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| Volume 5 | Issue 24 |
June 13, 2025 |
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Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear neighbor:
To call this week dynamic would be an understatement. Countless residents expressed to me their concerns about the federal law enforcement actions and protests occurring in our community. I saw Orange County do what it always does – show up, stand together, and ensure the safety of our community. Our community leaders, including Congressman Lou Correa, OC Sheriff’s Department, and local law enforcement, managed protests with minimal disruptions and damage, allowing for full first amendment participation.
On Monday, a jury sentenced disgraced Supervisor Andrew Do to five years in federal prison for public corruption, the maximum sentence allowed under his plea deal with the U.S. Department of Justice. In announcing Do’s sentence, U.S. District Judge James Selna declared, “I just do not believe any sentence other than the maximum reflects the seriousness of the crime. Public corruption wreaks damage far beyond the monetary loss to the county — it undermines public trust.”
I could not agree more. No one is above the law. This sentence sends a strong message: we do not tolerate public corruption in Orange County. Andrew Do enriched himself off the suffering of others, betraying our residents and violating his oath of office. Our pursuit of justice in these crimes continues. Last Friday, the Department of Justice sentenced founder of the non-profit at the center of the scandal Peter Pham and co-conspirator Thanh Nguyen. Andrew Do could not have orchestrated the theft of $12 million in taxpayer dollars without Peter Pham, who knowingly stole the money to both enrich himself and launder money back to Mr. Do and his daughter Rhiannon Do. I will do everything in my power to ensure our taxpayers receive justice.
As a 29-year employee rights attorney, I strongly support providing a safe, healthy, and positive working environment for all of our county employees. Last week a jury determined that the Orange County District Attorney harassed and retaliated against a former prosecutor in the office. I take very seriously my legal duty as a County Supervisor to ensure our elected department heads comply with our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy. The Office of the District Attorney is essential for the public safety of Orange County. Ensuring the protection of our employees enhances the ability of the DA’s office to prosecute criminals and support the victims of crime. I encourage our county employees to report any workplace conduct violations to the County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Access Office at 714-834-7511 or eeo.support@ceo.oc.gov.
I’ve long recommended we centralize Human Resources to address real and perceived employee concerns about retaliation for complaints. In the short term, we need to survey our employees in the DA’s office to understand if any other issues exist.
While we checked public official corruption and abuses, we also announced major changes to our institutions, like the selection of our new CEO Michelle Aguirre, a proposed merger between UCI and the Orange County Museum of Art, and the elevation of Sara Nakada to Orange County Public Defender after Martin Schwartz’s retirement. Not to mention, we smoothly approved our nearly $11 Billion balanced budget, which I discuss below. As the ninth largest county economy in America, we contribute greatly to the fiscal health of our nation. I’m honored to serve you and ensure this paradise we call home -- Orange County -- remains a safe, healthy, economically thriving community.
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Board of Supervisors Meeting
At Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, we held the public county budget hearings for Fiscal Year 2025-26. In the midst of uncertainty at federal and state levels, I commend the work done to avoid any layoffs while ensuring all county employees receive their Cost-of-Living Adjustments, investments in infrastructure, and still maintaining a balanced budget.
The 2025-26 proposed budget of $10.8 billion is balanced, reflecting our commitment to fiscal responsibly and funding the County’s essential operational, capital, and community needs. While the budget reflects a 12.8% increase over the prior year -- driven primarily by technical adjustments and strategic investments in parks, libraries, landfills, and airport infrastructure -- it also includes critical funding for health and support services that uplift our most vulnerable residents. Our County Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, County Budget and Finance Director, and the Budget Team worked tirelessly on this year-long effort. Read more about how we’re investing your taxpayer dollars into a safe, healthy, economically thriving Orange County for you to call home.
