FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2026
Latisha Townsend – Communications Director, Supervisor Foley
(714) 559-8364 | Latisha.Townsend@ocgov.com
OC Vice Chair Katrina Foley Calls for Swift Pacific Coast Highway Stabilization as Caltrans Advances Emergency Coastal Erosion Repairs
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Vice Chair Katrina Foley called for swift stabilization of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) as Caltrans advances emergency repairs following powerful surf and significant coastal erosion that caused large cracks along the bluff near Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach last week. The damage prompted Caltrans to close a southbound lane between Irvine Cove and Reef Point Drive to protect motorists and prevent further roadway deterioration ahead of the upcoming winter storm season.
On October 19, Caltrans filed an emergency Notice of Exemption for the Crystal Cove Coastal Access Preservation Project, advancing temporary slope and roadway stabilization measures and wave-energy dispersing devices to reduce further erosion and protect the roadway. The emergency work follows Governor Gavin Newsom's September 21 emergency proclamation.
“Our coastal communities cannot afford to wait until another major storm threatens critical transportation infrastructure,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “The damage along PCH underscores the urgent need for proactive coastal protection.”
Vice Chair Foley continued, “I appreciate Caltrans' swift action to stabilize the roadway and advance emergency repairs, however, emergency repairs alone cannot protect our coastline. We need more sand replenishment and long-term solutions to safeguard our beaches, critical infrastructure, and coastal communities before the next major storm.”
Vice Chair Foley urged Caltrans to identify the safest and fastest approach to stabilize the damaged slope, protect both directions of PCH, and prevent further roadway deterioration. Expediting emergency repairs will help maintain public safety and preserve this critical transportation corridor connecting Laguna Beach and surrounding coastal communities.
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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
