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| Volume 6 | Issue 4 |
January 23, 2026 |
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Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Metrolink and North County Transit District will close tracks between Los Angeles and San Diego this weekend to maintain the tracks and keep railways safe for future passenger service. Pacific Surfliner trains will not operate during this time, and bus bridges will not be provided, given the distance of the track closure. Please plan ahead for alternate travel arrangements. Learn more here.
The Fifth Annual State of Homelessness panel streamed this week, where I joined OC United to End Homelessness to discuss how Orange County advances housing solutions amid growing funding uncertainty. Watch our important conversation with Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, Director of OC Office on Care Coordination Doug Becht, Vice Chair of OC Continuum of Care Nishtha Mohendra, and Lived Experience Advisory Committee Chair Robert “Santa Bob” Morse here.
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Learn more about our work this week below.
Keeping Our Community Safe
Costa Mesa Fire Chief Dan Stefano Retirement
 Throughout three decades of service, Chief Stefano earned statewide recognition as an inductee into the inaugural class of the California Fire Chiefs Hall of Fame. With deepest gratitude, I wish him the best as he transitions into his next phase. (Fun fact: my husband Casey & Chief Stefano were CIF 1st Team All League for football the same year for Estancia & Corona Del Mar High Schools).
Supporting a Healthier Orange County
AlzOC Brain Health Conference
Our seniors built a strong Orange County. Now, we carry the responsibility and privilege of caring for them. This work requires strong partners. With organizations like Alzheimer’s Orange County, my office focuses on advocating for urgent, practical supports for our aging neighbors and their dedicated caregivers. We work to accompany supports with tangible aging resources, connecting more than 600 seniors with essential health and safety services at our annual Senior Summit, and designing the County’s first Master Plan on Aging for our growing aging population. Thank you to Alzheimer’s OC for your partnership as we work together to improve the health, dignity, and well-being of older adults and caregivers.
Building Opportunities to Call Orange County Home
At our first OC Housing Finance Trust meeting of the year, the Board appointed Louis McClure to serve as our Trust Manager, joining us in our efforts to deliver housing to Orange County.
The California housing crisis demands bold action and systemic solutions at all levels of government. That’s why the Board works to secure capital from private dollars to help get our workforce into stable and affordable housing. At our meeting, I proposed encouraging our city representatives to support the California Housing Bond to authorize $10 billion in support of preserving more than 135,000 affordable workforce houses, helping more than 13,000 families become homeowners, and creating tens of thousands of high-paying construction jobs across the state and right here in Orange County.
Costa Mesa Senior Center Meeting
As your Fifth District Supervisor and Chair of the OC Housing Finance Trust, I prioritize addressing the $11.3 million funding gap for the Costa Mesa senior housing development, a shortfall caused by the loss of federal and state funds and rising construction costs. During my meeting with Jamboree Housing this week, we discussed strategic pathways for closing this gap, including leveraging CalOptima grants, additional Mental Health Services Act funds, and Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) resources via the Trust, potentially reducing the shortfall to approximately $3 million. To ensure we meet the April 2026 tax credit deadline, we must now work with the City of Costa Mesa to finalize all funding commitments and render this vital housing development shovel-ready in 2026.
Infrastructure Updates
Today we celebrated the groundbreaking of a major improvement project on Interstate 5 through Irvine and Tustin, an essential corridor serving more than 275,000 drivers each day and connecting our communities to jobs, schools, and businesses. This $716 million investment adds capacity, improves traffic flow, and enhances safety through better merges, auxiliary lanes, and improved access to carpool lanes across two segments between I-405 and SR-55. Funded by local, state, and federal partners, this improvement reflects our shared commitment to maintaining the infrastructure that keeps Orange County moving.
  Top: With President & CEO of OC Business Council Jeff Ball and OCTA CEO Darrell Johnson; Bottom: With OCTA Chair Jamey Federico, Caltrans Director Lan Zhou, OC Supervisor Don Wagner, and OCTA CEO Darrell Johnson
At our monthly check-in, Orange County Public Works Department shared updates on a pilot program in Las Flores our office requested which includes a crossing guard and installing Rapid Flashing Light Beacons at the intersection to keep students traveling to school safe.
The Public Works team updated us on our progress to keep our flood channels encampment free. The security guard that our office worked to secure continues to serve as a deterrent. We will continue advocating for common sense solutions to encampment activity.
We also discussed electrical vehicle charging in Orange County and what coordination with cities could look like, ensuring both the county and our city partners operate under quality contracts. Finally, we got updated on Trabuco Creek and the work OCPW does to ensure our flood channels remain safe for the community.
I hosted a series of John Wayne Airport meetings this week as we work to finalize 2026 goals and priorities. In my meeting with Director Reynolds, we discussed what we accomplished in 2025 , planning for the 2028 Olympics, restaurant and retail concessions that will open for business later this year, and finally how we can continue efforts to reduce noise.