Notable Budget Highlights
As a labor law attorney, I understand how critical fair labor practices and transparency are to a strong and just workforce. That’s why I’m proud that this year’s county budget includes funding for the Worker’s Rights Enforcement Program -- a state grant initiative that combats wage theft, enforces labor laws, and protects the rights of working people. Thanks to this funding, the attorneys in the District Attorney’s office will be better equipped to process worker claims efficiently and fairly.
I’m also glad to share that Orange County Animal Care will be adding staff to expand public hours and increase access to the shelter, something advocated for by many of my constituents. With more staff on board, I’m excited to see even more animals connected with forever families and for our shelter to continue serving our community.
Additionally, our Health Care Agency is adding nine Environmental Health Specialists and three Hazardous Materials Specialists, an investment in the safety and sustainability of our natural environment and expediting of environmental health permits for restaurants. This expansion also means greater oversight and protection of our public health, coastline, oceans, and waterways. From monitoring water quality at our beaches to ensuring that hazardous materials are properly managed, this funding helps protect the ecosystems we love and depend on for future generations.
Infrastructure & Environmental Resources
These funds are essential to supporting the safety, health, and economic well-being of our county. From providing critical healthcare in our jails to supporting our most vulnerable residents and expanding access to animal care, these investments reflect our commitment to responsible governance, efficient airports, sustainability, and public service.
Keeping Our Community Safe and Moving Forward
While uncertainties in state and federal funding develop and sales tax receipts are anticipated to soften, the OCTA Board continues prioritizing healthy reserve balances to offset potential revenue fluctuations. We continue delivering on promises we made regarding Measure M and we’re planning responsibly for current and future commuters. Our budget exemplifies the kind of transportation system our residents and businesses deserve: zero-emission buses, coastal rail resiliency, efficient and safe bus routes to critical job centers and schools, and accessible express lanes. We’re investing in infrastructure for the future.
We’ve already begun the next phases of the Laguna Canyon Road Improvement Project, enhancing safety and mobility from El Toro Road to SR-73. This effort includes shoulder widening to accommodate new bike lanes and pedestrian paths, improved drainage systems, and utility undergrounding. Southern California Edison currently undergrounds overhead utility lines, in turn reducing both potential wildfire threat and sources of collision potential.
Under the Rail Program, OCTA designed the proposed budget in support of regional rail service levels in alignment with Metrolink’s optimized service plan. This means safer, more efficient travel on our trains. Coastal rail improvements and a slope stabilization project drive regional rail capital expenditures. Additionally, we’re investing in a 5-year multi-phase project to repair the San Juan Creek Channel, preventing flooding and storing enough water for a 100-year storm.
The budget also funds the Express Lanes Program, with the goal of maximizing throughput on both the SR-91 and Interstate 405 corridors. The 91 Express Lanes continues to meet its commitments while generating excess revenues to fund improvements along the SR-91 corridor, while the 405 Express Lanes continues to meet expectations and fund-required indenture reserves.
Lastly, under the M2 Program, significant funding is allocated for freeway improvements, particularly on State Route 55 and Interstate 5, reflecting OCTA’s promise to deliver on the M2 Next 10 Delivery Plan. The M2 Program will also continue to fund local jurisdictions through streets and roads efforts including the Local Fair Share Formula Program (Project Q), the competitive Regional Capacity Program (Project O), and the Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program (Project P).
With the OCTA budget, we’re ensuring you can move safely throughout the Fabulous Fifth District.
Supporting a Healthier Orange County
A healthy District 5 means a safe, economically thriving community for all to call home. With my friends at CalOptima, I hosted a Community Health Resource Fair at Lions Park, where community members applied for CalFresh and Medi-Cal, received valuable health screenings, picked up more than 6,000 free diapers and groceries, and learned about community resources like OC Social Services Agency’s adult in-home supports, and the Library of Things at OC Public Libraries.
 Top left: CEO of CalOptima Michael Hunn, Costa Mesa Mayor Pro Tem Manuel Chavez, me, Costa Mesa Councilmember Jeff Pettis, and Michael Tou of Cottie Petrie Norris’s office; Bottom Left: With Martin Plascencia of OC Clerk Recorder Hugh Nguyen’s office; With my friends from Costa Mesa Fire Department, Ben Castillo and Luke Senger.
