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| Volume 5 | Issue 30 |
July 25, 2025 |
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Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear neighbor:
This week, we worked internally on a variety of important initiatives, including our Master Plan for Aging, possible solutions to CalFresh funding cuts, a Memorandum of Understanding regarding our collaborative encampment-clearing efforts with the Cities of Newport Beach and Costa Mesa at Randall Preserve, our plans to upgrade our OC Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol docks, and preparation for hosting our State of the County Luncheon in two weeks.
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 With our excellent teams from OC Parks, CEO Real Estate, Harbor Patrol, and Dana Point Harbor Partners.
We were unexpectedly thrown into “Fish Gate” when a local angler informed me about fish dying at Laguna Niguel Regional Park Lake. Sadly, more than 600 fish died. I’ve directed our OC Parks staff to launch a full investigation into the root cause. Our dedicated rangers collected water samples and sent fish to a lab for testing, and hydro-mapped where in the lake fish died or still thrive. Map analysis tells us most fish died near the creek, so I directed staff to investigate water quality there.
The majority of fish at Laguna Niguel Regional Park are alive, including the catfish OC Parks stocks for recreational fishing. While we investigate external factors potentially impacting this die-off, such as water quality anomalies, we encourage the community to keep our office informed of potential changes in the area.
I expect to lead the way on implementing changes based on lessons learned, preventing future harm to our park wildlife. Please consider sharing your input and suggestions about improvements to the lake and amenities. Stay tuned for details about an upcoming community town hall.
In addition, I fielded questions from the press about the President’s recent executive order regarding the crisis of homelessness. While I agree our approach to homelessness lacks urgency, I disagree with the administration’s jailing of every addict or mentally ill person. We must involuntarily hold and detox residents who lack capacity, but I’m a strong advocate for treatment over incarceration. Read my comments here.
Introducing “Community Connect” -- a new method for sharing your ideas, concerns, or requests directly with our office. Click here, and help us create a safer, healthier, economically thriving Orange County community for all to call home.
 Team Foley and I “Found Our Happy” on Opening Day of the 135th Orange County Fair! Every year, I look forward to our annual tradition of raising the American flag above The Hangar, and kicking off a summer of music, dancing, rides, wild food selections, exhibits, animals, and excellent family fun. We enjoyed our staff scavenger hunt, exploring the fairgrounds, and tasting new things. Thank you to all who bring these traditions to life. Last year’s OC Fair welcomed nearly 1.2 million visitors in just 12 days. Let’s break the record this year – buy your tickets today.
 Top left: Here I am enjoying the OC Fair’s Butterfly Exhibit, thinking of my Monarch Butterfly Committee and our work planting native milkweed for our local butterfly population; Top middle: With the OC Fair CEO James Canfield, as I congratulate him on Opening Day with a Proclamation from the County; Top right: With Costa Mesa Fire Chief Dan Stefano and Costa Mesa Interim Police Chief Joyce LaPointe; Bottom left: With the second place winner of the hydrangea contest, Newport City Councilman Erik Weigand; Bottom right: My team and me with the OC Fair Foodies.
If you’re attending the fair this summer, hitch a free and convenient ride every 30 minutes on the OC Fair Express from one of our stops throughout Orange County. The City of Costa Mesa can look forward to reduced weekend congestion and a cleaner community thanks to fewer cars on roads surrounding the fairgrounds. Ride fares range from $0.75 to $2, and kids ride free. Riding this bus to the OC Fair costs less than a cup of coffee! Savings you would ordinarily put towards parking can now go to enjoying our amazing fair activities. Enjoy the OC Fair Express every Saturday and Sunday through August 17. Find a route near you at OCFairExpress.com. Here’s to a summer of fun in the Fabulous Fifth!
 Left: With the dedicated OCTA team who helped make this public fair transit possible; Right: Here I am with OCTA COO Johnny Dunning, Board Members Mark Tettemer and Carlos Leon, and Irvine Councilman William Go, cutting the OC Fair Express ribbon.
