Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear neighbor:
As a united community, we build the foundation for lasting safety, health, and economic prosperity in Orange County. During this week’s Board of Supervisors meeting, we voted to ensure election integrity, enhanced safety and energy efficiency at John Wayne Airport, invested in conservation of one of the Fabulous Fifth’s most iconic OC Parks, and much more. My office also engaged with communities around the district, announcing new partnerships at John Wayne Airport, talking healthcare options on Spectrum News, and hosting a town hall about protecting our homes from wildfires.
|
 Read on for more about our work this week.
Board of Supervisors Meeting
Directing Registrar of Voters to Remove Non-Humans from the County Voter Rolls
Let’s make one thing clear: A dog did not vote – an Orange County resident voted twice. That’s why we directed the Registrar of Voters to investigate, remove any non-humans from the voter rolls, publicize findings if applicable, and cross-check voter data with the OC Animal Care Pet License list. I supported the cross-check and was relieved to learn no matches were found. A crime was committed and now this Costa Mesa woman faces up to six years in prison if convicted on all counts.
I voted to require that the 2,616 registered voters, out of the county’s 1.9 million registered voters, who have not verified their identity with a Social Security Number, a Driver’s License, or State ID be sent a notice of their registration status along with a cancellation form if they can’t verify their identity. I recommend any future suspected voter fraud uncovered through this process be referred to our District Attorney.
Addressing Prop 50
At this week’s meeting, I advocated that the County of Orange must refrain from taking a position, whether in support or opposition, regarding congressional district maps (Proposition 50). Orange County’s voters must have the freedom to decide if Proposition 50 is in their interests. I encourage all voters to do their research on this important proposition before making your voice heard.
John Wayne Airport Infrastructure Upgrades
With our approval, John Wayne Airport can now replace aging main terminal switchgear and five-unit substations in use for more than 20 years old. We also look forward to upgrades to emergency power systems by replacing outdated Automatic Transfer Switches in Terminals A and B. These anticipated updates will increase energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety by reducing the potential of power outages.
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park Conservation
The Board provided funding for long-term maintenance of 55 acres of restored habitat in Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Thanks to our collaboration with Laguna Canyon Foundation, Army Corps of Engineers, and OCTA, we continue protecting critical Orange County habitats for the long-term health and vitality of our community.
 My team walked nearly 10,000 steps with community members and OC Parks at one of my previous Wellness Walks through Aliso and Wood Canyon Wilderness Park.
Hunger Action Month
I stopped by Second Harvest Food Bank to learn about how rising costs combined with federal cuts, especially to essentials like milk and eggs, continue straining families and organizations working to support our communities. While food security impacts our ability to function day to day, it’s important to know that food assistance programs also strengthen our economy. For every dollar invested in food assistance programming, the County of Orange receives a $1.79 return on investment. The County of Orange, along with agency leaders and partners like Laguna Food Pantry, Share Ourselves, and South County Outreach must continue our collaborative efforts to fight hunger and keep food on tables for those who need it most.
 Top: With Irvine Councilmember Melinda Liu and the excellent Second Harvest Food Bank team; Bottom: At the Board of Supervisors meeting with Director An Tran of OC Social Services Agency, Claudia Bonilla-Keller of Second Harvest Food Bank, LaVal Brewer and Vanessa Howard of South County Outreach, Elizabeth Andrade of 2-1-1 OC, Mark Lowry of OC Food Bank, Erika Robles of United Across Borders, Vittoria Grandis of Abound Food Care
California Surfing Day
Orange County’s legendary surf culture earns us a spot on the global stage as we prepare for the 2028 Olympics. Peter “PT” Townend of the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum stopped by this week’s Board meeting for California Surfing Day and caught us up on which organization will manage the Olympic surfing competition.
Last month, I sent a letter expressing my strong support for USA Surfing’s recertification as the official National Governing Body of U.S. Olympic Surfing. USA Surfing remains deeply rooted in our South Orange County community, fueling our local economy as well as investing in our young athletes and preserving our surf culture. With 31 miles of coastline and a legacy tied to the sport, our district (and especially San Clemente) plays a vital role in the future of Olympic Surfing. In my letter, I emphasized the importance of keeping leadership in the hands of those who understand and live the sport. I continue urging the Board to approve USA Surfing’s recertification. In the meantime, stay engaged and be sure to also check out the Surf Industry Summit on October 15 in Laguna Beach.