My office continues to monitor and assess potential impacts to residents and will update as we learn more about bacterial levels in ocean and bay recreational waters exceeding Orange County Health Care Agency (OC HCA) standards at parts of Huntington Harbor, Newport Bay, Dana Point, and Poche County Beach this week. OC HCA tests waters every seven days and recommends beachgoers avoid contact with ocean and bay waters in these areas until tested again. While these beaches remain open, let’s exercise an abundance of caution. I urge residents and visitors to follow posted signage and avoid contact with water in the affected areas. Visit www.ocbeachinfo.com or follow @oc_hca on social media for more.
Let’s celebrate D5’s strides towards a healthy environment this Saturday, June 14 at 10 a.m. at the third annual Cool Irvine Eco Fair. Bring the whole family for fun hands-on activities, inspiring exhibits, and a day of connection, learning, and action for a greener, more resilient Orange County community. Our office butterfly committee will host a booth with educational activities for all ages as well as milkweed seeds to grow and help save the monarchs. Stop by.
Advocating for Our Thriving Economy, Transparency, and Taxpayer Oversight
My office remains hard at work enhancing safety, improving infrastructure, and investing in the Fabulous Fifth’s thriving economic future. District 5 will receive $974 million (54%) in Capital Improvement Programs (CIP) and Maintenance Improvement Programs (MIP) over the next seven years, improving our local parks, libraries, animal care facilities, and John Wayne Airport in the Fabulous Fifth District.
Every year, low-income OC residents miss out on millions of dollars in federal and California tax refunds and credits which they are entitled to and that go unclaimed. At the United Way OC “Free Tax Prep Volunteer & Partner Appreciation” event, we celebrated the dedicated work of OC United Way on their United for Financial Security initiative and OC Free Tax Prep program, helping local families gain financial stability, transition from surviving to thriving, and work toward self-sufficiency. Last night, I joined United Way in thanking the hundreds of volunteers who gave thousands of free hours to help rerun nearly $27 Million back to Orange County. Thank you!
 I had a great time touring the Randall Preserve, previously known as Banning Ranch, located right in the heart of the Fabulous Fifth District. This 401-acre costal open space offers us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to establish the largest coastal open space park in California, celebrating our unique, diverse wildlife. For years — as a school board member, city council member, Mayor, and county Supervisor — I worked with community members to preserve this essential property as a public open space for generations of community members to enjoy. Our work today prioritized local partnerships to protect the park from encampments.
Engaging with Our Community
I welcomed voyagers onto the Dana Pride with Fish for Life! in Dana Point Harbor. Started right here in the Fabulous Fifth District, Fish for Life does amazing work in giving individuals with special needs the opportunity to explore our ocean on fishing trips. My office was proud to give them a $15,000 grant to help continue these once-in-a-lifetime experiences for families in our community.
 Top Right: With Donna Kalez, owner of Dana Wharf; Bottom Left: With Donna and retired Captain Tommy White; Bottom Right: Raising the flag for National Anthem singer, D5 high schooler, Greta.
Live on air, I provided Laguna Beach residents with updates on the county’s work building a safer, healthier, economically thriving community on “Coastal Living in Laguna Beach” with Tom Bak on 104.7 KX FM. Tom’s show explores market conditions for both commercial and residential real estate in our community. Find our interview on KX FM, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
 Thank you to Tom Bak for having me on “Costal Living in Laguna Beach” to discuss our work building a safer, healthier, economically thriving Laguna Beach.
My team and I cheered on runners of all ages and speeds at the 44th annual CdM Scenic 5k. Hosted by the Corona Del Mar Chamber of Commerce, the Scenic 5k residents the opportunity to become more familiar with local businesses, enjoyable activities to partake in, and an awards ceremony for the committed runners.
