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| Volume 5 | Issue 41 |
October 10, 2025 |
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Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear neighbor:
Today, I hosted our 18th Annual Orange County Senior Summit in partnership with CalOptima. Our office organized free shuttles throughout the Fabulous Fifth District – from San Clemente to Costa Mesa – bringing more than 500 attendees, seniors, and their caregivers to learn more about how to age well. During the four-hour event, we provided essential resources, including Medi-Cal and CalFresh enrollment, free vaccinations, and preventative health screenings.
This year I experienced first-hand the challenges caregivers face. As primary caregiver for my grandmother while she was in hospice, and now serving as caregiver for my father, who I just moved down to Costa Mesa from Washington last month, this deeply personal journey exposed some real gaps in caregiver support. In our office, we continue advocating for initiatives supporting our aging population, and those who support them.
By 2060, we anticipate seniors making up more than one-third of Orange County’s population. As your County Supervisor, I remain focused on supporting our seniors by protecting their government resources, preventing them from falling victim to scams, strengthening emergency preparedness, and improving their access to affordable housing, transportation, and recreation.
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 Thank you, Team Foley, for your incredible work on this year’s Senior Summit
Thank you to the experts who led us in events ranging from workshops on caregiving supports with in-home services providers, Acacia Hospice, Caregiver Resource Center OC, and Community Care Hospice OC; and In-Home Health Supportive Services to discussions on aging in place with the Council on Aging; to staying strong with Dana Point Jazzercise; and senior safety with Laguna Beach Fire Department, the District Attorney’s Office, the Clerk Recorder’s Office, and our local VA. Special thanks to Alissa Villa for singing our Nation’s anthem with such beauty and poise, and to our Monarch Butterfly Waystation Committee for their presentation about the importance of nontoxic weed abatement and planting milkweed to protect Monarchs as well as their interpretive dance demonstration.
 Thank you to the experts who led us in events ranging from workshops on caregiving supports with in-home services providers, Acacia Hospice, Caregiver Resource Center OC, and Community Care Hospice OC; and In-Home Health Supportive Services to discussions on aging in place with the Council on Aging; to staying strong with Dana Point Jazzercise; and senior safety with Laguna Beach Fire Department, the District Attorney’s Office, the Clerk Recorder’s Office, and our local VA. Special thanks to Alissa Villa for singing our Nation’s anthem with such beauty and poise, and to our Monarch Butterfly Waystation Committee for their presentation about the importance of nontoxic weed abatement and planting milkweed to protect Monarchs as well as their interpretive dance demonstration.
 Top: Butterfly Committee and me after their beautiful interpretative performance; Bottom: A packed room of attendees.
Learn more about our work this week below.
Keeping Our Community Safe
Recognizing Fire Prevention Week
My office recognizes Fire Prevention Week with a shout out to our dedicated Orange County Fire Authority team. Together, we ensure your safety with cutting-edge tools —from our state of the art Firehawk helicopters and helopods to cranes on our airport runways— for efficiently preventing and fighting fires in our community.
Every person in our county must prepare and plan ahead to ensure they can respond quickly in case of fire. Start preparing today by creating an emergency family plan and supply kit, implementing home hardening and defensible space and signing up for live notifications. Visit the OCFA website to learn about home hardening and guidance for creating a ready, set, go bag.
Join OCFA this Saturday, October 11, from 9am-12pm for Station Open Houses throughout the Fabulous Fifth District. Tour your local fire station, meet our firefighters, and learn how to keep our neighborhoods safe.
 Top Left: Introducing residents to Captain Shawn Miller and K-9 Freedom at the OCFA Open House in spring; Top Right: At John Wayne Airport with Station 33 Firefighters; Bottom Left: Unveiling two new S70 Firehawk helicopters; Bottom Right: I joined OCFA in Aliso Viejo for the unveiling of the Tivoli Helopod.
San Clemente City Council Update
The erosion of our coastline transcends political jurisdictional boundaries. We need swift, coordinated action on delivering sand. This week, the City of San Clemente unanimously reaffirmed their participation in the South County Beach Coalition, an initiative originally recommended in 2013 and formed by my office in 2025. The South County Beach Coalition aims to restore, protect, and preserve sandy public beaches and our critical infrastructure along our South OC coastline.
