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| Volume 5 | Issue 50 |
December 12, 2025 |
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Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
This week, we launched our first coordinated cleanup since the County’s anti-encampment ordinance took effect last month. At Santa Ana River Marsh, our team worked with city law enforcement, OC Sheriff’s Department, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to clear encampments, repair fencing, and remove hazardous debris. OC Public Works hauled off more than 8 tons of trash in the first hour of clearing.
When conditions pose fire risks, threaten sensitive habitat, or endanger community, we must act. Working alongside government and law enforcement partners, we begin the necessary steps to safely restore the marsh and other encampment sites throughout the county. I look forward to continued coordination between our city, county, and federal agencies.
Watch the breaking news story here.
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  OC Public Works hauled off more than 8 tons of trash in the first hour of clearing.
 Photo courtesy of US Army Corp of Engineers
Building Healthy Communities
This year, our Fifth District Holiday Resource Fair helped make Christmas a little brighter for more than 1,000 residents and children. We provided nutritious groceries, diapers, free vaccinations, opportunities to enroll in CalOptima, and more than 1,500 toys. Thank you to our dedicated partners – CalOptima, Unidos South OC, Inc., CHI Mercy Health, County of Orange Social Services Agency (OCSSA), and more. Special thanks to my District Representative Morgan Goldstein for collaborating on organizing this event!
Learn more about CalOptima health services and enrollment eligibility here.
 Top Left: Providing nutritious grocery boxes of fresh produce, eggs, milk, and more with OCSSA; Top Right: Celebrating successfully helping more than 1,000 residents with my team; Bottom Left: Supporting maternal and infant health with free diapers; Bottom Middle: Our excellent team at OC Social Services Agency assisted with Medi-Cal and CalFresh benefits; Bottom Right: Senior VP of Community Relations at OC United Way Agnes McGlone Swanson and United Way Chief Philanthropy Officer Holly Hadden.
Supporting a Thriving Economy
Fabulous Fifth District Job & Career Fair
Investing in our workforce means investing in the future of Orange County. The Fifth District continues leading the County in job generation with the lowest unemployment numbers and most opportunities for job seekers. Our career fair opened doors, connected talent with opportunity, and provided more than 500 residents with resources to thrive.
 Top Left: More than 800 people learned about potential openings. Middle Left: With friends at the Orange County Electricians educating applicants; Bottom Left: Thank you to all the organizations for networking with our residents; Top Right: With Doug Mangione from OC Workforce
Coalition of Labor Union Women Breakfast
This week, Dr. Letitia Clark and I spoke to women in construction, teaching, nursing, and various unions to learn about the challenges facing industries today. My office continues expansion efforts to ensure economic mobility for women, prioritizing more quality low-cost childcare options, and supporting education, training, and advancement of women in high-earning professions and trades. At the Coalition of Labor Union Women Breakfast, we employed our collective strength to make a difference for working women in Orange County.
Orange County Iranian American Chamber of Commerce
In Orange County, we continue strengthening diversity. By championing our local businesses and Iranian American communities, OC Iranian American Chamber of Commerce (OCIACC) boosts our county economy. I joined Representative Dave Min and OCIACC CEO and Founder Shani Moslehi for the annual Holiday Yalda Gala and Awards Dinner. I enjoyed presenting the 2025 “Community Impact and Mobility Leadership” award to OCTA and recognizing all awardees for their significant contributions to our Orange County business community.
 Top Left: Celebrating OCIACC’s impact with CEO/Founder of OCIACC Shani Moslehi; Top Right: With OCIACC Board of Directors; Bottom Left: Here I am with representatives from 2025’s “Small Business Empowerment and Impact,” Small Business Development Center, Representative Dave Min, and Shani Moslehi; Bottom Left: Member of OCIACC, Rep. Dave Min, and I presented OCIACC’s 2025 “Women in Technology and Leadership” award to Maryam Tehrani, Principal of Business Strategy at Apisec.AI; Bottom Right: With Shirin Behzadi, Rep. Dave Min, and Shani Moslehi, I presented OCIACC’s 2025 “Community Impact and Mobility Leadership” Award to OCTA.
