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| Volume 5 | Issue 21 |
May 23, 2025 |
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Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear neighbor:
As we head into Memorial Day weekend, please take a moment of silence to remember those who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice for us and our way of life. Always remember, Freedom isn’t Free. We stand in mourning and in remembrance of the ultimate sacrifice made by the countless men and women of our Armed Forces. Each year, in our communities, in our state, and across our great nation, we honor our fallen heroes who have sacrificed for our future, and for our freedom. To the families of fallen service members, we offer our deepest respect, acknowledging your strength, sacrifice, and resilience on this day and every day. My office remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting our Gold Star Families here in Orange County.
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 Top left: With OC Black Chamber President & District 5 Veterans Advisory Team Member Bobby McDonald and US Navy Color Guard; Top right, left to right: Costa Mesa Police Lieutenant Michelle Bradbury, US Army Sergeant Tyrus Ranck (ret.), Costa Mesa Deputy Chief of Police Joyce LaPointe; Bottom right: US Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Tegel (ret.) and Newport-Mesa Unified School Board Member Carol Crane.
This week was dominated by a huge Board of Supervisors Agenda in preparation for the Budget Hearings in early June. We voted on more than 115 items in eight hours, including our upcoming investments of nearly $1 billion in the Fabulous Fifth. These investments support our mission to improve public safety, reduce traffic congestion, upgrade our parks and libraries, and improve regional mobility and provide flood protection for the County of Orange. These continued investments build upon our quality of service at our parks, libraries, animal shelter, roads and highways, and John Wayne Airport.
Advocating for a Safer Community
Our OC Sheriff Department’s Harbor Patrol Bureau protects our entire coastline and three County harbors in Dana Point, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach. Last Friday night, we honored the 50th Anniversary of OC Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol. Deputies conducted more than 200 rescues last year and respond to more than 12,000 calls for service annually, including law enforcement, vessel firefighting, search and rescue, hazardous materials response, port security, wildlife protection, and water safety education. We’re updating our Harbor Patrol fleet with Metal Sharks and upgrading 11 of our fire and patrol boats. Our top-of-the-line team of 61 around-the-clock professionals, including 46 sworn deputies, eight marine shop personnel, four dispatchers, two professional staff members, and one captain, deserve the top-of-the-line tools as they ensure the safety and security of Orange County’s waterways.
 Top left, left to right: OC Sheriff Don Barnes, Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce CEO Steve Rosansky, OC Sheriff Captain Gary Llewelyn; top right: Newport Beach City Councilmember Erik Weigand; bottom left: Newport Beach Mayor Joe Stapleton; bottom right: OC Fire Authority Deputy Chief of Operations TJ McGovern.
This National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, we honored our EMS providers, who put it all on the line to deliver urgent, life-saving care to people across the Fabulous Fifth in times of great need. Whether paramedics, emergency medical technicians, 911 dispatchers, or other first responders, EMS providers serve as a beacon of hope in some of life’s toughest moments. Join me in thanking medical personnel like my Board meeting guest, Care EMT and former president of IAEP Local 370 Ryan Walters, for their dedication to ensuring our community stays safe.
 Top left: Here I am with former IAEP Local 370 President Ryan Walters; Top right: With paramedics and EMTs from Falck; Bottom: Assistant Chief of Emergency Medical Services Rob Capobianco, retired OCFA staffer Linda Verraster, and OCFA staff.
A safe, fun day on the water includes all of the right gear – including a life jacket. As summer approaches, drowning remains the leading cause of death in recreational boating fatalities, with 87 percent of drowning victims not wearing a life jacket. National Safe Boating Week is a timely reminder to protect yourself and others by wearing a life jacket. Stay safe and boat responsibly.
 Top: Wearing my life jacket with Diane of Westwind Sailing in Dana Point, where residents can learn to boat, kayak, and paddleboard safely; Sailing with Sue and the crew of the Tomol through Dana Point Harbor, wearing our life jackets.
Supporting a Healthier Community
At our Board meeting, we recognized Mental Health Awareness Month and the theme, “Break the Silence, Break the Stigma.” By breaking our silence, we take the first step toward breaking the stigma that prevents so many from seeking help. While I am concerned about state cuts to mental health programming, I am proud of the County of Orange's system of care and I ask the state to make good on their promise and work with us to protect our system, allowing us to continue addressing mental health and substance use disorders. Help is just a phone call away at 988.
 Thank you for joining us, OC Health Care Agency.