By dusting off the 2013 recommendation and finally forming the South County Beach Coalition, Orange County strongly positions itself to bring home the dedicated coastal resilience funding unlocked by Proposition 4. The City of San Clemente's historic approval marks a collaborative step towards cross jurisdictional collaboration to protect our cherished coastline.
 Celebrating the placement of approximately ¼ mile of sand on North San Clemente beaches last month.
Healthy Communities
Wellness & Prevention Center Ribbon Cutting
A group of dedicated community members founded the Wellness & Prevention Center to explore new ways to help the youth ages 12-25 in our community lead healthier lives. What began as a school based drop-in center evolved into a unique resource for critical mental health services in South Orange County schools and community. With partners from Stanford and UCI, my goal is to bring these types of centers designed by young people for young people. This week, we celebrated the opening of the new San Juan Capistrano location with allcove, connecting youth ages 12-25 with dedicated peer supports and qualified mental health professionals right here in the Fabulous Fifth.
 Left: Here I am with Asm. Laurie Davies representative Brian DeFranco, Professor Stephen Schueller of UCI, WPC executive director Susan Parmelee, Chloe Lee of the WPC Youth Advisory group, Kelly Bruno-Nelson of CalOptima, Sandi Ballard with the SJC Chamber, Jason Schiffman – Chair, allcove San Juan Capistrano Community consortium and UCI professor, and Carmen Nicole Katsarov with CalOptima; Right: With Wellness & Prevention Center Executive Director Susan Parmelee.
Building a Thriving Economy
OC Hotel & Lodging Association Presentation
Exciting hotel developments and exceptional hospitality in the Fabulous Fifth reflect our thriving local economy. Thanks to our Dana Point Harbor Revitalization plan, we remain on track to open the boutique Dana House and affordable Surf Lodge hotels -- just in time to welcome global competitors, coaches, and spectators to dine, shop, and enjoy our beautiful coastline at the 2028 Olympics. I shared updates this week with OC Hotel & Lodging Association about how our new hotel developments will boost the Orange County local economy and uplift our community long term. I also detailed my ideas for what a collaborative county tourism bureau looks like and our support for businesses. Thank you to the OC Hotel & Lodging Association for inviting me to share these exciting updates.
Infrastructure Improvements
OCTA Regional Transportation Planning Committee
OCTA routinely evaluates the evolution of Orange County’s population, economy, and travel demands for the next two decades and beyond. OCTA’s Long-Range Transportation Plan, Directions 2050, helps us build a stronger transportation system paced with our growing economy and traveler trends across the county, while also reflecting the shared values and priorities of our communities. Planning for the future means listening to the people who currently live and work in Orange County today. Share your input in our Online Survey, available through November 9, 2025.
Engaging with Community
Special Election Voting
Voting officially begins for the Statewide Special Election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Vote Centers open Saturday, October 25, with 32 locations ready for in-person voting. An additional 34 centers open Saturday, November 1. With 66 Vote Centers in operation through Election Day, be sure to find your voting location and hours in advance at ocvote.gov/voting.
The Orange County Registrar of Voters continues prioritizing every voter’s right to cast a ballot easily and securely.
 On a tour of the Orange County Registrar of Voters facilities with California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, and Orange County Registrar of Voters Bob Page.
Orangewood 40th Anniversary Celebration
Congratulations to Orangewood Foundation on 40 years of service to Orange County! Orangewood provides a safe and nurturing environment for children escaping abuse, abandonment, or neglect – supporting the long-term healing of 2,000 youth every year. As of August 2025, 138 children from District 5 have been placed in care, including Orangewood and alternate placements such as relatives, guardians, foster family homes and group homes. Through our strong public-private partnership, Orangewood prioritizes housing security, family support, and cognitive and social development, and independent living, too.
Special thanks to The Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Mariners Church, Southern California Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Council, Pets are Wonderful Support, and our staff from Social Services Agency, Health Care Agency, and County Department of Education. Your valuable educational assessments, casework services, counseling, and crisis intervention ensures the safety and wellbeing of Orange County children remains a priority.
