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| Volume 6 | Issue 1 |
January 2, 2026 |
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Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear neighbor,
Happy New Year! In 2026, I resolve to listen, serve our neighbors, and cut red tape so businesses can thrive. I resolve to protect our shoreline, walk more on our beaches, and expand housing so future generations can live and buy homes in this paradise we call home. Finally, I resolve to dance and laugh more.
In 2025, our office demonstrated our exceptional work ethic for the community we call home. We focused on safe neighborhoods, public health, increasing housing, reducing homelessness and its impacts, enhancing transportation infrastructure, supporting small businesses, and protecting our coast.
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 We invested in public safety to help maintain the safest cities in California and saw fentanyl-related deaths reach a five-year low. I led countywide bans on harmful substances, enhanced emergency preparedness, and welcomed the new California Office of Emergency Services Campus and mobile probation services. I led Board-adopted safety guidelines for battery energy storage systems to protect neighborhoods.
 We expanded healthcare access and opened new care facilities across the county, particularly serving older adults. More than 500 seniors and caregivers connected with vital resources at my 18th Annual Senior Summit. The Board also adopted Orange County’s first Master Plan for Aging, laying the foundation for improved housing, healthcare, transportation, and caregiver support.
In partnership with CalOptima Health, OC Social Services Agency, and OC Health Care Agency, my office hosted two Health & Resource Fairs: San Juan Capistrano and Costa Mesa, providing more than 2,000 neighbors with free medical exams, optical exams, diapers, nutritious grocery boxes, and holiday toys for children; and supporting families served by Fresh Beginnings Ministries in District 5 with a $47,000 grant to help feed families during the holiday season.
 The County maintained its AAA credit rating while approving a $10.8 billion budget, fully funding law enforcement, parks, libraries, roads, beaches, harbors, and John Wayne Airport. Despite instability at the state and federal levels, we continued supporting essential health and social services. Fifth District residents enjoy abundant job opportunities, with the lowest unemployment rate countywide.
 We also invested in community infrastructure ahead of the 2028 Olympics. Reached Dana Point Harbor Revitalization milestones, including a new parking structure, completed nine of 15 phases of the new marina, approval of new hotels with a $6 million community benefits package, and began upgrades to the OC Sailing and Events Center.
 John Wayne Airport earned North America’s top customer satisfaction ranking for the second year in a row, adding family-friendly amenities while reducing noise, protecting flight curfews, and preserving passenger limits.
 Despite a year of significant federal financial uncertainty, we directed $216 million toward affordable project-based housing vouchers for seniors, veterans, and families, steadily advancing toward our goal of more than 3,300 permanent supportive housing units. Additionally, as Chair of the OC Housing Finance Trust, I oversaw the delivery of 806 new affordable and supportive housing units this year. By streamlining permitting, construction, and financing, we continue to provide the stable, permanent housing our residents deserve.
 As a step toward saving our beaches, we delivered the first quarter mile of sand to San Clemente beaches and advanced improvements at Mariposa Point. This year we launched the South County Beach Coalition to address coastal challenges, streamline sand delivery, and safeguard infrastructure that supports our coastal economy.
 My office also expanded community programs, including mental health services, $682 million in state and federal grant funding, and more than $795,000 awarded to cities and nonprofits supporting arts, coastal protection, parks, housing, and meal assistance.
I feel honored to serve this district. I encourage you to share feedback through our Community Connect platform so we can continue building a safer, healthier, and thriving Orange County together.
 Take a look at some of last year’s most memorable moments in our 2025 Year in Review. Happy New Year, neighbors!
In service,
 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 January 13, 2025
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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
Dana Point Library & American Red Cross Blood Drive
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.
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.
Avoid Mail Fraud
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, Schnitzel!
Schnitzel is an energetic pup who would prefer your full attention, without sharing it with other pets. He's less than two years old and loves to explore. He weighs 64 pounds and is easy to leash and walk. If you're ready to provide Schnitzel a loving home, call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention her animal ID, A1917515, to foster-to-adopt him today. Take advantage of our New Year's special: Schnitzel and all dogs over 25 pounds are free!
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 Weekends - Ride for $10!
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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Thank you for being an active member of our County.
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@SupervisorFoley
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