ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley commented on today’s Board of Supervisors meeting where the Board voted to approve a revetment restoration project in Dana Point, the undergrounding of utilities along portions of Laguna Canyon Road, and a renewed contract that allows Orange County to purchase tools used in investigating sexual assault cases.
Supervisor Foley released the following statements highlighting the votes by the Board of Supervisors from the February 6, 2024, meeting:
Niguel Shores Revetment Project: Awarded a contract for restoration of a revetment at Niguel Shores in Dana Point, located between Salt Creek Beach and Strand Beach. This project will stabilize a slope near several homes by reassembling existing boulders in the revetment area and repairing access ramps and stairs.
“While the storm of the century continues to pour over Southern California, the impact of climate change is felt throughout Orange County. Awarding the contract for the Niguel Shores Revetment tackles two problems: the County is delivering on its obligation to the Niguel Shores community dating back to 1989 and Orange County now has a digital coastline monitoring system for this vulnerable stretch of beach,” said Supervisor Foley. “I appreciate the necessity of this project and look forward to working with County staff and the City of Dana Point as we coordinate on a long-term solution to coastal erosion. This evening, the Dana Point City Council votes on whether to join SANDAG’s sand replenishment project for the Oceanside Littoral Cell, of which Dana Point sits within. At my request, the County will join in the City’s plans to coordinate with SANDAG, which is another tool at the City and County’s disposal to tackle our long-ignored climate reality.”
Laguna Canyon Road Undergrounding: Approved an agreement with the California Department of Transportation that facilitates improvements on Laguna Canyon Road (State Route 133). This project makes improvements along Laguna Canyon Road south of El Toro Road to State Route 73, widening the roadway to accommodate Class II, on-road bike lanes and undergrounding utility lines in the corridor.
“Laguna Canyon Road runs through some of the highest wildfire risk regions in Orange County, is one of only three routes for mutual aid during major disaster incidents, and serves as a critical link for emergency evacuations for the City's 23,000 residents,15,000 non-resident employees, and the millions of annual visitors,” said Supervisor Foley. “The investment of the County Public Works team to undergrounding and widening the northern portion of Laguna Canyon Road is necessary, but work must continue to underground utilities for the entirety of Laguna Canyon.”
Investigating Sexual Assault Cases: Renewed a contract that will allow the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to continue purchasing Erase Kits, tools used for the analysis of biological evidence samples from sexual assault cases.
“When I joined the Board of Supervisors in 2021 the County had thousands of backlogged rape kits. In 2022, we voted to fund the clearing of this backlog of kits to bring justice to sexual assault survivors dating back to the 1990s,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley. “Today, the County is investing thousands in additional funding to purchase these vital DNA Testing Kits to allow the swift delivery of justice for survivors of rape and sexual assault.”
Comprehensive DUI Related Death Data Collection Grant Application: The Board approved the Orange County Sheriff’s Department application the the California Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Fund Grant to enhance accuracy and timeliness of drug and/or alcohol testing of DUI-fatality data.
“Years ago, my grandfather was murdered by a drunk driver while walking from the U.S. Army base where he was stationed. There is no justification for driving under the influence, especially now, with technological advances providing so many options to get home safely without driving drunk or impaired,” said Supervisor Foley. “Thank you to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for pursuing this grant opportunity to build additional comprehensive data collection on the breadth and depth of fatalities at the hands of impaired drivers. The County of Orange takes great efforts to keep our roads safe and combat preventable deaths at the hands of irresponsible drivers.”
Additional Housing Vouchers for Foster Youth: Secured nearly $450,000 in federal funding to provide housing assistance to young adults who recently left our foster care system and are at risk of homelessness. This funding will support 25 housing choice vouchers for former foster youth.
“One of our most effective homelessness reduction strategies is preventing vulnerable people from becoming homeless in the first place,” said Supervisor Foley. “This funding will change the lives of 25 young adults, many of whom experienced traumatic childhoods and provide them with stable housing instead of placing them on the path to homelessness.”
Expending the Access to Technology Program: Secured additional funding to supplemental the Access to Technology Program, which helps older adults and persons with disabilities bridge the digital divide. This additional funding will help combat isolation and provide residents with digital tools and skills to build self-confidence and self-improvement.
“Equipping older residents with the tools they need to navigate the digital world is critical to improving their quality of life, “said Supervisor Foley. “I am grateful to county staff for securing this funding that helps bridge the digital divide and allows more older Americans to stay connected regardless of location.”
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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), OCTA Legislative and Communications Committee Vice Chair, Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, 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, Orange County Housing Finance Trust Chair, and the Orange County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council.
