Staff Updates
Alyssa Napuri
Deputy Chief of Staff
Working for Supervisor Foley fills me with gratitude, as we prioritize the values our community holds dear: standing with workers and fighting for fair labor practices. This week, I joined baristas, Teamsters, hotel workers, students, and more in Newport Beach for the Starbucks Barista Strike. Our office always stands in solidarity with workers who make our Orange County economy thrive. The “Red Cup Rebellion,” a result of more than six months without a fair union contract, highlights the importance of supporting our local workforce.
This Thanksgiving break, I look forward to hiking with my best friend and my strange dog, plus enjoying quality time with my mom.
|
Here I am at the Starbucks Strike with Gloria Alvarado.
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
As I help prepare the Vice Chair for our next Board of Supervisors meeting, I spent this week reviewing the FY 2024-25 Measure M2 Expenditure Report. In 2006, OC voters passed Measure M2 to provide 30 more years of funding through a one-half of one percent sales tax, administered by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). This funding supports County projects including local road improvements, traffic signal synchronization, active transportation, and more.
This week I give thanks for our growing family and the opportunity to continue serving the people of the Fabulous Fifth District. I look forward to spending more time with our three children (ages 5, 3, and 1) this Thanksgiving holiday and embracing their younger years. Days are long but the years are short.
|
Jessi Balli
Executive Scheduler
This year, I'm thankful for my family’s health, safety, and full stomachs, and thankful for every opportunity to help provide the same to others in our community. Just this week, our office attended the Second Harvest Food Bank’s “No Lunch” luncheon, for a true taste of a soup kitchen lunch. We learned about how Second Harvest provides 458,995 Orange County residents per month with dignified, equitable, and consistent access to nutritious food.
|
Adam Tallabas
District Director
Happy Thanksgiving! This year, I feel grateful for the opportunity to serve the Orange County community in their times of need. From helping our unhoused veterans secure shelter, working with our food banks on creating solutions to food insecurity in our community, to meeting you out in our 14 communities and advocating on the frontlines for our Orange County workers to receive a living wage, Vice Chair Foley’s District Team remains committed to creating a safe, healthy home for our Fifth District residents. I feel immense pride in our team’s work every day.
|
Supporting higher pay and staffing improvements for our grocery workers alongside OC Labor Federation President Gloria Alvarado
I am also grateful for the extra time I’ll get to spend with my family and my kitty this week!
Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
In Orange County, diversity is our strength, and for that, I feel grateful. When we bring a variety of voices to the conversation, we broaden our impact. I joined the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Task Force for a virtual policy briefing on the impacts of the H.R. 1 bill on healthcare and nutrition assistance programs for our Asian American, and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander communities in Orange County.
The potential impact is significant: HR1 introduces new Medi-Cal work requirements and cuts federal funding for CalFresh. The data presented estimates 60% of adult Medi-Cal enrollees at risk of losing coverage across the country, and 94,964 children could lose nutrition assistance.
|
 |
Abby Paulson
District Representative
Hi D5! This year, I feel extra grateful for the amazing organizations serving district five residents in times of need. This week to help support families in South County, I joined CREER Comunidad y Familia at their food distribution event where volunteers provided Holiday meal boxes, chicken, and produce boxes to 450 families in need. We extend heartfelt gratitude for their dedicated team of volunteers and community partners that ensure all families can enjoy the holiday season.
|
I also feel beyond grateful to spend the holiday with my family and loved ones!
Robbie LaBounty
District Representative
This week, I joined the Ladera Rancho Chamber of Commerce in welcoming a brand-new business Toastique into their midst. Our office feels grateful to work with our cities, chambers, and small business community to grow our thriving Orange County economy, right here in D5 where our district continues to generate the most jobs in Orange County. Remember to shop local this holiday season and support family owned businesses and our Orange County economy. If you need assistance opening your local business, please call. We want to help you succeed.
|
This year, my wife and I also celebrate our first Thanksgiving as a married couple, and for that, I am thankful. I give thanks, as well, for my family, including our dog Huck Finn.
Interns
Our office interns this season shared what they feel thankful for:
Drake Smith, Laguna Beach: “I’m thankful for my loving family and beautiful community who surround me every day. I look forward to continuing working together to shape Orange County for the better in this internship and beyond.”
