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| Volume 5 | Issue 17 |
April 25, 2025 |
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Passenger Rail Service Through San Clemente Halted Starting April 28 for Approximately Six Weeks to Allow for Emergency Reinforcement
We expect suspension of passenger rail service for approximately six weeks, beginning on Monday, April 28, while crews work to repair and reinforce the most vulnerable segments of the track. The closure affects both Metrolink’s Orange County and Inland Empire-Orange County lines, as well as Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner trains through the area.
During the construction work, Metrolink will continue to operate trains traveling southbound as far as the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station. Passengers should check metrolinktrains.com/service-updates for the latest rail service updates.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner will continue to operate modified service between San Luis Obispo and San Juan Capistrano, as well as between Oceanside and Downtown San Diego. Bus connections will be provided between Irvine and Oceanside. Passengers are being directed to www.pacificsurfliner.com/alerts for schedule information and updates.
Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear neighbor:
Earth Month empowers us to act as better stewards of our environment. As your County Supervisor, we've made big strides for a healthier, safer, and economically thriving Orange County environment, including:
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Securing more than $305 million for sand to save our South County beaches and stabilize our crucial coastal rail corridor
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Planting native plants and over 159 trees in our OC Parks
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Opening the first trash interceptor on the West Coast in Newport Beach
Let's continue working together to protect this beautiful paradise we call home. Check out our Community Events section below to see how you can celebrate Earth Month with my office across the Fabulous Fifth this weekend.
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 Board of Supervisors Meeting:
At this week’s Board meeting, I voted to send the United States Department of Justice recommendations to review and reassess disgraced former Supervisor Andrew Do's plea deal. His continued unethical, criminal-minded conduct includes secretly rerouting emails to his personal accounts and obtaining confidential information about the County’s civil case against him. A Board motion for an amicus brief and victim impact statement is expected at a later date. The U.S. Department of Justice must hold Mr. Do accountable to the fullest extent of the law and ensure he complies with his plea agreement.
The Board approved the County Budget Update Report, which provides the Board, the public, and County departments with an overview on departmental issues requiring recommended changes to the County's budget. Thank you to our County Human Resource Services department for working tirelessly to ensure County staff continue earning fair and competitive salaries at, or above, market-rate in comparison to neighboring counties.
We renewed our contract with Helistream Inc. which provides helicopter flight instructor services and advanced flight training to the Air Support Bureau at John Wayne Airport. This important step ensures helicopter pilots receive ongoing and up-to-date training to maintain proficiency while providing firefighting support, search and rescue operations, and swift water rescues.
Additionally, the Board approved a grant for taxiway reconstruction at JWA, marking progress in our Capital Improvement Program, with the replacement of aging pavement on critical taxiways. We also approved JSX moving from ACI Jet to Jays because of the construction schedule for taxiway improvements. I look forward to celebrating this new and exciting change for JSX at next week’s grand opening.
The Board then approved a $2 million Airport Improvement Grant from the Federal Aviation Administration, which will provide necessary funding for critical geotechnical services to better assess soil conditions and guide pavement replacement and taxiway realignment, along with covering extended design and construction support.
Board Recognitions and Resolutions:
The Board recognized Donate Life Month, a time to celebrate life and recognize the generosity of those who have saved and enhanced others’ lives through organ and tissue donation. Last year, there were more than 296 tissue donations and 173 organ donations in Orange County. There is still work to do. The Fifth District is home to several hospitals, including UCI Medical Center and Hoag Hospital, where more than 708 candidates await life-saving donations. I invited a special guest from District 5, Heidi Miller to recognize her selfless act to extend the life of someone else by donating one of her kidneys in 2017 and bone marrow in 2021.
 The Board also recognized April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Last year in District 5, our OC Social Services Agency received 3,490 child abuse referrals. The county is doing our part to ensure no child fears for their life or lives in unsafe conditions. Thank you to Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, our legal experts, and our mandated reporters for all that you do to make sure our children stay safe and protected. If you suspect a child abuse or neglect, please call our Child Abuse Hotline at 714-940-1000 or 800-207-4464.
 We honored a historic first Cambodian Heritage Month in Orange County. Nearly Cambodians call Orange County home, according to The Cambodian Family. We are proud to celebrate the Cambodian American culture and businesses contributing to our vibrant economy.
 As a fun fact, the original “Donut King” – Ted Ngoy – immigrated from Cambodia to Orange County in the 1970’s. On the Balboa Pier in Newport Beach, he learned how to make and sell donuts that tasted like home, inspiring more than 1,500 fellow Cambodian immigrants to open donut shops throughout California. My team took it upon themselves to celebrate with delicious donuts from Cambodian-owned DK’s Donuts in Costa Mesa.
