Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear neighbor:
In Orange County, we find our strength in community. This week marked major milestones in nourishing our precious coastline with sand, protecting our neighborhoods from Kratom abuse and gun violence, and modernizing Dana Point Library to welcome back our readers and neighbors. We also prepared for our Board Meeting on Tuesday, during which the Board will review and vote on the proposed response to FY 2024-25 Grand Jury Report titled, “Homelessness: Is Orange County Moving in the Right Direction?”
We celebrated the new affordable housing development and a refreshed City Hall for San Juan Capistrano alongside our friends at Jamboree Housing Corporation. Salida del Sol ends the risk of homelessness for our veterans and neighbors – giving them a place to call home. Every day, we work diligently towards our shared goal: strengthening this safe, healthy, economically thriving community we call home.
Read on for the full rundown.
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Keeping Our Community Safe
Yesterday, I joined Irvine Councilmember Melinda Liu and the Irvine Police Department for our Firearm Safety Event at Quail Hill Community Center. There, residents received critical guidance from Irvine Police Sergeant Scott Grange, including best practices on firearm storage while at home or transporting a weapon in a car. Additionally, Sergeant Grange shared several tips on handling a firearm: Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting, don’t alter or modify your gun, and learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the firearm you're accessing. We can prevent tragedy before it happens by engaging in safe practices and secure storage of firearms in our homes. If you missed the event, be sure to pick up gun locks at Irvine Police Department free of charge at the station's business desk.
 Left to Right: Irvine City Council Member Melinda Liu, me, Irvine Police Sergeant Scott Grange, Irvine Police Program Specialists Shiree Lind and Sherry Chen
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.
Advocating for Our Thriving Economy & Investing in Our Community
Today we accepted the first delivery of new sand to North Beach in San Clemente. In about a week, expect to enjoy a wider sandy beach for more than quarter-mile span of beach. Much work still remains, but this event demonstrates an immediate step to help reinforce the rail line while longer-term reinforcement work continues. Unfortunately, slow, excessive bureaucracy from the government prevents us from bringing the remaining 240,000 cubic yards of sand San Clemente desperately needs. We are working with Congressman Mike Levin and Congresswoman Young Kim’s office to assist us with breaking the log jam so sand can flow.
 Top: Here I am with members of OCTA, Assemblywoman Laurie Davies, Congressmember Mike Levin, State Senator Catherine Blakespear, and Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens; Bottom left: With OCTA Directors Mark Tettemer and Tam Nguyen, Bottom Right: With Congressmember Mike Levin
This week at the 24th Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza, we honored local nonprofits dedicated to providing Orange County children with transformative education, healthcare, and arts services. Our collective action remains Orange County a place where every child can grow, succeed, and lead. A big thank you to Sandy Segerstrom Daniels for your selfless and compassionate leadership.
 With Newport Beach City Councilwoman Robyn Grant, Yorba Linda City Councilmember Peggy Huang, and Mesa Water District President Marice H. DePasquale; Here I am with Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens and Sandy Segerstrom Daniels.
I was honored to join the 30-year anniversary celebration of Memphis Café, a beloved Costa Mesa staple known for its Southern home-style cooking, warm hospitality, and strong community roots. Since 1995, Memphis has served signature dishes like gumbo, fried chicken, and chicken and waffles, along with my personal favorite – the Crab Benedict. For three decades, their commitment to quality, comfort, and connection has helped make Costa Mesa feel like home, including for my family. Cheers to 30 more!
 Here I am with Memphis Cafe co-owners Dan Bradley and Diego Velasco, as well as U.S. Representative Robert Garcia.
The Dana Point Library reopened its doors to the public after completing its first major renovation since 1976, demonstrating the county’s commitment to investing in public spaces that serve everyone. Our libraries anchor our neighborhoods - serving as a place for people of all ages to come together for shared learning, connection, and recreation.
Through a $6.2 million investment, we’ve brought this facility into the modern era with thoughtful upgrades throughout. With a new quiet study room, our students and lifelong learners have a peaceful place to focus and grow. And with a dedicated teen space, our young people now have their own welcoming corner to read, study, and connect. These upgrades ensure that the library remains a safe, modern, and inspiring place for everyone in Dana Point. I’m thrilled for Dana Point residents to explore this refreshed library, which is thoughtfully designed to serve our community well into the future.
