FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2026
Alyssa Napuri – Deputy Chief of Staff, Supervisor Foley
(657) 334-4930 (text preferred) | alyssa.napuri@bos5.oc.gov
County of Orange Declares State of Emergency; Vice Chair Katrina Foley Calls on Governor Newsom to Make Emergency Declaration
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA – Today, the County of Orange proclaimed a local state of emergency in response to severe coastal erosion, high surf, and damage to homes and public infrastructure across Orange County Coastal Communities. The declaration formally recognizes the severity of the conditions and support requests for additional state and federal resources as damage assessments continue. The declaration followed Laguna Beach, San Clemente and Dana Point’s declaration of local emergencies earlier this week.
Orange County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Katrina Foley also requested that Governor Gavin Newsom proclaim a State of Emergency for Orange County’s coastal communities to help recover and prepare for the 2026-27 winter storm season.
“Finally, the County of Orange declared a State of Emergency following the devastating impacts of Hurricaine Marie and in preparation for the El Niño storm system. The County’s declaration frees up resources, streamlines permitting, and accelerates our ability to support cities and residents as they face future storm surges this winter,” said Vice Chair Foley. “I look forward to ratifying this emergency declaration at next week’s Special Board of Supervisors Meeting and call on Governor Newsom to declare a State of Emergency for the State of California.”
Foley continued: “With a super El Nino Storm season coming, we must act now to protect our coast and prepare for historic storms. In Orange County, sand is infrastructure. We need help accelerating sand replenishment and shoreline protection to protect our homes, beaches, and infrastructure. A State of Emergency proclamation from the Governor would strengthen state coordination, increase resource and assistance availability, and expedite recovery and protection work for local governments.”
Vice Chair Katrina Foley also urged Governor Gavin Newsom to approve an executive order to expedite critical work before winter, including debris and sediment removal, vegetation management, channel maintenance, bridge protection, and other flood-risk reduction projects. State agencies should work with Orange County cities, the County, OCTA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and federal partners to streamline permitting and regulatory review for urgent preventative and recovery work while maintaining appropriate environmental protections.
County officials continue coordinating with Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and other coastal communities and assessing impacts along the Orange County coastline.
To inquire about Supervisor Foley’s media availability, please contact Alyssa Napuri at (657) 334-4930.
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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:
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
Olympics 28 Ad Hoc Committee
Urban Counties Caucus
