In 2022 we had a productive year of big changes and significant challenges at the County of Orange and in our office. Those challenges created opportunity. I am very honored to serve and proudoftheworkdonebymyteam.
The year began with a historic change. Following the decennial redistricting process the BoardofSupervisorsadoptedandimplementednewdistrictboundaries.
I was first elected in 2021 to represent the Second District communities of Costa Mesa, Cypress, Huntington Beach, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Stanton, the unincorporated area of Rossmoor, and portions of Buena Park and Fountain Valley. Following redistricting, the Board appointed me beginning in 2022 to additionally serve as caretaker for the new Second District communities of Santa Ana and portions of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Orange,Tustin,andunincorporatedNorthTustin.
LastyearIworkedwithmycolleaguesandthecommunitytoaddressthefentanylepidemic, homeless crisis, and proliferation of illegal sober living homes harming our neighborhoods. I served on the John Wayne Airport Ad Hoc Committee, hired the first black woman as Airport Director, and launched the Fly Friendly program. We immediately benefited from Airport Director Charlene Reynolds’ expertise and began addressing years of deferred maintenance, improved concessions, greening up the airport, and transparency in the community. We protected our coastline by securing federal funds for sand replenishment and negotiated a settlement with the company at fault for the 2021 Orange County Oil Spill. We directed unprecedented investments in the community through millions of dollars in business, arts, nutrition,veterans,housing,andothertypesofgrants.
In January of 2023 I was sworn in as the newly drawn District 5 Supervisor which includes my hometown of Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, a portion of Irvine, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, RanchoMissionViejo,StonecliffeandWagonWheel.
The privilege to represent 1,677,797, or 53%, of all Orange County residents in less than two years was a challenge but offered me a breadth of experience that few other elected officialsenjoy.Ilookforwardtobringingthatexperiencetoourcountyforthenextfouryears.
I want to thank all Orange County residents for the privilege to serve. It is truly an honor to represent you and I look forward to continuing my service for years to come. Please review our2022accomplishmentsandhighlightsasapreviewoftheworkethicourteamembodies.
Withgratitude,
Katrina Foley
Orange County Supervisor
District 2, 2021 - 2022 District 5, 2023
Hosted an investigative hearing on homelessness in Orange County, bringing in Mayors and community leaders to discuss policy solutions. Inventoried the $1.8 billion spent on homelessness, identified wasteful spending, and called for regional strategy using evidence based practices on performance metrics.
Hosted apartment voucher Town Hall to recruit and incentivize landlords to accept housing vouchers to transition people from homelessness into housing. Resulted in $6 million in funding to promote the utilization of an unprecedented number of emergency housing vouchers.
Allocated $1.5 million to support the WISEPlace and Jamboree Housing's 48-unit permanent supportive housing project, to help house and stabilize women in crisis, survivors of domestic violence, and our most vulnerable seniors.
Proposed a zero-interest loan down payment homeownership program for first time homebuyers, public safety officials, and public employees.
Secured support for student and faculty housing, as well as apartment style equity ownership housing in the 17th Street redevelopment project.
Created "Project Homekey in a Box" through collaboration with county departments and cities to identify, fund, and repurpose six motels into 391 new permanent supportive housing units for veterans, seniors, and the severely mentally ill residents experiencing chronic homlessness.
Served as a member of the Governor’s Care Court Coalition to provide guidance to the State of California on the implementation of this innovative program to proactively move the chronically homeless with severe mental illness into housing with wraparound services. Supported and advocated for Orange County to participate in the first cohort.
Successfully advocated and secured $5 million of funding from the state for the construction of the Transitional Youth Housing Facility. Secured $3.6 million to provide shelter or housing services for 60 individuals currently experiencing homelessness in the County owned Talbert Park in Costa Mesa.
Fully funded law enforcement and increased wages and benefits to increase recruitment and retention Opened the Probation Department’s Multipurpose Rehabilitation Center (MRC) at Juvenile Hall to provide vocational space, an autoshop, a gymnasium, and fitness center to enhance rehabilitation opportunities for youth offenders.
Participated in OC CARES Working Groups to implement coordination across departments in reducing unnecessary incarceration and recidivism, with the goal of saving taxpayer dollars and advancing public safety Worked together with stakeholders in the Orange County juvenile justice system to approve the county’s plan for incarcerated youth in response to the closure of state juvenile facilities. Plan included strategy to address housing, education, and workforce development needs of incarcerated youth in Orange County, with a goal to exit juvenile offenders as employable citizens with skills and a path toward good citizenship Secured budget funding to enhance security fencing, and patrol of flood control channels to prevent drug trafficking, unsafe encampments, and other crimes in the sewer tunnels
Hosted an investigative hearing on the fentanyl crisis in Orange County featuring Sheriff Barnes, Costa Mesa Police Chief Lawrence, and the District Attorney's Office resulting in initiatives and recommendations. Actions taken after the hearing included a resolution signed by most cities to join with law enforcement to eliminate the threat of fentanyl in our communities, funding for Narcan in our schools to prevent overdose deaths, support for legislation to move fentanyl related deaths to felony murder instead of misdemeanor crime, and a public education campaign to inform parents and students about the dangers of fentanyl
Continued to fight the proliferation of illegal sober living homes in collaboration with Newport Beach residents and local leaders by promoting stronger enforcement mechanisms, a model ordinance for all 34 cities to protect patients and the public, and more consistent inspections of state licensed facilities.