Ninja Friberg, Orange Coast College: “This year, I feel incredibly grateful for many opportunities to support my community and learn more about a career in local government, first as a member of Rep. Dave Min’s campaign for congress, and now, as a Policy Intern for Vice Chair Foley.”
Owen Engle, Rancho Mission Viejo: “This holiday season, I’m thankful for my family and friends who help and support me through everything as I pursue further opportunities—in my pol-sci classes and in this office—to build a brighter Orange County for tomorrow.”
Katherine Armstrong, Laguna Hills: “Inside and outside this internship, I feel grateful for every chance to pursue my interests in public service and government.”
Amy Aguilar, Cal State Long Beach: “I feel grateful for the opportunity to intern for Vice Chair Foley’s district office, knowing I enjoy the support of staff and the chance to learn and grow in my career.”
Celebrate the Holidays With Us in the Fabulous Fifth:
Join us for family-friendly events this holiday season hosted by my office, the County of Orange, local organizations and chambers, and our Fifth District cities. I look forward to seeing you out in our community.
Katrina Foley’s 17th Annual New Coats for Kids
Drive November 17 – December 20, 2025
In the spirit of giving, please consider donating a new coat or jacket for local District 5 kids ages 4-17 at any of the locations linked below. Last year, we donated more than 1000 coats! This season, help us spread even more warmth in our Fabulous Fifth community.

Orange County Board of Supervisors Holiday Open House
December 10, 2025, from 11:30am-2pm County Administration North Building 400 W. Civic Center, Santa Ana, 92701
Find free parking in the P4 lot off Broadway St.
 Christmas Tree Lightings
 Menorah Lightings
 Sawdust Winter Fantasy, Laguna Beach
Today – December 21, 2025, from 11am-7pm
Support more than 180 local artists, shop unique handmade gifts, take art classes, watch live art demos, and enjoy live music, delicious food, and drinks at this Laguna Beach winter staple for 35 years. Purchase tickets here.
Fire & Lights Festival at Newport Dunes
Experience the magic of the holiday season, as Newport Dunes transforms into a winter wonderland filled with one of the most scenic and unique festive lights in the Orange County area. Over fifty lit holiday decorations and Christmas trees will float on the serene, waveless bay. Festivities will take place Thursday through Sunday evenings.
Winter Fest at the OC Fair
Celebrate SoCal’s largest winter festival at Winter Fest OC! At the OC Fairgrounds, find something for everyone in the family to enjoy, from a million beautiful light displays to live performances, ice skating trails and snow sledding. With the wave of the “Winter Wand” and a flurry of snow, let's ring in a season of Orange County Winter festivities!
Learn about the wide array of festivities at the OC Fairgrounds this December here.
Santa’s Village by the Sea in San Clemente
Kick off the season at Santa’s Village by the Sea with shopping, Santa visits, a Snow Hill for sledding, holiday games and crafts, a gingerbread contest, the Hops & Holly Lounge, local vendors, and live entertainment.
Santa’s Jolly Trolley in Dana Point
December 6, 2025, from 1:30-5:30pm
Join Santa and his elves on his Jolly Trolley, making stops at parks throughout Dana Point to hand out pre-packaged treats for kids. Santa’s elves will also collect letters to Santa.
A Very Sherman Holiday in Corona del Mar
December 6-7, 2025, from 10:30am-4pm
This year, Sherman Library & Gardens invites you to A Very Sherman Holiday, a two-day event welcoming guests to shop from the handcrafted creations of garden volunteers and local vendors, take photos with Santa, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, partake in a seasonal craft, enjoy live music, and participate in Sherman holiday traditions like the Wishing Tree and Letters to Santa.
Boat Rides with Santa in the Dana Wharf
Take a 20-minute boat ride with Santa this holiday season around Dana Point Harbor! Reservations required, with a 6-person limit.
Corona del Mar Christmas Walk
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
Get Your Flu Shot!
The flu or influenza is a serious disease. It’s more than just a runny nose and sore throat. The flu can make you very sick and cause you to go to the hospital or even lead to death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine (flu shot). You can protect yourself and those around you by getting a flu shot: Learn how from OC Health Care Agency.
Health Safety: Protecting Against Rabies in Orange County
Stay vigilant, neighbors. As of October 2025, 13 bats in Orange County tested positive for rabies, similar to 2024’s total and slightly higher than 2023’s count of 10. Most cases this year reside in South County, particularly in Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, and San Juan Capistrano. Health officials remind residents to avoid contact with wild animals, make sure pets’ rabies vaccinations are current, and keep unscreened doors and windows closed, especially at night. If a bat enters your home, be sure to:
-
Close off the area and contact OC Animal Care right away at (714) 935-6848.
