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| Volume 5 | Issue 40 |
October 3, 2025 |
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Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear neighbor:
Dysfunction in Washington, D.C. shutdown the federal government this week, which halts critical programs and affects the more than 10,000 federal employees here in Orange County. While essential services like mail delivery, Social Security payments, and TSA operations will continue for now, many programs and departments are halted, with staff working unpaid hours indefinitely. Families relying on programs like CalFresh, WIC, and Head Start face uncertainty, with thousands of our neighbors depending on these services for food security and childcare. In these unprecedented times, my office focuses on maintaining our essential county services and ensuring our residents receive the advocacy and support they paid for with their tax dollars.
In good news, progress continues on our long-awaited Orange County Veterans Cemetery. Our veterans deserve a final resting place here at home. Finally, the hard work of our county leadership coalition and veterans paid off with the news of Gypsum Canyon making the federal Veterans Cemetery Grants Program Priority yesterday. We now only need Governor Newsom and Calvet to accept the property. Once that is done, we can finish the fight and get shovels in the ground to build the Orange County Veterans Cemetery.
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 Our Orange County veterans and fallen service-members deserve a permanent resting place close to their families and homes and Gypsum Canyon. Together with Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva and Orange County veterans, champions for this long-overdue project.
Speed Meetings
In a round of speed meetings this week, my staff and I discussed a variety of topics with community leadership, ranging from community health to our thriving economy. In partnership with Wellness & Prevention Center, allcove San Juan Capistrano welcomes Orange County teens into their new community space for mental health and wellness. I also met with PepsiCo to hear updates on their role in our local economy, their site in the Fabulous Fifth, and the current business climate of Orange County. In a conversation with GLOW Coalition Founder and CEO Katie Marienthal Smith, we discussed efforts to support the expansion of the Enviornmental Nature Center.
 Top Left: With GLOW CEO and Founder Katie Marienthal Smith; Top Right: I met with PepsiCo Director of Government and Public Affairs Neeraj Bhatnagar and Victor Franco; Bottom: My Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Napuri and District Representative Abby Paulson met with Executive Director of Wellness & Prevention Center Susan Parmelee and Bryson, an allcove representative about the impact of their teen mental health programs.
Read on for more about our work this week.
Keeping Our Community Safe
BESS Ordinance with Southern California Edison
Fire season lasts year-round in Orange County. We must prioritize sustainability and increasing our electrical grid capacity, but not at the expense of public safety and critical infrastructure. That’s why I continue raising alarms about the reckless proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility in San Juan Capistrano. This project threatens nearby residents, flood infrastructure, our rail corridor, and the I-5 freeway.
My office spearheaded a BESS Ordinance requiring safety protocol for development, including designating proper zones to place BESS facilities and banning development within Very High Fire Zones, as identified by CalFire. The ordinance passed planning commission last month and comes to the Board for approval later this year. This week, our team met with SoCal Edison to discuss the ordinance and ensure we work collaboratively in finding safe locations for future BESS Facilities.
 My Chief of Staff Nick Anas, my Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Napuri, SoCal Edison Director of Public Affairs Cody Tubbs, Principal Manager of Government Relations Jessica Fernandez, and Government Relations Manager Kelley Lee, and my District Representative for San Juan Abby Paulson.
Collaborative Courts Celebrate 30 Years
This week, our Collaborative Courts celebrate 30 years of preventing injustice and recidivism in our judicial courts. Through a multi-agency partnership, we provide expansive tools offering counseling, workforce training, housing, vocational skills, treatment and education. Our 17 programs continue empowering more than 6,665 program graduates and more than 1,100 active participants to become productive members of a safer Orange County community.
 Top Left: Thank you for reading our newsletter, Steve Andrews! Top Right: Celebrating with presiding Judge Maria Hernandez and Judge Scott Cooper; Bottom: Here I am with OC CEO Michele Aguirre, Deputy DA Sherin Larijani Assistant DA Suzie Price, and DA Todd Spitzer.