Keeping Our Community Safe
This week, I welcomed the General Consulate of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and my longtime friend, Kelani Silk, Executive Director of Marshallese Youth of Orange County. We discussed identification issues COFA (Compact of Free Association) residents face at local agencies in Orange County related to obtaining Real IDs and benefits, and how the county can help create a safer, healthier, thriving community for these residents to call home. I love the handwoven hair flower and accessories they shared with me. So beautiful.
 With Executive Director of Marshallese Youth of Orange County Kelani Silk, Consulate General of the Republic of Marshall Islands Glansay Enos, and Vice Consul of the Republic of Marshall Islands Calvin Myazoe.
As your County Supervisor, I work diligently on maximizing your taxpayer dollar by streamlining services provided by our 22 departments. This week, we received our requested financial analysis on use of overtime pay for Deputies and staff of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. In addition to fairly compensating our sworn officers, use of overtime saves taxpayers approximately $24 million in funding annually. As we create a safer Orange County for all of us to call home, we must equip our OC Sheriff’s Department with the best tools, supports, and qualified team members for protecting our communities.
At the Orange County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council meeting, we discussed the increase in state funding aimed at reducing youth recidivism through partnerships with local community-based organizations. We received our budget update and voted to set aside the $2.1 million surplus for Community Based Organization grants, up to $225,000 each. The grant opportunity begins August 1, 2025. Visit here for details.
During the meeting, a member shared a note of gratitude from a juvenile currently enrolled in the mentor/mentee program, describing how the program transformed his life, lifting him from his darkest time into a place of excitement for his future. These programs, built on collaboration between our law enforcement community and community-based organizations, play a critical role in redirecting the lives of young people during times when bad decisions create turmoil for them.
 With OCJJCC
Supporting a Healthier Orange County
More than 700,000 residents in Orange County receive meal boxes and food assistance. At least 103,000 reside in District 5. Many are seniors and children. I’m very concerned the recent budget bill cuts $4 million from the Cal Fresh program, beginning in October. Not only does this eliminate the crucial grocery program, but 19 staff positions as well, costing Orange County residents their livelihoods. Read the memo the Board received here. I’m working with our CEO and Health Care Agency director to find alternative funding sources to maintain this program.
One of the most premiere marine research labs in the country calls Corona del Mar home: CalTech’s Kerckhoff Marine Laboratory. Thank you to Lab Manager Stephen Ranson and Lab Director Victoria Orphan for guiding me on a tour of one of our nation’s longest-running marine labs and discussing the vision of future marine research in the Fabulous Fifth. We're working together on bringing home more funding for marine life to Orange County, ensuring a safer, more resilient future for our unique and precious coastal community. Check out our community events section below for science related events for the community. Bonus: they need a lot of sand removed from their pier area so I may have discovered a local sand source!
 Top Left & Bottom Right: With Lab Manager Stephen Ranson, learning about the impact of algal bloom communities, deep sea explorations in Orange County, the feeding processes of starfish, and more; Bottom Left: With William G. Kerckhoff, the German-American lumber and electric power millionaire and land developer who bequeathed buildings in his name to my alma mater UCLA and Cal Tech.
Advocating for Our Thriving Economy & Investing in Our Community
In District 5, business is booming. We’ve cut ribbons at more than five businesses per week in recent months. This week, we celebrated success for long-time businesses such as Five Crowns in Newport Beach, celebrating 60 years.
 Here I am with Ryan O’Melveny Wilson, CEO of Lawry’s Restaurants Inc. and 4th Generation family member.
Earlier this month, we opened the brand-new Dana Point Harbor entrance and parking structure. A few more businesses opened their new harbor locations, including Frisby Wine Cellars and Coco Bloom, next to Jon’s Fish Shop. The next phase of the commercial core kicks off at the end of summer. The Dana Point Harbor revitalization is on track for near-completion by Summer 2028, just in time for the Olympics, positioning Orange County to welcome tourists from all over the globe to this paradise we call home.
