FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2025
Latisha Townsend – Communications Director, Supervisor Foley
(714) 559-8364 | Latisha.Townsend@ocgov.com
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley released a statement following the Board’s vote on election security measures, John Wayne Airport, grant applications, preserving Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, preventative technology to address wildfires and forest management, and more.
Item #34 (CEO) Direct Registrar of Voters to Remove any Non-Humans from the County's Voter Rolls: Directing the ROV to investigate and remove any non-humans from County voter rolls, publicize any findings (if applicable), and cross reference data with OCAC Pet License list.
“Although our Registrar of Voters demonstrated our elections are safe and secure with many safeguards, I supported the additional cross check of animal licensing. I’m relieved to know no matches were found in our database. We have nothing to hide, and our voting system in Orange County remains safe and secure. A crime was committed and now this Costa Mesa woman faces up to six years in prison if convicted on all counts,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “I voted to approve this item with the addition that the 2,616 registered people, of our county’s 1.9 million registered voters, who have not verified their identity, must be sent a letter informing them of their registration status along with a cancellation form if they cannot verify their identity. I recommend all future cases of suspected voter fraud found through this process be referred to the District Attorney.”
Item #S34A (CEO): Adopt resolution opposing Proposition 50 on November 2025 ballot
“I trust Orange County’s voters to decide if Proposition 50 is in their interests and encourage all voters to do their research on this important proposition before making your voice heard,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley.
Item #S34E (Chair Chaffee and Vice Chair Foley) S. 1462 – Fix our Forests Act
"The Fix Our Forests Act, a bipartisan bill authored by both Democrats and Republicans, prevents catastrophic wildfires, restores forest ecosystems, and modernizes federal forest management. This legislation will accelerate hazardous fuel removal, improve coordination among federal, state, and tribal agencies, and establish the first-ever National Wildfire Intelligence Center,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “With support from CSAC, CAL FIRE, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Association of California Water Agencies and other environmental organizations, this smart, science-driven step forward brings California’s use of predictive services technology to the rest of the nation."
Item #21 (OC Community Resources) Aliso Creek Declaration of Restrictive Covenants; Assignment and Assumption of Permit Obligations Agreement with OCTA: Allows OCTA to complete a habitat mitigation project on County-owned property and provide funding for long-term maintenance of the mitigation sites.
“The County is prepared to formally assume long-term stewardship of 55 acres of restored riparian habitat in Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park in Laguna Niguel, ensuring the area remains preserved and maintained in its natural state in perpetuity. Funding also establishes a $707,020 endowment, provided by OCTA and managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in of support the County’s ongoing maintenance, monitoring, and restoration activities as required by state and federal permits.” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley.
Supervisor Foley added, “Thanks to collaboration with Laguna Canyon Foundation and Army Corps of Engineers this agreement fulfills OCTA’s mitigation obligations under its federal permit, protects critical habitat for threatened and endangered species, and provides long-term investment in conservation efforts that benefit our community and environment.”
Item #19 (John Wayne Airport) Swinerton Builders for construction services, Airport Power Generation and Distribution Upgrade: Approval of this item awards a $54.45 million for construction for Generation and Distribution Upgrades at John Wayne Airport.
“Construction replaces the aging main terminal switchgear and five-unit substations that have been in use for more than 20 years old, nearing the end of their design life. We also look forward to upgrades to emergency power systems by replacing outdated Automatic Transfer Switches in Terminals A and B. These anticipated updates will increase energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety by reducing the potential of power outages,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley.
Item #28 (CEO) Report on Grant Applications/Awards
“I commend our County departments for securing nearly three million dollars to fund programs for drug prevention, black infant health, library programming, CalFresh outreach, and Medicare improvements,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley.
Vice Chair Foley added, “The OC Read grant offers tutoring in basic reading and writing for adult learners at all OC Public Libraries branches. This funding supports programs and services that create positive learning experiences for parents and caregivers. The grant also offsets staff salaries and benefits, as well as literacy materials. If you or someone you know may benefit from the OC Read Families for Literacy program, please visit ocpl.org to find your local branch.”
Read the full grant report here.
In addition, Vice Chair Foley released statements in recognition of the following resolutions presented during the Board of Supervisors meeting:
2025 National Association of Counties Achievement Award Winners
“From advancing sustainability and enhancing public safety to improving technology, supporting aging adults and veterans, and expanding civic engagement – our county departments continue leading with impact,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley.
Resolution recognizing September 2025 as "Hunger Action Month"
“This past week, I stopped by Second Harvest Food Bank and learned how federal cuts will impact access. Due to increased costs and cuts, Second Harvest eliminated milk and eggs from the meal box distribution,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “Many people aren’t aware that local food assistance programs actually strengthen our economy. The County of Orange Board, Agency leaders, and advocates at Laguna Food Pantry, Share Ourselves, and South County Outreach, and many more continues our collaborative efforts to fight hunger and keep food on tables.”
Resolution recognizing September 20, 2025 as "California Surfing Day 2025"
“Orange County surf pioneers leave a legacy of innovation, competition, and storytelling that continues to inspire locally,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “Now, that culture earns us a spot on the global stage as we prepare for the 2028 Olympics to host its surfing competition at Trestles Beach, bringing thousands of spectators by train into Anaheim and San Clemente to watch the games, dine at our restaurants, and shop local businesses – getting the full coastal surfing experience while also boosting our economy.”
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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.
