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| Volume 5 | Issue 35 |
August 29, 2025 |
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Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear neighbor:
Following a busy Board of Supervisors meeting, my family and I journeyed up to Seattle to move my dad down to our home in Costa Mesa. Family first has guided my life. As parents age, some are fortunate enough to move in with or near their family, but many Orange County older adults isolate and suffer alone. Before taking off, I voted to adopt the County’s Master Plan for Aging, which guides the county as we support the graceful aging of our community members in place near their families and support network. You can read it here.
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Our Board meeting included a diversity of public health and safety issues, including banning illegal kratom sales in county unincorporated areas – making Orange County the first county in California to do so. We also expanded affordable housing, addressed hate crimes in Orange County, traffic safety, auditing of our homeless prevention services, election integrity, settlements from the airport fire, and more.
Read on for the full breakdown.
 Left: Orange County payroll professionals; Right: Pickleball advocates
Keeping Our Community Safe
This week, the Board unanimously banned the sale, distribution, or possession of kratom products containing more than 2% of the potent alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine in unincorporated areas. The ordinance also prohibits sales to individuals under 21, restricts marketing aimed at children, and requires child-resistant packaging.
This move makes Orange County the first county in the state to implement a kratom ban. Kratom is increasingly marketed as a “natural” recovery aid, often targeting those in sobriety. This misleading narrative puts vulnerable individuals at risk. Unregulated and unmonitored kratom bars continue operating throughout Southern California, offering mind-altering substances without medical oversight. Violations of the ordinance may result in misdemeanor charges, fines up to $1,000, jail time, or business license revocation. Residents in need of support can call the OC Links 24-hour hotline at 855-625-4657. To report illegal kratom or nitrous oxide sales, contact the County at 714-834-3550.
 This week I received an email from a resident concerned about pedestrian safety at an intersection near Las Flores Elementary School in the unincorporated community of Las Flores. I reached out to our Orange County Public Works Department and talked through safety solutions. With our support, OCPW will repave the street and install brand new Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons using the latest technology at the crosswalk. Additionally, they will contact California Highway Patrol to increase traffic enforcement in the area, which is especially vital for the beginning of the school year. We also reached out to Orange County Sheriff’s Department and made a request for hiring a crossing guard at that area. Your input on maintaining a safe community is appreciated - we'll share updates on your requests soon.
Firearm Safety and Gun Violence Prevention
As a mother and a leader, I am deeply disturbed by the latest mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school – killing two children and injuring 17 people attending the first mass of the school year. According to Johns Hopkins University, gun violence is now devastatingly the leading cause of death for children in America. Even here in Orange County, home to some of the safest cities in the country, we endure the scourge of gun violence. In 2024, the County of Orange reported 149 gun-related deaths, including three accidental deaths, 39 gun-related homicides, and 107 self-inflicted gun deaths.
As part of our prevention efforts, I invite you to join Irvine Council Member Melinda Liu and me for a Firearm Safety Event in partnership with the Irvine Police Department. This community-centered event will provide education on firearm safety, safe storage, proper handling, and responsible use, with free gun locks distributed.
Thursday, September 4
Quail Hill Community Center, 39 Shady Canyon Dr., Irvine
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
 Supporting a Healthier Orange County
Covered California’s Open Enrollment for 2026 is from November 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026. During this time, you can apply for a new plan or change your existing plan. Please note that re-enrollment is not automatic. If you qualify, you must renew in order to keep your coverage. Starting next month, Covered California consumers will begin receiving notices for 2026, including: Your gross premium, renewal instructions, and information on upcoming plan changes. Don’t wait to get your paperwork in order. As we approach open enrollment, reach out for support by contacting Covered California or a certified agent in your area here.
In honor of Eligibility Professionals Month, we celebrate our devoted county eligibility professionals who help hundreds of thousands of OC residents receive the essential services they need to live safe, healthy, and economically stable lives. This week, I listened in on an eligibility interview. The elderly client had difficulty hearing, understanding the questions and how to access the information requested, and felt frustrated with the time taken. Our eligibility professionals remained calm, patient, and most of all friendly and kind to help the client complete the application.
Unfortunately, the dysfunction in the federal government will make their already difficult jobs harder by adding additional unnecessary administrative burdens.
