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| Volume 6 | Issue 15 |
April 10, 2026 |
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Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear Neighbor:
This week flew by! We prioritized e-bike safety education for our youth, supported business development in the Fifth District, advanced Dana Point Harbor beach infrastructure, began economic development efforts for the 2028 LA Olympics, and advocated for cleaner transportation across our region. Check out this month’s Foley report here.
A major highlight of the week was learning the County maintained its designation as an AAA rated organization with a stable outlook by Fitch Ratings for the third consecutive year. From here, our focus remains on maintaining appropriate reserves, limiting debt, adhering to a conservative low risk investment policy – ensuring the collective safety, health, and economic well-being of all who call Orange County home.
Learn more about our work this week below.
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Keeping our Neighborhoods Safe
At our E-Bike Safety Town Hall, my office brought together parents, youth, and public safety leaders to help keep our kids safe. Alongside the Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) and Providence Health System, we shared practical information about e-bike regulations, including the differences between pedal-assist bikes and motorcycles.
According to Providence Mission Hospital ER surgeon Dr. Elliot Silver, local data shows a sharp rise in e-bike injuries, the largest cause of injuries among youth and teens seen at the hospital. My office took action, funding two e-bikes and a patrol motorcycle for OCSD, while advocating for an assigned School Resource Officer for the area. OCSD Deputy Blake Franco works on the ground educating students and parents on safe riding, enforcing the county ordinance and state law, removing unlawful motorcycle use, and reducing conflicts with pedestrians and vehicles.
Thank you to Providence for providing helmet fittings and free helmets for students. I remain committed to reducing youth injuries, strengthening e-bike safety coordination, and making our streets safer.
 Left: Dr. Silver and Providence Hospital Team; Right: Dr. Elliot Silver and Deputy Blake Franco
Growing Our Thriving Economy
This morning I served as a guest host for Orange County Business Council’s Government Affairs Committee. I shared county updates relating to Orange County's AAA-rated economy, our $10.8 billion budget, and our efforts to end unfunded pension liabilities by 2032. I also discussed our affordable housing priorities and achievements, OC workforce solutions, and our efforts to prepare for the LA28 Olympics.
 Left: With Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Orange County Business Council Paul Simonds, and OCBC Vice President of Government Affairs, Amanda Walsh.
Supporting Orange County Small Businesses
While Orange County maintains the ninth-largest county-economy in the nation, local businesses still face vacancies, permit delays, high rents, and rising costs. Our Business Roundtable brought chamber leaders and city officials together to listen, solve problems, and streamline services. We build on real progress, cutting health permit processing times from six months to under 20 days and investing more than $545,000 directly into Fifth District chambers. Our path forward connects entrepreneurs with faster permitting and resources through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and County Workforce Solutions, so businesses grow and stay here.
The SBDC provides free, confidential advising on permits, financing, and market expansion. OC Workforce Solutions connects employers with hiring support, on-the-job training, wage reimbursement programs, and local labor market data. Costa Mesa and Laguna Beach, along with the SBDC, offer businesses free access to Placer.ai, a tool that tracks foot traffic, customer demographics, and market trends. Orange County businesses deserve to enjoy every tool they need to compete and thrive.
 Left: With Farrah Manneh, of Baker St. staple, Manneh’s Alta Dena Dairy, celebrating 20 years of service to Costa Mesa; Right: With panelists Small Business Development Center Network Director Mike Daniel, David Haithcock, Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce President, and Jeremy Frimond, Assistant City Manager of Laguna Beach.
Dana Point Harbor Revitalization
Stair Cage Opening
As most know, the stair cage keeps kids and adults alike safe while walking down the steep stairs adjacent to large jagged boulders. The old cage was rusty and not safe. My office works every day to make our beaches safer and more accessible. Our OC Parks team recently replaced Dana Point Harbor’s aging chain link cage with a new aluminum-coated chain link stair cage and repairs to the stairs.
 Cutting the ribbon with OC Parks Ranger Butterfield, OC Parks Deputy Director Mike Wilson, OC Parks Deputy Director James Dinwiddie, and OC Parks Director Pam Passow.
A Place to Call Home
OCHFT Check Presentation by Rep. Derek Tran
This morning, U.S. Representative Derek Tran presented $250,000 in federal Community Project Funding to support the development of 2,700 permanent affordable housing units across Orange County. OC Housing Finance Trust will leverage this funding into $1.25 million in affordable housing financing. We look forward investing this support in workforce housing and delivering on our promise to tackle the housing affordability crisis.
 Bottom: Juan Gonzalez – Public Affairs Manager at SoCal Gas, Paulina Alvarez - Government Affairs Manager at OC Business Council, Santa Ana Councilmember Jessie Lopez, Congressman Derek Tran, Irvine Councilmember Melinda Liu, Tina Javid - Regional Affairs Manager at SoCal Gas, Amanda Walsh - VP of Government Relations at OC Business Council
Engaging With Our Community
Thurgood Marshall Bar Association
Congratulations to the TMBA 2026 Officers and Board of Directors, the TMBA Foundation 2026 Officers and Board of Directors, Hon. Justin Glenn-Lestikow for receiving the Honorable Karen L. Robinson Legal Excellence Award, Daniel A. Sasse for receiving the Brooke Weitzman Allyship Award, and Dorsey & Whitney, LLP for receiving Law Firm of the Year.
