Maintaining the Safety of Adams Avenue Bridge in Costa Mesa  

At this week’s Board Meeting, we unanimously approved a Cooperative Agreement between the County and the City of Costa Mesa to fund and maintain the Adams Avenue Bridge, which crosses the Santa Ana River and Greenville Banning Channel. By designating the part of the bridge within Costa Mesa as a County highway, the County can utilize Road Funds for needed repairs more efficiently. Our unified approach avoids delays, reduces red tape, and helps keep this important route in good shape for the many communities it connects. 

Safer Speed Limits in Rancho Mission Viejo  

In April, we held a traffic safety townhall in the Rancho Mission Viejo community following a fatal accident on Ascenso Avenue involving a bicyclist. Residents asked that we decrease the speed limits in the area. This week we delivered on that promise by decreasing the speed limit to 25 mph to provide the street safety and security our neighborhoods need.  

Recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month  

Households with disabilities require 28% more income to enjoy the same standard of living as those without. This applies to more than 307,000 Orange County residents living with disabilities. In District 5, Project Independence connects developmentally disabled residents with inclusive employers and living wages, so all our neighbors can build financial independence, community, and a happy life in Orange County. Visit proindependence.org to learn more about providing hiring opportunities. 

Orange County Transportation Authority Updates  

Every minute matters when responding to fires and medical emergencies. I support Newport Beach’s goal of enhancing public safety while continuing to provide vital, safe, and reliable public transportation for the hundreds of thousands of riders that have relied on the current Newport Transportation Center (NTC) since 1991. This week, my colleagues on the OCTA Board joined me in supporting my request for a joint feasibility study with the City of Newport Beach to explore relocating Fire Station No. 3 to the current NTC site. Our goal remains to help shorten emergency response times for our community while maintaining quality public transit.

Discussing Renewable Energy  

As we lead Orange County into a safe, sustainable future, we must stand up to decrease the cost of energy for California families and support clean energy progress. This week, I joined clean energy leaders and advocates to oppose federal rollbacks to clean energy. California committed to becoming 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045, with our grid already running completely on renewables for record stretches. Now, nearly a dozen clean energy projects statewide face delays or cancellation. With electricity demand expected to rise 76% by 2045, blocking clean energy threatens to raise costs, slow job growth, and leave communities more vulnerable to extreme heat and wildfire-driven outages. I continue urging California’s congressional delegation to defend our clean energy future in Orange County. 

Unclaimed Property Press Conference 

Let’s talk numbers: Nearly $700 million in unclaimed property belongs to Orange County residents, families, and businesses. More than a statistic, this represents real money with real potential to transform lives. 

This represents economic recovery, one check at a time. During a time when affordability continues challenging so many in Orange County, this initiative provides a rare opportunity to reconnect people with their money with no-strings-attached. Thank you to our California State Controller Malia Cohen and OC Auditor-Controller Andrew Hamilton’s Office for taking bold, proactive steps to return this money to our community, and for making this process simple, secure, and accessible to all.  

Let’s spread the word and get these dollars back where they belong: right here in Orange County, working for the people. Visit ocunclaimed.gov to explore your claims. 

Celebrating 38 Years of Wahoo’s Fish Tacos  

Congratulations Wahoo's Fish Taco on 38 years of service. Fun fact: The first location opened in the 1980s in Costa Mesa, and the second location opened in Laguna in the 1990s! This week I enjoyed celebrating the restaurant’s impact with founder Wing Lam and the Lee Family. Thank you for your contributions to the Fabulous Fifth’s small business community, and for introducing the world to a taste of our Orange County coast. We look forward to Wahoo’s opening in our John Wayne Airport in the near future.  

Infrastructure Improvements

San Juan Creek Bridge Improvements 

In infrastructure news, train traffic now travels over the newly constructed San Juan Creek bridge in San Juan Capistrano, marking a major milestone in the Orange County Transportation Authority’s ongoing efforts in partnership with Metrolink to enhance rail safety and reliability. The project replaces a 1917-era bridge with a modern structure designed to improve safety, reliability, and flood protection along one of our nation’s busiest rail corridors. 

By modernizing our infrastructure, we continue protecting nearby homes and public spaces, reducing maintenance disruptions, and ensuring residents have access to safe, efficient transportation for the future. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to build a stronger, more resilient Orange County. 

Connecting our Communities 

The Board of Directors unanimously approved Project V funding in the amount of $2,624,060 for the City of Newport Beach’s Balboa Island/Corona del Mar Local Area Transit Service. By connecting key destinations like Balboa Island and Corona del Mar through a convenient, seasonal trolley, we help reduce congestion, improve coastal mobility, and offer a reliable alternative to driving. Thanks to Project V, we also enhance access to our local businesses and beautiful beaches for visitors and locals alike. 

Orange County Bar Association Community Fair  

On Saturday, I attended the Orange County Bar Association’s Annual Community Fair, led by my friend and OCBA’s President Mei Tsang. So many noteworthy legal firms, law schools, and organizations came together to provide the community with resources. I was especially proud to see Orange County Superior Court, Orange County Child Support Services, Orange County District Attorney’s office, and Orange County Sheriff’s office providing information and services to the Fabulous Fifth District.  