This deliberate attempt to add red tape by the Trump Administration will suffocate Medicaid, kicking up to 14.4 million Americans off of their health care coverage – increasing the cost of health care for everyone in the United States. In spite of the noise, we commend our eligibility professionals for maintaining compassion, dedication, patience and expertise while strengthening Orange County families and helping them survive and thrive.
 Honoring our County Eligibility Professionals
The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the proposed response to the FY 2024-25 Grand Jury Report titled "Orange County Should Have More Respect for Its Elders!”
Today, a quarter of Orange County residents are aged 60 or older, and by 2060 this will rise to 36%. I’m pleased with the work my team did to collaborate with the CEO and the Office on Aging to draft the county’s first-ever Master Plan for Aging. The MPA the board approved on Tuesday, represents a community-wide effort to prepare our neighborhoods for an aging population, focusing on improvements in housing, healthcare, transportation, and caregiver support. The Grand Jury report reinforces the importance of helping people age with dignity and independence. We agree.
This is especially personal for me as I support two aging parents with very different needs. As mentioned, this week I began moving my father from Seattle to Costa Mesa where he will receive critical health care services and live in close proximity to his family. As our seniors age, they need affordable access to health and wellness resources to assist them in aging gracefully in place. The County’s recently adopted Master Plan for Aging strives to reduce gaps in services, increase housing security, expand caregiver resources, and increase care coordination. We anticipate the plan to evolve over time and always appreciate your input for improvements.
Enhancing our Pickleball Courts
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the nation, transforming into a cornerstone of health and recreation across our community. Our recent OC Parks pickleball study found that 94% of County residents live within a 10-minute drive of a pickleball facility. In District 5, we have 189 courts across 32 facilities. In Laguna Niguel, our OC Parks team continues pickleball court expansion efforts, with a goal of offering a total of 12 pickleball courts at the Laguna Niguel Regional Park to decrease overcrowding and wait times. Our County has invested nearly $2 million in pickleball infrastructure. We must continue investing in affordable park facilities that keep residents engaged and active.
 Enjoying the Tanager pickleball courts opening in Mesa Verde
Advocating for Our Thriving Economy & Investing in Our Community
At this week’s Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors meeting on Monday, August 25, the Board unanimously approved the State of Good Repair Program (SB 1) and the Transit Program (SB 125), which provides funding for transit system state of good repair and capital improvement projects for fiscal year 2025-26 and 2026-27. By upgrading bus base infrastructure, adding electric chargers, and building a new hydrogen fueling station, we continue ensuring our fleet remains safe, reliable, and equipped for a zero-emission future by 2040. These improvements protect taxpayer dollars and keep our transit system in a state of good repair for the future.
Public transit remains a priority for Orange County, with increasing demand and creative solutions. The Project V ridership report proves that local trolley systems play a vital role in connecting our communities and decreasing traffic during our busy summer months. The Fabulous Fifth District is home to 14 Project V Trolleys from Balboa Peninsula Trolley to the Ranch Ride in Rancho Mission Viejo.
From October 2024 to March 2025, 14 of 22 Project V services were operational, including new off-season trolley services in Laguna Beach and expanded summer/special event service in San Juan Capistrano. These services:
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Carried 256,000 passengers
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Delivered 20,000 service hours
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Traveled 250,500 miles
We must continue investing in our public transit systems to make public transportation simple, easy, and accessible in every corner of our county, and for all ages and abilities.
Infrastructure Investments
The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a Cooperative Agreement with the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) for the San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project to design and implement reconstruction of the San Juan Creek Bridge. By investing $2 million from our Flood Control Funds, we will replace the century-old San Juan Creek rail bridge. Our investment will create new active transportation options, install new sheet pile channel walls, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and protect public infrastructure.
A Place to Call Home
The School of Social Ecology at University of California Irvine found that 51% of Orange County residents consider moving away because of the cost of housing. This worry disproportionately affects residents under 40 years old, leading to a growing brain drain for our region.
