Kathryn Freshley
CA · President, El Toro Water District Board of Directors
Kathryn Freshley is a licensed professional engineer who has served on the El Toro Water District board for more than eight years and is its president. She points to funding for water and sewer repairs and represents special districts on the county's Local Agency Formation Commission.
Where Kathryn Freshley stands, based on their records
Supports
Environment and Public Health (10 records), Government Efficiency (2 records), Public Infrastructure (12 records)
Mixed record
Cost of Living Reduction (5 support · 2 oppose), Government Spending Reduction (4 support · 10 oppose)
Track record
Track record — Environment and Public Health
Environment and Public Health · 10 support
Voted to adopt updated water-supply plans and drought-response rules covering shortages, public notices, enforcement, and emergencies. The votes passed 5–0.
June 25, 2026Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: etwd.com
Moved to add sewer rules limiting interference with maintenance and discharge of fats, oils, and grease. The ordinance passed 5–0.
September 25, 2025Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and voted for new rules requiring water-system surveys and certified backflow testers to protect drinking water. The vote passed 5–0.
June 26, 2025Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and voted to support SB 454’s statewide fund to address PFAS contamination. The vote passed 5–0.
March 27, 2025Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: etwd.com
Voted to support regional food-waste diversion and co-digestion through an interagency agreement. The vote passed 5–0.
March 6, 2025Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: socwa.com
Moved and voted to approve a 2023–25 regional watershed budget that cut costs 19% from the prior two-year budget. Each member agency owed $9,090.91 yearly. All named voters voted yes.
June 8, 2023Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: ocgov.box.com
Voted to update recycled-water rules, including inspections and reporting requirements. The vote passed 5–0.
October 24, 2022Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: etwd.com
Voted to adopt a water-shortage response ordinance with water budgets and excess-use surcharges. The vote passed 4–0.
March 24, 2022Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: etwd.com
Moved to update wastewater self-monitoring and reporting rules after a state compliance audit. It added enforcement-plan references. The ordinance passed 5–0.
August 27, 2020Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: etwd.com
Voted to endorse California’s Proposition 3 water-supply and water-quality bond measure. The motion passed unanimously.
August 21, 2018Supports Environment and Public Health
Source: etwd.com
Track record — Government Efficiency
Government Efficiency · 2 support
Voted to adopt district rules for artificial intelligence use, including safety and data protections. The vote passed 5–0.
July 23, 2026Supports Government Efficiency
Source: etwd.com
Voted to oppose SB 204 unless amended, citing added approval steps for Delta water projects. The vote was 5–0.
February 28, 2019Supports Government Efficiency
Source: etwd.com
Track record — Cost of Living Reduction
Cost of Living Reduction · 5 support · 2 oppose
Voted to raise water, sewer, and recycled-water charges, including 23 cents more per recycled-water billing unit. The increase passed 5–0.
June 11, 2026Opposes Cost of Living Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Voted to add employee accounts for paying healthcare and dependent-care expenses with pretax income. The vote was 4–0.
November 26, 2024Supports Cost of Living Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Voted to adopt a water-shortage response ordinance with water budgets and excess-use surcharges. The vote passed 4–0.
March 24, 2022Opposes Cost of Living Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Moved to add employee health-savings accounts with unused funds carrying forward. The handbook change passed 5–0.
July 22, 2021Supports Cost of Living Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Joined a car rally supporting lower property-insurance requirements for Third Mutual, with a minimum coverage safeguard.
June 5, 2021Supports Cost of Living Reduction
Source: ocregister.com
Voted to support AB 533, excluding water-conservation and stormwater rebates from taxable income. The vote was 5–0.
February 28, 2019Supports Cost of Living Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Moved to lower Golden Rain Foundation’s monthly reserve contribution from $19 to $16 per home. The motion failed 7–2.
