FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2025
Latisha Townsend – Communications Director, Supervisor Foley
(714) 559-8364 | Latisha.Townsend@ocgov.com
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Orange County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Katrina Foley released a statement following the Board’s vote in support of a Kratom ban in county unincorporated areas – following the previously implemented NOX ban, the adoption of the Master Plan for Aging, the Department of Justice’s lawsuit against the County of Orange’s Registrar of Voters, OC Parks investments, and more.
Item #24 (OC Public Works): Approve Cooperative Agreement for San Juan Creek Bridge: The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a Cooperative Agreement with the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) for the San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project to design and implement reconstruction of the San Juan Creek Bridge.
“By investing $2 million from our Flood Control Funds, we will replace the century-old San Juan Creek rail bridge,” said Vice Chair Foley. “Our investment will create new active transportation options, install new sheet pile channel walls, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and protect public infrastructure.”
Item #30 (General Administration): Second Reading and Adoption of "An Ordinance of the County of Orange Regarding Restrictions on the Sale, Distribution, and Possession of Kratom" The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the second reading of an amended ordinance banning the sale, distribution, or possession of kratom products containing more than 2% of the potent alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine in county unincorporated communities. The ordinance also prohibits sales to anyone under 21, restricts marketing that targets children, and mandates child-resistant packaging. Violations could result in misdemeanor charges, fines up to $1,000, six months in jail, or business license revocation.
“We see Kratom’s marketing aggressively targeting individuals in sobriety, misleading them into thinking it aids their recovery as a natural alternative. It is dangerous. Kratom bars now operate openly throughout Southern California, offering mind-altering substances under the guise of legality, without regulation or medical oversight,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “Our NOX ordinance has shown us that unregulated drugs mean the data doesn’t fully measure the extent of harm illicit drugs cause in our communities.”
Those needing support can contact the OC links 24-hour hotline at 855-625-4657. Residents can report venues selling this product at 714-835-3550.
Item #33 (County Executive Office): Orange County Should Have More Respect for Its Elders” Grand Jury Response: The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the proposed response to the FY 2024-25 Grand Jury Report titled "Orange County Should Have More Respect for Its Elders!” The report directed responses to findings and recommendations to the Orange County Office on Aging, Orange County Community Services, and the Board of Supervisors.
“Today, a quarter of Orange County residents are aged 60 or older, and by 2060 this will rise to 36 percent. Supporting our aging population is crucial to ensuring citizens can age with dignity and live fulfilling lives,” stated Vice Chair Foley. “We continue collaborating with the CEO and the Office on Aging to draft the county’s first-ever Master Plan for Aging. The MPA represents a community-wide effort to prepare our neighborhoods for an aging population, focusing on improvements in housing, healthcare, transportation, and caregiver support. It’s based on real feedback from residents.”
Vice Chair Foley added, “The Grand Jury report reinforces the sentiment of helping people age with dignity and independence. I want to assure our residents that the County is taking all necessary steps to prepare for an increase in our aging population.”
Item #34 (County Executive Office): “Hate: What is Orange County Doing About It?” Grand Jury Response: The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the proposed response to FY 2024-25 Grand Jury Report entitled, “Hate: What is Orange County Doing About It?”. The report directed responses to findings and recommendations to the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
“As a member of the Ad Hoc Committee, I helped lead the reform of the Human Relations Commission (HRC) to ensure stronger governance and accountability,” said Vice Chair Foley. “We’re developing a more reliable methodology for tracking hate incidents, building on credible Department of Justice data, and improving consistency in reporting. The County continues actively partnering with the District Attorney, our Sheriff’s Department, and school districts to expand education, outreach, and centralized reporting tools. The Board receives quarterly updates and annual reports from the HRC, ensuring ongoing accountability for our anti-hate efforts.”
Vice Chair Foley added, “Through a grant in the District Attorney’s Office, we also see expansion of community education and outreach to prevent hate incidents and hate crimes. A dedicated hate crimes prosecutor will lead public awareness efforts, hold regular community meetings, and give presentations across Orange County. In partnership with the Human Relations Commission, our goal remains building stronger community connections and improving reporting. I appreciate the work from our CEO’s office in preparing this response, and I look forward to continued updates that help us reduce hate in Orange County.”
