Orange County Fentanyl Deaths Decrease to All-Time Low 

Sending My Condolences to the Dana Point Community 

Raising Awareness for Alzheimer’s 

Dementia affects 164,346 people in Orange County, making even the simplest tasks and deepest memories a challenge for countless families. Alzheimer's Orange County (AlzOC) provides hands-on guidance, support, and care for our neighbors and their families to meet ever-growing needs. I enjoyed attending the Alzheimer’s OC Gala this week, in support of advancing critical services and research for a cure. Congratulations to the awardees, Kaiser Permanente, and my friends, Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken and Attorney Michael Penn. 

UCI Health Opens New Acute Care Hospital

City of Hope Hospital Opening 

A new standard of cancer care begins here, in Orange County. With the opening of Orange County’s only cancer specialty hospital this week, City of Hope celebrates a new chapter in our shared mission to end cancer and bring hope home. Patients stand to benefit from the full continuum of advanced cancer care and research –from prevention to survivorship—on one cancer campus built for the single purpose of saving lives. I felt honored to join this historic celebration of healing, innovation, and community.

Administrative Changes to Prepare for Trump’s Cuts to Housing 

This week, the Board of Supervisors amended our Housing Funding Strategy to prepare for upcoming cuts to housing funding coming from the Trump Administration. Currently, the nation invests $3 billion housing our most vulnerable and chronically homeless. The Trump administration proposes cutting that funding amount to $1 billion -- restricting how much funding supports housing for residents. Additionally, the Emergency Housing Voucher program, originally funded through 2035 was abruptly cancelled, placing more than 800 families at risk of eviction next year. To address these issues and prevent more than 2,000 Orange County residents from falling back into homelessness, the Board directed staff to transfer vouchers to those currently housed.  

What does this change mean? More than 2,000 residents will avoid returning to homelessness. It also means we cannot remove resident names from the Tenant Based Voucher waiting list until staff completes the transition of vouchers for current residents. 

OCTA/LOSSAN Update 

This past Monday, the Los Angeles - San Diego - San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Board of Directors met and received updates on the Temporary Additional Santa Barbara Service and Link Union Station (Link US) Project. Expanding Pacific Surfliner intercity service continues to be one of our top priorities, especially as we work toward adding a 6th roundtrip to Goleta and a 3rd roundtrip to San Luis Obispo.

Building on those service improvements, we also spent time discussing the Link Union Station Project, a major modernization effort that will transform Los Angeles Union Station from a “dead-end” terminal into a through-running station. This change will allow trains to flow in and out from both the north and south, easing congestion and improving efficiency across the corridor. 

On Thursday, the Orange County Transportation Authority Legislative and Communications Committee met to review the revised final draft of OCTA’s 2025-26 State and Federal Legislative Platforms, which serves as OCTA’s roadmap for advocacy in the upcoming legislative session. The updated platform positions OCTA to navigate statewide transit changes, safeguards funding, avoids project and permit delays, and preserves local control here in Orange County.  

Planning for the Future of Aviation  

Have you heard of an eVTOL aircraft or AAM vehicles? eVTOL stands for “electric vertical take-off and landing” and AAM stands for “advance air mobility.”  These newly piloted electric aircraft prepare for arrival in Orange County soon. That’s why I formed an “Air Taxi Task Force” earlier this year comprising of major manufacturers, John Wayne Airport, our fixed-base operators, and community members to ensure this technology comes to Orange County safely, while protecting the integrity of our neighborhoods.  

This week I held a discussion with Joby Aviation and their partner Delta Air Lines to discuss a potential pilot program with the Federal Aviation Administration, with a focus on developing the framework and regulations to ensure safe operations. We also remain in discussions with Archer Aviation. 

South County Beach Coalition Meeting 

The 2013 Orange County Regional Sediment Management Plan sat on the shelf for more than 10 years. This week, our South County Beach Coalition reviewed the “State of the Coast” report, discussing in-progress projects and evaluating potential future projects. An annual State of the Coast report, similar to the County’s annual report on the Conditions of Children in Orange County, would provide a framework for tracking the progress of our coastal projects and the South County Beach Coalitions success. We also voted on the vision, mission statement, and goals of the coalition, setting a clear path forward.  

Orange County Sailing and Events Center Upgrades 

Laguna Talks KXFM with Billy Fried 

I joined KXFM this week as a guest DJ! Did you tune in to enjoy my playlist and learn about our current priorities in the Fifth District? If not, you can listen to my full segment here. I enjoyed raising funds in support of local public radio. There’s still time to donate and contribute to my segment as a top fundraiser! Proceeds will go directly to KXFM. 

Traveling for the holidays? Guests traveling through John Wayne Airport during the Thanksgiving travel period from November 21, through December 1, 2025, and the subsequent holiday travel period from December 19, 2025, through January 3, 2026, can expect increased passenger traffic and busier roadways.  

The Airport recommends that travelers arrive early, watch for construction impacts as a result of our Capital Improvement Plan, and plan your parking ahead of time. When you arrive for your flight, I hope you will use the Family Screening Lane, enjoy our new child play area, experience our newest Mamava pod, and of course try out some of the newest restaurants funded by our county investment. For more travel tips and additional information about John Wayne Airport, visit www.ocair.com

Help Kids In Need With Coats For The Winter Season In Laguna Beach 

Orange County Sheriff Reports Fentanyl-Related Deaths in Orange County See Five-Year Low 

Opposition against a proposed battery storage facility from South Orange County residents and elected officials grows fierce 

During their lunch break, my coworkers and I participated in a community service activity at the County Wellness Center. In partnership with YANA Cancer Comfort, we helped create cozy, no-sew fleece blankets to donate to local oncology treatment centers to support individuals undergoing chemotherapy. Thankful for to work with such a compassionate team.  

Following the groundbreaking, joined Wyzr Group at the Laguna Woods Mutual No. 50 Board Meeting to comment on an upcoming resolution that would impose unfair financial restrictions on residents. As Laguna Woods residents commonly live on fixed incomes, it remains imperative that we speak out on exclusionary policies for older adults.  

This week was also a huge week for Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce ribbon cuttings in the City of Laguna Beach. Congratulations to Laguna Beach High School on their new community garden, an effort led by student Zoe Bartels, and Ballesteros Real Estate Group on their grand opening.  

Finally, shoutout to Costa Mesa resident Cory Vierra for being an active newsletter reader! It’s so great to see community members engage with our work here in District 5. 

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  

Segerstrom Center for the Arts announces children’s casting for ABT’s The Nutcracker 

A decade of holiday magic continues as students from the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) William J. Gillespie School join the stage in ABT’s 10th anniversary production of The Nutcracker. Segerstrom Center for the Arts (SCFTA) proudly celebrates this milestone season, announcing casting of students from the William J. Gillespie School who will share the spotlight with world-renowned American Ballet Theatre dancers in this spectacular holiday tradition. Find tickets here.  

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