August 14, 2017Supports Cost of Living Reduction
Source: ocregister.com
Track record — Government Spending Reduction
Government Spending Reduction · 4 support · 10 oppose
Moved to approve SOCWA’s 2026–27 administration and general fund budget, 5–0. She also moved its wastewater pipeline operating and capital budgets, 1–0.
May 14, 2026Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: socwa.com
Voted for a 2026–27 budget with $32,353,172 for operations and maintenance. It authorized staffing equal to 58 full-time jobs. The operating total excluded interest, depreciation, amortization, and retiree benefit accounting charges (OPEB). The vote passed 5–0.
April 20, 2026Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Moved to approve SOCWA’s three-year labor agreement, including a 3% first-year cost-of-living raise. It capped later raises at 4% and 5%. The vote passed 6–0.
June 5, 2025Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: socwa.com
Seconded and voted to support SB 454’s statewide fund to address PFAS contamination. The vote passed 5–0.
March 27, 2025Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Cast the lone vote against increasing directors’ daily pay from $219 to $240.90. The increase passed 4–1.
February 27, 2025Supports Government Spending Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Moved to approve Orange County LAFCO’s 2024–2025 budget. The motion passed 5–0.
May 8, 2024Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: oclafco.org
Seconded and voted for the 2024–25 budget option using the latest 3.9% inflation figure. The option passed 4–1.
April 22, 2024Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Moved and voted to approve a 2023–25 regional watershed budget that cut costs 19% from the prior two-year budget. Each member agency owed $9,090.91 yearly. All named voters voted yes.
June 8, 2023Supports Government Spending Reduction
Source: ocgov.box.com
Voted to budget employee pay using 7.1% for inflation plus a typical 3% merit increase. The vote passed 5–0.
May 3, 2023Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Voted to authorize up to $50 million in water and wastewater revenue bonds. The vote passed 4–0.
February 14, 2022Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Moved to adopt a debt policy barring borrowing for operating costs and routine repairs. The policy passed 5–0.
January 24, 2022Supports Government Spending Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and voted for a 2020–21 budget reducing its inflation factor from 3.2% to 2.2%. The vote passed 5–0.
June 22, 2020Supports Government Spending Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Voted to support $21,693,203 in state aid for Paradise Irrigation District after the Camp Fire. The motion passed unanimously.
March 28, 2019Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Voted to endorse California’s Proposition 3 water-supply and water-quality bond measure. The motion passed unanimously.
August 21, 2018Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: etwd.com
Track record — Public Infrastructure
Public Infrastructure · 12 support
Voted to adopt updated water-supply plans and drought-response rules covering shortages, public notices, enforcement, and emergencies. The votes passed 5–0.
June 25, 2026Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Moved to approve SOCWA’s 2026–27 administration and general fund budget, 5–0. She also moved its wastewater pipeline operating and capital budgets, 1–0.
May 14, 2026Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: socwa.com
Moved to approve $517,713 for wastewater pipe design plus a $51,771 contingency for unexpected work. Her vote passed 1–0.
February 5, 2026Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: socwa.com
Moved to add sewer rules limiting interference with maintenance and discharge of fats, oils, and grease. The ordinance passed 5–0.
September 25, 2025Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Voted for a $10,424,200 construction contract to rebuild wastewater intake facilities and a clarifier needing seismic upgrades. The vote was 5–0.
June 23, 2025Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Voted to approve Aliso Creek Lift Station improvements with nesting-bird protections and tribal monitoring during construction. The vote passed 5–0.
May 19, 2025Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and voted for a $23,608,825 contract to replace R-6 Reservoir’s floating cover and liner. The vote passed 5–0.
July 25, 2022Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Voted to reaffirm priority water and sewer service for affordable housing projects. The vote passed 5–0.
July 22, 2021Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Voted to support AB 1752, helping South Coast Water District access state funding for the Doheny desalination plant. The vote was 5–0.
June 25, 2019Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Voted to support $21,693,203 in state aid for Paradise Irrigation District after the Camp Fire. The motion passed unanimously.
March 28, 2019Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Voted to request 500 acre-feet of regional emergency water storage through a nonbinding letter. The vote passed 5–0.
