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| Volume 5 | Issue 23 |
June 6, 2025 |
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Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear neighbor:
Every year, I look forward to Flag Day, when we celebrate the land that we love, the stars and stripes flying over it, and the highest ideals they represent — justice, service, and equality. Join us Saturday, June 14 at 2 p.m. at Baby Beach for my annual Flag Day festivities in honor of our American flag and the 250th birthday of our United States Army. Thank you to the brave servicemembers, past and present, whose service and sacrifice help keep our nation safe. Bring friends and family for a moving display of 250 flags on Baby Beach in Dana Point, a ceremony led by local VFW Post 9934, and of course, birthday cake. I hope to see you there.
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  Photos from Flag Days of past years, featuring honorable veteran guest speakers, local community leaders, and plenty of birthday cake for all to enjoy.
This past weekend at the Balboa Island parade was a hit! Community members and visitors joined us in wearing red, white, and blue, and parade participants went above and beyond creating costumes and decorating their vehicles. I enjoyed honoring our incredible team of firefighters, police, paramedics, harbor patrol, and lifeguards at Fire Station #4, dedicated to the safety of our Balboa Island for 30 years. Sending a big thank you to our Orange County Sheriff's Department for giving me a lift!
 Top & Center Left: Here I am with my team before we walked in the parade; Center right: Here I am with the adorable Cavalier Crew ahead of the parade; Bottom left: Here I am with Chris Pernevi of OCSD Search and Rescue driving a Utility Task Vehicle, used for searches of missing people or to assist those in need in wilderness areas; Bottom right: Here I am with the Orange County Parrot Head Club, a group dedicated to “partying with a purpose” and supporting charities across our county.
Keeping Our Community Safe
Thank you to the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs (AOCDS) for inviting me to your Memorial Golf Tournament in Coto de Caza. I proudly support the AOCDS Memorial Fund, which assists peace officers, and the families of officers killed or injured in the line of duty, suffering from a serious medical condition, experiencing a catastrophic circumstance, disabled, or retired and in need of assistance. The fund also helps qualifying officers across the state of California and awards annual scholarships children of members entering their first year at a college or university.
 Top Photo: Here I am with the AOCDS Board, including Board President Juan Viramontes and AOCDS Executive Director Paul Bartlett, and OC Sheriff Don Barnes; Bottom Right: I enjoyed the beautiful performance by our AOCDS Pipe Band.
Thank you to our OCTA team for working around the clock to complete and re-open passenger rail service ahead of schedule on June 7. We continue progress with our plans to bring in 300,000 cubic yards of sand and building the Mariposa catchment wall to save the railroad and protect our shoreline.
Gun violence impacts all of us. Today, our team wears orange -- recognizing survivors of gun violence, raising awareness, and demanding change. In 2023, gun-related incidents were the leading causes of death among homicides and suicides in Orange County, according to our OC Sheriff’s Department. No one should fear going to school, going to community events, or going to a place of worship. I’m proud to stand in partnership with our local organizations, community advocates, and agencies in the fight to end gun violence and make Orange County safer for all.
Our precious shoreline defines the Fabulous Fifth and our coastal way of life. During my recent meeting with South Orange County Watershed Management Area (SOCWMA), we discussed sand replenishment and the Capistrano Living Shoreline Project. Inaction on coastal erosion costs us our neighborhoods, economy, coastal rail, national security, and way of life. At our last Board of Supervisors meeting, I spearheaded approval of designs for a living shoreline to save and hopefully restore this critical mile of Capistrano and Doheny coast, so generations of Orange County residents can continue enjoying our beaches.
Congratulations to our Public Defender, Martin Schwartz, on retiring! As this model County employee enters retirement, I commend him for his dedication to excellence, devoting a 28-year career in the OC Public Defender’s Office to upholding a more compassionate, humane, equitable justice system for all. Thank you, Martin, for your service to making Orange County a safer, healthier, thriving community for us all to call home.
Supporting a Healthier Orange County
Today, we celebrated receiving the keys to City of Hope OC, Orange County’s only cancer specialty hospital and to honor the resilience and courage of our cancer survivors. Orange County is home to world class cancer prevention, research, and treatment. In the Fabulous Fifth we prioritize long term health, and our access to cancer treatment centers grows.
Early prevention saves lives. This National Cancer Survivors Day, I encourage you to schedule your regular checkup today at one of our seven major treatment centers across D5. Find a center near you.
