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| Volume 6 | Issue 11 |
March 13, 2026 |
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Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
This week we continued focusing on the core responsibilities Orange County residents expect from their government: protecting taxpayer dollars, strengthening accountability, and delivering services that make a real difference in people’s lives. From reviewing the County’s forensic audit and pushing for stronger safeguards against corruption, to demanding oversight of publicly funded behavioral health services, to recognizing Women’s History Month and the importance of expanding opportunity for women and girls, we strive to ensure your county government remains transparent, fiscally responsible, and effective.
Read more about our week below.
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Board of Supervisors Meeting
Independent Forensic Audit
On Monday, Orange County released the first phase of its independent forensic audit of County contracts ordered in the wake of the Andrew Do corruption scandal. The review examined spending from 2019-2024 and found additional misconduct connected to former Supervisor Andrew Do. The findings reflected a broader pattern which undermined contracting safeguards, benefited politically connected vendors, and placed our taxpayer dollars at risk. The audit also raised concerns about vendors who received County business and later contributed to Do’s political campaigns, adding to questions about pay-to-play practices.
The findings demonstrate how Andrew Do used public office to benefit friends, donors, and insiders at the expense of Orange County taxpayers. No one holds the power to manipulate County processes, pressure staff, or steer public money for political or personal gain.
The Board already took steps to strengthen contract policies, increase competitive bidding, and reduce opportunities for corruption. Now the County must continue implementing the auditor’s recommendations, recover public funds wherever possible, and place stronger protections to help ensure this never happens again. View my interview with ABC7 here.
 Board Action Involving Mind OC
Accountability matters, especially when we invest public dollars into expanding behavioral health care for families in need. This action by Mind OC is tantamount to a hired contractor building a beautiful home for your family to find health and wellness in and then refusing to give you the keys. Orange County now takes legal action against Mind OC over serious allegations involving Mind OC, including improper billing, excessive rents charged to county-funded providers, and conduct that placed private financial interests ahead of patient care and taxpayer protection. The County invested nearly $70 million of taxpayer dollars in these campuses to deliver mental health and substance use treatment, not to create delays, inflated costs, or disputes over control of a public asset.
Families in Orange County deserve access to the Irvine campus. The county stands ready to open the doors and start providing services. Mind OC won’t turnover the keys.
I continue pushing for public access to treatment, protection of taxpayer funds, and the prompt opening of services promised to our community. Read more here.
 Recognizing Women's History Month
We recognized Women’s History Month this week at our Board meeting – I also wore green to recognize Irish American Heritage Month. The equity work my office prioritizes matters not only for women and girls, but for the strength and future of our entire community.
As an advisory body to the Board of Supervisors, the Women & Girls Commission uses data to shape recommendations that strengthen opportunity and resilience for women, girls, and the broader community. I thank all the commissioners, including Joanna Weiss and Allyson Sonenshine, my appointee and alternate to the Commission, for the thoughtful work on this effort.
The report examines key indicators including economic security, education, mental health, and health care, helping identify gaps and better target resources. It highlights how women and girls in Orange County outperform statewide averages in voting, education, workforce participation, and health coverage, while continuing to face pay inequities. Women in Orange County earn $3,492 more annually than women statewide yet still earn only 0.81 cents for each dollar men earn, compared with 0.86 cents statewide.
I urge future reports to expand tracking in areas such as teen pregnancy and access to women’s health care, including birth control, breast cancer screenings, and menopause resources. We must see more specific recommendations to guide future Board action. Overall, a strong first report and an important foundation for the work ahead. Read the full report here.
 Bottom: Celebrating Women’s History Month; Top: With Joanna Weiss of the OC Commission on the Status of Women and Girls
Recognizing Orange County Social Workers
This month, we recognize Orange County’s social workers and the 2026 theme, “Uplift. Defend. Transform.” Every day, County social workers serve on the front lines, helping residents overcome challenges and connecting our most vulnerable children, families, seniors, and adults with the support they need.
