Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear neighbor:
This week, I flew to our State Capitol to meet with state officials and advocate for wildfire safety funding, veterans, and our fair share of funding from the Prop 4 bond for Orange County.
Advocates for the long-awaited Orange County Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon gathered at a press conference to support the passage of Assembly Bill 571 led by Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva. The bill exempts the cemetery site from future unnecessary environmental reviews that could needlessly delay the project. The City of Anaheim approved the project unanimously. The land deed is complete, and we secured $55 million in state and county funding. The Federal Veterans Administration deemed Gypsum Canyon the only site conforming for a veterans cemetery in Orange County. Now, we just need the permits to move forward to secure placement on the Federal VA priority list. Thank you to Veterans Alliance of Orange County (VALOR) and Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva for championing the cause.
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 With Supervisor Wagner and OC Delegation Members - Assemblymembers Sharon Quirk-Silva, Cottie Petrie-Norris, Lauire Davies, and Tri Ta, along with Senators Tom Umberg, Tony Strickland, and Bob Archuletta.
I then joined Supervisor Don Wagner and VALOR President Nick Berardino to testify before the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, and with pleasure, I report the bill passed unanimously. The legislation now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee, and then the full Senate. Our Veterans epitomize devoted service to our country and community. It’s time we give them a final resting place in Orange County near family and friends.
 Click here to watch my testimony.
We also met with the California Natural Resources Agency to discuss Proposition 4 funding, which is the $10 billion water, wildfire, and climate project bond passed by California voters in 2024. Proposition 4 will fund projects which prevent and mitigate the impacts of droughts, flooding, wildfires, extreme heat, sea level rise, and carbon pollution. I want to ensure Orange County projects compete well for these funds. As the Governor and State Legislature work out the application process for local governments, I continue my work with county staff on preparing competitive projects in advance. Given that Orange County receives the smallest portion of every dollar in property taxes (only 0.05 per dollar), competing for state grants is our most effective way to draw down additional funding to return money back to Orange County. With year-round fire season and coastal erosion impacting most of our residents, we must take advantage of every grant opportunity.
We met with the Director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and implored them to approve requests from the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and Orange County Sheriff’s Department for FEMA reimbursement. The 2024 Airport Fire burned 23,526 acres, damaged and destroyed 160 structures, and threatened a total of 20,780 structures. Fire response and debris removal cost $104 million. OCFA did an excellent job in quelling the fire, despite the U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) decision to remove its fire engine at the Trabuco Fire Station less than 2 miles from where the Airport Fire started, prior to the outbreak. Furthermore, USFS policy prevented our latest generation of FireHawk helicopters from flying overnight over federal land, hindering our response to the Airport Fire. Our local firefighters got the job done when the federal government fell short of their obligations. OCFA and OCSD deserve FEMA reimbursement for protecting our community and saving lives.
 With the California Natural Resources Agency.
 Here I am with Supervisor Wagner and our Director of Emergency Management, Michelle Anderson.
Keeping Our Community Safe
Hate has no place in Orange County. Thank you to United Way Executive Director Elizabeth Andrade for meeting with me this week for an important discussion focused on our latest OC Hate Crime report and resources like NAMI OC WarmLine. Our OC WarmLine is a free and confidential telephone service providing emotional support and resources to Orange County residents, available 12 pm-12 am, seven days a week. If you, a family member, or a loved one are experiencing mental health concerns, substance abuse, hunger, loneliness or are in need of community resources, call or text (714) 991-6412 for no-cost help.
 With Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Liu
Supporting a Healthier Orange County
The Hoag Health Center in San Clemente is now open! This new facility on Avenida Pico offers South County residents excellent health care and wellness services, including free Pilates and yoga classes. Just in time for the 2028 Olympic surfing events at Trestles, residents can also enjoy specialized sports medicine services. Since the closure of the San Clemente hospital in 2016, residents traveled up to 30 minutes to access critical medical support. The brand-new facility expands our health services and brings essential care back to every corner of Orange County. Thank you to Hoag Health for an exciting tour, and to surfing legend Kelly Slater for celebrating this remarkable resource for local surfers with us.
 Top left: OC Professional Firefighters President, Chris Hamm, and San Clemente Councilmember Zhen Wu; Center: Dr. Marvin T. Dang and I greet the staff at Hoag Health Center; Top left: Here I am with surfing legend Kelly Slater; Bottom left: Here I am with Hoag CEO Robert Braithwaite, Hoag COO Marcy Brown, and CMO Ryan Chen Bottom right: With San Clemente Councilmember Rick Loeffler, San Clemente Councilmember Mark Enmeier, Hoag Hospital CEO Robert Braithwaite, San Clemente Mayor Steve Knoblock, Senator Tony Strickland, San Clemente Councilmember Zhen Wu, Hoag COO Marcy Brown.