 Top: Celebrating City of Hope with local community leaders; Bottom Left: Pinning my hopes for a healthy County of Orange; Bottom Right: With Irvine City Councilwoman Melinda Liu.
Advocating for Our Thriving Economy, Transparency, and Taxpayer Oversight
Promises made, promises kept – it's simple. Measure M is about moving forward on our public transportation projects together, with trust and transparency. On June 10, the Orange County Transportation Authority Taxpayer Oversight Committee will hold its annual public hearing to ensure accountability for Measure M. As an OCTA Director, I aim to reduce traffic congestion, save our rail corridor, keep our roads and highways paved, protect pedestrians, support active transportation projects, expand local transit, and protect our natural habitats impacted by transportation infrastructure. Taxpayers deserve to weigh in on the developments they’ve invested in, the initiatives that will move us all closer to a safer, healthier, and economically thriving Orange County. That’s the promise we made, and it’s the promise we plan to keep. Share your comments at the hearing on June 10 or through written comment here.
Investing in Our Community
The Coastal Corridor Alliance invites you to learn about Randall Preserve, previously known as Banning Ranch. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to offer your input on the development the largest coastal open space park in California. I hope to see you at one of the upcoming virtual or in-person meetings. For years — as a school board member, city council member, Mayor, and county Supervisor — I worked with community members to preserve this 401 acre property as a public open space park for the community to enjoy, despite many efforts to develop in this protected area.
 My time at UCLA inspired my passion for service to building a safe, active, thriving community together. The Fabulous Fifth welcomes my alma mater to Costa Mesa for their annual UCLA Football Training Camp this summer! For our local youth, the team will host two open practice sessions and a football camp for Costa Mesa youth ages 6 - 14 at Jack Hammett Sports Complex. We look forward to having you from July 30-August 19, UCLA Football. Go Bruins!
 Engaging with Our Community
At the OC Bar Association’s Summer Social, I enjoyed celebrating “Excellence Through Diversity” and my fellow UCLA Bruin, Honorable Federal Judge Fred Slaughter. Judge Slaughter serves on the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, and previously served on the Superior Court of Orange County. As a Superior Court Judge, he spent two years presiding over Juvenile Recovery Court, which provides individualized and comprehensive solutions to juveniles facing addiction and mental health issues. Throughout his illustrious career, judge Slaughter acted as a champion of safe neighborhoods, organized crime fighting, and preventing recidivism. His work demonstrates the power of the legal system to change lives and create social change.
 Top Right: Honorable Desirae Hutchison; With my friend and 2022 Women Making a Difference Awards-recipient Judge Maria Hernandez; Bottom Right: With the Honorable Judge Fred Slaughter.
 OC Women Lawyers Association members with Judge Amber Poston.
I joined friends and leaders in celebrating the 60-year anniversary of Woody’s Wharf, the iconic Newport Beach waterfront restaurant and bar. It was a great evening of live music, delicious food, and community. Congratulations to owners Jamie Duarte, Andy Yniguez, Greg Pappas, and Ralph Nudo on this major accomplishment!
 (Left to right) Here I am presenting Jamie Duarte, Greg Pappas, and Ralph Nudo with a County proclamation in recognition of this milestone for their local small business.
Whether you run competitively or seek an exciting social activity to share with family and friends, register today for the 44th annual Corona del Mar Scenic 5K and 2-Mile Fun Walk this Saturday hosted by the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce. My office will be there, enjoying ocean views and cheering you on. Join us in getting outside, strengthening our health, and celebrating at the festive post-event party in the heart of Newport Beach, featuring live entertainment and more.
 Here I am two summers ago, running the 5k along our beautiful coast and enjoying the scenic views with interns Grace, Christina, and Claire, and staffer Olivia. Swing by and say hello, and good luck to all the athletes!
For your safety and comfort, remember to stay hydrated, and keep an eye on children near the water. Enjoy the weekend!
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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First Annual Veterans Hero Awards
 Email cathyyatch@gmail.com to RSVP.
Staff Updates
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Happy Friday, District 5! This week, I attended various meetings and briefings to prepare Vice Chair Foley for the Orange County Board of Supervisors Meeting this Tuesday, June 10. This is the County’s Annual Budget Hearing, where the Board will review the County of Orange FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget of $10.8 billion which 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. Please join us in person or watch the live stream: Live Board Meeting Broadcast.