In 2025, in District 5, County Social Workers:
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Supported 305 elders and dependent adults under Adult Protective Services
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Provided In-Home Supportive Services to 4,936 residents
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Provided CalWORKs assistance to 2,781 residents
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And placed 161 youth into safe and nurturing homes.
I extend my deepest gratitude to the social workers at the Social Services Agency for their tireless work on behalf of Orange County residents.
 Building Healthy Communities
OC Health Care Agency Check-In
We met with OC Health Care Agency staff this week to discuss the County’s 2026-2029 Behavioral Health Integrated Plan and the next steps to strengthen mental health, substance use treatment, crisis care, and supportive housing services in Orange County. Increasing access to behavioral health care drives our work to support our most vulnerable residents, including children, youth, and families in crisis. As Orange County transitions to the state’s new Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) framework, we greatly value community input.
We invite residents to review the draft plan and share feedback through the County’s BHSA planning page. Residents may submit feedback through March 27, 2026.
 Infrastructure Updates
OC Transportation Authority Meeting
At this week's Orange County Transportation Authority Board meeting, we discussed planning for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games. We must continue elevating the valued input of South County residents as we strategize new public transportation options connecting residents and tourists to our Orange County coast for Olympic surfing at Trestles Beach.
 Coastal Protection
OC Community Resources Check-In
This week I received updates on the Capistrano Doheny Nature-Based Shoreline Project during a meeting with our OC Community Resources team. The design phase reached about 65% completion. We also reviewed fencing options that protect plants as they take root while still allowing wildlife access to the coast and discussed potential funding opportunities ranging from state to federal grants.
 Supporting the Doheny State Beach Foundation
Through fundraising, educational programs, and environmental conservation, Doheny State Beach Foundation works to protect the cherished California park. At their "Culture Bearer's Supper Club" event, my office showed our continued support of maintaining the beaches, wildlife, and cultural heritage that make Doheny State Beach a landmark worth protecting.
 Top Left: With Ana Rothwell; Top Right: Here I am with Acjachamen Nation Chairman Nathan Banda and Government Affairs Director Chris Lobo; Middle Right: With Donna Kalez of Dana Wharf Whalewatching & Sportfishing; Bottom: Here I am with retired CA State Parks Ranger Jim Serpa, Doheny State Parks Foundation Scott Sherman, Indiginous Educator Lazaro Arvizu Jr., Multi-media artist Kacie Lyn Martinez, and UCI Langson Assistant Curator Michaëla Mohrmann.
Engaging With Our Community
Fifth District Women and Girls Summit
Empowering women builds stronger communities for all. As my office hosted our annual "Women & Girls Summit" in partnership with the OC Department of Education Access Schools, we saw first-hand the transformative power of uplifting young women on their pursuit of full lives.
 Thank you to our guest speakers — County CEO Michelle Aguirre, OC Health Care Agency Director Dr. Kelley, Cynthia Inda of County Counsel, NMUSD Trustee Carol Crane, South OC Community College District Communications Director Dr. Letitia Clark, and Costa Mesa Police Chief Joyce LaPointe — for sharing your stories of struggle to success. Together, our work ensures everyone feels respected, heard, and empowered with the opportunity to thrive in Orange County.
 Left to Right: Cynthia Inda, Carol Crane, Letitia Clark, Chief Joyce LaPointe
Celebrating Irish American Heritage
We kicked off Irish American Heritage Month in the best way, with live traditional folk music and fish and chips at Muldoon's in Newport Beach. I enjoyed connecting with my fellow Irish American, Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken, at her family's law firm annual celebration. Sláinte!
 A Look Ahead
I look forward to recognizing more than 150 women at my Women Making a Difference Awards this weekend. While we usually host this event during brunch hours, we look forward to celebrating in the evening this year – so wear your cocktail attire!
This year’s Women’s History Month theme, “Leading the Change: Shaping a Sustainable Future,” recognizes the women helping build a stronger future for Orange County. Across our community, women educators, scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, engineers, and advocates break glass ceilings, challenge old barriers, and lead on environmental stewardship, clean energy, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and public policy.