Advocating for Our Thriving Economy & Investing in Our Community
Local businesses play an essential part in the vitality of our Fabulous Fifth District. Le Petit Pali, located just steps from Treasure Island Beach and Goff Cove, offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Laguna Beach while growing our coastal economy through local tourism. With its retro-inspired design resembling a 1950s film set, this two-story boutique hotel along Coast Highway features 41 rooms, a pool, and a taste of nostalgia that will certainly keep visitors coming back to Laguna. The investment in upgrading this small motel is exactly what we need in Laguna. I love the soaking bath and the triple pane windows that block the PCH traffic noise for a restful stay by the beach.
 Top left: Here I am cutting the ribbon with Kody Suryan, Managing Partner and CEO of Paloma Communities, and Alex Rounaghi, Laguna Beach Mayor; Top right: Presenting a certificate to Kody Suryan; Bottom left: Here I am getting a tour of Le Petit Pali with their fantastic staff; Bottom right: With Laguna Beach Mayor (and my former staffer) Alex Rounaghi.
Engaging with Our Community
This summer, “Find Your Happy” at the OC Fair! Every year, I look forward to my annual tradition of raising the American flag on opening day, kicking off a summer of music, dancing, rides, crazy food selections, exhibits, animals, and great family fun. My husband Casey and I especially enjoy dancing with all of our neighbors in front of the hangar and visiting the table setting exhibits. Team Foley and I can't wait to see you today for opening day. If you’re attending this weekend, hitch a free and convenient ride every 30 minutes on the OC Fair Express from one of our stops throughout Orange County. The 2024 OC Fair welcomed nearly 1.2 million visitors in just 12 days. Let’s break the record this year – buy your tickets today.
 Here I am with the OC Fair Foodies at Opening Day last year! I hope to see you at the OC Fair, open today through August 17!
We carry the torch of Laguna Beach’s rich artistic heritage every summer with our annual Sawdust Art Festival and at Laguna Art A Fair. This week, I joined the Laguna Beach Chamber at Art A Fair, where we celebrated 15 at-home Laguna Beach businesses, ranging from senior hospice care and recording studios to life coaching and painting. Then, I enjoyed incredible sushi at The Cove, a pop-up restaurant by local favorite Starfish, right inside the Sawdust Festival. All the while, more than 180 local fine artists, crafts people, and musicians surrounded us, showcasing their original work at these iconic outdoor exhibitions in the canyon. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector, Laguna Beach is where you’ll find hidden local gems—and invest in work with heart, history, and staying power.
 Top left: Celebrating 15 Laguna Beach small at-home businesses with the Laguna Beach Chamber; Top right: With the owner of Movement Clinic; Bottom left: With Starfish Co-Owner Archie McConnell at The Cove inside the Sawdust Festival; Bottom center: With artist Keleida Smith, admiring her work for sale at the Art A Fair; With Jay Lukes of Lukes Network.
I enjoyed joining my friends and local leaders Joanna Weiss and Whitney Gomez for a podcast segment on Vitamin OC this week. We discussed my background serving in Orange County, and our work on the Board of Supervisors to build a safer, healthier, economically thriving Orange County for all to call home.
 With podcast hosts Whitney Gomez and Joanna Weiss.
It’s a Flashback Heart Attack summer! Thank you to all who joined us at Costa Mesa's Fairview Park for a wonderful night of dancing along to 80s songs performed by my friends and neighbors Flashback Heart Attack. The City of Costa Mesa and Costa Mesa Foundation will host two more concerts in the park this month. Enjoy an incredible evening of singing, dancing, food, and fun for the whole family -- my office annually sponsors this concert series.
 Left: With CMHS Moms and community members enjoying Costa Mesa’s Concert in the Park’s music; Right: With Estancia High School’s new Theater Director, Amber Reyes daughter of Estancia Alum and Newport Rib Co. owner Laura Ursini.
I commend the OC Parks staff, rangers, and educators for their work in keeping our 16,000 acres of OC parks accessible, beautiful, and a place for us to play and explore. This Parks and Recreation Month, join my office in our 12 Fabulous Fifth parks and beaches for Sunset Cinema and Concerts in the Park series, diverse walking and hiking trails, and making memories in the sunshine.
 Here I am with my friends and neighbors “Flashback Heart Attack” at Mason Regional Park in Irvine earlier this month.
Happy summer and be well,
 Katrina Foley
Vice Chair
County of Orange
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