I enjoyed welcoming the Dana Point community to the grand opening for Frisby Winery & Brewing. Still an active OCFA Fire Captain and Paramedic in Ladera Ranch, owner Josh Frisby started Frisby Cellars Winery in 2008 by purchasing wine grapes from Paso Robles, producing his first award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon. Now, Dana Point's new winery and brewery offers guests a tasting room, live music, food, and the perfect ambiance.
 With owner Josh Frisby and the Frisby Cellars team, celebrating the grand opening of their newest location in Dana Point!
I also met with the new District 5 Representative for our Measure M2 Taxpayer Oversight Committee (TOC), Patrick Purington. Measure M2 (M2) is the county’s 30-year, half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements across Orange County, administered by OCTA. Formed after the passage of Measure M in 1990, TOC ensures all Measure M2 funds are spent as intended. Patrick’s finance experience will benefit the oversight committee.
Engaging with Our Community
This week, I joined Ed Steinfeld on his radio show, “Voice of Laguna,” where we discussed County efforts, Rancho Fire supports, the significance of grant funding to offset the low percentage of property tax dollars the county receives (0.05/$1.00), homelessness in OC, veterans resources and the new Orange County approved $10.8 billion budget. Listen here.
 Here I am chatting with Ed on his show, Voice of Laguna.
Today, I celebrated the re-opening of the Terramor Aquatic Park in Ladera Ranch. Our office helped cut through red tape and sped up permitting processes so this new water park opened just in time for summer fun for all ages. The excitement about the upgraded water play areas felt almost as exhilarating as the new water slide! This re-opening invites residents to beat the summer heat. Remember your sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen!
 With Ladera Rancho Chamber of Commerce and LARMAC, celebrating (and testing out) the reopened water park!
The State of the County Luncheon presents an annual opportunity for esteemed Orange County elected officials, public sector employees, and businesspeople to share exciting updates on the important progress we’re making in building a safer, healthier, economically thriving community for us all to call home. Join us at the Pendry in Newport Beach on August 8 at 11 a.m. and learn more.
This weekend my husband, Casey, and I will celebrate 34 years married. It’s our Opal anniversary. I’m so lucky to enjoy this journey with a man who cares deeply about me and his family, has compassion for others, and supports all of my aspirations and initiatives. It helps that I don’t complain about his Friday get-togethers with his high school friends and a lot of golf. Casey, “I’m gonna love you forever and ever and ever, amen.”
 Happy summer and be well,
 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 August 12, 2025
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Staff Updates
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Happy Friday, District 5! This week, I reviewed the OC Information Technology (OCIT) Annual Report for FY 2024-25. The county boosts cybersecurity by upgrading our firewall and launching a countywide migration to the OC.gov domain. OCIT also achieved key cost-saving measures, including storing county data in archives, extending service contracts, and renegotiating vendor contracts that save Orange County approximately $25.9 million over the next five years. Vice Chair Foley remains committed to investing in our technology, partnerships, and workforce to build a resilient and unified defense posture for Orange County.
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Adam Tallabas
District Director
This week, I spoke with the City of Newport Beach and our County team about the importance of security around the multi-jurisdictional Randall Preserve/Talbert Park region. Recent encampments threaten critical wildlife in the area. We’re working diligently on ensuring your safety in our parks.
Tomorrow, I plan on attending the Sea and Sage Audobon Summer BBQ in Irvine, where I look forward to learning about Sea and Sage’s commitment to protecting our wildlife and our diverse D5 environment.
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Abby Paulson
District Representative
Hi D5! Did you know Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) compiles all of the resources you may need into one website? OC Navigator provides hundreds of resource guides and connects you with professionals for anything from wellness and healthcare to legal help and housing assistance.