Trader Joe’s Opens in Costa Mesa
Offering unique products and friendly crew members, Trader Joe’s transformed ordinary grocery shopping into a more fun, accessible experience. This week, we welcomed the nationwide chain to its second location in Costa Mesa, on Harbor Blvd. Be sure to stop by and grab some affordable, nutritious groceries this weekend.
Coastal Protection
Oppose New Offshore Oil Drilling
I strongly oppose any new offshore drilling and stand with our community partners as we push for a safer, sustainable future. In 2021, Orange County saw firsthand the devastating and long-lasting health and safety impacts on our coastal community created by offshore oil drilling. At next week’s Board of Supervisor’s meeting, I propose the County oppose new offshore oil drilling planned by the Trump Administration. Additionally, the County will vote on whether to support Representative Mike Levin’s “Southern California Coast and Ocean Protection Act," which prohibits offshore drilling along the Southern California coast. We must invest in clean energy and coastal resilience, not expand drilling that threatens everything we work to protect.
Engaging With Our Community
As the ninth-largest economy in the nation, Orange County thrives because our community leads with heart and purpose. This week, the County of Orange inducted ten prominent individuals with significant contributions in civics, music, arts, entertainment, business, sports, and philanthropy into the 2025 Class of the Orange County Hall of Fame. The individuals we celebrated, including from the Fabulous Fifth, shape the county’s future through action.
In the Fifth District, Carl St. Clair opens doors through arts education; the Samueli’s invest billions in opportunity and discovery; and the Irvine legacy built the foundation of our modern county. Together, all ten OC Hall of Fame honorees show us the power of dreaming big, believing in oneself and investing in community. Congratulations to:
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Robert August – surfer and owner of Robert August Surf Company
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James Cameron – director of “Avatar, “Titanic,” and “Terminator” and deep-sea explorer
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Ed Caruthers – 1968 Olympic silver medalist in men’s high jump
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Sammy Lee – 1948 Olympic gold medalist for men’s diving
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Henry and Susan Samueli – owners of the Anaheim Ducks, who gifted more than a $1 billion through their foundation to benefit a variety of Orange County communities
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Carl St. Clair – the longest-serving American-born conductor of a US orchestra, Maestro of Pacific Symphony
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Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez - first Latino OC Supervisor and U.N. Ambassador
View the full ceremony here.
 Top Left: With the valued Class of 2025 OC Hall of Fame honorees, unveiling their esteemed places on our Hall of Fame wall at County Administration North; Bottom Left: With OC Hall of Fame 2025 honoree and former OC Supervisor, Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez; Top Right: Thank you to Susan St. Clair, for joining us in celebrating your husband and honoree and Pacific Symphony conductor Carl St. Clair; Middle Right: With James Irvine and Susan Jeske Irvine, honoring his great grandfather, James Irvine I; Bottom Right: With honoree U.S. Olympian in high-jump, Ed Caruthers.
OC Board of Supervisors Annual Holiday Open House
Happy holidays and thank you to all who joined us on the sixth floor for our Orange County Board of Supervisors Annual Holiday Open House. My team proudly spotlit Fabulous Fifth small business with treats from Chaupin Bakery and Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee. I enjoyed meeting so many of our dedicated County employees, business leaders, community members, and local elected officials. Special thanks to all who seized the opportunity to donate new coats to my New Coats for Kids Drive.
Laguna Beach Coat Distribution Event
Every coat we hand out reminds us how strongly our community shows up. When I launched my annual coat drive years ago, I never imagined it would grow into thousands of coats and countless smiles. Orange County uplifts our children, so no one faces the cold alone. Most importantly, when our community shows up, we change lives. At our first coat distribution this week, we outfitted the children of Boys and Girls Club Laguna Beach in new coats. Thank you to our friends from Laguna Beach Fire Department and Laguna Beach Police Department for joining us in sharing stories and answering questions from the incredibly curious kids about why we love our jobs shaping a safer, warmer community for all.
