|
|
| Volume 5 | Issue 22 |
May 30, 2025 |
|
|
Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear neighbor:
Sustainability and increasing our electrical grid capacity must be a priority, but not at the expense of public safety and common sense. This week, I joined concerned residents in urging the California Energy Commission (CEC) to oppose permitting the Compass Energy Storage Project or any other Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facilities within Very High/High Fire Severity Zones. I joined Congressman Mike Levin, Mayor Troy Bourne of San Juan Capistrano, and Mayor Ray Gennawey of Laguna Niguel in speaking in opposition to the project's location due to the wildfire risk and great threat to the communities of San Juan Capistrano and Laguna Niguel.
|
 Here I am with Councilmember Stephanie Oddo and concerned residents urging the CEC to oppose permitting the Compass Energy Storage Project or any other BESS facilities in Very High/High Fire Severity Zones.
 With representatives from OC Waste and Recycling and California Energy Commission staff scouting out alternative locations for the Compass Energy Project.
To prevent future conflicts in County Unincorporated areas, the County of Orange is crafting a BESS Ordinance to require safety protocols for development, create zones where BESS facilities are proper, and ban the development inside Very High/High Fire Zones as identified by CalFire. I’ve heard from many engaged residents in surrounding communities who share my concerns about the safety risk of building this lithium-ion battery development in their neighborhoods.
 
Memorial Day and Advocating for Our Veterans
On Memorial Day, we stood in mourning and remembrance of the ultimate sacrifice made by the countless men and women of our Armed Forces. Their dedication to defending our great nation ensures that we can stand freely in this paradise we call home.
For our fallen service members, the county designated 150-acres at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim for our future Orange County Veterans Cemetery. In 2022, we committed $20 million in county funding to the project and planted the first flag. Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva and Senator Tom Umberg secured $30 million in additional state funding. In April, the State Assembly unanimously approved AB571 to remove the final barriers of construction. The County of Orange, CalVet, and the Orange County Cemetery District worked to finalize a shared-cost agreement to streamline operations and long-term maintenance. Our Orange County veterans and fallen service members deserve a permanent resting place close to their families.
 Top: Celebrating our hard work paying off with Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva and CalVET Secretary Lindsey Sin; Bottom: Marveling at the majesty of our 150-acre Gypsum Canyon site.
That’s why, this week, I stood in opposition of a proposed resolution in Irvine to rescind support for the Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon. The land is deeded, the funding is secured, the plans are designed, and all environmental hurdles will be cleared when the Governor signs AB571. There is no valid reason to derail this development for our service members, veterans, or their families. In the end, the City Council rejected the resolution to move the cemetery to the Great Park in a 4-3 vote. Now, we can continue the work to give our heroic service members and veterans the final resting place they deserve in Gypsum Canyon. Watch my full speech here.
 On Memorial Day, my team and I paid our respects at various ceremonies throughout the Fifth District. At Pines Park in Dana Point, I attended a ceremony hosted by the City of Dana Point and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934. Then, I laid a wreath at the Sea Country Senior & Community Center in Laguna Niguel at a Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the American Legion Post 281 in collaboration with the City of Laguna Niguel. My day closed at San Clemente’s Marine Monument, which has stood proudly overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the San Clemente Pier in Park Semper Fi for 20 years. Together, we will never stop working to build a more perfect Union, in memory of our courageous service members, and in service to their enduring legacy of liberty and justice for all.
 