 Top left: With Paris Ramirez Carrie and Mike Foster, Matt Marshalsea, and Mike Cruickshank from Killer Dana Surf Shop; Top right: With Team USA Surfing Head Coach Ryan Simmons and Junior World Team Members Makai, Olivia, and Emery; Bottom Left: With Executive Director Peter ‘PT’ Townend of the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum; Bottom right: With advocates from the Surfrider Foundation.
Grants Updates
Our county departments secured nearly $3 million to fund programs for drug prevention, Black infant health, CalFresh outreach, and Medicare improvements. With rising funding uncertainty, our county team remains committed to preventing gaps in service and resources.
I’m also thrilled that OC Public Libraries secured essential funding for the OC Read Families for Literacy program, allowing staff to continue offering tutoring in basic reading and writing for adult learners at all OC Public Libraries branches. The grant also offsets staff salaries and benefits, as well as literacy materials. If you or someone you know may benefit from this literacy program, please visit ocpl.org to find your local branch.
Keeping Our Community Safe
Wildfire Preparedness in Rancho Mission Viejo
In Orange County, wildfire season lasts year-round. At our Wildfire Preparedness Town Hall in Rancho Mission Viejo, more than 150 residents signed up to learn more about the county’s collaborative work with law enforcement and utilities companies to protect Orange County homes and families from the threat of wildfire. Fire safety experts from Orange County Fire Authority, OC Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, and SDG&E shared updates on fire safety and preventative home hardening work in the event of an unexpected wildfire. I shared about my work funding and installing Helopods in key areas to enable quick access for our Firehawk helicopters, advancement of the Rancho Mission Viejo Wildfire Resource Center, and bipartisan federal legislation to better manage federal forests and create a new national Wildfire Intelligence Center.
Receive Emergency Updates:
 Thank you to SDG&E VP of Wildfire & Climate Science Brian D’Agostino, Captain Vanessa Anderson of OC Sheriff’s Department, OC Fire Authority’s Chief Cheyne Maule, and California Highway Patrol Captain Tim Brown for joining us in leading this important discussion on fire safety.
CLEAR Takes Off at JWA
This week, we celebrated John Wayne Airport becoming the 60th airport to launch CLEAR+, offering travelers a faster, more secure screening process using fingerprint and eye scan technology. CLEAR+ enhances security, reduces fraud, and ensures only verified individuals access the terminal. Nearly 80,000 Orange County residents are already members of CLEAR. This passenger amenity is part of a broader effort to modernize our infrastructure, invest in safety, and even boost our local economy. In fact, our partnership with CLEAR will generate $1.7 million annually for our economy, while creating airport jobs and offering livable wages for workers. This is yet another reason why JWA was rated #1 in customer satisfaction for large airports in North America for the second year in a row!
 Celebrating CLEAR+ with JWA staff, Assistant Airport Director Komal Kumar, JWA Director Charlene Reynolds, and CLEAR Executive Vice President Kyle McLaughlin
Supporting a Healthier Orange County
Breast Cancer Awareness
Early detection saves lives. As we approach Breast Cancer Awareness Month, my office continues highlighting our support for critical programs that promote prevention, education, and access to care. My focus remains on breaking down barriers to care, including raising awareness of symptoms, reducing stigma, and supporting affordable, accessible screenings.
According to our Orange County Health Care Agency, nearly 400 Orange County women lost their lives to breast cancer in 2024. Fortunately, Orange County remains a hub for comprehensive breast cancer care – consistently improving access to precautionary screenings that can detect breast cancer early. Please schedule an appointment with your local health provider to catch this disease early and access systems of care as soon as possible.
 Touring the Renewal Boutique inside the Women’s Health Pavilion at Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills (Photo: Courtesy of OC Register)
 City of Hope Breast Cancer awareness month event (Photo: Courtesy of Daily Pilot)
Infrastructure Improvements
Proposed Metrolink Maintenance Facility in Irvine
On Wednesday, I joined OCTA CEO Darrell Johnson and Irvine City Councilmember Dr. Kathleen Treseder to discuss transportation routes across Irvine and review the Proposed Orange County Metrolink Maintenance Facility. This facility would reduce maintenance times, eliminate late-night noise from running trains, and help ensure reliable, consistent Metrolink service. You can preview the proposed facility here.