Approved funding to clear the 30 year sexual assault kit backlog in partnership with the District Attorney Approved a $1 million U.S. Department of Justice grant for the Body-Worn Camera program, digital discovery trials, and an efficient system for use of this important public safety technology in the District Attorney’s Office
Participated in the Driving Out Darkness Summit, focused on educating leaders across Orange County on the history of antisemitism and the recent spike in hate crimes against the Jewish, Asian and LGBT communities
reduce airport noise and and encouraging general
realignment to save our Metrolink and Amtrak line
shores of Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach together with Congresswoman Michelle Steel.
Hosted a Sustainability Summit where public officials and local scientists presented recommendations to combat climate change in Orange County. Launched the County's first Climate Action Plan by collaborating with county departments to inventory sustainable practices and policies.
Advocated to prohibit the purchase and use of Styrofoam food service products from County facilities & events, in order to support waste/pollution reduction and environmental protection.
Participated in the Department of Interior's roundtable with Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Reclamation Commissioner Camille Touton to discuss Southern California's water conservation, recycling, and reclamation measures and needs with Congresswoman Katie Porter.
Participated in a roundtable with Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Congresswoman Katie Porter, and local trades and labor leaders to discuss how the Inflation Reduction Act supports a clean energy economy in Orange County. Toured the Orange County Electrical Training Institute and highlighted the need for partnerships with labor in the transition to a green economy.
Supported the extension of Los Patrones Parkway as part of the Cooperative Agreement to ensure that no new toll roads are created in South Orange County.
Proposed the inclusion of a corridor study of the 55 freeway from the 405 to Newport Beach in OCTA’s Long Range Transportation Plan to determine sustainable solutions to connect businesses and neighborhoods with limited access due to congestion. The plan will provide an even greater tax base through increasing home values and decreasing noise pollution.
Supported the City of Laguna Beach's efforts to fund creative long term traffic solutions for Laguna Canyon Road (SR 133), including undergrounding of utilities, easing congestion, and create other active transportation options through the canyon and into the Laguna Beach community.
Met with California Infrastructure Advisor Antonio Villaraigosa and Orange County leaders for the Governor’s Regional Roundtable Listening Session, advocating for more infrastructure resources for Orange County such as transportation projects, increased broadband for underserved communities, and stormwater capture initiatives.
Supported efforts to suspend the gas tax and promote tax rebates as a result of inflation and soaring costs of fuel. Worked in conjunction with the prior 5th District Supervisor to add a traffic signal at the intersection of Oso Parkway and Coto de Caza Drive to enhance pedestrian safety of residents. Partnered with Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris to secure the 401-acre Banning Ranch property, formerly an oil field, as a permanent preserve that will protect the environment and provide coastal park access for generations to come.
Advocated for increased fire mitigation programs as a result of the Laguna Niguel Coastal Fire that affected more than 200 acres and damaged 24 structures.
Supported emergency railroad track stabilization near San Clemente as a result of track closures due to coastal erosion. Fully funded the zero emission bus program throughout the County.
Crafted and directed funding of $1.6 million to establish the first of its kind Veterans' Suicide Prevention Pilot Program, where servicemembers and fellow veterans are connected through a peer to peer network.
Voted for $20,700,000 in funding to design and build a Veterans Cemetery alongside a public safety and public cemetery.
Hosted Second Annual Veterans of the Year Awards on Veterans Day at Heroes Hall in Costa Mesa at the OC Fair & Event Center.
Hosted the first Post 9/11 Veterans recognition event at Heroes Hall and designed pin to distribute to our brave service members.
Hosted the first annual Flag Day Celebration at the Historic Orange County Courthouse.
Sponsored Veterans Legal Institute annual awards gala, and hosted lunch reception to thank volunteers.
Funded $200,000 for American Legion Post 291 Newport Harbor disabled access construction improvements.
Funded Veterans’ story telling arts program. Contributed over $20,000 in grocery gift cards for Veterans.
Invested $375,000 in local Chambers of Commerce to support workforce development.
Hosted OC Live, a concert series in the community funding musicians, arts and culture programming, local restaurants. Granted $150,000 to local musicians, venues, and small businesses.
Proposed and secured Board support for 1.2 million dollars to support businesses with up to $20,000 grants due to revenue impacts by the OC Streetcar construction. Advocated for local business preference and procurement. Attended and sponsored Chambers of Commerce economic forecasts and financial markets updates to stay informed on the latest in the local and national economy.