Supporting a Healthier Orange County
Congratulations to the Laguna Beach County Water District on a century of dedicated service to the safety and health of our Laguna Beach community, which we celebrated at Rivian Laguna this week. Laguna Beach County Water District provides 985 million gallons of clean, quality drinking water annually, and has award winning water conservation and fire mitigation planning.
As a bonus, I met District 5 resident Charlotte Masarik, an avid reader of our newsletter. It was lovely to meet you, Charlotte, and thank you for reading.
 Upper left: Here I am with avid newsletter reader Charlotte Masarik; Upper right: With Laguna Beach Water District film creator Cory Sparkuhl; Lower left: Here I am with Laguna Beach City Councilmember Bob Whalen; Middle bottom: With Executive Director Julie Perlin Lee of the Laguna Arts Museum; Lower right: Here I am with Laguna Beach County Water District General Manager Keith Van Der Maaten, Commission Chair Deborah Neev, and Laguna Beach Mayor Alex Rounaghi.
Advocating for Our Thriving Economy
On Thursday, the County hosted two virtual budget workshops, providing an overview of key priorities and allowing residents to share public comments. I look forward to the County Executive Office presenting the recommended FY 2025-26 budget to the Board during the Public Budget Hearings on June 10. As the ninth largest county economy in America, we remain committed to protecting your taxpayer dollars and investing strategically in infrastructure to enhance the health, safety, and economic well-being of all who call Orange County home.
 When young people lead, they fight for what matters most: a safe, healthy, economically thriving future for our community. Throughout this school year, nine Fifth District students explored a deeper understanding of the OC Board of Supervisors’ role and how County government operates through my Young Supervisors Program. Our Young Supervisors gained hands-on experience in public policy and advocacy, career development, and numerous opportunities to connect with local elected officials, businesses, and community leaders. The cherry on top: each student conducted their own community-improvement research project, exhibiting not only initiative but also a great sense of civic duty. Congratulations to my inaugural cohort of Young Supervisors on your graduation, and the bright futures ahead of you.
 Thank you to my Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Napuri (top left) and Costa Mesa Mayor Pro Tem Manuel Chavez (bottom left) for giving my Young Supervisors a final lesson on civic engagement and participating in their community as the next generation of leaders. Bottom Right: Congratulations to D5 Young Supervisors Jose, Victor, Sodo, Audrey, and Carter!
Investing in Our Community
At the OCTA Board Meeting, we received an update on the state of emergency regarding railroad track stabilization in San Clemente. Our team works around the clock and on schedule to complete and re-open passenger rail service by June 7. We continue moving forward with plans to bring in 300,000 cubic yards of sand and build the Mariposa catchment wall to save the railroad and protect our shoreline.
Then, the Board unanimously voted to support AB 986, expanding the definition of a state or local emergency to include landslides and pre-existing climate conditions. Additionally, the Board reviewed the proposed new fare media for Wave Cards – a contactless rider fare card system set to roll out in October. The Wave Cards will broaden Orange County’s access to fare capping, contactless payment, and free two-hour transfers.
Dr. Jeneen Graham is the first female Head of School of the St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano in the school's 46-year history. She's also one of my 2025 Women Making a Difference Awardees, recognized for her dedication to excellence in education. I joined her for a tour of the school's beautiful campus, including construction of the new Student Commons Building, and the Nolet Amphitheater where students prepare for a production of their spring musical. At the ballet bar, I reflected on the transformative power of access to arts education in paving my path to success in life. Campus spaces such as these, led by dedicated educators like Dr. Graham, foster a lifelong love of learning in our students. In turn, our young people grow and shape a safer, healthier, economically thriving Orange County for us all to call home.
 Upper & center left: On my tour of St. Margaret’s with Head of School, Dr. Jeneen Graham; Lower left: Here I am with Dr. Jeneen Graham, Dr. Alethea Monge, Jay Spanuzza, and members of the Board of Trustees at St. Margaret’s.
Engaging with Our Community
I talked all things sand and safety updates on “Laguna Talks” – Billy Fried’s local government radio show on KXFM 104.7. Listen to my full conversation with Billy here.
In honor of AAPI Heritage Month this month, I hosted my third annual Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community Roundtable. Together, we discussed issues impacting our County’s safety, health, and thriving economy, such as the impact of our upcoming County budget and state and federal cuts on our AAPI communities. Nearly 100,000 AAPI residents call the Fabulous Fifth District home. Our roundtables create informative spaces for listening, learning, and celebrating our diverse Orange County.
 Bottom: Vattana Peong of Cambodian Family, Priscilla Wong from Centers for Asian Americans in Action and I with Becky Nguyen of Vital Access Care Foundation and Mary Ann Foo of Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance.
Working with nonprofit Get Inspired, our Orange Coast College students gained valuable hands-on learning experience in ocean restoration through seabass farming. Today, I joined this team in Newport Beach, where we released seabass into the ocean, furthering Orange County's efforts in stewarding our diverse marine ecosystem and coastal community.
