Political Landscape: O.C. Fair Board member announces bid for spot on Board of Supervisors

Orange County Fair Board member Ashleigh Aitken has joined the race to represent the Third District on the county Board of Supervisors.

The Anaheim Democrat, an attorney by trade, will challenge incumbent Supervisor Don Wagner, a Republican who won a special election in March to fill the seat once held by now-Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer.

In 2012, then-Gov. Jerry Brown appointed Aitken to the Fair Board, a nine-member panel that oversees the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. Aitken ran for mayor of Anaheim last year but lost by fewer than 500 votes.

“Homelessness is out of control and Orange County has failed to act to protect our neighborhoods,” Aitken said in a statement announcing her campaign. “This is a crisis that calls for more than words from our leaders; it calls for action. I’m running for supervisor because the status quo from career politicians is unacceptable — it’s a crime against our communities and the people we have failed to help. I have the experience to tackle this problem head-on and I am eager to get to work.”

The Third Supervisorial District is one of five in Orange County and includes Anaheim Hills, Irvine, Orange, Tustin, Villa Park and Yorba Linda, as well as some unincorporated areas.

Wagner, a former Irvine mayor who also served six years in the state Assembly, defeated a handful of candidates — including former congresswoman Loretta Sanchez — to secure his board seat this year.

Until recently, it appeared Wagner and Sanchez were heading for a rematch, but Sanchez announced in October that she was withdrawing from the race.

Foley to hold annual soiree Thursday night

Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley will present her 11th Holiday Soiree and Kids Coat Drive on Thursday night.

The annual event will run from 6 to 9 p.m. at Folks in the Camp shopping center at 2937 Bristol St. in Costa Mesa.

For more information, call (949) 502-8800 or visit foleyforsenate.com/events/holiday-soiree-coat-drive.

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