-
For potential exposure or bite incidents, wash the area thoroughly and call the OC Health Care Agency at (714) 834-8180.
-
More information and safety resources can be found through OC Animal Care and the CDC Rabies website: www.cdc.gov/rabies
Help OC Moms and Babies Access Health Care — Shop Ralph’s
Ralphs grocery stores donates up to 4% of your total spending to MOMS. Simply visit Ralphs Community Contribution page to register your Ralphs Rewards Card. Every time you shop, a percentage benefits MOMS Orange County. How simple is that? Participants must re-register every September. Click here for instructions.
Kratom and Nitrous Oxide Retail Sales Tipline

Transportation News
Help us Plan for OC's Future
Complete OCTA’s Long-Range Transportation Plan survey to offer your thoughts on how to improve the future of transportation in Orange County. Please visit octa.net/LRTP to learn more.
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.
Black Friday: Up to 55% off Whale Watching in Newport Beach
This Black Friday, use the promo code “Thanks20,” for $20 off whale watching in Newport Beach. Enjoy incredible sightings of our magnificent marine neighbors, right off the coast of the Fabulous Fifth District. Register here.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts announces children’s casting for ABT’s The Nutcracker
A decade of holiday magic continues as students from the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) William J. Gillespie School join the stage in ABT’s 10th anniversary production of The Nutcracker. Segerstrom Center for the Arts (SCFTA) proudly celebrates this milestone season, announcing casting of students from the William J. Gillespie School who will share the spotlight with world-renowned American Ballet Theatre dancers in this spectacular holiday tradition. Find tickets here.
Join the Board of Supervisors for our Annual Open House!
Avoid Mail Fraud
Veteran News
VA S.A.V.E. Training: Four Ways You Can Help a Veteran in Crisis
VA S.A.V.E. is a free, brief course designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to recognize the warning signs of suicide in a Veteran and respond with care. Join our community on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 7-8am for this online course, and help our veteran neighbors.
Christmas for our Veterans
Need help bringing Christmas to life? Explore holiday assistance programs for military families in need! From gifts to festive meals, many organizations are here to support and thank our military families this season. Please confirm program details directly with each organization.
New Art at Dana Wharf Whale Watching
Dana Wharf Whale Watching is proud to announce their latest collaboration with the world-renowned marine artist, Wyland, whose original artwork now adorns the hull of their Ocean Adventures catamaran.
Check out the art as the boat docks and departs on whale watching excursions! Now is the perfect time to experience this incredible marine life on daily whale watching trips in Dana Point Harbor. For more information, visit danawharf.com.
Prepare to Renew Your Covered-California Coverage
Support Ocean Friendly Businesses
This month, Surfrider celebrates the incredible Ocean Friendly Restaurants and Hotels that are leading the way in reducing single-use plastics and protecting our ocean. Join us in showing our ocean friendly businesses some much deserved love and appreciation!
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
 Sorsha is one of the smartest dogs at the shelter! This 4-year-old German Shepherd is sweet, affectionate, and always eager to learn. She picks up new commands quickly and responds beautifully to treats and positive reinforcement.
Sorsha loves a good game of fetch, working on puzzle toys for mental enrichment, and showing off her growing list of tricks! She already knows sit, shake, down, leave it, touch, and stay, and she’s ready to learn even more with her future family!
While Sorsha prefers to be the only pet in the home, she has more than enough love and personality to fill your heart. If you’re ready to meet your new best friend, come foster-to-adopt Sorsha (A1910882) from OC Animal Care today!
Meet Pet of the Week, Zero!
Zero has turned over a new leaf! This once shy and nervous boy now walks with more confidence, plays like a happy dog, and looks forward to play dates with his doggy friends!
Zero came from a hoarding home where he and his littermates were not well taken care of. They have all since learned to walk on-leash, become social and affectionate, and trust people! While his siblings have all been adopted, Zero is still holding onto that hope and spirit that he'll soon find his forever family.
With your help, love, and encouragement, we know Zero (A1904599) can become the loving and loyal companion he's meant to be. Give him a chance and foster-to-adopt him 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 Weekend Campaign
Avoid traffic and enjoy 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
|