Coffee Chat for a Cause with Costa Mesa Fire Department
Supporting small business and public safety never tasted so good! At Neat Coffee in Costa Mesa, I joined Coffee Friday’s Community Heroes Day in supporting Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue to raise funds for our dedicated Costa Mesa firefighter charitable fund. I enjoyed meeting the new recruits and connecting with my friends retired firefighter Rob Gagne and Fire Captain Fred McDowell, as he celebrates his retirement after an incredible 27 years with Costa Mesa Fire Department. Thank you to Captain McDowell for his dedicated service, and to the entire department for your continued commitment to keeping our community safe.
 Top Left: With Costa Mesa Fire Captain Fred McDowell, who has served the City of Costa Mesa for 27 years; Top Right: At the Coffee Chat, Firefighters demonstrated how to don their turnout gear; Bottom Left: I met Liam Matthew and Kyle Suen, organizers of Coffee Friday; Bottom Right: With Costa Mesa Volunteer Firefighters Kyle McCarthy, Ridge Durling, and Sean Bauer.
Supporting a Healthier Orange County
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Early detection saves lives. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our region offers exceptional health resources:
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Educate yourself on the signs of breast cancer and learn how to test yourself here.
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Experts are here to serve patients on their journey: Find the closest cancer treatment near you here.
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After completion of treatment, get help with managing pain, mood fluctuations and financial issues with resources from UCI experts.
Be sure to schedule a preventative screening with your provider this month.
 Last year, celebrating City of Hope’s “Pink is Powerful” breast health initiative with CalOptima, who awarded $16.4 million to 13 organizations as part of our campaign to help Orange County achieve the lowest incidence rate nationwide for late-stage breast cancer as well as cervical, colon and certain lung cancers.
Building a Thriving Economy
Sotheby Realty's Company Collab
At the Sotheby Realty's Company Collab, I spoke with real estate leaders about our exciting progress in the Harbor hotel development, marina upgrades, and commercial core construction. Together, we're working to build a safer, healthier, and economically vibrant Orange County for the future.
 Speaking about the Dana Point Harbor revitalization at Sotheby Realty’s Company Collab.
Dana Point Harbor Oversight Committee
As we revitalize Dana Point Harbor with new hotels, parking structures, state-of-the-art docks, improved water quality, and supports for local businesses, my office identified a gap on the county side: Our OC Sailing and Event Center (OCSEC) needs reimagining. Together with my Dana Point Harbor Oversight Committee and OC Parks, my team finalized our request for proposals to hire a consultant to begin the community outreach and design process, which starts in Q1 of 2026. Let my office know if you have ideas.
Interim improvements remain underway, including renovating the boathouse and classrooms, upgrading the storage spaces, adding key card access for safety, and improving the shade cover for summer camps. It is imperative that we keep this public amenity accessible and functional for the next 50 years in the harbor.
 With our Dana Point Harbor Oversight Committee outside of the Sailing and Events Center in Dana Point Harbor.
OC Agriculture Weights & Measures – Water Utilities Submeter Test System
Have you ever looked at your water bill and asked yourself, “Did I really use that much?” If so, this update is for you. Our Orange County Office of the Sealer of Weights & Measures received a new state-of-the-art water submeter testing system this summer. This system helps our team verify more meters than ever before, while also making sure faulty meters aren’t inflating the average Orange County resident’s water bill. Fair billing isn’t boring; It’s your money and you deserve to keep it. Learn more here.
Engaging with Community
In Orange County, we lead with love. This past weekend, I enjoyed our annual celebration of Orange County's inclusive, vibrant LGBTQ+ community at OC Pride.
 Top: Celebrating OC Pride with my team, Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens, Costa Mesa City Councilmember Manuel Chavez, and leadership from Asm. Cottie Petrie-Norris's office and OCTA; Bottom Left: Enjoying the parade in one of our County of Orange vehicles; Bottom Right: EMT Taylor Voss and her trusty partner, Snacks.
Ice Cream Social at Killer Dana
Thank you to all who joined my team at Killer Dana Surf Shop for a scoop of Thrifty’s ice cream and to get the “scoop” on the county's investments in Dana Point Harbor. My amazing staff also shared about our work on nourishing a safe coastline, the County BESS Ordinance, and boosting our coastal economy.