Naturally, this event remains close to my heart every year, as I always enjoy demonstrating to the world how women keep our county strong and thriving. My team also worked so hard to make sure it reflects our incredible community of women leaders and advocates. Please RSVP at tinyurl.com/rsvpwmad26. We’ll see you there!
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 March 24, 2026
Community Correspondence
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Staff Reports
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Happy Friday, District 5! Next Monday, the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency Board of Directors meets to receive updates on routine quarterly reports, Capital Program, and Pacific Surfliner Service. The Board also plans to review and consider the Final Approval of the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency’s Business Plan for Fiscal Years 2026-27 and 2027-28. This Business Plan outlines operations, service goals, capital improvements, marketing strategies, and funding needs for the Pacific Surfliner intercity rail service. The plan also supports the agency’s annual budget request to the California State Transportation Agency and identifies potential service enhancements, ridership growth strategies, and climate resilience efforts along the rail corridor. The future growth and sustainability of our region depend on the LOSSAN Rail Corridor. Vice Chair Foley remains committed to fully implementing the state’s vision for our Business Plan. To learn more, join us in-person or listen live here.
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Adam Tallabas
District Director
Last weekend, we held our Women Veterans Mental Health & Benefits Symposium. There, Orange County’s women veteran community heard from speakers like Mayumi Kimura, Deputy Secretary of Women Veterans, OC Black Chamber President Bobby McDonald, among others. Our office remains committed to supporting the needs and services offered for the unique experiences of women veterans.
On Tuesday, I joined the Irvine community, leaders, and advocates at the 2026 State of the City hosted by Mayor Larry Agran. I enjoyed hearing the mayor’s update on development, public safety, sustainability and more. During the reception, I connected with so many of you and shared updates on the Supervisor’s work on issues impacting Irvine residents.
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 Here I am with Councilmember Dr. Kathleen Treseder (left) and Councilmember William Go (right)
Abby Paulson
District Representative
Happy Friday, D5! This week, I joined the San Clemente Kiwanis club and City of San Clemente at the Annual Mayor’s Prayor Breakfast on behalf of Vice Chair Foley. We heard from faith leaders across the city honoring Mayor Rick Loeffler, along with city leaders, police officers, and firefighters who serve our community every day.
At the Festival of Whales Clam Chowder Cook-off at Dana Point Harbor, I enjoyed supporting Fish for Life, a nonprofit providing love and inspiration to a multitude of people living with special needs while teaching fishing skills and creating memorable experiences. Next week, we celebrate the next phase of the commercial core revitalization with a flag dedication at Dana Point Harbor. We look forward to sharing Dana Point Harbor updates at our March 30 townhall - please join us!
Additionally, I continued working with Vice Chair Foley on forming the Non-Toxic Advisory Committee. Apply here to join!
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 Left: Here I am with San Clemente Rick Mayor Loeffler; Right: Morgan and I joined Donna Kalez with Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale watching at the Clam Chowder Cook off.
Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
My week heavily focused on housing policy in Orange County. Vice Chair Foley serves as Chair of the Orange County Housing Finance Trust, which continues to make real progress on one of our region's most pressing challenges! Since 2018, the Trust helped deliver 2,115 affordable units, with another 1,182 in the pipeline. In 2025 alone, the Trust celebrated 7 grand openings, closed new construction loans, and secured the first acquisition loan for a project right here in the City of Orange. The Housing Authority currently has more than 9,000 vouchers in use, connecting thousands of Orange County families to stable housing. This work reflects Vice Chair Foley's commitment to building a county where everyone has a safe place to call home!
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Robbie LaBounty
District Representative
Hi District 5! This week I attended the Corona Del Mar Chamber of Commerce’s Good Morning CdM event. I updated the Chamber on all the great work Supervisor Foley and our office prioritized this past month. I also highlighted our approved Climate Action Plan, the independent forensic audit of county contracts, and the OC Women and Girls Commission’s first countywide baseline report on the status of women and girls.