 Top Photo: On your marks, get set, go! I made it just in time to kick off the Women’s 5k; Right: Here I am, joining the runners (in my flip flops!) in crossing the footbridge so I’d make it in time to start the Women’s 5k race -- anything to cheer on our Fabulous Fifth!; Bottom Middle: With CdM Chamber of Commerce Chairman Bernie Svalstad.
Our first annual The Newport Beach Film Festival TV Fest welcomed world-class television, storytelling, and artistic talent to our Fabulous Fifth District community this weekend. I enjoyed meeting the cast of Abbott Elementary, a show illustrating the power of compassionate public school educators and dedication to investing in our local communities. Congratulations to CEO of Newport Beach TV Fest Gregg Schwenk, on setting the stage for another remarkable festival.
 Top Left: Congratulating the leadership of Newport Beach TV Fest: Gregg Schwenk and Todd Quartararo on launching a successful first festival; Top Right: I enjoyed meeting Quinta Brunson, creator & executive producer of the heartwarming hit show, ”Abbott Elementary,” and thanking her for shining a spotlight on the dedication of teachers like my husband Casey; Middle Left: With the talented principle cast of ”Abbott Elementary,” L to R: Christ Perfetti, Sheryl Lee Ralph, William Stanford Davis, Quinta Brunson, Janelle James, and Lisa Ann Walter; Bottom Left: With Irvine Unified School Board Trustee Katie McEwen and NMUSD School Board Trustee Carol Crane; Bottom Right: With Moderator KTLA Arts & TV Reporter Scott Mantz.
Our Flag Day festivities kicked off on Thursday at Dana Point’s Baby Beach — flags are waving as we gear up for the ceremony honoring Flag Day on June 14, along with the 250th birthday of the United States Army. The event will be full of celebrations for our country’s stars and stripes and the patriotic values of freedoms, liberty, justice, opportunity, service, and equality. While there, we will enjoy Keynote Bobby MacDonald who will share about the Buffalo soldiers and their role in creating the flag code, a flag folding ceremony, and a performance by a local choir group, OC Sound. Thank you to all the brave service-members who have sacrificed themselves in protection of our home, and way of life, and those who have continued their service for our nation’s safety. My team and I encourage you to come out and not miss this joyful day.
 Top: With last year’s guest speaker, Col. Dolores Padgett of Dana Point’s VFW 9934; 2023’s Sheriff’s Explorers performing our Flag ceremony; A view of our 250 American flags on display at Baby Beach!
Tonight, I end my day at the first night of the Wooden Boat Festival in Newport Beach. Stop by the festival and enjoy live music, guest speakers, plein air artists painting boats from iconic films. Tomorrow, my Monarch Butterfly Committee will be at the Cool Irvine Eco Fair sharing how to save the Monarch butterflies in your own backyard. After my annual Flag Day event at Baby Beach, I will go to the American Legion Newport Harbor’s Post 291 Army Ball to honor veterans who have spent their time volunteering for our veteran communities right here in Orange County. I hope to see you out and about this weekend.
Despite the June gloom, the sun rays still burn. Wear your sunscreen.
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
Lastly, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) continues its commitment to enhancing Orange County through Measure M funds, the region’s half-cent sales tax dedicated to transportation. These funds are allocated bi-monthly, allowing cities to improve roadways, repair streets and enhance pedestrian safety. For more information, visit octa.net/MeasureM. Enjoy a good weekend everyone!
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Adam Tallabas
District Director
Happy Friday, D5. This week, we conducted the long-awaited Flag Day installation in Dana Point Harbor. The installation of these 250 flags marks the 250 years the Stars & Stripes have flown over our United States. In the spirit of the holiday, I offer what the flag means to me: justice, opportunity and freedom from tyranny. I want to hear from you – what does the flag mean to you? Email me at Adam.Tallabas@ocgov.com. I hope to see you tomorrow at 2 pm for the Flag Day ceremony at Baby Beach! Special thanks to the Newport Beach Exchange Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 for their incredible partnership in arranging this event.
