Battery Energy Storage System Safety Ordinance 

Expanding sustainable energy cannot come at the cost of our safety and health. The Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted the ordinance I introduced to establish guidelines and standards for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facilities, ensuring health and safety in our unincorporated areas. State legislation that took effect last year limits local control by giving the California Energy Commission authority to approve these facilities, even when local governments stand in opposition. By requiring Planning Commission approval, Orange County Fire Authority safety reviews, and expanded buffers from homes and community buildings, we prioritize transparency and public safety for nearby residents. This approach also enables us to support clean energy, decrease costs to consumers, and strengthen grid resiliency. 

Planned Parenthood Luncheon 

I enjoyed celebrating the 60th anniversary of Planned Parenthood Orange and San Bernardino Counties yesterday. For 60 years, Planned Parenthood has delivered compassionate, high-quality care with courage and commitment to community. Under the new CEO Krista Hollinger, nine health centers continue providing safe, welcoming spaces for all while continuing to defend access to essential reproductive health and primary care. Planned Parenthood stands as a vital safety net, offering cancer screenings, birth control, STD testing, wellness care, and education that empowers women to make informed choices about their health and futures. Thank you, Planned Parenthood, for six decades of care, compassion, and dedication to health equity. 

Dana Point Harbor Oversight Advisory Committee 

Exciting developments unfold in Dana Point Harbor. As Hotel design progresses, we expect to break ground in the spring of 2026. "Our accelerated construction timelines keep us on track to achieve my goal of completion before the 2028 Olympics! 

Dana Point Harbor Partners prepare for the commercial core groundbreaking in December by transplanting trees and plants. The DPH Oversight Committee provided feedback on potential dock designs to ensure the OC Sailing and Events Center accommodates the Harbor’s diverse groups, including the Dana Point Outrigger Club.  

I look forward to joining you for our festive traditions: "Happy Harbor Days" lights display starting November 12, the Turkey Trot on November 27, and the 50th Annual Boat Parade of Lights from December 12-14. 

Wake Up Newport  

As California residents face unprecedented impacts caused by disruptions to benefits, international tariffs, and structural deficit, I continue collaborating with our state representatives to create a fiscal environment in which current and future generations of Californians prosper and grow. Thank you to State Treasurer Fiona Ma for joining us at Wake Up Newport! As California’s primary banker, Treasurer Ma’s office processes approximately $3 trillion in payments a year and manages California’s $160 billion investment portfolio. She continues working diligently to address the state’s growing infrastructure needs as well as resources for housing, small businesses and families, higher education, and forwildfire recovery. Visit www.treasurer.ca.gov to learn more. 

Newport Dredging Ribbon Cutting  

While I attended our board meeting on Tuesday, my Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa joined the City of Newport Beach, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Port of Long Beach in celebrating the long-awaited dredging of Newport Harbor. Without regular maintenance dredging, our marina tenants can’t safely access their slips. This $22 million project remains essential for navigational safety throughout the harbor and presents as a mutually beneficial project: Newport Beach needs disposal options, and the Port of Long Beach needs fill material. Because of our neighborly teamwork, the Port of Long Beach will receive 1.8 million cubic yards total in support of their Pier G project, safely filling up a former 40-foot-deep container ship slip. Newport Beach’s Harbor remains a key Orange County landmark, and this project ensures residents continue enjoying it well into our future. 

Orange County Transportation Authority Awards
$3.1 Million to Improve Water Quality 

Orange County’s beaches are the foundation of our coastal community, empowering our work to build small businesses, welcome tourists, and nurture our diverse coastal ecosystems. Thanks to OCTA’s investment of more than $3 million, we continue keeping our waterways clean by capturing transportation-related trash and debris before it reaches storm drains and the ocean. In our Fifth District cities of Irvine, Newport Beach, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano, we see the continued impact of voter-approved Measure M half-cent sales tax, protecting our precious water for future generations to enjoy. 

Newport Beach Citizen of the Year   

Congratulations to former Newport Beach Mayor Ed Selich for your recognition as Citizen of the Year by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. Ed embodies what it means to not just achieve but help others achieve, serving three terms as Mayor--12 combined years on City Council, a decade on the Newport Beach Planning Commission, and now as President of the Newport Beach Housing Fund, where he helps address affordable housing needs. I look forward to collaborating further with our local elected officials and civically engaged residents in Newport Beach to take on the issues facing our community.  

Girls Inc. College Bound  

Girls Inc. of Orange County equips girls with the tools to succeed in school and beyond. This week, we celebrated the College Bound program, which provides mentorship, college prep workshops, financial literacy training, and career exploration for high school girls - especially those from underrepresented communities. At the College Bound Luncheon, we helped ensure more girls can access higher education and build strong, independent futures. 

Investing in the Fabulous Fifth 

Fifth District Community Grants  

My office proudly announced two new investments from the Fifth District Discretionary Funds this week, advancing both community access and the arts. A $25,000 grant empowers Orange County United Way to create the Affordable Housing Access Platform, a centralized online hub that connects residents with accurate, up-to-date information on affordable housing opportunities across the County. In addition, Laguna Dance Festival secured a $25,000 grant supporting its “WE The People” productions, commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. We remain here to serve. 

A Look Ahead 

For the first time in the Laguna Art Museum’s more than 100-year history, enjoy all admissions free this November, thanks to $50,000 grant from my office. Through this weekend, the grant also funds the 13th annual Art + Nature art installation along Main Beach. Be sure to stop by and explore the displays!  

As we head into Veterans Day next Tuesday, I look forward to honoring our more than 100,000 local veterans this weekend. Today and every day, remember to reach out with thanks and offer support to a veteran in your community! 

County supervisors approve anti-encampment law condoning arrest of homeless 

OC supervisors approve more aggressive homelessness response, including fines, jail time 

OC supervisors ban encampments in county-governed public spaces and flood channels 

OC Board Approves Plans for New Law Enforcement Approach to Homeless Camps 

LISTEN: OC Supervisors Implement Fines for Homelessness Encampments  

OC homeless approach 

12 people, including murder suspect, to be released back into Orange County, district attorney says 

Los Angeles Among Major Metros to See Flight Reductions Due to Government Shutdown

Health Safety: Protecting Against Rabies in Orange County 

Stay vigilant, neighbors. As of October 2025, 13 bats in Orange County tested positive for rabies, similar to 2024’s total and slightly higher than 2023’s count of 10. Most cases this year reside in South County, particularly in Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, and San Juan Capistrano. Health officials remind residents to avoid contact with wild animals, make sure pets’ rabies vaccinations are current, and keep unscreened doors and windows closed, especially at night. If a bat enters your home, be sure to: 

• Close off the area and contact OC Animal Care right away at (714) 935-6848.  

• For potential exposure or bite incidents, wash the area thoroughly and call the OC Health Care Agency at (714) 834-8180.  

• More information and safety resources can be found through OC Animal Care and the CDC Rabies website: www.cdc.gov/rabies  

New Art at Dana Wharf Whale Watching

Dana Wharf Whale Watching is proud to announce their latest collaboration with the world-renowned marine artist, Wyland, whose original artwork now adorns the hull of their Ocean Adventures catamaran. 

Check out the art as the boat docks and departs on whale watching excursions! Now is the perfect time to experience this incredible marine life on daily whale watching trips in Dana Point Harbor. For more information, visit danawharf.com. 

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