Honoring Doheny Beach History  

100 years ago, the Doheny family envisioned a community that embodies Dana Point’s motto — “Harboring the Good Life” — through beautifully preserved public spaces. Today, landmarks like the Palisades Gazebo, with its iconic panoramic views stretching from the Headlands to the San Clemente Pier, and Pines Park, a beloved gathering place shaded by stately pines, reflect that vision. This week we joined the Orange County Historical Commission and City of Dana Point in reaffirming our commitment to protecting and preserving what makes our coastal community special, for generations to enjoy.  

Congratulations to JWA’s AirACADEMY Graduates  

Congratulations to the graduates of John Wayne Airport’s 2025 AirACADEMY on their dedication to exploring our vision for the future of air travel in Orange County. We at the Board of Supervisors enjoy responsibility for all policy decisions for John Wayne Airport – including our Fly Friendly Program, which I spearheaded when I joined the Board in 2021, Capital Improvements, concessions, the selection of our Airport Director, and so much more. John Wayne Airport continually ranks #1 in Customer Satisfaction by JD Powers in part because students such as these work in tandem with our JWA team on enhancing a travel experience reflective of the Orange County community we call home.  

NMUSD State of the Schools  

Serving as Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board Trustee (NMUSD) launched my work toward building a community where every child thrives. Newport-Mesa continues to excel, with a 97% graduation rate and more students taking Advanced Placement courses. Beyond academics, programs like Career Technical Education and the Seamless Transition Education Program give students hands-on experience and connect them with local employers to build careers in Orange County. From the performances to the presentations, the 2025 State of the Schools Breakfast showcased the strong partnerships and shared focus that keep NMUSD centered on what matters most -- our students. 

Celebrating Halloween with OC Parks in Newport Back Bay 

Happy Halloween in the Fabulous Fifth! At the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center in Upper Newport Bay, I joined OC Parks for a family-friendly Halloween party featuring spooky stories, creepy crafts, wacky science experiments, bizarre animals and hair-raising games. I enjoyed reading with our trick-or-treaters, and meeting the Orange County Bird of Prey Center, the Environmental Nature Center, and Critter Squad: Wildlife Defenders. 

Celebrating Orange County Korean American Bar Association’s 2025 Board of Directors 

At the Orange County Korean American Bar Association’s 20th Annual Installation Dinner, I enjoyed meeting OCKABA’s incoming Board President Jonathan Shin and all of the new 2025 Board of Directors. I agreed with the evening’s keynote speaker Hon. Kenneth Kiyul Lee when he spoke of the importance of mentorship, solidarity, and breaking barriers in every part of legal community. Thank you to OCKABA for bringing Korean American lawyers and friends together for a fun evening of celebration and amazing food.  

A Look Ahead  

Tomorrow, I look forward to supporting Orange County United Way in their commitment to ensuring access to safe housing, financial stability, and educational success for all Orange County residents. Their dedication to uplifting our most vulnerable neighbors feels more poignant than ever. I look forward to spending family time with my father in the hospital this weekend and celebrating my husband’s birthday this Sunday.  

OCTA advances Coastal Rail Resiliency Study to safeguard San Clemente rail line 

Unclaimed money? Orange County launches site to help residents find it 

Shrinking beaches, shrinking revenue: Sand erosion a concern for businesses, economy 

Orange County Auditor-Controller Launches New Website to Help Residents Claim Over $700 Million Available Unclaimed Property 

The Crowd: Soiree on the Bay joins revelers in support of Balboa Island Museum 

Santana: Keeping Tabs on Politicians’ Discretionary Spending in Orange County 

At CSUF's fourth annual Energy and Sustainability Summit, local officials discussed how to engage the community to achieve climate goals.  

6th Annual Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation Pow Wow 

Strengthening the LOSSAN Rail Corridor for California’s Future 

State, Costa Mesa make progress in Fairview Developmental Center redevelopment 

Community Spirit Soars As Thousands Flock To Vibrant Ektaa Diwali Fest 

Select Vote Centers opened Saturday, October 25! Here’s what you can do when you visit: 

• Cast your vote 

• Register to vote or update your registration 

• Request a replacement ballot 

• Get help with any voting-related questions 

Find your nearest Vote Center and learn more at ocvote.gov/votecenter. 

Support Ocean Friendly Businesses 

This month, Surfrider celebrates the incredible Ocean Friendly Restaurants and Hotels that are leading the way in reducing single-use plastics and protecting our ocean. Join us in showing our ocean friendly businesses some much deserved love and appreciation! 

Metrolink Weekend Campaign 

Avoid traffic and enjoy Metrolink! Metrolink Weekends offers $10 round-trip fares, and youth 17 and under ride free. Enter our weekly drawings for a chance to win a pair of Metrolink tickets or for the monthly grand prize: a $100 gift card plus two Metrolink tickets. For more information and to enter, visit metrolinkdaycations.com. 

Aliso Viejo 

Costa Mesa 

Dana Point 

Irvine 

Laguna Niguel 

Laguna Woods

Newport Beach 

San Clemente 

San Juan Capistrano