Tonight, I join friends and leaders in celebrating the 60-year anniversary of Woody’s Wharf, the iconic Newport Beach waterfront restaurant and bar. Woody’s stands as a cherished part of our Fifth District and Newport Beach communities. I look forward to enjoying live music and a bite to eat from their fantastic menu.
Join us this Sunday in celebrating the 30th Annual Balboa Island Parade and honoring 30 years of Fire Station 4’s dedication to the safety of our Balboa Island community. I’ll be riding with the OC Sheriff’s Department! Make sure to wear red, white and blue, bring your beach chairs, and enjoy the parade with us.
 Wear your sunscreen,
 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!
|
|
Upcoming Board of Supervisors Meeting on June 10, 2025
|
|
Staff Updates
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Happy Friday, District 5! This week, I spent the majority of my time reviewing the County of Orange FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget. The FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget of $10.8 billion addresses the essential community, capital, and operational needs of the County. When compared to last year’s budget proposal, the FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget reflects a $1.2 billion (12.8%) increase, including strategic investments in the County’s parks, libraries, landfills and airport infrastructure aimed at enhancing public services, supporting sustainability, and improving the quality of life for residents. The FY 2024-25 Recommended Budget will be presented to the Board of Supervisors at the Tuesday, June 10, 2024, regularly scheduled Board Meeting. For more information, please visit cfo.ocgov.com.
|
Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
Hi, District 5! This week I attended the grand re-opening of the Boys and Girls Club of Laguna Beach Bluebird Branch with CEO Pam Estes cutting the ribbon. The Bluebird Branch offers a safe, fun, and positive environment where Laguna Beach students learn, grow, and thrive. Their after-school programs create a meaningful impact throughout our community. The newly completed Bluebird Beautification Project marks a major investment in our children’s future, ensuring access to the tools, space, and support they need to succeed.
|
 With Boys & Girls Club CEO Pam Estes.
Robbie LaBounty
District Representative
Hi District 5! This week I attended Irvine’s Memorial Day Ceremony at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park to commemorate our country’s service men and women. This event served as a reminder that our community is only made possible by the heroes who fought for our country bravely and paid the ultimate price for all of us. We can never full repay their debt, but we will do our best to honor them through remembrance.
|
 With Representative Dave Min, and Michael Tou of Asm. Cottie Petrie Norris’s office.
Abby Paulson
District Associate
Hi D5! Today I joined the City of San Clemente’s “Active Aging by the Sea” resource fair, connecting with South Orange County seniors and sharing county resources. Fostering a community prioritizing accessibility, connection, and well-being for our aging population builds up the health, safety, and well-being of our entire community. Vice Chair Foley’s commitment ensures Orange County remains a place where everyone, regardless of age, feels valued and supported.
|
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.
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
Check out our OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) biennial Ocean, Harbor and Bay Water Quality Report, illustrating an analysis of our water quality and the number of beach closures in Orange County caused by sewage spills. A total number of 71 sewage spills were reported to the Water Quality Team in 2024, well below the 38-year average of 178 spills per year. In addition to the findings of the Ocean, Harbor and Bay Water Quality Report, 2023-2024, Orange County beaches showed continued improvement by topping the “Honor Roll” in the Beach Report Card from Heal the Bay for the second consecutive year. Learn more here.
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:
-
At OCNavigator.com, find local resources regarding mental health, substance use providers, housing support, and more.
-
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.
-
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.
Randall Preserve Planning
Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month
The OC Navigator is a resource curated by OC organizations and community members to help folks find and connect with various supportive resources. Find local resources regarding mental health, substance use providers, housing support, and more. Learn more: www.OCNavigator.com.
Join us in Celebrating Our Stars & Stripes on Flag Day!
Summer Concerts & Cinema in the Park Throughout the Fabulous Fifth!
 
Upcoming Community Events Happening in Orange County
  
Resources at OC Public Libraries
 
SoCal Gas Grants
Pet of the Week
Meet Pet of the Week, Solar!
Solar is a beautiful blend of Labrador Retriever and Boxer, two amazing breeds known for their friendliness, loyalty, and playfulness. With 9 years of wisdom under her collar, she's already mastered the art of loving, she just needs a forever home where she can shine!
Solar is currently in foster and loving it. She has earned the reputation as the ultimate cuddle buddy. Her foster describes her as the sweetest girl, and says she’s so obsessed with toys that she’s got five hampers full—yes, FIVE!
Solar is wonderful with both adults and children and even stays calm and patient around rambunctious little ones. While she prefers to be the only pet in your life, she’ll more than make up for it with enough love and loyalty to fill a whole pack.
If you think Solar (A1863979) is the pet you're looking for, call OC Animal Care (714) 935-6848 and schedule a visit with her 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
|
|
Thank you for being an active member of our County.
Please share this newsletter with family and friends!
Follow us and be the first to know about important announcements in your community!
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
@SupervisorFoley
|
|
|
|
|