OCTA Board of Directors Meeting
This week, we unanimously approved our agreement with the Transportation Corridor Agencies for the SR-241/SR-91 Express Connector. This investment supports one of Southern California’s most congested interchanges. Motorists traveling between Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties currently experience significant delays where the SR-241 Toll Road meets the 91 Express Lanes. This project provides a seamless connection to reduce congestion on both the 241 North and 91 East.
 Building a Thriving Economy
Health Permits
When I joined the Board of Supervisors, one of the most frequent complaints received by my office was that it took way too long for the County to approve health permits. Frankly, they were right. In some cases, it took six months for approval. At that time, I learned that the County only accepted paper applications. For small businesses, time is money and waiting around burning money on rent and lost revenue is unacceptable. Last year we went online and hired more staff. In the past year, 97% of permit and construction applications were made online and approval times plummeted to a range of 1 to 15 business days.
We continue cutting red tape by developing a new construction guide, which helps reduce approval times for construction as well as includes remodeling plans through education, technical assistance, and community engagement. These efforts ensure Orange County remains open for business!
OCAPICA Tastemakers of OC
Tastemakers of Orange County celebrates Asian and Pacific Islander-inspired cuisine created by more than two dozen distinguished chefs across Orange County. Each dish supports Orange County Asian Pacific Islander Community Alliance’s programs and services addressing mental and physical health, housing, workforce development, as well as combating anti-Asian racism in our community.
 Left: Here I am with Wahoo Fish Taco founder and Orange County Hall of Fame member Wing Lam, celebrating our local restaurant community; Top Right: Founder Ivan Calderon and his son Nico; Bottom Right: Me with OCAPICA Board Member Sora Park Tanjasiri, OCAPICA Executive Director Mary Ann Foo, and Alan Woo
Engaging with Community
UC Irvine’s Long-Range Development
I met with UCI Government Affairs for updates on UC Irvine’s future surrounding capital projects, student housing development, campus sustainability, and the world-class innovations led by our UCI faculty and students. As UCI develops their Long-Range Development Plan, I look forward to exploring areas for collaboration with the County of Orange. Go Anteaters!
 With Director of State and Local Relations Kristin Vellandi, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs Sherry Main, and Assistant Vice Chancellor of Community & Government Relations P. Alberto Sandoval.
Celebrating Equine Therapy in San Juan Capistrano
Otra Más remains a cornerstone of the San Juan Capistrano community, preserving Orange County’s equestrian legacy and to providing equine-assisted therapy for our veterans, sex trafficking survivors, and first responders. I proudly joined Otra Más in recognizing Dr. Peter Czuleger as their 2025 Icon of San Juan Capistrano for his commitment to healing, heritage, and community.
 Top left: With Father Donal; Top right: With Chris Griffith, Co-owner of Inn at the Mission; Bottom right: With Dr. Peter Czuleger, this year's Icon of San Juan Capistrano honoree.
Ohana Inspiring Activism Award
The Ohana Festival unites south Orange County for a weekend of live music, art, and coastal fun. I joined the Vitalogy and Marisla Foundation‘s in honoring this year’s “Ohana Inspiring Activism Award” recipients: Bob Mignogna and Steve Long of the San Onofre Parks Foundation, and Nainoa Thompson of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. The award celebrates community leaders dedicated to protecting our coasts through activism and community engagement.
 Top left: With Steve Long and Bob Mignogna; Bottom left: Me with Bob Mignogna, Surfrider Foundation CEO Dr. Chad Nelson, Steve Long; Top Right: Laguna Beach Councilmember Hallie Jones and Eddie Vedder Manager and co-founder of Ohana Fest Mark Smith; Bottom Right: Executive Director and Vice President of Oceana Hugo Tagholm, Emily Benson of Vitality Foundation, and Community Advocate Laurie Smith.
A Look Ahead
County offices close today for California Native American Day. This day offers us the opportunity to recognize the Tongva Tribe and the Acjachemen Nation as the original inhabitants of the lands that became the County of Orange. I encourage all Californians to learn more about the ways our Native community cultivates a new generation of leaders and empowers our communities to build a sustainable future for all.
 My team looks forward to enjoying free family fun and fall festivities with you at the Mid-Autumn Festival in Irvine tomorrow. Then, join us in celebrating our community’s rich Hispanic heritage tomorrow at Costa Mesa Hispanic Heritage Month at Lion’s Park.
Have a great weekend in the Fabulous Fifth, and don't forget your sunscreen.
Be well,
 Katrina Foley
Vice Chair
County of Orange
|