This week I also met with our Advanced Air Mobility Advisory Group to talk about the future of electrical vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. As this new technology navigates the FAA safety pipeline, current industry reports identified Orange County, San Diego County, and Los Angeles County as potential early adopters of this new technology. Eventually these aircraft will fly using existing helicopter flight paths and use chartered routes. In the coming years, our office will ensure these aircraft remain safe, reliable, and quiet, while keeping the public well informed about next steps.
I met with our District Airport Advisory team where we discussed our progress in bringing the next generation of cleaner and quieter aircraft to Orange County. Our amazing team at the Airport continue to advocate directly to our commercial carriers to bring in the new planes.
 Finally, I met with the Southern California Pilots Association to discuss our efforts to protect light aircraft pilots and local flight schools. As we move forward with the General Aviation Improvement Program, we continue identifying additional “tie-down space” for our local pilots. In the last six months, we identified 8 new tie-down spaces for those looking to park small planes at John Wayne Airport.
Coastal Protection
South OC Beach Coalition Update
Erosion along our coasts serves as a reminder that we must ensure the lasting safety of our residents and infrastructure. At our South County Beach Coalition meeting this week, Dr. Brett Sanders of UCI’s Samueli School of Engineering updated our Coalition on his study of coastal erosion’s progression in the Capistrano Bite since the 1960s. Working closely with our Community Resources team, my office prepares to present the Board of Supervisors with our South OC Beach Coalition Memorandum of Understanding and Bylaws to make further progress on protecting our coastal community.
Engaging with our Community
Young Legislators Program
Thank you to Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie Norris for inviting me to speak on her Young Legislators panel with Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Liu, and Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens. Similarly to my Young Supervisors program, the Assemblywoman grants her Young Legislators cohort a front row seat to the public policy arena, learning how to advocate for issues they care about, build community with their neighbors, and gain valuable leadership skills. So thrilled to run into one my former Young Supervisors Sodo Sodtuya there, who now continues her education in government at the state level! I look forward to witnessing how all of these bright young leaders continue shaping our communities.
 With Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens, Asm. Cottie Petrie-Norris, Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Liu, Sen. Dave Min District Director Russellie Bongolan, Tustin Unified School District Trustee Allyson Muniz Damikolas.
OC Bar Association Judges Dinner
I joined the Orange County Bar Association at their Annual Judges Night and Installation, an event recognizing Orange County judiciary for their distinguished work upholding justice for all. Congratulations to Mark P. Robinson, Jr. (Ret.) on receiving the Franklin G. West Award, for his exemplary career devoted to upholding consumer safety on cases including Grimshaw v. Ford Motor Company, known as one of the ten most significant civil trials of the past millennium. I also extend my congratulations to new Bar Association President Shirin Forootan, installed by the Honorable Glenda Sanders.
 Top Left: Judge Shayna Colliver; Top Right: With Senator Tom Umberg; Middle Left: Deputy District Attorneys Suzi Price and Kristin Bracic; Middle Left: With Orange County Deputy District Attorneys; Middle Right: With OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer; Bottom Left: With Judge Sheila Sonenshine; Bottom Middle: With Judge David Carter; Bottom Right: With Attorney Jessica Munk.
Nominate Women Making a Difference
This Women’s History Month, join my office in honoring Fifth District women transforming Orange County at our Fifth Annual Women Making a Difference Awards. Recognizing this year's theme “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future” we celebrate women leaders advancing sustainability. Whether developing green technologies, advancing economic justice, strengthening education systems, or building civic power – women continue designing blueprints for a sustainable future, while fostering systems that protect the planet. Nominate inspiring women shaping a lasting future here.
Families across the country anticipate inclement weather this weekend, reaching historic rates for snow, rain, and freezing temperatures. We all have loved ones living in different regions of the nation, so I plan to keep an eye and ear out for anyone who may need support from Orange County or may be seeking respite once the storms settle – I encourage our federal government to do the same.
Looking for something to do while resting at home this weekend? Check out our incredible and impactful progress from last year in our Fifth District Year in Review! Have a great weekend, neighbors.
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 January 27, 2026
Community Correspondence
 
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Staff Reports
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
The next Board of Supervisors meeting will take place on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. The Board will review and vote on the FY 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Report. This report gives the Board, the public, and County departments a clear update on the County’s finances and staffing, while also highlighting budget needs and potential adjustments. Tune into the livestream here.
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Adam Tallabas
District Director
This week, we received good news on a constituent case we’ve been working on since 2024. That year, a grieving family reached out to Supervisor Foley regarding the installation of a roadside memorial in Unincorporated South Orange County in honor of their son. After nearly two years of work, we received Orange County Public Works’ draft Policies & Procedures for Roadside Memorials on County land. These memorials will contain a message encouraging safe driving while commemorating the life of an individual submitted by a close family member. While details are being finalized, this is a major step in solving a long-standing constituent case.
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Abby Paulson
District Representative
Happy Friday, D5! This week, at Supervisor Foley’s direction, I met with Dr. Julie Ryan Johnson, President of the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition and Joe Torres, the San Juan Capistrano Safety and Emergency Services Manager, to discuss large animal evacuation in Orange County. With much of District 5 facing high fire risk, safe and efficient evacuation planning remains critical. Our office looks forward to hosting a workshop with stable owners, community members, and public safety partners to develop strong, practical emergency plans for our equestrian community.