September 27, 2018Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Voted to endorse California’s Proposition 3 water-supply and water-quality bond measure. The motion passed unanimously.
August 21, 2018Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: etwd.com
Track record — General
General · 77 records
Voted to extend public-affairs services for six months while waiving competitive-purchasing requirements above $25,000. The vote was 5–0.
October 1, 2026
Source: socwa.com
Voted to approve a regional water-system cost agreement. ETWD owned 0.23% of system capacity. The vote passed 5–0.
September 24, 2026
Source: etwd.com
Voted to create a retirement-plan oversight committee with two directors and district staff. The vote passed 5–0.
August 27, 2026
Source: etwd.com
Voted for residential shutoff rules covering bills 60 days overdue and mailed notice 10 business days before disconnection. Timely appeals and compliance with approved payment plans protected service. The vote passed 5–0.
August 27, 2026
Source: etwd.com
Moved to raise the spending threshold that triggers purchase reports to the board. The purchasing changes passed 5–0.
July 20, 2026
Source: etwd.com
Voted to let Laguna Woods install and maintain a surveillance camera at the Oso Lift Station. The vote was 5–0.
May 28, 2026
Source: etwd.com
Voted to allow three employee retirement-account loans instead of one, within a combined $50,000 limit. The change passed 5–0.
January 22, 2026
Source: etwd.com
Voted to extend the allowed maturity of commercial-paper investments from 270 to 397 days. The policy change passed 5–0.
January 19, 2026
Source: etwd.com
Became El Toro Water District board president under its automatic succession rule. Her term began January 1, 2026.
January 1, 2026
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and voted to renew sewer service for two Mission Viejo streets for 50 years, with five years’ termination notice. The vote was 5–0.
October 23, 2025
Source: etwd.com
Moved to require separate water connections when property lines separate parcels or system capacity requires them. The change passed 5–0.
September 22, 2025
Source: etwd.com
Moved to let the general manager reject claims or settle claims up to $50,000. The vote passed 5–0.
August 28, 2025
Source: etwd.com
Voted to set water and sewer connection fees for accessory dwelling units based on state-law limits. The vote passed 5–0.
August 28, 2025
Source: etwd.com
Voted to add Roth retirement contributions for higher earners using catch-up contributions. Each plan amendment passed 5–0.
June 26, 2025
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and voted to authorize a $274,371.93 payment to Moulton Niguel Water District for former SOCWA employees’ leave balances. The vote passed 6–0.
June 23, 2025
Source: socwa.com
Was appointed a SOCWA board co-chair for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. The appointment passed 6–0.
June 5, 2025
Source: socwa.com
Seconded and voted for SOCWA’s adoption of a regional hazard mitigation plan. The vote passed 4–0.
May 1, 2025
Source: socwa.com
Voted to adopt procedures for customers to challenge new district rates and charges under Ordinance 2025-2. The vote passed 5–0.
April 10, 2025
Source: etwd.com
Voted to oppose SB 350’s low-income water-rate assistance program unless amended. The vote passed 5–0.
March 27, 2025
Source: etwd.com
Voted to support AB 259’s extension of modified rules for remote public meetings. The vote passed 5–0.
March 27, 2025
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and voted to appoint Amber Boone as SOCWA general manager at a $295,700 salary and $650 monthly car allowance. The terms allowed combined merit pay and retirement additions up to 10% of salary, at board discretion. They provided six months’ severance for termination without cause. The vote passed 6–0.
February 6, 2025
Source: socwa.com
Seconded and voted to raise the wastewater capital facilities fee from $9.31 to $10.66 per gallon of daily demand. The vote passed 5–0.
December 19, 2024
Source: etwd.com
Seconded allowing the acting general manager to change contracts so Moulton Niguel could operate the regional treatment plant. The vote was 6–0.
December 12, 2024
Source: socwa.com
Seconded and voted to increase the fee to open a water account from $15 to $20. The vote passed 5–0.