Item #S35E: Direct Registrar of Voters to take necessary steps to settle lawsuit with U.S. Department of Justice and comply with applicable federal law regarding voter records: Vice Chair Foley questioned County Counsel, Orange County Registrar Bob Page, and District Attorney Todd Spitzer regarding the ongoing lawsuit between the Orange County Registrar of Voters and the U.S. Department of Justice. The Registrar of Voters is the sole defendant. The case centers on whether the Registrar is legally prevented from sharing the voter registration private information of 17 people with the federal government without violating California and federal law. Legal advisors emphasized that any data sharing must be either ordered by the court, permitted through a confidentiality agreement, or covered under a protective order to shield the Registrar from legal consequences for the unlawful disclosure.
"The United States Department of Justice's refusal to sign confidentiality agreements compels the Orange County Registrar of Voters to await the court’s determination. County Counsel emphasized that California law restricts the Registrar of Voters from sharing information with any person or entity without a court order or subpoena," stated Vice Chair Katrina Foley. "County Counsel advised that the Board has no authority to direct this litigation. I’d prefer to await a court order and to comply with state and federal law. I remain focused on the critical issues within the authority of the Board of Supervisors: housing costs, protecting our tax dollars, supporting public safety, and ending homelessness."
Item #S35H: Receive and file 2025 County of Orange, OC Cares: Master Plan for Aging: The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved acceptance of the OC Cares: Master Plan for Aging represents the County’s collective commitment to ensuring Orange County remains a safe, healthy, and fulfilling place for all residents to live, work, and thrive, especially as they age.
“Orange County is undergoing a historic demographic shift, with more than one in three residents projected to be over 60 by 2060,” said Vice Chair Foley. “Our Master Plan for Aging prioritizes affordable housing, transportation, financial security, and ensuring seniors and their families can access the resources they need to age with dignity, independence, and peace of mind.”
In addition, Vice Chair Foley released statements in recognition of the following resolutions presented during the Board of Supervisors meeting:
Resolution recognizing August 2025 as "Eligibility Professionals Month”
“Today, we celebrate our devoted county eligibility professionals who help thousands of residents and families receive the essential services they need to live safe, healthy, and economically stable lives,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “Unfortunately, the dysfunction in the federal government will make their already difficult jobs harder by adding unnecessary administrative burden. We commend our eligibility professionals for the compassion, dedication, patience, and expertise you demonstrate while strengthening Orange County families and helping them thrive.”
Resolution proclaiming August 8, 2025 as "Pickleball Day"
“Pickleball has rapidly grown over the past three years, transforming into a cornerstone of health and recreation across our community. OC Parks found in a recent study that 94% of County residents live within a 10-minute drive of a pickleball facility. In District 5, we have 189 courts across 32 facilities,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “In Laguna Niguel, our OC Parks continues pickleball court expansion efforts, with a goal of offering a total of 12 pickleball courts at the Laguna Niguel Regional Park - ultimately decreasing overcrowding and wait times.”
Vice Chair Foley added, “As the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., the County has invested nearly $2 million in pickleball infrastructure. We must continue investing in affordable park facilities that keep residents engaged and active.”
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Vice Chair Katrina Foley was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2022 to represent the newly established 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. This is her second term on the Board of Supervisors, where she previously served District 2.
Vice Chair Foley’s 2025 Board appointments include:
Chair – Orange County Housing Finance Trust,
Orange County Audit Oversight Committee,
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA),
Vice Chair – OCTA Legislative and Communications Committee, Regional Transportation Committee, Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA), TCA Joint Capital Improvements and Projects Committee, San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Community Engagement Panel,
Co-Chair – Spent Fuel Solutions Coalition,
Orange County Public Libraries Advisory Board, Coastal Greenbelt Authority, Newport Bay and South Orange County Watershed Executive Committees, Ocean Institute, Orange County Community Corrections
Partnership (OCCCP), Santa Ana River Flood Control Protection Agency,
and the Orange County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council.
