FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2026
Latisha Townsend – Communications Director, Supervisor Foley
(714) 559-8364 | Latisha.Townsend@ocgov.com
Foley Calls for Immediate Reconsideration After Wagner and Nguyen Fail to Support Senior Services Contracts
ORANGE COUNTY, CA – Today, three major senior services contracts failed before the Orange County Board of Supervisors after Supervisors Don Wagner and Janet Nguyen declined to support the items. Because one Supervisor was absent, the motions failed on 2 yes votes (Foley and Chaffee), 1 no vote (Wagner), and 1 abstention (Nguyen).
“These contracts fund some of the most basic and essential services government provides,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “A homebound senior waiting for a meal does not care about political games. A frail older adult trying to reach a doctor does not care about procedural maneuvering. Orange County seniors should not face uncertainty, hunger, and personal harm because Supervisors Wagner and Nguyen refused to support these agreements.”
“I understand the past concerns related to the Great Plates program. Staff assured me the vendor is currently in good standing and compliant with our protocols. I share the prior concerns, and I support stronger oversight, transparency, and accountability for every County contract,” added Foley. “The opposition today, however, did not simply target one vendor, it threw the baby out with the bath water. Without first identifying another provider, another contract path, or another way to continue services, this failed vote creates an immediate massive cut that could stop meals, medical rides, legal aid, elder abuse prevention, and caregiver support on July 1. That is not oversight or accountability, it is irresponsible governance.”
The contracts support local nonprofit and healthcare providers including Age Well Senior Services, Meals on Wheels Orange County, Abrazar, Community Legal Aid SoCal, Council on Aging Southern California, Hope Community Services, and Providence St. Jude Medical Center.
Together, the agreements fund:
- More than 1.25 million meals for older adults
- Up to 130,000 rides to medical appointments and essential services
- Transportation support for approximately 23,110 seniors
- More than 148,000 direct appointments and services for seniors and caregivers, including legal aid, grocery deliveries, respite care, adult day services, elder abuse prevention, and case management visits.
The contracts, approximately $23 million a year, rely overwhelmingly on outside funding already designated for senior services, including the federal Older Americans Act, the Older Californians Act, Tobacco Settlement Revenue, and renewed OCTA Measure M funding. Only about 1% of one contract, approximately $53,000, comes from County General Fund dollars.
Foley called on the Board to return the items for immediate reconsideration at the next available meeting. To inquire about Supervisor Foley’s media availability, please contact Latisha Townsend at (714) 559-8364.
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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 2026 Board appointments include:
Chair – Orange County Housing Finance Trust
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)
Orange County Audit Oversight Committee
OC Public Libraries Advisory Board
Newport Bay and South Orange County Watershed Executive Committees
Transportation Corridor Agency - Foothill/Eastern
Transportation Corridor Agency - San Joaquin Hills
Coastal Greenbelt Authority
Urban Counties Caucus