 Special thanks to Rick Erkeneff of South Coast Water District Board of Directors, Killer Dana owner Mike Foster, Killer Dana team member Thomas, my Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Napuri, surfing legend Mike ‘Happy’ Cruickshank, my Dana Point District Representative Abby Paulson, Killer Dana team member Mia, Thrifty Ice Cream’s Vickie, and Killer Dana Manager Matt Marshalsea for orchestrating and hosting this community chat.
As the first democratically elected government in Asia, Taiwan and the Taiwanese community's cultural contributions, significant economic output, and passionate advocacy for self-determination prevail as an inspiration to free nations across the world. Thank you to the National Taiwan University Alumni Association of Southern California and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office for inviting me to join in recognizing the Taiwanese Flag Raising at the 114th National Day of China in Taiwan, this year locally held at the Irvine Civic Center.
 Top: With Former President of the National Taiwan University Alumni Association, Jennifer Relich (張竹平), Irvine City Councilwoman Melinda Liu, and Mountain View School District Board Member Cindy Wu; Bottom: Raising the Taiwanese Flag with local community leaders, the National Taiwan University Alumni Association of Southern California, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office.
I joined advocates for the arts last week to support the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA), now formally renamed to the UCI Langston Orange County Museum of Art after the University of California, Irvine completed its acquisition of OCMA yesterday. I enthusiastically support this new partnership to ensure a sustainable future for an Orange County landmark museum. Since opening in its new location at the Segerstrom Center of the Arts in 2022, 600,000 visitors have enjoyed exposure to arts and arts education for free. Last year OCMA welcomed more than 3,000 students, 85% from title 1 school, in part supported by $350,000 in grant funding from my office to enhance arts education.
 Top Left: I enjoyed celebrating the arts with Anton Segerstrom; Bottom Left: Here I am with Piper Benom and the new UCI team; Top Right: With event co-chairs Analisa Ocana Albert, Lourdes Bottger Nark, and Jane Manolakas; Bottom Right: With Bill Witte and Keiko Sakamoto.
Serving People in Need (SPIN) restores Orange County’s families and individuals in crisis to self-sufficiency. In 2024, the organization helped secure stable housing for 49 families and ensured more than 2,000 individuals had access to essential household goods and nutritious meals. Last week our community gathered in support of SPIN, where I announced our office awarded a $25,000 grant to support their mission to house families in need. Congratulations!
 Left: Congratulations to Jean Wegener Humanitarian Award recipient Debra Gunn Downing of South Coast Plaza; Top Right: Here I am with Heidi Miller, Bruce Cook, Debra Gunn Downing, and Chuck Kanter; Bottom Right: I extend my gratitude to Legacy Award Winners Spencer and Susan Croul on behalf of the the Croul Family Foundation.
A Look Ahead
I also look forward to supporting the ocean education programs at Crystal Cove at their annual soirée this weekend.
Have a great weekend in the Fabulous Fifth. Compliment someone you meet. Spread more love. Schedule your mammogram and don't forget your sunscreen.
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 October 14, 2025
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Staff Updates
Adam Tallabas
District Director
Hi! This week, I joined the Irvine community for a special study session regarding the spent fuel in San Onofre, and the plan to relocate it from its current location near the coast. Since the shutdown of the reactor in 2013, advocates have been committed to moving the spent fuel inland to a repository that will not be as susceptible to natural disaster as the current location. Vice Chair is the co-Chair of the Spent Fuel Solutions Coalition, so this is another issue of high importance her our office. I enjoyed the conversation and the thoughtful comments from the public. Yesterday, I spent my afternoon in Laguna Hills at State Senator Catherine Blakespear’s Senior Scam Workshop. With our Senior Summit approaching, learning more about predatory scams that target our aging population in the Fifth District is critical.
Tonight, I will attend the Cambodian Family’s 45th Anniversary Gala! I’ve worked with this amazing organization for years to help our Orange County immigrant community. If you see me there, be sure to say hello! Have a great weekend.