Hosted a free Career Fair at the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana with more than 100 employers and hundreds of participants, with priority entry for Veterans
Fed more than 50,000 Orange County families through grocery card distributions funded by my office's American Rescue Plan Act discretionary funds. Distributed gas and grocery cards to constituents facing rising inflation and unregulated price gauging.
Voted to Approve $2.1 Million for Emergency Food and Water Storage to address a gap identified by Covid19 emergency planning.
Invested $100,000 to local businesses and nonprofits to host special community events, including Thanksgiving meals.
Successfully advocated for long overdue increases in wages and benefits for OCTA bus drivers and mechanics, represented by Teamsters Local 952. Contributed start up funds for school and community gardens.
Initiated audit for the Orange County Power Authority to examine operations and finances The audits revealed that the agency lacked transparency with consumers, failed to implement government best practice financial controls, and lacked effective leadership and expertise among key staff As a result, voted to withdraw from OCPA and pursue alternative CCA participation Appointed an experienced legal and law enforcement professional as the Director of the Office of Independent Review
Prevented the illegal and undervalued sale of coastal county park land in the protected Upper Newport Bay to a wealthy private resident in compliance with the Coastal Preservation Act, Coastal Commission, and California State Lands Commission
Demanded answers from OCTA in response to resident and small business concerns about the OC Streetcar Project
Called on former Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu and the former Anaheim Chamber of Commerce President to resign after the FBI announced a corruption scandal and for the County and OCTA to Audit all contracts with Angels Baseball and the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce
Demanding government transparency and safeguarding your taxpayer dollars.
Hosted a tour and roundtable with United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra at the BeWell Campus in Orange, a place where anyone in crisis can seek help regardless of insurance status.
Hosted medical round table to listen to our top medical professionals As a result, identified need and funded $950,000 for maternal health and wellness, including in home post partum care, new technology to track patient care, ultra sound machines, and other maternal care equipment, and training through Hoag and MOMS Orange County.
Appointed Dr Regina Chinsio-Kwong, a licensed physician and former U S Navy doctor, as the Public Health Officer for the County of Orange.
Addressed concerns regarding the nutrition of meals provided in our Orange County jails by touring Theo Lacy Jail and confirming with the OC Health Care Agency nutritionist that the County is meeting all State requirements for food safety and nutrition diversity
Supported cutting red tape to allow hospitals to increase pediatric bed capacity as a result of the sharp rise of cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases in the fall
In response to the monkeypox outbreak, declared state of emergency to expand the implementation of increased monkeypox testing and vaccines that were sanctioned by the FDA.
Declared Racism and Inequity a public health crisis to begin addressing root causes of systemic racism in our public health system.
Approved 40 hours in emergency sick leave pay for county employees to stay home when sick and get vaccinated
Announced $27.6 million mental health services grant to treat Orange County youth suffering from substance use disorder (SUD)
Approved a $78.2 million project to build new headquarters for the Orange County Health Care Agency in Irvine, located next to the future BeWell Wellness Center.
Costa Mesa Library Café & Skate Park
Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) Education Grant
$3,200,000
Meal Gap Funding for Veterans, Seniors, Families
$2,000,000
Dolly Parton Mural Restoration $3,000
Operation Helping HandsOCTLA $10,000
$250,000
48 Housing UnitsWISEPlace & Jamboree $1,500,000
HOAG Foundation Women's Health Initiative
$500,000 American Legion - ADA Upgrades $200,000 Pacific Symphony $200,000 Gas & Grocery Card Program $500,000
Moms OC: Technology Upgrade $450,000 Law Enforcement Vehicle $95,000
NMUSD Instruments $150,000
Families ForwardTechnology Upgrade & Rental Assistance
$175,000
CMHS Piano & Choir Supplies $43,000 Habitat for Humanity $100,000
CHOC Native Garden $27,000
Thanksgiving Meals Fresh Beginnings Ministries $60,000
Field TripsChabad Center for Jewish Life $250,000
Crystal Cove ConservancySTEM Education $100,000
Victims’ Relief Fund for shooting at 7Eleven markets
$50,000
CASA Youth Strut Match $3,000
Heroes Hall Art Program $25,000 Thanksgiving Meals We Give Thanks $40,000
Costa Mesa Women's Club $25,000
City of Garden Grove (GG Growths) $14,000
Dance 4 Joy $10,000 Olive Crest $10,000
Sustainability Decathalon $100,000
Economic Support for Santa Ana Small Businesses Impacted by Streetcar Construction
$1,200,000
Animal Adoption Waiver Program $84,713
Chambers of CommerceWorkforce Support $375,000
Santa Ana Tustin Community Gardens $23,000 City of Orange (OHG) $10,000
Community Events Sponsorship $150,000 Anaheim Tech Scholars Program $10,000
