-Rios, College Park Elementary
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Konstantina Polychronopoulos Montez, Corona del Mar Middle/High
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Tina Taylor, Costa Mesa Middle/High
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Megan Manning, Davis Magnet
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Jody Green, Early College High
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Travis Lagerlof, Eastbluff Elementary
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Roxana Rain, Ensign Intermediate
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Amber Reyes, Estancia High
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Jennifer Alvarado, Harbor View Elementary
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Carolyn Hanson, Kaiser Elementary
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Stephanie Davidson, Newport Coast
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Matthew Burns, Newport Harbor High
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Lindsay Zawatsky, Newport Heights Elementary
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Kiara Etchechury, Paularino Elementary
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Erica Ramos, Rea Elementary
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Tammy Evans, Sonora Elementary
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Danielle Moran, TeWinkle Middle
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Dulce Maria Teresita Pena-Wing, Whittier Elementary
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Carolina Escobar, Wilson Elementary
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Kelleen Michelle Napper, Woodland Elementary
At the Wooden Floor Annual Breakfast, we celebrated the organization’s mission: to inspire and transform the lives of young people through the power of dance and access to higher education. As a ballerina growing up, I learned discipline, creativity, and confidence. Congratulations to the Class of 2025! I look forward to witnessing your progress.
  Top: With Supervisor Sarmiento; Bottom left: With Janet Ray, Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens, & CEO Dawn Reese; Bottom right: With two scholarship recipients, Carlos & Denise.
On Wednesday, we commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War at Heroes Hall in Costa Mesa. The exhibit, “Echoes of Conflict: Remembering Vietnam,” offers a powerful look at this complex chapter in history. Home to the largest Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam, Orange County has historically welcomed many war refugees who have since become business owners, educators, community leaders and more.
 Upper Left: Irvine Councilmember Melinda Liu & I with U.S. Marine Vietnam Combat Veteran, Heroes Hall Veterans Foundation Board Member and retired OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino; Bobby McDonald, Joanna Svensson, and Nick Berardino.
This week the Pacific Symphony welcomed Alexander Shelley as the new music director. My husband Casey and I attended last night and really enjoyed the performance. I encourage you to check it out. I like to say that a few hours at the Pacific Symphony is tantamount to a brain massage. Enjoy!
Have a safe and fun weekend in the Fabulous Fifth. Remember to shop local!
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 May 6, 2025
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Staff Updates
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Adam Tallabas
District Director
This week, I joined the LGBTQ Center’s Indigo Ball in Newport Beach, representing our office’s support of OC's LGBTQ+ community. I enjoyed chatting with community members, representatives from OCTA, and the founders of the famous NOH8 campaign, a charitable organization promoting marriage, gender, and human equality through education, social media advocacy, and visual protest. Their work made a vital impact on the Obergefell decision in 2015 and becomes increasingly relevant again today.
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 With Founder of OC LGBTQ+ Center, Peg Corley.
I also met with Tommy Lawton of United States Senator Adam Schiff’s office to discuss our office's work on increased housing accessibility, combatting coastal erosion, and transportation improvements in the Fifth District. We look forward to further collaboration with our federal representatives on investing in a healthier, safer, economically thriving OC for you to call home.
Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
Orange County families deserve access to low-cost quality childcare, where kids get a head start on education and parents receive whole family supports. In Orange County, full-time, center-based childcare for an infant or toddler averages $15,650 per year, while the annual cost for preschoolers is $10,000. Today, I welcomed guests to the Conditions of Children Forum hosted by First 5 Orange County, where we discussed solutions for the lack of childcare for Orange County parents and families. Our office remains committed to exploring solutions to maintain and expand childcare providers and building partnerships with County organizations like First 5 OC.
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Robbie Labounty
District Representative
Hello, District 5! This week, I helped coordinate a town hall in Rancho Mission Viejo focused on public safety. Vice Chair Foley shared updates on traffic safety improvements in RMV and collected resident feedback. If you’re interested in attending a town hall in your community, please reach out and let us know -- and don't forget to fill out the Traffic Safety Survey!
