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VICE CHAIR KATRINA FOLEY ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS j c FIFTH DISTRICT COUNTY ADMINISTRATION NORTH 400 W. CIVIC CENTER DR., SIXTH FLOOR SANTA ANA, CA 92701 (714) 834-3550 Katrina.Foley@ocaov.com May 6, 2025 Mayor Valerie Amezcua Members of the Santa Ana City Council 20 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701 Re: Item 20: Ordinance Adding Article XiV to Chapter 10 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code Prohibiting the Sale or Distribution of Nitrous Oxide — SUPPORT Dear Mayor Amezcua and Members of the Santa Ana City Council: i write today in strong support of the ordinance proposed by Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez and approved by City Manager Alvaro Nunez to prohibt the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide in the city of Santa Ana. Nitrous oxide is a potent inhalant that when used recreationally can cause serious physical harm. Inhalation of nitrous oxide can reduce the oxygen levels in the brain, causing dizziness, loss of coordination, confusion, and, in severe cases, unconsciousness or death. in some cases, users may experience a sudden loss of consciousness or collapse, particularly when they inhale large amounts in a short period. This is evidenced by recent increases of DUls as a result of intoxication from nitrous oxide. Recent studies indicate that the prolonged misuse of nitrous oxide can have long-term neurological consequences such as memory loss and difficulty concentrating. Nitrous oxide misuse is more prevalent in adolescents and young adults, particularly those aged 16-25. In February, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved my proposed ordinance to ban the retail sale of nitrous oxide in unincorpated Orange County, becoming the first county in California to address this issue. In March the United States Food and Drug Administration issued an advisory for consumers to not inhale nitrous oxide products, citing serious adverse health impacts when inhaled. As the second largest city in Orange County, Santa Ana is poised to send a strong signal to the other 33 cities in our county that we must take action to address this public health crisis. I strongly support the adoption of this ordinance. Si cerely, Katrina Foley Vice Chair, Orange County Board of Supervisors Suoervisor, Fifth District Proudly serving the cities of Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San.Juan Capistrano and the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe, and Wagon Wheel