I also joined the San Clemente Chamber at BMO Bank’s Ribbon Cutting, celebrating renovations and new ownership.
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 With BMO Bank Branch Manager Art Della Rocca and his team in San Clemente.
Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
You can now see your doctor, get lab work done, pick up prescriptions, and more all in one place at the new Aliso Creek Kaiser Center in Aliso Viejo – opening officially on Monday, January 26. Unfortunately, Monday is also the day United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals plan to begin striking for a fair bargaining contract at the Kaiser in Irvine. Our new Kaiser facility is exactly the kind of investment our community deserves: modern, accessible, and focused on putting patients and Orange County families first, and we need to support our workers as they fight for fair pay for hard work. As our county continues to grow, it’s critical that people can get the care they need close to home. The Aliso Creek Medical Offices show a real commitment to preventive care, sustainability, and keeping our community healthy for years to come.
Additionally, we recognized the inspirational career of the outgoing Mayor of the City of Aliso Viejo Tiffany Ackley. Councilmember Ackley serves as a dedicated public official while maintaining a career as a powerhouse lawyer and raising two children as an incredible mother. Her achievements bring absolute honor to the County of Orange.
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Robbie LaBounty
District Representative
Hi District 5! This week, at Supervisor Foley’s direction after she met with tribal leaders, I had a meeting with Orange County Parks Archaeology Curator and our Historical Operations Group. Our office continues learning more about the history of the Randall Preserve area and the important tribal history of the area. As we finalize our future plans for Randall Preserve, we want to ensure our Tribal partners have a seat at the table. They know where all of the important sites exist and we want to honor their history. I also stopped by Earlybird to celebrate the grand opening in Costa Mesa at the LAB!
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 Presenting a certificate of recognition to Earlybird Breakfast Burritos
Intern Update
This week, interns Drake and Katherine joined Moulton Museum in partnership with the Laguna Hills Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the mural unveiling of “Between the Showers” by Anna A. Hills that Supervisor Foley helped fund with a $14,000 community arts grant. From the Moulton family, to building owner John Tomlinson, and all the incredible volunteers from both the Moulton Museum and Chamber, this piece celebrates the community collaboration necessary to bring beautiful change to life.
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.
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.
Stay Safe from Harmful Substances -- Fentanyl, NOX, and Kratom:
 
 
Bat Found in Rancho Santa Margarita Tests Positive for Rabies
A bat in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita has tested positive for rabies. The bat was found near the gate entrance along the Mesa Trail at O'Neill Regional Park this week.
HCA and OC Animal Care recommend the following actions to minimize the risk of rabies:
- Avoid all contact with wild animals.
- Vaccinate all cats and dogs against rabies.
- Do not sleep with open unscreened windows or doors.
- If bats are seen inside the house or other structure, close off the area and contact animal control. Once the bat(s) have been removed, close off any areas allowing entrance into the house.
- Do not leave pet food outside where it will attract wild animals.
- Immediately wash all animal bites with soap and water, being sure to flush the wound well, then contact your doctor.
- Report all animal bites to OC Animal Care.
Read more.
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.
Tea + Taxes with Senator Catherine Blakespear and Vice Chair Katrina Foley
Tax season is here. Community members are invited to receive free, trusted tax preparation assistance at Tea + Taxes, an event hosted by Orange County United Way’s OC Free Tax Prep program in partnership with Senator Catherine Blakespear and Vice Chair Katrina Foley.
The event will provide IRS-certified tax preparation at no cost to eligible individuals and families. Complimentary tea will be available for the first 100 guests.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Laguna Hills Community Center
25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Who Can Receive Free Tax Help
This free service is available to:
- Low- to moderate-income households earning under $69,000
- Seniors age 50 and older
- People with disabilities
- Individuals with limited English proficiency
- Veterans
How to Prepare
To ensure your appointment runs smoothly, please bring the required documents. A full checklist is available at:
https://ocfreetaxprep.com/tax-preparation-checklist/.
Appointments are recommended. To reserve a spot or learn more, visit: Register here.Questions? Please contact Michelle Mai at Michelle.Mai@UnitedWayOC.org.
Call for Artists
OC Streetcar arrives in 2026! Local artists are invited to submit portfolios for a chance to be featured in marketing campaigns. Learn more: octa.net/artists
Prepare to Renew Your Covered-California Coverage
Construction Updates from OCPW
 
Veteran Art & Resource Expo
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, Klay!
Klay can be a little shy at first, but give him a moment and you’ll be rewarded with a bond that is truly special and one of a kind. This sweet, friendly, and curious 2-year-old Pitbull has been at OC Animal Care since August, when he was found in North Tustin.
Klay loves affection, happily shakes paws for treats, and — bonus! — he’s already potty trained. At 55 pounds, he’s easy to walk on a leash and would make a wonderful companion for someone ready to give him a chance to shine.
Give Klay the fresh start he deserves and foster-to-adopt him today!
Call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention Animal ID A1929380 to get started. Adoption fees are waived for dogs over 25 pounds — like Klay!
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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