I continue planning two upcoming town halls: one for seniors, and one focused on e-bike safety. Stay tuned for final details.
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Orange County Seeks CEO
 
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.
Seeking Candidates to Join First 5 Orange County Commission
Health News
OC Social Services Updates
Medi-Cal Eligibility Changes
Starting January 1, 2026, when you apply for or renew your Medi-Cal, we will look at what you own. This is called an asset check. Assets are things you own that have value. You may be affected if you:
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Are age 65 and older and meet the household income limit for Medi-Cal
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Have a disability (physical, mental, or
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Are in a family that makes too much money to qualify under federal tax rules
To learn more about these asset limits, visit here.
Protect Against Measles While Traveling
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:
 
 
Transportation News
E-Bike Safety
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.
RSVP to Our Women Making a Difference Awards!
Every year, I look forward to celebrating Women's History Month and the women leaders helping us build a safer, healthier, economically thriving Orange County for all to call home.
In honor of Women’s History Month this March, join us in celebrating “Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” on March 14, 2026 at 5:30 pm. As space is limited, please RSVP here.
Senior Townhall in Rancho Mission Viejo
In partnership with Rancho Mission Viejo, Senator Catherine Blakespear and the Contractor State License Board, join our senior town hall at The Guest House in Rancho Mission Viejo on March 26 at 2pm. Join us for resource booths from various local partners as well two panels focused on protecting our seniors from scam activity and improving senior health access.
OC Public Libraries - Grand Reopening of Aliso Viejo Library!
Spring Gardening Workshops with OC Public Libraries
OCWR accepting applications for food recovery grant program
Laguna Niguel Chamber Spring Crafts & Marketplace
OC Office on Aging Introduces Free Mobile App for Senior Resources!
Old Orange County Courthouse Now Displaying "Omnivision: Art Across Boundaries"
Admire the creativity of local artists at Omnivision: Art Across Boundaries art exhibit, now on display at the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana (211 W. Santa Ana Blvd.).
The collection is made up of 110 original paintings from more than 50 local artists featuring unique art depicting diverse scenes of nature and life in Southern California, cityscapes, florals and more. The exhibit is hosted by OC Parks, in partnership with Southern California Plein Air Painters Association (SOCALPAPA).
Admission to Omnivision: Art Across Boundaries exhibit is free and open to view at the Old Orange County Courthouse gallery Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through April 3.
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
Construction Updates from OCPW
Support Local Small Businesses
Hershey Felder: The Piano & Me
Music of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Bartok,
June 9-12, 2026
Known for his hit portrayals of musical geniuses in his beloved composer series, Felder now renders a different musical artist: himself. In this deeply moving new play, Felder pulls back the curtain on his own story. Growing up in Montreal as the child of Polish and Hungarian immigrants, a young Felder discovers the piano, its captivating music connecting him to his unsuspected heritage, while opening up a remarkable new world full of adventure, possibility, heartbreak, and connection. Featuring performances of beloved compositions by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Bartók, and more, Hershey Felder: The Piano and Me recounts the inspiration behind Felder's illustrious career of more than 6,000 performances across the globe and offers a poignant and profoundly touching portrait of the power of music.
The New York Times described this American classic as “wry and electric!” Hilarious and harrowing, this unflinching portrait of a marriage ceaselessly astonishes audiences with its razor-sharp dialogue and thrilling performances.
Mariners 936 Dana Point Sea Scouts
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
Meet Pet of the Week, Ziggy!
Meet Ziggy! A loving boy bursting with energy and personality. This 2-year-old Bull Terrier Mix is always ready for playtime, treats, and a new adventure. He loves a good game of fetch, especially when he can finish snuggled into someone. Ziggy will do best in a home without children, so he can focus all his love and energy on his favorite people!
If you’re ready to foster-to-adopt Ziggy, or adopt him outright, call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention Animal ID A1934322or see www.ocpetinfo.com/adopt.
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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