September 26, 2024
Source: etwd.com
Voted against code changes setting the general manager’s purchasing authority at $75,000. The measure passed 4–1.
August 22, 2024
Source: etwd.com
Voted to adopt a workplace violence prevention plan and required training for district staff and directors. The vote passed 5–0.
July 25, 2024
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and voted for letters supporting federal protection for water agencies from PFAS-related lawsuits. The vote passed 5–0.
June 27, 2024
Source: etwd.com
Voted against revised rules for reporting fraud incidents to the board. The measure passed 4–1.
May 23, 2024
Source: etwd.com
Voted to allow employee retirement-account transfers into the district’s deferred compensation plan. The change passed 5–0.
May 23, 2024
Source: etwd.com
Voted to add reproductive-loss leave and revise sick-leave calculations for part-time employees. The handbook changes passed 5–0.
February 22, 2024
Source: etwd.com
Served on South Orange County’s watershed executive committee as the South Orange County Wastewater Authority’s representative.
November 9, 2023
Source: arcgis.com
Moved to appoint Fred Adjarian to a vacant El Toro Water District board seat. The appointment passed 4–0.
September 26, 2023
Source: etwd.com
Voted to support AB 557, extending remote public meetings during declared emergencies. The vote was 5–0.
August 24, 2023
Source: etwd.com
Voted to extend sick leave to care for a designated person beyond listed family members. The handbook changes passed 5–0.
August 21, 2023
Source: etwd.com
Moved to allow cloud-seeding equipment at R-6 Reservoir for a regional pilot project. The vote passed 5–0.
July 24, 2023
Source: etwd.com
Voted to end the district’s Level 2 water shortage after wet winter storms. Permanent conservation measures remained. The vote passed 5–0.
May 25, 2023
Source: etwd.com
Voted to consent to Trabuco Canyon Water District leaving SOCWA under a continued-services agreement. The vote passed 5–0.
April 27, 2023
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and voted to allow the board president to make temporary committee assignments to preserve a quorum. The change passed 5–0.
April 24, 2023
Source: etwd.com
Moved to let the general manager approve reservoir-project changes up to $200,000, above the usual $50,000 limit. The vote was 5–0.
March 20, 2023
Source: etwd.com
Voted to accept Irvine Ranch Water District’s capacity in a wastewater transmission main and ocean outfall. The agreement passed 5–0.
November 22, 2022
Source: etwd.com
Moved to set total minimum cash reserves at 25% to 40% of projected annual expenses. The reserve policy passed 5–0.
July 25, 2022
Source: etwd.com
Voted to adopt rules for submitting and counting protests against proposed rate increases. The rules passed 5–0.
May 24, 2022
Source: etwd.com
Voted to create the El Toro Water District Financing Authority to finance capital projects. The vote passed 5–0.
January 24, 2022
Source: etwd.com
Abstained on a $475,633 design contract for reusing the old water-filter plant site. Four directors voted yes.
October 25, 2021
Source: etwd.com
Moved to add workplace diversity and inclusion rules to the employee handbook. The changes passed 5–0.
August 26, 2021
Source: etwd.com
Served as El Toro Water District’s director at the Joint Powers Insurance Authority.
June 13, 2021
Source: ocregister.com
Moved to remove bankers’ acceptances from the district’s allowed investments. The investment-policy change passed 5–0.
January 25, 2021
Source: etwd.com
Was elected El Toro Water District board vice president for 2021. The vote was 5–0.
December 16, 2020
Source: etwd.com
Moved to let employees direct district retirement contributions between two plans and access qualifying COVID-19 withdrawals. Each plan amendment passed 5–0.
December 14, 2020
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and voted to extend emergency administrative leave of up to 160 hours per employee during COVID-19. The vote was 5–0.
November 24, 2020
Source: etwd.com
Voted to temporarily allow 61 employees instead of the budgeted 60 while preparing for retirements. The vote passed 5–0.