 A Glance at the Rest of My Week:
Welcome to the Fabulous Fifth, 99 Ranch Market! I attended the grand opening of this 48,000-square-foot Asian supermarket in Aliso Viejo, celebrating with shoppers who commuted from all over South County for access to fresh, quality groceries. This new location will provide hundreds of local jobs, and opportunities for Orange County families to enjoy the authentic flavors of Asian cuisines. Thank you to CEO Alice Chen for your commitment to uplifting our community's health and economic success in the Fabulous Fifth.
 In Costa Mesa, my office celebrated the opening of Commercial Life Inc, located at the Met. Congratulations on your grand opening. They are focused on the future of commercial real estate through incubating modern and innovative small businesses startups.
 Photo courtesy of Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce
At the Dana Point State of the City at the Ocean Institute, my office joined Dana Point’s noteworthy local businesses, non-profits, community groups, real estate development professionals, and city officials to celebrate the unique beauty of Dana Point. We received updates on new business growth and a performance from Dana Hills alum Andrew McMahon, an Emmy Award winning singer and songwriter. In addition to his talents, Andrew started the Dear Jack Foundation, which helps young adults and adolescents as they face cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Thank you, Dana Point Mayor Matthew Pagano for your partnership in ensuring our small businesses thrive in the Fabulous Fifth. I look forward to continued collaboration with Dana Point leadership on building a healthier, safer, economically thriving community to call home. As a bonus, we received a sneak peak into the new Coffee Importers location at the Ocean Institute! We can’t wait to celebrate their grand opening this summer.
 Left, top to bottom: Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Napuri with Coffee Importers owner Jim Miller, and Chief of Dana Point Police Services Captain Frank Gonzalez; Right, top to bottom: Alyssa Napuri with Mayor Matthew Pagano, and Mayor Pagano speaking at the State of the City.
Upcoming Events:
Addressing Public Safety in
Rancho Mission Viejo
Join me, OC Public Works, and Captain Isaac Felter on April 29, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. for a discussion on public safety in the Rancho Mission Viejo community at the RMV Guest House facility (11 Brioso St., Rancho Mission Viejo, CA 92694). Email robert.labounty@ocgov.com to RSVP.
 Día del Niño in San Juan Capistrano
Join Team Foley on Saturday from 11am-3pm at Stone Field (31422 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano) at Unidos "Día del Niño." This event is a cross between a cultural festival and a resource fair. It is bilingual, open to everyone and all activities for children are FREE. Food sales benefit local Title 1 public schools. Team Foley hopes to see you there.
 Enjoy your weekend and wear your sunscreen.
Be well,
 Katrina Foley
Vice Chair
County of Orange
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In This Edition
Read more about local events, community and health news, District and County initiatives, and other important updates!
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Upcoming Board of Supervisors Meeting on May 6, 2025
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Staff Updates
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Lastly, if you are a high school student, make your voice heard! Join the OCTA Teen Council and help shape the future of public transportation in OC. Gain leadership skills, earn service hours & more! Apply now: octa.net/TeenCouncil
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Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
This week, I met with President & CEO of the Orange County World Affairs Council Jayne Herring. The Council serves as a nationwide network connecting local communities with global issues impacting humanity. An active chapter calls Orange County home, and we look forward to collaborating further as our county prepares to welcome the world for surfing and volleyball at the upcoming 2028 Olympics. The Council hosts events year-round, open to the public and always thought-provoking. Check out upcoming events here!
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 Laguna Beach City Manager Dave Kiff testing out the San Clemente Pump Track!
Robbie Labounty
District Representative
Hi, District 5! This week I received an email from a Costa Mesa resident concerned about a construction project beginning beside their house. While the non-profit next door has been a good neighbor, this constituent expressed a desire to learn more about the kind of construction about to take place. I connected them with our Orange County Public Works team, who quickly directed our constituent to the Planning Commission website and provided clear answers. Vice Chair Foley and our team look further to continued collaboration with our dedicated County departments, working together toward a healthier, safer, economically thriving community to call home.
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Abby Paulson
District Associate
Join the Orange County Ethics Commission
District 5 seeks a qualified individual to serve on the Ethics Commission, which oversees the County's Campaign Reform, Lobbyist Registration, Gift Ban Ordinances, and Code of Ethics. Submit your CV or resume, a short bio, and the linked application to Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com.