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 Caption: Thank you to the fantastic team at OC Parks who set up 250 flags – which were graciously provided by the Newport Beach Exchange Club – at Baby Beach ahead of our Flag Day Ceremony on Saturday, June 14 at 2 p.m.
We also welcomed our next cohort of Summer Interns – Rachel & Jessica! You might recognize Rachel, as she worked in our office previously – we’re excited to welcome her back. Jessica is a local high school student & D5 resident with an incredible resume at such a young age. We look forward to working with her as she positively impacts our community this summer.
Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
As you read above, the Board held its hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 Budget this week. The County’s $10 billion budget will have a significant impact for capital improvement projects across our cities — including Laguna Beach, which I represent within the office. Key investments include upgrades to Laguna Canyon Road (bike lanes, drainage, and undergrounding), ADA-compliant sidewalks in South Laguna, and water quality projects at Circle Way, Gaviota, and more. Aliso & Wood Canyons Park will receive $1.75 million for trail and facility improvements. Plus, expanded trolley service and OCTA transit projects will help ease summer traffic.
Follow us @supervisorfoley to stay updated!
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Robbie LaBounty
District Representative
Today I attended the Brain Wellness Symposium and Resource Fair, organized by the OC Healthy Brain Initiative. This great day of interactive learning allowed residents to connect with clinical experts and organizations dedicated to improving brain health. Residents learned about CalOptima Health's PACE and One Care Programs, heard from panels of both Doctors and Caregivers, and watched an exclusive movie screening of Keys Bags Names Words, a documentary celebrating hope in aging. Our office loves partnering with great organizations like the OC Healthy Brain Initiative to make sure that our aging community stays healthy and informed.
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Abby Paulson
District Associate
Happy Friday, D5! Our office, along with many of you, eagerly anticipate the long-awaited re-opening of Dana Point Library. In the final few phases of construction, unforeseen setbacks due to water damage that delayed the opening of the library. Our amazing OC Public Works and OC Public Libraries teams work diligently to reopen, with completion expected in late summer. Keep an eye out in our newsletter and social media for the official opening date. In the meantime, OCPL offers a variety of free resources online, including online books, audiobooks, unlimited music streaming, and classes for people of all ages. I encourage you to dive in and take advantage of all the resources that come with your OCPL library card.
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 On behalf of Vice Chair Foley, I congratulated National Notary on their grand opening in San Clemente!!
County Commission Updates
Orange County Housing and Community Development Commission Update By Chair Stephanie Oddo, Laguna Niguel City Council Member
As OCHCD Commission Chair, I recently attended two grand openings for these award-winning projects: Meadows Senior Apartments and Villa St. Joseph.
Meadows Senior Apartments in Lake Forest is a 65-unit community developed by C & C Development providing affordable and permanent supportive housing for very low to extremely low-income seniors. The County contributed $1.54M in capital funding for this award-winning project. It was an honor to meet many of the residents and see first-hand where they lived.
 In Orange, we celebrated the dedication of Mercy Housing’s Villa St. Joseph, a 50-unit community for very low to extremely low-income seniors that includes permanent supportive housing. This is another award-winning project because of its adaptable reuse, turning the Motherhouse into affordable senior housing. Congratulations to the Sisters of St. Joseph, the City of Orange, and Mercy Housing for their vision. 869 seniors were homeless in Orange County's recent Point in Time count and this housing will meet the needs of some of those seniors. The County contributed over $6M in capital funds and 18 project-based vouchers for the development of this project.
I look forward to many more successful projects to help reduce homelessness in our county. Thank you to Supervisor Vice Chair Katrina Foley for her leadership on this issue.
 
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!
Walk for Independence
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Join Project Independencefor a fun-filled morning that celebrates community, movement, and the power of independence. This year’s Walk for Independence features the usual walk around Twekinkle Park in Costa Mesa along with some exciting new experiences! Registration opens July 1, 2025.
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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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