October 19, 2020
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and voted for an employee handbook retaining management’s ability to dismiss employees without cause. The vote was 5–0.
September 10, 2020
Source: etwd.com
Moved to allow longer-term investments of district reserves while preserving money needed for current expenses. The direction passed 5–0.
June 22, 2020
Source: etwd.com
Voted to allow emergency spending up to $250,000 with approval from the board president or vice president. The vote was 5–0.
March 23, 2020
Source: etwd.com
Became Orange County LAFCO’s alternate special district commissioner, filling James Fisler’s unexpired term.
July 22, 2019
Source: cob.oc.gov
Moved to appoint Kay Havens to a vacant El Toro Water District board seat. The appointment passed 3–1.
April 24, 2019
Source: etwd.com
Seconded and voted to support AB 510, giving local agencies more control over how long surveillance recordings were kept. The vote was 4–0.
March 28, 2019
Source: etwd.com
Moved to oppose SB 332’s required cuts to treated wastewater discharged into coastal waters. Her motion passed unanimously.
March 28, 2019
Source: etwd.com
Voted against selling 13% of the district’s investment portfolio and using pooled investments for flexibility. The plan passed 4–1.
October 19, 2018
Source: etwd.com
Joined the El Toro Water District board by appointment and took the oath of office. The appointment vote was 4–0.
July 17, 2018
Source: etwd.com
Opposed Golden Rain Foundation’s new director ethics code, including its signature requirement and wording. The code passed 7–3.
March 7, 2017
Source: ocregister.com
Won $95,850 in legal fees with Mary Stone after a court overturned their Golden Rain Foundation recalls.
January 13, 2017
Source: ocregister.com
Led Golden Rain Foundation’s approval of a resident-owned management company to replace its longtime managing agent.
December 23, 2015
Source: ocregister.com
Served as Orange County LAFCO’s alternate public commissioner.
September 9, 2015
Source: rossmoor-csd.org
As Golden Rain Foundation president, removed a director from committees after his reported threat against another director.
May 13, 2015
Source: ocregister.com
Became Golden Rain Foundation president after serving on Third Mutual’s board from 2008 to 2014. She spent three years as treasurer.
November 12, 2014
Source: ocregister.com
Opposed removing homeowners’ guaranteed access to lawyers and appeals at disciplinary hearings. The Third Mutual bylaw changes passed 5–4.
June 17, 2014
Source: ocregister.com
Cast the lone vote against Third Mutual’s $45 million budget for 2014. She said more money was needed for reserves.
September 17, 2013
Source: ocregister.com
Opposed posting Third Mutual’s litigation report online. The board approved posting it by a 6–3 vote.
May 21, 2013
Source: ocregister.com
Drafted ethics rules barring Third Mutual directors from taking gifts or entertainment from vendors. The rules passed 9–0, with one abstention.
March 6, 2013
Source: ocregister.com
Owned an ice cream distribution company.
March 30, 2012
Source: thegolfwire.com
Served as finance chair for St. Clement’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church in San Clemente.
March 30, 2012
Source: thegolfwire.com
Worked for General Electric for 23 years.
March 30, 2012
Source: thegolfwire.com
Received EWGA’s 2011 Nancy Oliver Founder’s Award for long-term volunteer leadership. She founded and directed its California Cup tournament.
March 30, 2012
Source: thegolfwire.com
Worked in management consulting on financial controls, business planning, and staff development.
March 30, 2012
Source: thegolfwire.com
Led the Laguna Woods Foreign Policy Association and its discussion seminars.
March 30, 2012
Source: thegolfwire.com
Voted to remove appointed Third Mutual director Katherine McDaniel without cause. The motion passed 6–4.
March 13, 2009
Source: ocregister.com
Past race Kathryn Freshley ran in:
- El Toro Water District Director, Full Term · November 3, 2026 · El Toro Water District · incumbent