 Top: Happy Holidays from the Laguna Beach Boys and Girls Club, outfitted in their new coats; Bottom left: With our friends at Laguna Beach Fire; Bottom Right: Thank you to our friends at Laguna Beach Police for joining us.
Grace Leung Retires After 30 Years of Service to Newport Beach
Congratulations to Grace Leung on her 30-year career in local government, including seven years as City Manager of Newport Beach. From 2018 through 2025, City Manager Leung directed approximately 730 full-time and 450 part-time employees across 11 departments while managing an annual operating budget of nearly $210 million. Under her stewardship, Newport Beach invested in infrastructure projects, including the Sunset Bridge replacement, the Newport Bay Trash Interceptor, and the new Junior Lifeguard Headquarters. Our office celebrates her work on strengthening communities and serving residents with distinction.
On Thursday, I joined supporters in learning about Laguna Dance Festival’s contributions to local schools and our larger arts community. As your County Supervisor, I directed more than $550,000 for the arts, after-school arts classes, educational field trips and programs at Orange County Museum of Art, Laguna Art Museum, and the Chabad Center for Jewish Life’s Holocaust exhibit, musical instruments in our schools, live music and symphony concerts and dance performances in the park, and community arts, music and mural installments. I look forward to continuing my support of the arts, a cultural beacon of the Fabulous Fifth District!
 Supporting Laguna Dance and arts in our community with Laguna Dance founder Jodi Gates and Laguna Dance Board Chair Karen Wilson.
Newport Beach Foundation’s Inaugural Mayor’s Party
Newport Beach welcomes its new Mayor! This week, we celebrated our unanimously elected City of Newport Beach Mayor Lauren Kleiman at Newport Beach Foundation’s inaugural Mayor’s Party. Mayor Kleiman joins an impressive history of woman mayors. I look forward to working with her in 2026.
 Left: Celebrating with Southern California Edison Principal Manager Tammy Tran, CalOptima Senior Director of Government Affairs Jordan Abushawish, Mayor Lauren Kleiman, my Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Napuri, and ACCOC Director of Member Services Kathryn Morrison; Right: With CEO of Newport Beach Foundation, Antonella Castro.
Incredible and memorable holiday festivities remain underway this winter season! My office enjoyed celebrating tree lightings with you throughout our Fabulous Fifth District. See my Community News section below for upcoming tree lightings near you.
 Top Left: Celebrating the holiday season with snowfall in Laguna Hills at the city’s tree lighting; Bottom Left: Enjoying festive fun at the Great Park Irvine’s tree lighting; Top Right: Wishing our local police and Sheriff’s Department officers a happy holiday; Bottom Right: With Laguna Hills Mayor Josh Sweeney at the Laguna Hills Tree Lighting.
This year, Costa Mesa’s iconic Snoopy House marks 59 years of festive fun with holiday scenes and festive fun for all ages. I look forward to celebrating the season with our community at Costa Mesa Hall through December 19, 2025. See my Community News section below for more festivities in the Fabulous Fifth!
I plan on spending my weekend with family, preparing to honor my father’s legacy in the coming weeks. I hope you all enjoy time with people you love and admire most. We’ll see you Monday at our San Juan Capistrano coat distribution event!
Have a safe weekend, all.
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 December 16, 2025
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Staff Updates
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Adam Tallabas
District Director
This week, I enjoyed meeting so many of you at our Holiday Open House. Opening our office to the community we serve is always a pleasure.
Later, I attended the Orange County Regional Holiday Mixer, co-hosted by ACC-OC, League of California Cities, Orange County Business Council, OC Taxpayer Association and more. I enjoyed ringing in the holidays with so many leaders from around our community.
This week, I also felt proud to help the Rancho Mission Viejo community secure last-second food permits so they can hold their Community Tree Lighting event with free food available for the community. Our team is here to serve, and proudly so!