OCTA Recruiting for Accessible Transit Advisory Committee
Accessible Transit Advisory Committee (ATAC) advises OCTA about issues that relate to OCTA fixed-route transit and paratransit services for customers with special transportation needs. APPLY HERE.
For regular updates from my Dana Point Harbor Advisory Committee on all things Revitalization, click here.
Health News
What You Need to Know About Mosquito Season:
OC Health Care Agency COVID-19 Update
Order your for free at home test kits: Order your tests here.
Free Naloxone Deliveries in Orange County
FentanylSolution.org offers free deliveries of Naloxone (8mg Kloxxado) -- an over-the-counter nasal spray that can reverse opioid overdoses -- at absolutely no-cost to all residents and businesses across Orange County. Request free delivery of Naloxone: https://tinyurl.com/FentSolOC
Transportation News
Youth Ride Free Bus Passes
The pass provides youth aged 6 to 18 with free travel on safe, clean and reliable buses. Youth Ride Free passes are available from your child's participating Orange County school. Parent signature is required. REQUEST A PASS
OCTA Free Hikes & Equestrian Rides
Lace up your hiking shoes or saddle up your horse, and sign up for a free hike or equestrian ride today. Come see Orange County as it was yesterday, and as it will be tomorrow.
Upcoming Events
Costa Mesa Earth Day Festival
 San Juan Capistrano Earth Day Celebration
Join us on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for our annual Earth Day Celebration. Take a walk on our garden tours, learn about bees and pollination with honey sampling, learn about the significance of the acorn, enjoy kids craft activities and so much more! Bring the whole family as kids of all ages will enjoy this special celebration at the Mission. This event if free for Mission Members or with paid admission to the Mission.
Newport Beach's Earth Day by the Bay
 Rancho Mission Viejo Earth Day Festival
Upcoming Events at OC Public Libraries
    
SoCal Gas Grants
Crime Victims' Rights Ceremony
This year's ceremony focuses on combating revictimization. In honor of our victims, we will continue our tradition of displaying victim photos in the courtyard surrounding the ceremony.
Hoag OC Marathon on May 4, 2025
The Hoag OC Marathon returns to Costa Mesa on May 4, 2025. There's something for every age and every ability level: walk the Hoag OC 5K at your own pace or let the kids take on Kids Run the OC. Learn more about the marathon and book accomodations while discounted race rates are still avaliable.
Pet of the Week
Meet Pet of the Week, Ella!
Vote for Ella! It's time to cast your WOOF and elect your next furry best friend! Ella is campaigning for cuddles, belly rubs, and a forever home platform. From her tail-wagging charisma to her playful personality, she's ready to win your heart and vote as your new pet!
Could you be the future that Ella hopes for? Call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and mention her animal ID A1876318 to adopt or foster-to-adopt her today! Please visit our Pet Adoptions page to see more adoptable pets.
Support Our Local Museums
Book Your Whale-Watching Tour & Watch Marine Life in the Wild!
See giant blue whales, finback whales, gray whales and many more in their natural habitat while whale watching in Newport Beach and Dana Point! Visit www.newportwhales.com, www.danawharf.com, and Captain Dave's to make your reservations.
OC Workforce One-Stop: OPEN NOW!
Ready Set OC offers no-cost employment training for Orange County youth ages 14-24. To find out more information, call the OC Business and Economic Recovery Call Center at (714) 480-6500 or text (657) 210-1295. Email info@readysetoc.com
OC Public Libraries: California State Parks Pass Program
OC Public Libraries is partnering with California State Parks and the California State Library to offer free State Parks vehicle-day use passes, available for circulation at all branches of public libraries in California. Click here to learn more about the program.
Bulky Item Disposal
Are you an Orange County resident trying to dispose of bulky items like old refrigerators and appliances but not sure how? For information on local haulers and recycling coordinators visit OCLandfills.com/quick-links.
BenefitsCal
Orange County officially switched over to a new benefits enrollment portal called BenefitsCal. Households interested in applying for benefits assistance can now create an account at www.BenefitsCal.com and submit their application or link their old MyBenefitsCalWIN case to their account. For more information about BenefitsCal, including new features and capabilities, click here.
 
Alert OC
Sign up for AlertOC to get notified in case of emergency in Orange County. The mass notification system is designed to keep Orange County residents and businesses informed in the event of a time-sensitive emergency. YOU MUST OPT IN TO RECEIVE ALERTS. Register today at this link!
Committee Appointments
If you have questions or comments that you'd like to share, in relation to the committees below, please email me at Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com
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