This also includes a Wellness Check-in quiz, which helps analyze your needs so we can better assist you. The county always seeks ways to improve our services – help us help you!
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 Here I am at the Grand Opening for Foundation Pilates in San Clemente with owner Erin O’Brien.
Robbie LaBounty
District Representative
Hi, District 5! This week I met with County Chief Operating Officer Jessica Witt, who walked me through a project I requested regarding Ladera Ranch's tax basis analysis. She collaborated with our Tax Collector Agency to gather comprehensive data on Ladera's property tax contributions, enhancing fiscal transparency for local residents. Over the coming weeks, we will meet with key Ladera stakeholders to present this data and fulfill our commitment to provide residents in unincorporated areas with detailed information demonstrating responsible stewardship of their property tax dollars.
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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
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.
Marine Flare Collection Event, August 16, 2025
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
Roadway Improvements & Traffic Advisories
In addition to the projects listed below that may impact your commute, you can find information on work being done to enhance our City on the Capital Improvement Projects Map and the Road Construction Map.
- Alton Parkway at Culver Drive Monday, July 28 -- Thursday, July 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for the Culver Drive and Alton Parkway Intersection Improvement project.
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Lane closures will be in place beginning Monday, July 28, as part of the Jamboree & Michelson Pedestrian Bridge project.
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The northbound State Route 55 loop on-ramp and Dyer Road will be closed Monday, July 28, through Friday, August 1, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. while steel girders are installed at the Dyer Road bridge.
Metrolink Summer Campaign
Avoid traffic and enjoy summer with Metrolink! Metrolink Weekends offers $10 round-trip fares, and youth 17 and under ride free. Enter our weekly drawings for a chance to win a pair of Metrolink tickets or for the monthly grand prize: a $100 gift card plus two Metrolink tickets. For more information and to enter, visit metrolinkdaycations.com.
OC Bus – 862 Survey
Starting in Spring 2026, the OC Streetcar will replace Route 862, providing improved service along the same corridor. We value your opinion and want to hear about your experience with Route 862. For more information and to take the survey, visit ocbus.com/682
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.
Fall Prevention with the OC Office on Aging
July Farmers Markets
This month, attend your local farmers market and support small businesses, have fun with the whole family, and take home some fresh produce. Find a farmers’ market near you here.
Buy Your OC Fair Tickets Today!
Walk for Independence
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Join Project Independence for 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
Crystal Cove Art Classes
Our Great Plein Air Art Experience art classes invite you to take part in Crystal Cove's living history by spending a relaxing day capturing the beauty of the Cove on canvas with the help of Crystal Cove plein air artist, Debbie Morines. These five-hour classes from 9am – 2pm will take you through the process of creating your first plein air painting from beginning to end. For a full list of upcoming events, visit CrystalCove.org/Events.
Kerckhoff Marine Laboratory in Corona del Mar
 Fundraiser for Student Exchange Program
Bear Coast Coffee's Ink on Pottery
Resources at OC Public Libraries
Pet of the Week
Meet Pet of the Week, Aniston!
Make way for a big hunk of love! Here are five reasons why 5-year-old Aniston could be your perfect match:
1. He's handsome and strong.
2. Champ at "sit" and eager to learn more!
3. LOVES playing fetch; keeping you entertained and active.
4. Great at self-play with toys, especially when you need alone time.
5. Can be affectionate and cuddly as long as belly rubs are included!
If Aniston sounds like the pet you're looking for, please call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention his animal ID A1876720 to foster or adopt him today!
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.
Metrolink Summer Campaign
Avoid traffic and enjoy summer with Metrolink! Metrolink Weekends offers $10 round-trip fares, and youth 17 and under ride free. Enter our weekly drawings for a chance to win a pair of Metrolink tickets or for the monthly grand prize: a $100 gift card plus two Metrolink tickets. For more information and to enter, visit metrolinkdaycations.com.
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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@SupervisorFoley
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