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 Left: Here I am at the Holiday Open House with my personal friend and City of Garden Grove Councilmember Ariana Arestegui; Right: LtR: Santa Ana Councilmember David Penaloza, La Palma Councilmember Janet Keo Conklin, Garden Grove Councilmember Ariana Arestegui, Irvine Councilmember Melinda Liu, and Attorney Giovanni Chavez
Abby Paulson
District Representative
I also celebrated Project Foster’s new warehouse space in San Juan Capistrano. Project Foster provides duffle bags filled with clothes, hygiene products, and other goodies to kids in foster care. Their new space allows them to expand their reach to other at-risk kids in Orange County, spreading compassion and hope to people in need.
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Robbie LaBounty
District Representative
Happy Friday District 5! This week I had the pleasure to attend the Annual Save Our Youth (SOY) Holiday Fiesta. This amazing organization has been helping children in Costa Mesa for decades, helping them learn, play, and grow with their after-school programs. This event celebrates all of the families, students, and of course, the SOY staff who work hard every day to provide for these amazing students. I love getting to come to these events and seeing the real meaning of community in person.
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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.
 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.
Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade
December 13, 2025 at 10 am
I enjoy participating in the Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade this year with my team! What a fun way to celebrate the holiday season and spread cheer among friends, family, and community. See you tomorrow!
 50th Annual Dana Point Boat Parade
December 12-14, 2025 at 6:30 pm
Celebrate a milestone 50 years on the water with us at the 50th Annual Boat Parade of Lights. To view the parade festivities from the water, hop aboard a special boat parade charter from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching or Captain Dave’s. To view on land, the public is welcome to view the parade from the boardwalk and parkscapes, or reserve a table with a view from one of the harbor’s waterfront restaurants.
 Newport Beach Boat Parade
December 17-21, 2025
Watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes sail along the harbor in the 117th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.
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.
Fentanyl-Related Deaths in Orange County See Five-Year Low
A recently released report from the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner shows a decrease in fentanyl-related deaths, marking a five-year low in the county. The OC Sheriff Coroner Division report shows there were 407 fentanyl-related deaths in 2024, down from 613 deaths in 2023. The numbers reported so far for 2025 continue showing a downward trend.
Any life lost to fentanyl abuse is one too many. I commend the collective efforts by County departments and my office to educate the community and distribute naloxone to help reduce fentanyl deaths amongst our Orange County youth. From here, we must continue prioritizing treatment and holding drug traffickers accountable for poisoning our young adults.
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.
Apply to Join a Commission!
The County of Orange is looking for passionate individuals to serve on the variety of County Boards, Commissions, and Committees. I encourage anyone interested and meets the qualifications to apply for a position.
Specific qualifications listed below, but all applicants must be registered to vote in Orange County and reside in District 5, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, a large portion of Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel.
Here are a list of Boards, Commissions, and Committees with openings in District 5:
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Must be an Attorney, CPA or Public Accountant, Real Estate Broker, or Appraiser who is licensed/certified within the State of California for a period of at least 5 years. Must maintain qualifications through term of office.
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Orange County In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Advisory Committee
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Must be a recipient who is a current or past user of personal assistance services.
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Public Financing Advisory Committee
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Shall not be serving or running for elective office.
Gather your loved ones and celebrate the season with festive music, joyful dancing and the heartwarming story of one magical, life-changing night in the life of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Operation Santa Claus & Senior Santa and Friends Holiday Drive
The 2025 Operation Santa Claus (OSC) and Senior Santa and Friends (SSF) Holiday Donation Drive is underway. Every winter season, our community and County of Orange employees open their hearts and spread cheer by donating toys, gifts, necessities and their time to support Orange County’s most vulnerable children, seniors and disabled adults.
From now until January 2, support:
For more information about Operation Santa Claus, please call 714-679-2438 or email OperationSantaClaus@ssa.ocgov.com. For more information about Senior Santa and Friends, please call 714-825-3111 or email Senior.Santa@ssa.ocgov.com.
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.
Avoid Mail Fraud
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, Dylan!
Dylan is a playful 6-year-old pit bull who absolutely loves treats, always taking them with the softest touch. Dylan is ready for a family to call his own -- and he’s ready to give that family all the love he has. If that’s you, call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention his animal ID, A1900146, to foster-to-adopt him today! Remember, adoption fees are waived in December for all dogs 25 pounds and over.
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
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