FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2025
Latisha Townsend – Communications Director, Supervisor Foley
(714) 559-8364 | Latisha.Townsend@ocgov.com
Orange County Vice Chair Katrina Foley Releases Statement Following Board of Supervisors Meeting Where the Board Voted on Fifth District-Led Anti-Encampment Ordinance, BESS Facilities, Community Grants, and More.
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Orange County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Katrina Foley released a statement following the November 4th Board of Supervisors meeting.
Item #S9C (Vice Chair Foley and Supervisor Wagner): Consider adoption of "An Ordinance of the County of Orange Regarding Illegal Encampments and Camping on Public and Orange County Flood Control District Property": The Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to approve and adopt a county ordinance regarding illegal encampments and camping on public and Orange County Flood Control District property.
“This ordinance adds one more resource to our tool belt of supports to address homelessness in Orange County. It strengthens coordination across cities, the county, and our care teams so we can respond consistently and effectively to encampments,” said Vice Chair Foley. “We can’t arrest our way out of homelessness. But when encampments pose safety risks – like open flames in brush areas, living in flood channels, or criminal activity – we must act.”
Item #5 (OC Waste & Recycling) Approve Memorandum of Understanding with South Coast Water District: The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to authorize a Memorandum of Understanding for the Renewable Energy to Desalination Exploratory Task Force between Orange County Waste & Recycling and South Coast Water District.
“Nearly 90% of South County’s water comes from imported water supply. If that supply faced interruption due to a natural disaster, the region would only have 10-20 days of potable water supply available,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “This partnership allows us to turn excess landfill gas into clean energy to power the Doheny Desalination Plant, addressing two environmental challenges with one solution. It strengthens our local water supply, reduces dependence on imported water, and builds regional resilience during emergencies.”
Item #12 (OC Public Works) Adopt Ordinance for Battery Energy Storage Systems: The Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted an ordinance to establish guidelines and standards for Battery Energy Storage System facilities, ensuring health and safety in the unincorporated areas of Orange County. The proposed BESS ordinance takes back local control and strengthens permanent protections.
“State legislation that took effect last year limits local control by giving the California Energy Commission authority to approve these facilities, even when local governments stand in opposition,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “By requiring Planning Commission approval, OCFA fire review, and expanded buffers from homes and community buildings, we prioritize transparency and public safety for nearby residents. This approach also enables us to support clean energy, decrease costs to consumers, and strengthen grid resiliency.”
Item #S9H (Vice Chair Foley): Appointment Meredith Chillemi to the Orange County Older Adults Advisory Commission": The Board of Supervisors approved the appointment of Meridith Chillemi of Laguna Niguel to the Orange County Older Adults Advisory Commission.
“Meredith Chillemi serves as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for LeadingAge California, where she oversees implementation of key health care initiatives, including CalAIM, that strengthen programs serving older adults across the state”, said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. She brings extensive experience in social services, managed care plan, and affordable housing “Aging in Place” initiatives and look forward to her continued service and leadership on this important Commission and advocating for our aging community.
Fifth District Grant Awards: Vice Chair Foley’s office invested the following grant awards from Fifth District Discretionary Funds.
- Orange County United Way: $25,000 to support the creation of the Affordable Housing Access Platform, serving as a centralized online hub to connect residents with accurate and up-to-date information on affordable housing opportunities throughout the County.
- Laguna Dance Festival: $25,000 to Laguna Dance Festival, supporting Laguna Dance’s “WE The People” productions in recognition of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
In addition, Vice Chair Foley released a statement recognizing the Veterans Alliance of Orange County (VALOR) following their Veterans Day presentation during the Board of Supervisors meeting:
“Our community draws strength and unity from the service and sacrifice of our veterans, whose commitments continue well beyond active duty,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “Their dedication secures the freedoms, safety, and prosperity that define Orange County. This Veterans Day, I plan to continue honoring our more than 100,000 local veterans by protecting vital supports, including health care, housing, and workforce opportunities. Be sure to reach out to thank and offer support to a veteran in your community.”
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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.