The 2025 Orange County Housing Finance Trust 5-year Strategic Plan highlights the commitment of the Board to support the development of housing for our workforce in Orange County. On my behalf, Vice Chair of the Trust and Irvine Councilwoman Melinda Liu joined my Deputy Chief of Staff in presenting to the Orange County Grantmakers Board about strategic investments they can make into the Trust to support building housing for our workforce. Orange County Grantmakers consists of businesses, banks, nonprofits, and philanthropic foundations that support missions like that of the Trust. Following our presentation, we remain hopeful that these business and banking leaders will partner and invest in the Trust to develop housing for the missing middle-class workforce, who are too often excluded from government support.
 My Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Napuri speaking alongside Irvine Council Member Melinda Liu
To date, 383 units are open or in development because of our office’s “Homekey in a Box” initiative. “Homekey in a Box” brought cities, developers, and the Orange County Housing Authority together to bring money back from Sacramento and invest dollars back into our communities. Yesterday, we broke ground on a new 78-unit community in Costa Mesa in partnership with American Family Housing, the United States Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, the State of California, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, the County of Orange, CalOptima Health, and the cities of Costa Mesa and Newport Beach.
The Avon River Apartments serve as a testament that strategic collaboration of local, state, and federal government can quickly address the housing affordability crisis and convert crime magnet motels into housing that serves our neighbors. In addition to successfully bringing $29 million home from the California Department of Housing and Community Development for Avon River – the County of Orange contributed $6.78 million toward this housing development. The County also provided 48 project-based vouchers, which lock in the affordability for residents in this community for 20 years. Ten of these vouchers will end homelessness for OC Veterans.
 Top Left: My Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Napuri speaking at Avon River groundbreaking; Top Right: Alyssa awarding Milo Peinemann from American Family Housing with a certificate; Bottom: Shovels to the ground with Milo, Michael Tou with Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris's Office, Newport Beach Mayor Joe Stapleton, Michael Hunn CEO of CalOptima Health, Mayor of Costa Mesa John Stephens, Alyssa, and representatives from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Orange County Health Care Agency
Engaging with Our Community
On Women’s Equality Day on August 26th we recognized ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, ensures voting rights for everyone regardless of gender. Last weekend, I enjoyed joining the Women’s Journey Foundation for a tea event in celebration of women’s rights. Established in 1971, Women’s Equality Day also celebrates the pioneers who fought for the rights and opportunities women access today, while recognizing the work still ahead. I beat the odds as Costa Mesa’s first directly elected mayor – and only the city’s eighth woman Mayor. Only eight women ever served on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, including the two of us serving now. I’ve spent my career in male-dominated fields, including as a lawyer and business owner.
In the face of ongoing challenges to our rights, women must continue to lead, persevere, and lift each other up. We see all of you and stand with you. Take some time to thank a woman impacting your life, support a woman-owned business, and make sure you register to vote or encourage a young woman to register – she can pre-register as early as 16 years old!
 Top Left: Allyson Sonenshine, Women‘s Journey Foundation Award Recipient; Top Right: Me with student suffragist performers; Bottom Left: Belinda de la Libertad, Award Recipient; Bottom Right: Vivian Bozman Clecak, Award Recipient
Join me, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, and Dana Point Civic Association at the newly re-opened Coffee Importers location at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point on Friday, September 5, at 8:30 a.m. I’m thrilled to share updates on our work to support residents of Dana Point. I look forward to speaking with you.
 A Look Ahead: Labor Day Weekend
This weekend we recognize the contributions of the labor movement that improved the quality of life for all Americans. From paid time off, to lunch breaks and safe working conditions, pregnancy and parental leave, unions are the backbone of our middle class and workplace protections. I am proud to support our workers and their organizing efforts for safe and equitable workplaces – and hope we can all enjoy a well-earned break on this upcoming Labor Day.
Enjoy this weekend of rest at one of the Fabulous Fifth District’s breathtaking coastal amenities – whether it’s a bike ride through Costa Mesa’s Fairview Park, a coastal hike in Laguna Beach, a stroll around the beautiful Balboa Peninsula, paddleboarding or riding an outrigger in Dana Point Harbor, or a sunset walk along the stunning San Clemente Pier. You can also join my team tonight at Salt Creek Beach for the final OC Parks Sunset Cinema featuring Moana 2.
Tonight at Mustang Stadium is the highly anticipated Battle of the Bell football game between Costa Mesa High School and Estancia. Our house is divided – either way it’s a win! Don’t miss it – be there at 7pm sharp!