 Top Left: Chillin’ in the dedicated Teen Lounge; Top Right: Dana Point Chamber Executive Director Vickie McMurchie, Julie Quillman of OC Public Libraries, and Dana Point Mayor Matthew Pagano; Bottom Right: Checking out the abundant resources available for check-out from the Library of Things.
September celebrates Library Card-Sign-Up Month – check out my staff’s book recommendations below!
A Place to Call Home
Since the founding of Friendship Shelter in 1988, more than 10,000 individuals benefited from their shelter, housing, and supportive services. Each year, the shelter helps move people off the street or out of the shelter and into permanent housing. Last year, the vast majority of those who relocated remained safely and stably housed, a powerful indicator that Friendship Shelter's model works.
My office proudly sponsored $15,000 to bridge the gap in awareness and resources, ensuring more unsheltered individuals can move from the street to permanent housing and receive the long-term care and support they need to thrive.
 Top Left: Me with my friend Diane Harkey; Top Right: The Griffins, Owners of Mission Hospital; Bottom Left: Friendship Shelter Board President Michael Gamerl and Board Member Teddie Ray, Bottom Right: Me with Host Committee Member Heidi Miller
The demand for affordable housing remains pressing and continues growing. This week, I met with Rancho Mission Viejo’s Leadership for a discussion about potential plans for additional workforce and entry level housing. As your County Supervisor, I remain committed to moving decisively on tackling our housing shortage and shaping a future where people of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels can live comfortably in the communities they love, while contributing to their economic vibrancy.
 I celebrated the opening of Salida del Sol alongside San Juan Capistrano Mayor Troy Bourne and Jamboree Housing. Seventy-five percent of the residents in Salida del Sol are from San Juan Capistrano or our neighboring cities in the Fabulous Fifth District. In addition to delivering a state-of-the-art City Hall (which increases public accessibility to the City of San Juan Capistrano), Salida del Sol ends the risk of homelessness for our veterans especially with supportive wrap around services.
 Top Left: With San Juan Capistrano Mayor Troy Bourne, Mayor Pro Tem John Campbell, and Councilmember Howard Hart; Bottom Left: With Chase Wickersham and resident Ryan Daughtry; Bottom Right: Cutting the ribbon with Bank of America Executive Sindy Spivak, Mayor Troy Bourne, Jamboree CEO Laura Archuleta, OC Health Care Agency Behavioral Health Director Ian Kemmer, and Salida del Sol resident Ryan Daughtry
In front of the residential courtyard and community garden, a new 16,021-square-foot City Hall replaces the 50-year-old temporary structure. The integration of housing in close proximity to city officials reinforces our efforts to normalize support services, close gaps, and strengthen community ties between vulnerable populations and middle- and upper-income households. The County invested a total of $4,087,945 funds in this development, as well as 40 Project Based Housing Choice vouchers.
Engaging with Community
Thank you to all who joined me, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, and Dana Point Civic Association at the newly re-opened Coffee Importers this morning for our discussion on the Dana Point Harbor revitalization. The new parking structure opened this summer, marking the end of Phase 2 of the commercial core, and all of our harbor businesses relocated in preparation for the next phase of construction. We expect phase three of the commercial core to begin later this year, which includes the waterfront buildings on Dana Point Harbor Drive. The Dana Point Harbor Hotel Project, which includes a community befits package to fund nonprofit programming at the OC Sailing and Events Center, hit a few roadblocks after planning commission approval earlier this year. However, they are back on track with expected completion in 2028.
Additionally, Dana Point Harbor Marina has experienced a noticeable increase in sea lion activity this summer, with the animals making personal patios out of private boats and docks. In response, our team joined Dana Point Harbor staff, Pacific Marine Mammal Center experts, and CEO Real Estate for a visit to Oceanside Harbor this week to study their Sea Lion Island. My office gave a grant to the PMMC in partnership with Cal State Fullerton for thermal drone tracking of the sea lions, exploring the potential to pilot a similar model in Dana Point.
The Orange County Sailing and Events Center and OC Sheriffs Harbor Patrol docks are also getting much needed improvements, with the design process underway. Stay up to date on the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization on our website.
 Have a great weekend in the Fabulous Fifth, and don't forget your sunscreen. Happy September!
Be well,
 Katrina Foley
Vice Chair
County of Orange
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