Lastly, a reminder that OCTA crews are finishing the initial emergency work to reinforce the most vulnerable areas along the rail line in San Clemente this week, which will enable passenger rail service to safely resume through South Orange County on the morning of Saturday, June 7. As Metrolink and Pacific Surfliner make plans to resume normal schedules, passengers are asked to check for the latest service updates at pacificsurfliner.com/alerts and metrolinktrains.com/service-updates. For the latest on the project, visit www.octa.net/railemergency. Enjoy a good weekend everyone!
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 Courtesty of OCTA
Adam Tallabas
District Director
This week, I met with CalOptima Health to finalize details for this Saturday’s Community Health Fair, which will be held at Lion’s Park from 9 am to 1 pm. Then, I worked with Abby on finalizing arrangements for next Saturday’s Flag Day and the U.S. Army’s Birthday Celebration! This year’s celebration is sure to be a big one – we’ve reached the 250th anniversary of our Stars and Stripes flying over our nation, so we will plant a record 250 flags in Dana Point Harbor. As a reminder, flags will be installed on Thursday, June 12, and removed on Monday, June 16. Please visit the installation and tag our social media (@SupervisorFoley on all platforms). We invite you to our ceremony at 2 p.m on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Baby Beach in Dana Cove Park.
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 Here is a look at last year’s Flag Installation team with OC Parks. This is my third year leading this event – I can’t wait to see how this one turns out.
Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
Hi, District 5! This week I work with our policy team to analyze the County’s budget for fiscal year 2025-26. The budget is comprised of seven program areas including public protection, community services, infrastructure & environmental resources, and general government services. It is vital that we at the county adopt a balanced budget, including contingencies for shifts in economic conditions and federal funding availability. If you’d like to read more, check out the proposed budget here!
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 Here I am, taking a break from budget analysis with our team at the Balboa Island Parade! Left to right: Elizabeth Ray, myself, Abby Paulson, and Kimberlee Belli!
Robbie LaBounty
District Representative
Hi District 5! This Monday evening, I attended the community meeting at Norma Hertzog Community Center regarding the Randall Preserve (formerly know as Banning Ranch) transformation project. The turnout signaled tremendous community interest in converting this former oilfield into California’s largest open space park.
There, the Coastal Corridor Alliance (CCA) presented comprehensive plans covering wildlife habitat restoration, public access trails, and coastal resilience strategies. Community members asked thoughtful questions about parking, trail accessibility, and environmental protection measures. The bilingual presentation allowed all residents to participate meaningfully.
This project represents the kind of forward-thinking environmental stewardship our community needs. Transforming industrial land into public green space will provide recreational opportunities for families while preserving our natural habitat and honoring tribal heritage sites.
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 Top left: Here I am with Melanie Schlotterbeck a Stewardship Consultant with CCA outside of Norma Hertzog; Top right: The packed room and some displays for the public; Bottom center: Here I am with Mayor Pro Tem Manuel Chavez who also showed up to support the CCA.
Abby Paulson
District Associate
Happy Friday, D5! Last night, I attended the Orange County Parks Commission meeting and learned about the OC Parks budget and projects for FY 2026-2026. A variety of exciting projects across our County parks in the Fabulous Fifth District includes updates at the Dana Point Harbor. The Orange County Sailing and Event Center boathouse upgrades, dock renovations, and shade structure replacement take place this year, with $400,000 set aside for long term planning projects at the OCSEC.
During the meeting, OC Parks honored this years Park Ranger graduates. 10 new rangers joined our amazing OC Parks team, ensuring our trails, parks, and open spaces are clean and safe for all Orange County residents and visitors. This year, OC Parks also launched the Jr. Ranger program, a free program encouraging engagement with our beautiful Orange County Parks and inspiring empowered stewardship of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources. Check out how you can get involved!
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 Left: Here I am with the general manager Luis Cruz at the Shorecliffs Golf Club ribbon cutting and community event; Right: Here I am with owner Alex Limber and her 2 kids at the 15th anniversary celebration for The Riders Club Café.
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.
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.
Randall Preserve Planning
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, Maggie!
Meet Maggie, our one-year-old adorable pittie mix who won our hearts with her bravery and courage! At 5-months-old, Maggie's journey took a heartbreaking turn when she was hit by a car. Despite the odds, this brave pup pulled through with strength, and thanks to the care she received, her leg has fully healed! Now, she’s ready to write a new chapter filled with love, play, and endless cuddles.
Maggie will be happiest as the only pet in your home, where she can soak up your love and attention to her heart's desire. If you’re ready to open your heart and home, Maggie (A1900932) is ready to meet you. Come adopt this beautiful girl from OC Animal Care 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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