At the Airport Working Group’s annual meeting this week, I provided updates highlighting the major improvements to the general operations of the airport. The County continues our efforts to focus on noise reduction at John Wayne Airport (JWA) through the FAA approval of new aircraft like the Boeing Max 7, and our Fly Friendly program. We’ve increased the quieter airplane fleet from 8-37% in last three years. Additionally, our board approved $688 million dollars in Capital Improvements. We remain committed to ensuring that our airport remains quiet, efficient, and safe for all travelers and neighbors.
 Presenting John Wayne Airport’s recent accomplishments at the JWA Working Group Annual Meeting.
The Coastal Corridor Alliance invited the public to learn about Randall Preserve, previously known as Banning Ranch. This coastal spot represents a rare opportunity to turn a post-industrial landscape into a thriving open space for us to enjoy. At our Open House this week, we gathered community feedback to shape three guiding documents: a Resource Management Plan, a Public Access Plan, and a Coastal Resilience Strategy. Click here to join us on Monday, June 2 at Norma Hertzog Community Center for our next meeting.
 Here I am with Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris at Randall Preserve.
Ensuring All Residents Have a Place in Orange County to Call Home
Housing is one our most pressing issues, especially as the Board considers our plans for federally required community development for the next five years. The five-year plans published by County staff contemplate normal times, but we are on the precipice of a deepening crisis. If passed, the President’s, “skinny budget,” would gut our Orange County Housing Authority of $95 million that houses 4,700 families and supports more than 20 jobs in the County. As we prepare for County Budget Hearings next week, the chaos in Washington places necessary programs at risk for unnecessary catastrophe.
 At the Orange County Housing Finance Trust meeting, we approved critical funding for two affordable housing projects: Cypress Village in Irvine and Marks Way in Orange. Thank you to Congressman Correa for answering my call and helping to fund this development with a $3 million dollar grant. Providing gap funding and housing vouchers prevents our neighbors from ending up on the street and adds much-needed inventory to the strained housing market.
Investing in Our Community
The Board approved funding for the Wagon Wheel Pavement Rehabilitation Project, repairing and improving road conditions along Oso Parkway in the unincorporated Wagon Wheel area. I’m looking forward to this improvement, particularly because I have the pleasure to serve as “Mayor” of Wagon Wheel. This project includes removing and replacing damaged asphalt, installing pavement reinforcement fabric, adjusting utility infrastructure, and re-establishing traffic markings and signals. Our goal is to improve the Pavement Condition Index from “Fair” to “Very Good,” enhancing public safety and making the area eligible for future transportation funding.
 Thank you to my guests: Mary Ann Foo, OCAPICA, Ualani Ho’opai, Pacific Islander Health Partnership, and Jennifer Wang
For too many years, Capistrano Beach and Doheny State Beach experienced ongoing coastal erosion with little action. The cost of inaction is too great for our neighborhoods, economy, coastal rail, national security, and way of life. Residents, surfers, and businessowners voiced concerns as warning signs increased off our eroding coast. Their warnings went ignored but we must not repeat history. At our Board of Supervisors meeting this week, we approved the design for a living shoreline that will save and hopefully restore this critical mile of coast.
 Celebrating renourishment of our beaches with our first placement of sand last year.
This week I held the first meeting of my Advanced Air Mobility Advisory Group. I brought together the leadership of John Wayne Airport, Clay Lacy Aviation, ACI Jet, Joby, Boeing, Archer, UC Irvine, the Orange County Business Council, and local community leaders to discuss the future of piloted electric air taxis in Orange County. It is essential that we are at the forefront and prepared as this new technology comes online in Orange County, which could be as soon as 2026. Meaningful community outreach is a top priority for me and our group plans to begin conducting public outreach in the fall. Stay tuned.
 Left to right: Here I am with Jacqueline Huynh from UCI, Tamika Lang with Boeing, George Kivork from Joby, Bill Borgsmiller with ACI, JWA Airport Director Charlene Reynolds, D5 Airport Advisory Committee Member Jack Stranberg, Miles Rogers from Archer, Airport Commissioner Sue Dvorak, and Deputy Airport Director of Maintenance Amer Moujtahed.
Engaging with Our Community
Empowered women power Orange County. More than 180 women work at OC Public Works (OCPW), dedicated to ensuring our community stays safe and efficient. Discussions about championing women – financially, professionally, in health, and in life -- we share in spaces like OCPW’s “Women Who L.E.A.D.” series I joined this week, stand out as some of the most enjoyable and fruitful in my twenty-year career in public service. When we foster opportunities for mentoring, connecting, and growing the careers of women in County leadership, our entire community thrives.
 Top: With OC Public Work’s dedicated team of women leaders; Bottom Left: With OCPW Interim Director Kevin Onuma & OCPW Deputy Director Amanda Carr.