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Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
Hey, D5! This week I worked closely with CalOptima Health to finalize plans for our 18th Annual Orange County Senior Summit! Join us on Friday, October 10, from 9 AM to 1 PM at Aliso Viejo Ranch for a day of resources, health services, engaging speakers, exercise, and more. Enjoy breakfast and lunch on us while learning about services and programs that support our senior community. Free shuttles will run every 30 minutes from Costa Mesa City Hall, Florence Sylvester Senior Center in Laguna Hills, and Dorothy Visser Senior Center in San Clemente, with overflow parking at Aliso Viejo Commons.
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Abby Paulson
District Representative
Happy Friday, D5! With ongoing renovations at the Harbor, community members raise concerns about the trees around Dana Point Harbor. Many of the trees have been in the Harbor for more than 50 years, contributing to the unique coastal vibe of Dana Point. More than 30 of these mature trees are set to be carefully boxed, transported, and preserved during construction. We look forward to replanting these trees at the revitalized Harbor after construction. Check out the Dana Point Harbor website for more details on tree relocation and the salvage plan.
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Robbie LaBounty
District Representative
This week, I received an update from Orange County Public Works regarding the County’s Asphalt Concrete Overlay project and its impact on residents of unincorporated Ladera Ranch. We anticipate this countywide project beginning for Ladera Ranch in late June 2026, with completion planned for December 2026. As we get closer to the projects start date, I look forward to sharing updates with the community on the pavement of the roads.
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Exploring Orange County’s Prehistoric Past
Dr. Margaret Moodian, Orange County Historical Commission
I am grateful to Supervisor Katrina Foley for appointing me to the Orange County Historical Commission, and I am honored to serve in this role. In August, our commission toured OC Parks’ John D. Cooper Center, the County’s official curation facility for paleontology and archaeology. I was in awe of the scale and depth of the collection, as well as the expertise of the staff working to conserve and share it with the public. The Cooper Center houses hundreds of thousands of fossils and artifacts, from microscopic shells and fish teeth to mammoths and whales, some dating back more than 120 million years. Many of these discoveries were unearthed during construction projects in South Orange County, including a 40-million-year-old bone bed in San Clemente and the remains of a 15-million-year-old walrus found in Aliso Viejo.
What struck me most is how these fossils connect to our region’s identity. They remind us that Orange County has always been shaped by change — from ancient seas and tropical landscapes to the vibrant communities we know today. The Cooper Center ensures this story is preserved for future generations, enriching our understanding of both natural and local history.
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 Top: Eocene Bonebed, Bottom Left: Miocene Walrus flipper
Celebrate National Fossil Day in the 5th District
In celebration of National Fossil Day, OC Parks will host a pop-up showcase on Tuesday, October 15, from 10 a.m. to noon at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park in the Fabulous Fifth District.
Tuesday, October 15, 2025 from 10am-12pm
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park – Nature Center (28373 Alicia Pkwy)
Admission: Free (parking $3)
More Info: OC Parks Activity Link
Dig Into Eco-Smart Gardening
Amelia Painter, Fifth District Butterfly Committee Chair
The Fabulous Fifth District Butterfly Committee joined the Costa Mesa Sanitary District at the 4th Annual Eco Expo. Our incredible volunteers gave out milkweed and poppy seeds and shared the importance of protecting monarch butterfly habitats in the Fabulous Fifth District. Monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico for the winter, making now the perfect time to plant milkweed seeds to support their return. Thank you to everyone who stopped by!
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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
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.
Kratom and Nitrous Oxide Retail Sales Tipline
 
Transportation News
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.
Our 18th Annual Senior Summit
Prepare to Renew Your Covered-California Coverage
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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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.
Resources at OC Public Libraries
Pet of the Week
Meet Pet of the Week, Remmick!
Roses are red, violets are blue, his name is Remmick (A1913116) and adopting him is not a gimmick. Remmick is mellow, he goes with the flow. He's easy to walk, just don't ask him to talk.
Visit him at OC Animal Care and waive the adoption fee. We promise we won't shed a tear, when he goes home with his forever family!
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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