Have a great Labor Day weekend. Wear your sunscreen; hug and love on your family.
 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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Staff Updates
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Adam Tallabas
District Director
Hello! On Tuesday, I attended the grand opening of the UCI Health Van Cave – the first-of-its-kind mobile prostate cancer screening van. This transformative resource aims to mobilize men’s health and provide free and easy screenings that can save the lives of thousands of men annually. Thank you to Newport Beach Mayor Pro Tem Lauren Kleinman for inviting our office.
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 I volunteered to be the second person to ever get blood drawn at the Van Cave! District 5 continues to be a hub for healthcare innovation. UCI Health’s campus expansion on Jamboree in Irvine adds to the breadth of high-quality care options for Orange County residents.
Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
This week, I attended a meeting in preparation for the opening of Salida del Sol, a new affordable housing development in San Juan Capistrano. The development is the result of a public-private partnership between Jamboree Housing and the City of San Juan Capistrano. This site offers housing for 40 formerly homeless individuals and veterans who qualify by earning up to 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI), as well as for nine additional individuals who earn up to 50% of the AMI. AMI in Orange County is about $100,000/year. Many people on fixed incomes, just starting their careers or facing economic challenges, live below 100% of the AMI.
This development allows formerly homeless residents to live in Permanent Supportive Housing with stability. Our county invested $2.4 million in supportive housing and mental health services to make this possible. On top of these incredible services, this site also includes San Juan Capistrano’s new City Hall. The perfect combination of community and civic engagement.
For more information and to stay informed on future affordable housing projects, visit Jamboree’s website at www.jamboreehousing.com.
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Abby Paulson
District Representative
Happy Friday, D5! This week, I attended Sustain SoCal’s Water Solutions 10 Conference. We heard from a variety of industry leaders and professionals on AI and water data, keeping utility prices down, a variety of innovative water solutions, and the Doheny Desalination project. The Doheny Desalination project, sponsored by the South Coast Water District, will provide a drought proof local water source for residents in Dana Point and parts of San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, and South Laguna Beach. The Doheny Project, when completed, will produce 5 million gallons per day of drinking water at reasonable costs, benefiting residents and visitors alike and ensuring South Orange County’s water resiliency for the future. Our office continues to work to secure Prop 4 funding for this important project.
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 Left: Here I am celebrating the grand opening of Rejuven8 in Dana Point; Right: Celebrating Knuckleheads 1-year anniversary of new ownership in San Clemente
Robbie LaBounty
District Representative
Hi District 5! This week I worked on coordinating with our community partners on our upcoming Wildfire Preparedness Town Hall which is all set for September 25th. We have a really informative event lined up that I think the community will appreciate. This National Preparedness Month I hope you all come and learn more about what we are doing at the County and what you all can do at home in order to keep your families and your homes safe. Hope to see you there!
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Application Open! District 5 Public Financing Advisory Committee Appointee
The Public Finance Advisory Committee (PFAC) is responsible for reviewing, approving, modifying, or denying debt financing proposals. No debt financing proposal is considered by the Board of Supervisors unless specifically recommended in writing by the PFAC. We seek applicants with a financial industry background to join this important committee.
Click here for the application. Please send a completed application and resume to Katrina.foley@ocgov.com
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.
Transportation News
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.
Join our Firearm Safety Event in Irvine
 Join our Coffee Chat in Dana Point
 Our 18th Annual Senior Summit
Celebrate Labor Day with Voice of Laguna
 Join the Marine Corps Ball Gown Drive
 Business Security Workshop
Honoring our Costa Mesa Fire Department
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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Sunset Cinema Series in 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.
Celebrate the Dana Point Library Reopening
 Resources at OC Public Libraries
Pet of the Week
Meet Pet of the Week, Charles!
Meet Charles, the one-year-old Husky Kelpie mix who has never met a stranger, just future friends. He’s eager to please, treat-motivated, and loves nothing more than pets, attention, and going on walks. Charles is highly trainable and full of potential, and he’s ready to learn, grow, and be your loyal adventure partner. Give him a chance and foster-to-adopt him from OC Animal Care today!
Please visit the 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.
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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