  Presenting certificates to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Pets Are Wonderful Support, SoCal Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Council, and Mariners Church for their valued contributions to Orangewood.
Happy Diwali to all our Orange County neighbors celebrating the Festival of Lights! Ektaa Center invited me to kick off the Diwali Festival on Saturday, October 4 at the Great Park. From the live Indian music, dance performances, and delicious sampling of authentic South Asian cuisine to henna art and the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, I enjoyed the joyous spirit of Diwali with a vibrant day of culture and community.
 Top: Enjoying Diwali with our neighbors, beautifully dressed in celebratory saris; Bottom: Welcoming Orange County to Diwali Fest 2025 at the Great Park in Irvine!
Crystal Cove Endless Summer Soirée
Set against the panoramic blufftop at Pelican Point in Crystal Cove State Park, the 26th annual Crystal Cove Endless Summer Soirée supported the park’s STEM education programs, inspiring more than 20,000 local students to dream bigger and become the next generation of environmental stewards. What a fun night of conservation, community, and celebration!
Tune in on Tuesday for our Board of Supervisors meeting, where my colleagues and I will select an independent, external firm to audit more than 1000 contracts issued by the County during Andrew Do’s tenure. We also plan to discuss adding another canine to sniff our pests from overseas travelers and mail, the Grand Jury Report on homelessness, John Wayne Airport, and more. My office also looks forward to supporting the heart of Southern California’s surf community at the Surf Industry Super Summit on October 15. I hope to see you there!
Have a great weekend in the Fabulous Fifth. Remember to schedule your mammogram in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 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, District 5! This week, I focused on planning and preparing for our November Veterans of the Year event. This year’s theme is “Service to Our Nation.” We look forward to honoring our veterans from throughout the Fifth District. Nominate a veteran here, or click the flyer below.
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 I also worked to prepare our team for the upcoming Board of Supervisor’s Meeting, in which we plan to review surplus land sales to the City of Irvine, selection of an independent auditor of contracts, and more. Tune in at this link at 9am on Tuesday.
Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
This week, I joined the OC Cares Master Plan for Aging (MPA) Workshop Recap discussion on housing security for our local seniors. The MPA’s Housing Security initiative aims to help older adults age in place by expanding affordable, supportive, and accessible housing options. Despite high overall livability ratings, the data shows gaps in housing affordability and accessibility, especially for renters aged 55-69 and those living with disabilities. I look forward to continuing with actionable steps towards a more affordable and accessible housing market for OC seniors.
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Abby Paulson
District Representative
Happy Friday, D5! As the Dana Point Harbor revitalization continues, many of our long-standing businesses celebrate their new homes throughout Dana Point. This week, I joined Dana Point Chamber of Commerce for two relocation grand openings. Dana Point Dermatology reopened in the Dana Marina Plaza, offering medical skin care and cosmetic rejuvenation. iHeartYoga, host of the longest running yoga class in Dana Point, found its new home near Pacific Coast highway. Please, join me in supporting our small businesses throughout the revitalization!
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 Here I am with iHeartYoga Owner Elsa Stuart, her family, and team.
Robbie LaBounty
District Representative
Hi, District 5! This week, I enjoyed a very cool peek behind the scenes at OCC's state-of-the-art culinary kitchens. I watched as young chefs cooked and served fellow students prepared in The Galley dining hall. I also toured the culinary classrooms where OCC culinary students learn applicable skills and craft some amazing food. We learned about their Food and Beverage Management programs, which teaches students important skills and trains Orange County’s next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals.
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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.
OCFA Fire Station Open House - Saturday, October 11, 2025
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, Mabel!
Mabel is a five-year-old German Shepherd who has her heart set on finding her forever family. She's a pro at fetch and commands, lover of pets and affection, and big treat enthusiast. Think of Mabel as your girlfriend who just needs food, love, and affection to be happy!
And did you know that Mabel means lovable? Call it coincidence, but it must be fate! With a lovable dog like her around, you'll be living life with lots of good memories. With some training and lots of love, Mabel (A1907257) is ready to become your perfect companion. Foster-to-adopt her from OC Animal Care 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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