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Abby Paulson
District Associate
Hi D5! I dropped in to the City of San Clemente's Grand Opening of their new Pump Track. Thanks to the efforts of the Orange County Mountain Bike Association, Shimano, the City of San Clemente, and the Friends of San Clemente Foundation, residents of the Fabulous Fifth District now enjoy a half-acre of skateboarding and mountain-biking track, perfect for getting outside, staying active, and building community. Our office looks forward to further collaborating with our cities and departments on creating more recreational opportunities throughout the Fabulous Fifth.
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 I also attended the San Clemente State of the City, where Mayor Steve Knoblock defined San Clemente as “Superlative and healthy.” This year, major updates the city plans for major updates to the historic pier and T-Street Beach, with more renovations coming in the years leading up to the Olympics. The city’s goal for the next year includes providing a safe, crime free, and recreation friendly city. Our office looks forward to further collaboration on renourishing San Clemente beaches
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.
FY 2025–26 Recommended Budget Public Workshop
The County of Orange invites the public to a workshop to review and discuss the County’s FY 2025–26 Recommended Budget, featuring a presentation by the County’s Budget and Finance Office, followed by a Q&A session where attendees can engage directly with County staff.
Attendees are encouraged to register for either session of the workshop to receive access details for the virtual session. To register for the virtual workshops, visit cfo.ocgov.com/public-workshop.
For regular updates from my Dana Point Harbor Advisory Committee on all things Revitalization, click here.
Health News
What You Need to Know About Mosquito Season:
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.
Join me in supporting our Fabulous Fifth small businesses this National Business Week, from May 4 –10, 2025 and explore this Orange County small business directory.
Upcoming Events
Hoag OC Marathon on May 3 & 4, 2025
Enjoy fun for all ages and abilities – elite runners to walkers will enjoy the 21st annual Hoag OC Marathon event May 3 & 4, 2025. Check out the Lifestyle & Fitness Expo, Celebrate OC Festival, and OC Marathon events Friday through Sunday, throughout the bayside of Costa Mesa.
State of the Great Park
On May 6, from 4-7 p.m., join the City of Irvine for a one-of-a-kind, interactive community experience at the State of the Great Park, where residents, neighbors, and visitors can explore the past, celebrate the present, and envision the exciting future of one of the nation’s most ambitious public park projects.
Samueli Foundation Grant Applications Now Open for $10 Million in New Funding Opportunities for OC Nonprofits
To support critical Orange County nonprofit needs, The Samueli Foundation has launched two new, open application funds totaling $10M in 2025 funding. The Breakaway and Build OC Funds are designed to address several of the findings that emerged from the recently released Orange County Nonprofit Needs Assessment (OCNNA), a novel research project commissioned by the Samueli Foundation, done in collaboration with the Orange County Community Foundation.
Skate-O-Rama
The Skateboard Moms and Sisters of Shred are ramping up for the 21st Annual Mighty Mama Skate-O-Rama on May 11 at 10 a.m. at Laguna Niguel Skatepark. Proceeds from the Awesome Auction will benefit Waymakers OC, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping us build safer communities by helping kids and teens navigate through crisis and land on a better path toward strength and stability.
Upcoming Events at OC Public Libraries
    
SoCal Gas Grants
Pet of the Week
Meet Pet of the Week, Sheila!
Orange County's Next Top Model is here! Sheila is a beautiful three-year-old German Shepherd who wants a career as your loving pet! Among all the models (aka shelter pets) competing for the #1 spot, Sheila is confident she'll impress you with her beauty and grace. She prefers the solo spotlight and would be best suited in a home with no other pets. Call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention her animal ID A1854179 to foster or adopt Sheila today!
Please visit our Pet Adoptions page to see more adoptable pets.
Support Our Local Museums
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 and Dana Point! Visit www.newportwhales.com, www.danawharf.com, and Captain Dave's to 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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