The Fabulous Fifth is home to 11 yacht clubs, the heart of Orange County's coastal community. I enjoyed celebrating the 46th Dana West Yacht Club and 73rd Dana Point Yacht Club Opening Days this past weekend, in support of the Fabulous Fifth's Dana Point Harbor and our passionate sailors and boaters whose dedication shapes our coastal community into such a special place to live, work, and play.
 Upper Left: Marla Freeman and Sue Ward; Upper Right: With OC Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol Sargeant Shayne Stiefel; Congratulations to Commodore Sue Ward on captaining the Yacht Club this season.
Last night, I helped the City of Irvine raise the progress flag at Irvine Pride in recognition of Harvey Milk Day. Thank you all for helping create a more inclusive, healthier, and vibrant Orange County.
 Raising the flag with City of Irvine Mayor Larry Agran, Councilmember Betty Martinez Franco, Councilmember Melinda Liu, & Councilmember Kathleen Treseder. Photo credit: OC Register
Join me in honoring Memorial Day at events across the Fabulous Fifth District:
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A special presentation of the Marine Corps traditional Empty Boots ceremony will be held in Dana Point at Pines Park (34941 Camino Capistrano, Dana Point, CA 92624) on May 26, from 10 – 11 am.
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Join the Laguna Beach American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars from 11 am - 12:30 pm on May 26, 2025 at Monument Point in Heisler Park (375 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651), with bagpipes, an honor guard, speakers, and a wreath presentation.
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Honor our fallen servicemembers and our service families on Balboa Island from 12 – 2 pm, at Balboa Island Park (109 Agate Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92662).
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At Laguna Niguel’s Sea Country Community Center, commemorate Memorial Day from 12 – 1:30 pm at (24602 Aliso Creek Rd, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677). This tribute will feature color guard, live music, special guest speaker author Dan Heller, and concluding with a recognition of our veterans and a wreath placement ceremony.
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At San Clemente Community Center (100 N Calle Seville, San Clemente, CA 92672), honor Memorial Day from 11 am – 12 pm.
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At Castaways Park in Newport Beach, honor Memorial Day and our stars and stripes at the Field of Honor (700 Dover Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660).
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Honor Memorial Day in Irvine at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park (4 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA 92606) beginning at 10 am. A Commanding Officer from Irvine's adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion will lead a reflective tribute. For those wishing to express their gratitude, the City will provide cards for you to write messages of support and appreciation to the members of Irvine's adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion.
Take a moment of silence for a service member. Wear your sunscreen,
 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 June 10, 2025
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Staff Updates
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Happy Friday, District 5! This week, the policy team and I supported Vice Chair Foley at the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency Board of Directors Meeting on Monday, May 19 and the Board of Supervisors Meeting on Tuesday, May 20. During the LOSSAN Board meeting, Board Members discussed and received updates on the Federal Corridor Identification and Development Program, Coachella Valley Rail Project, and Pacific Surfliner Service. During the Board of Supervisors Meeting, Vice Chair Foley also shared some updates regarding the San Clemente Rail Closure. Crews continue to make strong progress on emergency efforts to reinforce the most vulnerable areas along the rail line in San Clemente. Project leaders announced this week that they will continue to work seven days a week, including through Memorial Day weekend, to finish the work and safely reopen the track to passenger rail service as soon as possible. Protecting our transportation infrastructure along the coast remains a top priority for Vice Chair Foley. This critical effort of repairing our rail line is about safeguarding our coastal communities, ensuring safe passenger service, and reinforcing our resilience against climate impacts.
This Tuesday, May 27, join us in-person or via livestream for the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors Meeting where Board Members will discuss the Proposed New Fare Media as part of the implementation of the new Rider Validation System scheduled for rollout in October 2025. Lastly, OCTA is reviewing 10 years of Measure M2 to examine how your half-cent sales tax has improved OC’s freeways, streets, transit & environment. This review continues OCTA’s dedication to transparency, accountability & progress in action. For more, please visit octa.net/M2Review. Enjoy a good Memorial weekend everyone.
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Adam Tallabas
District Director
This week I attended the grand opening of Monaco’s Italian Kitchen in Irvine – located in the Irvine Business Complex. I enjoyed meeting the owner, Tony, and his staff, who come together to provide innovative and delicious Italian options. When our office engages with local businessowners, we’re supporting the backbone of our thriving economy: our valued small business community.
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 A few weeks ago, I attended a tour of the Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon. I invite you to watch this video summarizing the tour and the latest updates on the Cemetery. Now, construction begins on this much-needed, long-awaited facility, especially with the passage of AB 571 (Quirk-Silva) preventing any further roadblocks.
Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
Hi, District 5! This week, we continued refining Orange County’s Master Plan for Aging, our blueprint for supporting our growing senior population. As the average age in our community rises, we must plan for a future that prioritizes aging with dignity. The Master Plan addresses key areas like public safety, accessible infrastructure, affordable housing, and fair wages for caregivers. It will be a resource for both policymakers and seniors alike.
We want this plan to reflect the real needs of our District 5 community. Reach out to our office and share your ideas with us! We’d love to hear from those with lived experience.
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Robbie LaBounty
District Representative
Hi District 5! This past weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 8th Annual Love Costa Mesa Day. Volunteers and organizations from all corners of Costa Mesa came together in a remarkable display of unity and dedication, tackling various service projects ranging from painting to essential clean-up efforts.
Join us in our extended Love Costa Mesa Donation Drive -- through May 31, we’re collecting hygiene products such as incontinence supplies, dental hygiene, and more at locations throughout Costa Mesa: Donald Dungan Library (1855 Park Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627), Mesa Verde Library (2969 Mesa Verde Dr E, Costa Mesa, CA 92626), and Costa Mesa City Hall (77 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, Ca 92626).
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 Here I am with Mayor of Costa Mesa John Stephens and Costa Mesa Deputy Chief of Police Joyce LaPointe.
Abby Paulson
District Associate
Happy Friday, D5! This week, I attended the San Clemente City Council meeting and shared updates on the San Clemente coastal rail project, pedestrian trail, and sand replenishment. Vice Chair Foley remains committed to protecting our beautiful coasts and supporting our thriving coastal economy.
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Intern Updates
Willy attended the Save our Youth Awards Night for the Class of 2025 in Costa Mesa, featuring the SOY senior speaker Victor Jimenez of Early College High School. Victor will graduate from our Young Supervisors program later this month, and our office applauds his continued success.
John Wayne Airport’s Real ID Enforcement
While the TSA is ultimately responsible for ID verification at security checkpoints, JWA has taken proactive steps to support public awareness and ensure a smooth experience for travelers.
JWA has implemented a coordinated outreach campaign that includes:
- Terminal signage and informational materials
- Overhead announcements playing throughout the Terminal
- Updates to the JWA website
- Social media messaging
- Collaboration with partner agencies to share information region-wide
John Wayne Airport remains committed to ensuring a smooth, safe, and informed travel experience and will continue working closely with TSA and our federal partners to assist travelers as the deadline approaches.
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.
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.
The County owns Dana Point Harbor, with a 66-year lease to maintain the integrity of this local landmark and hub of economic activity. This month, I hosted our Dana Point Harbor Oversight Committee for a discussion on preliminary results of our Objective Third-Party Market Study on boat slip rates. I commissioned this study to ensure an objective standard for the market. The Oversight Committee provided the appraiser with broad guidance and encouraged them to define the market for us. In two weeks, we will have the final report, and my office will publish it for the public to review.
It's sailing season in the Fabulous Fifth! Check out the upcoming Opening Day ceremonies near us here.
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:
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.
County Mental Health Resources
This Mental Health Month, explore the following County resources for your health and the health of our community:
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At OCNavigator.com, find local resources regarding mental health, substance use providers, housing support, and more.
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Contact OC Links anytime at (855) 625-4657 to access a free, 24/7 phone line and live chat. You’ll have the chance to talk with an understanding and supportive “Navigator,” specially trained to guide you to helpful Health Care Agency resources.
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2-1-1 is a simple toll free, three digit phone number -- easy to remember, and connecting thousands of OC residents and families to community programs, including community clinics, dental care, immunizations, and prescription assistance, food, homeless shelters, elder and child care, legal services and other resources offered by local nonprofits and government agencies.
- Call OC WarmLine at (714) 991-6412 for emotional support and resources for Orange County residents. WarmLine is a free and confidential telephone service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Randall Preserve Planning
 Join us in Celebrating Our Stars & Stripes on Flag Day!
Summer Concerts & Cinema in the Park Throughout the Fabulous Fifth!
 
Resources at OC Public Libraries
   
SoCal Gas Grants
Pet of the Week
Meet Pet of the Week, Chase!
If you're looking for a dog who lives for toys and fetch, then Chase is your guy! He’s a pro at zoomies, loves carrying toys around like treasures, and will happily squeak them to get your attention. After a few rounds of fetch, he’s ready to flop down to relax and recharge.
Chase once had a forever home, but after his beloved owner passed away, he found himself here at the shelter. At only 2-years-old, Chase is still full of love and waiting for his second chance with a forever family. If you think Chase (A1880426) might be the missing puzzle piece in your life, consider fostering or adopting him 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
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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