FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 2026
Latisha Townsend – Communications Director, Supervisor Foley
(714) 559-8364 | latisha.townsend@ocgov.com
OC Vice Chair Katrina Foley Releases Statement Following Board of Supervisors: Addressing Catalytic Converter Theft, Climate Action Planning, John Wayne Airport, Fifth District Grants and More
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Orange County Vice Chair Katrina Foley released a statement following the 4-1 Board vote to pass the second reading of her countywide ordinance targeting catalytic converter theft. The measure closes a gap in state law by making it unlawful in unincorporated Orange County to possess even one detached catalytic converter without documented proof of lawful ownership.
“Hardworking families cannot cover the rising costs of car ownership and the price of theft,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “By closing the loopholes ignored by Sacramento, the County of Orange gives law enforcement clear, practical tools to hold offenders accountable, deter repeat theft, and better protect Orange County drivers, small businesses, and our neighborhoods.”
Read on for additional Board action.
Climate Action Advancements
Item #21 (OC Waste & Recycling) County of Orange Climate Action Planning Document: The county Climate Action Plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, preparing for climate impacts and promoting sustainability across the County.
“Five years ago, the County of Orange lacked a basic greenhouse gas inventory, remained woefully unprepared for state climate mandates, and stood ill-positioned to receive competitive funding from state and federal governments. Today, the Board unanimously passed the county's first Climate Action Plan (CAP), serving as the County’s strategic approach to reduce costs, cut red tape and pollution, and improve the quality of our air, water, coastline, and community assets,” said Vice Chair Foley. “Passing the Climate Action Plan creates a roadmap for Orange County to reduce our own energy costs, build more sustainability, and save taxpayer dollars. Plus, it strengthens our ability to pursue state and federal funding for climate initiatives while reinforcing our leadership role in addressing environmental challenges.”
Item #25 (Fifth District) Approve Sole Source Contract Reneweal for Coalition Management Services: The Board approved a contract renewal with Southwest Strategies, LLC, reinforcing the County’s advocacy for the safe removal of spent nuclear fuel from the San Onofre site, helping reduce long-term environmental and public safety risks along our coastline.
“San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station remains on track for complete demolition in fewer than five years, yet the federal government continues delaying their obligation to remove the spent nuclear fuel off our vulnerable coastline. By extending our support for the Spent Fuel Solutions Coalition, the County continues leading the charge to ensure the federal government upholds their obligations and enacts necessary changes to the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to swiftly remove nuclear waste from Southern California shores,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley.
John Wayne Airport Updates
Item #3 (John Wayne Airport) Phase 2 Commercial Airline Access Plan and Regulation Amendments: The Board approved the Phase 2 Access Plan, which includes administrative updates and incorporates Board-approved 2026 Plan Year capacity allocations for Average Daily Departure and seat capacity limits.
“We remain focused on continuity of operations and provide clarity on allocation priorities for the upcoming plan period,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “The Plan provides stability and predictability for residents and travelers by maintaining existing departure levels while clarifying airline slot allocation and reallocation. We continue supporting reliable air service without expanding overall airport capacity or environmental impacts, especially noise over neighborhoods.”
Item #13 (John Wayne Airport) Approve Subordinate Contract with Siemens Industry, Inc.: The Board approved the subordinate contract with Siemens Industry, Inc., which provides ongoing support and operation of the building control, security camera, and badge access systems at John Wayne Airport.
“This service ensures John Wayne Airport critical security and building systems remain fully operational by continuing maintenance of surveillance cameras, badge access controls, and terminal infrastructure that protects passengers, employees, and first responders,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “This action strengthens day-to-day safety, minimizes service disruptions, and supports a secure, seamless travel experience for our residents and travelers.”
Item #24 (John Wayne Airport) Approve Work Order with Science Applications International Corporation: The Board approved a contract between John Wayne Airport and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) to support firewall system migration, which replaces the outdated on-premises hardware.
“This contract will strengthen cybersecurity at John Wayne Airport by upgrading security infrastructure to meet current County IT standards, as well as protect sensitive systems, passenger information, and critical airport operations from cyber threats,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley.
County Grant Awards
- $590,000 from California Department of Public Health to Orange County Health Care Agency – Supports home visitation and case management services focusing on perinatal stabilization for pregnant and post-partum clients experiencing substance use.
- $80,569 from California State Library to OC Community Resources for the Lunch at the Library program for children ages 18 and under. Participating libraries include Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library and San Juan Capistrano Library in the Fifth District.
Fifth District Grants:
#S31 D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M and Q,R,S (Vice Chair Foley) Fifth District Discretionary & Events Funds: Supervisor Katrina Foley announced the Board of Supervisors unanimous to approval of grant awards and event sponsorships from Fifth District discretionary funds:
- $200,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, Inc.
- $103,633 to South OC Community Theatre DBA Camino Real Playhouse
- $100,000 to NAACP Empowerment Programs, Inc.
- $40,503.04 to Wellness & Prevention Foundation dba Wellness & Prevention Center
- $25,000 to Orangewood Foundation for The Lighthouse
- $25,000 to The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation
- $20,000 to Council on Aging – Southern California, Inc.
- $15,500 to Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group
- $10,000 to Parkinson’s Exercise Program for You
- $5,400 to Capistrano USD: Marco Forster Middle School Library
- $5,000 to San Clemente Village
- $5,000 to Families Forward, Inc.
Approved sponsorships of 17 nonprofit entities from Fifth District events funds:
- Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association DBA Doheny State Beach Foundation - $5,000
- Trellis International DBA Love Costa Mesa - $250
- Harbor Mesa Lions Club Foundation - $250
- Costa Mesa-Newport Harbor Lions Club - $2,500
- Estancia High School All Sports Boosters - $500
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley - $1,500
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast - $2,000
- Unidos South OC, Inc. - $2,500
- San Clemente Woman’s Club - $1,000
- The Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center of Orange County DBA LGBTQ Center OC - $650
- Orange County Iranian American Chamber of Commerce - $2,500
- Girls Incorporated of Orange County - $3,000
- Share Our Selves Corporation - $400
- Newport Harbor Post No. 291, of the American Legion - $1,075
- New Directions for Women Foundation - $400
- The Wooden Floor for Youth Movement - $200
- Juaneño Band of Mission Indians - $200
“Across the nation funding for arts, mental health, hate crime tracking, and health care research experience significant cuts and limitations. In Orange County we continue investing in the programming and tools that ensure our community remains strong, safe, healthy, and thriving,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley.
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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
National Association of Counties (NACO),
Urban Counties Caucus
