Supervisor Foley Remarks on Driving Under the Influence and Sober Living Home Legislative Proposal
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley released a statement on her vote today to oppose the delayed implementation of Senate Bill 43 until 2026, which expands the definition of “gravely disabled” to include Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and inability to provide own safety or necessary medical care, as a category for someone to be compelled into treatment. Supervisor Foley directed the Health Care Agency to prepare a needs assessment by the February 27, 2024 Board of Supervisors meeting for obstacles, funding needs, and implementation of SB 43.
“Orange County is in a chronic homeless and severe substance abuse crisis we can no longer tolerate,” said Supervisor Foley. “I understand the concerns from our provider community, but we cannot wait two years for the implementation of SB 43. The cost of delaying is too high. Residents, local businesses, first responders, the families, and the gravely disabled who are at great risk of harm are paying the cost of delay. Those not able to receive treatment are facing the ultimate costs, their lives. People are dying on the streets, and they do not have two years to wait. I will continue to work with County staff and state officials to revisit this item and find solutions to the concerns presented to me today.”
In addition, Supervisor Foley also remarked on the County’s observation of Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Month, the County legislative proposal on sober living homes, and her latest appointments to the Assessment Appeals Board and the Orange County Cemetery District.
Supervisor Foley released the following statements on the December 5, 2023 meeting:
Sober Living Homes: Housing Element Compliance Legislative Proposal (Page 14): Supervisor Foley’s proposal for county-sponsored legislation to codify the definition for “sober living homes” while stipulating that local jurisdictions can require conditional use permits for non-state licensed sober living homes.
“From my experience in Costa Mesa and Orange County, improperly regulated sober living homes adversely impact neighborhoods, reduce access to real housing options for residents who need it, and place vulnerable people seeking help at risk,” said Supervisor Foley.
Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month: With the holiday season in full swing, the Board recognized Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month to discourage Orange County residents from driving under the influence of alcohol and substances. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, 3 people lost their lives to drunk driving accidents in 2023 with 2 more currently under investigation.
“As we head into the holiday season, we urge Orange County residents to do the right thing and avoid driving under the influence,” said Supervisor Foley. “If you plan on drinking or using any substance, arrange for a designated driver, plan a sober ride home in advance, or use ride-sharing apps. Additionally, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to local law enforcement for their unwavering dedication in safeguarding our residents from the dangers of drunk and drugged driving.”
Assessment Appeals Board No. 5 Appointment: The Board approved Supervisor Foley’s appointment of Linda Redona from Capistrano Beach to the Assessment Appeals Board No. 5 for a term ending on September 1, 2024.
“Linda Redona will make an excellent addition to the Assessment Appeals Board due to her 25-year long career in real estate. Linda’s expertise in this field will support her discretion as she assesses real and personal property appeals in the county,” said Supervisor Foley.
Orange County Cemetery District Appointment: The Board approved Supervisor Foley’s reappointment of Laguna Woods city Councilmember Noel Hatch to the Orange County Cemetery District for a term ending on January 3, 2028.
“Noel Hatch served as a trustee on the Orange County Cemetery District board since 2017, and his experience will guide his continued work maintaining county cemeteries in his next term. Noel’s commitment to the community, including a 12-yeal long career serving on the Laguna Woods City Council, proves instrumental to the Cemetery District Board,” 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’s Board appointments include the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), OCFA Legislation & Public Affairs Committee Chair, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA), TCA Joint Environmental Committee, Coastal Greenbelt Authority, Newport Bay and South Orange County Watershed Executive Committees, Ocean Institute, San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Community Engagement Panel, Spent Fuel Solutions Coalition Co-Chair, Law Library Board of Trustees, Orange County Housing Finance Trust Chair, Local Agency Formation Commission (alt), Orange County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council, and OC Public Libraries Advisory Board.
