ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley commented on the following agenda items from today’s Board of Supervisors meeting.
Agenda Item S29D: In collaboration with the City of Fullerton, the Board approved a contract with People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) to provide Cold Weather Shelter Services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
“This Cold Weather Shelter improves the County’s ability to reduce homelessness by providing respite from the cold, coupled with services to help residents find permanent housing and treatment. I’m grateful for the City of Fullerton’s collaboration. We appreciate the partnership and want to work to provide a shelter model that takes care of those most vulnerable in need and is also a good neighbor,” said Supervisor Foley.
Agenda Item S29H: The Board unanimously approved sending a letter in support of Senator Umberg’s SB 44: Alexandra’s Law. This legislation requires individuals convicted of fentanyl-related offenses to receive a written advisory or admonishment notifying them if an individual dies as a result of their distribution of narcotics that they can be charged with voluntary manslaughter or murder. This action follows the Board’s resolution in January 2022 to advocate for tougher penalties for fentanyl dealers and distributors who kill our kids.
“SB 44 is a major step towards holding bad actors accountable for their role in the Fentanyl crisis. As Fentanyl deaths continue to rise in Orange County, we must prosecute the actual drug dealers while providing critical treatment for users and education for families,” said Supervisor Foley.
Agenda Item S29C: The Board approved Supervisor Foley’s appointment of Hallie Jones to the Orange County Parks Commission. A resident of Laguna Beach, Hallie serves as Executive Director of the Laguna Canyon Foundation.
“When it comes to open space protection and management, Hallie Jones tirelessly advocates to protect our beautiful county resources.. Hallie brings significant experience and knowledge related to open space protection and management. I look forward to working with her and OC Parks to continue responsible stewardship of our county’s most valuable assets—our green space, parks, and open space,” said Supervisor Foley.
“I am thrilled to support OC Parks and Supervisor Foley as an Orange County Parks Commissioner. Our parks and open spaces enhance our property values and improve our quality of life. I’m honored to serve this land and our communities,” said Hallie Jones.
Agenda Item S29G: The Board also approved Supervisor Foley’s appointment (S29G) of Laguna Niguel Councilmember Stephanie Oddo to Orange County Housing Authority.
“Stephanie Oddo brings a valuable voice for South County residents on the Orange County Housing Authority. As a councilmember, she understands the needs of our communities, and will champion local practical solutions to address the housing crisis,” said Supervisor Foley.
“I’m honored to serve the Fifth District on this important board. Finding solutions to housing so our seniors can age in place, younger generations can achieve home ownership and veterans in need can be housed in dignity are all important issues that affect the daily lives of all Orange County residents,” said Councilmember Oddo.
Agenda Item 18: The Board approved Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) funding for small cities, including to support Laguna Beach’s efforts to address homelessness and Laguna Wood’s pedestrian accessibility.
- City of Laguna Beach - $500,000. This funding supports the Laguna Beach’s Alternative Sleeping Location (ASL) and the City’s efforts to address homelessness in response to COVID-19.
- City of Laguna Woods - $200,000. This funding will support reconstructing sections of the sidewalk and adjusting any utility manhole and/or handholes along Moulton Parkway and El Toro Road. These improvements will promote pedestrian accessibility for seniors and meet Americans with Disability Act (ADA) requirements.
Agenda Item 26: As part of the Mid-Year Budget Report, the Board approved up to $40 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to Mind OC for the pre-construction and construction of the Irvine Be Well campus. This project will enhance the County’s ability to serve the mental health needs of Orange County residents.
“The Orange Be Well campus represents a national model for addressing the substance abuse and mental health needs of our community, especially our youth. I'm looking forward to collaborating with Mind OC and the Health Care Agency to bring this innovative campus to Irvine with a larger footprint and more resources for families in need,” said Supervisor Foley.
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Orange County Supervisor 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.
Supervisor Foley serves on the Airport Ad Hoc Committee & Fly Friendly working group, the Sober Living Home Ad Hoc Committee, and boards of the Orange County Transportation Authority, CalOptima, Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council, Law Library, Newport Bay & South Orange County Watershed Management Area Executive Committees & the Santa Ana River Flood Control Protection.