 Top: With my staffers Liz and Latisha; Bottom: Hon. Karen Robinson, NAACP-OC President Deirdre Harris
Women’s Club Monthly meeting
Thank you to the San Clemente Women’s Club for the kind of engaged conversation that helps drive real change. We discussed our shrinking coastline, Dana Point Harbor revitalization, and public safety.
Sustainability means protecting our shores, strengthening our local economy, and building communities where every resident can thrive safely. Groups like this help make our work possible.
Congressman Dave Min Townhall
Orange County continues to serve as a model of election integrity, keeping elections safe and accessible for every eligible voter. I joined residents at Congressman Dave Min’s town hall on protecting democracy, where he welcomed Rep. Joe Morelle, Ranking Member of the House Administration Committee. Reps. Min and Morelle discussed the importance of vote-by-mail for rural and elderly voters, election integrity, and pushing back on misinformation. I enjoyed connecting with residents from Irvine and Costa Mesa.
 Top Left: With Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY); Bottom Right: Rep. Morelle speaking with Rep. Dave Min.
Infrastructure Updates
OC Transportation Authority
More than 90% of motorists now use cell phones, and call boxes cost about $1,300 per call. We must reduce costs. I support removing call boxes in favor of the more cost-effective 511 Cell Service. Download the 511 App and stay informed about transportation issues and OCTA promotions: apps.apple.com/ca/app/socal511
On Wednesday, we celebrated the grand opening of the new Rove Electric Vehicle charging station, the largest full-service station in the region. Every charge here helps move Orange County toward cleaner air and lower emissions. This facility offers fast, reliable charging and convenient amenities making driving electric easier. Our county fleet already includes more than 50 electric vehicles, cutting costs and leading by example. This opening marks real progress in making clean transportation more accessible across the Fabulous Fifth. Read this week’s news story here.
 Top Left: Ryan Adams - CEO of Gelsons; Middle: Bill Reid - Chairman and CEO of Rove; Top Right: Chatting with Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens and Rove Chairman Bill Reid; Bottom: Gelson’s CEO Ryan Adams, representatives from Assemblymembers Cottie Petrie Norris and Stephen Choi's offices, Supervisor Foley, Rove Chairman Bill Reid, Mayor John Stephens, Congressman Dave Min, CDO of Rove Vaughan Johnson, and Costa Mesa Chamber President David Haithcock
A Look Ahead
Be well,
Tomorrow, I look forward to attending the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Estrella Awards, where I will present the Non-Profit of the Year award to Easterseals for their outstanding work supporting children, adults, and families across our community. Congratulations to this year's winners:
- Corporate Responsibility: US Bank
- Dr. Juan Francisco Lara Education Award: Dr. Stefan Bean
- Community Impact Award: UCI Health
- Member of the Year: Mint Insurance
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Rosalina Davis
- Richard Porras Youth Chamber Alumni Award: Lizbeth Martinez
- Ambassador Award: Victor and Valery Vasquez
- Hispanic Legacy Award: Lupe de la Cruz
- Non-profit of the Year: Easterseals
- Community Hero Award: Maxaira Baltazar
It looks like April showers head our way after a few weeks of spring that felt more like summer. Stay safe and stay alert if you travel this weekend.
 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 April 14, 2026
Community Correspondence
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Staff Reports
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Happy Friday, District 5! Next week’s Board of Supervisors meeting agenda includes a public hearing item to adopt a Resolution authorizing weed and combustible vegetation abatement on private properties in the unincorporated areas. This especially includes property owners, who receiving notice following February 24, 2026, fail to remove weeds and vegetation by the April 14, 2026 deadline. If the County performs the cleanup, it charges all costs, including inspection and administrative fees, back to the property owner through the tax bill. The County will clear the property using mechanical and hand removal methods -- no pesticides will be used. This approach aligns with Vice Chair Foley’s prior leadership as Mayor of Costa Mesa in 2019, when the City declared itself toxic free and protected residents through a weed abatement and pest management plan that prohibits toxic pesticides. To learn more, join us in-person at the April 14 meeting or listen live here.
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Adam Tallabas
District Director
Good afternoon! I joined the Vice Chair at Rep. Min’s Town Hall on Tuesday, where I enjoyed thoughtful conversation and chatting with Fifth District neighbors.
This week, I prepared our team for various April events we plan on attending – including Costa Mesa’s Earth Day event, Earth Day on the Bay, and Dia del Nino in San Juan Capistrano.
Keep an eye out for our upcoming email, detailing Earth Day and Arbor Day celebrations throughout the Fifth District. I hope to see you soon at one of these events!
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Abby Paulson
District Representative
Happy Friday, D5! This week, I worked with Vice Chair Foley to plan our upcoming workshop on large Animal Emergency response planning. With many stables and equestrian facilities residing in the Fabulous Fifth District, our office looks forward to having a productive, solutions-focused discussion on evacuation and emergency planning.
Additionally, I supported new small businesses in the Fabulous Fifth District, including a grand opening for Beheshti Wellness Collective in Dana Point. Join me tomorrow in San Juan Capistrano to welcome Palmetto Super Foods grand opening.
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 Here I am with Dr. Beheshti, owner of Beheshti Wellness Collective, her family, Dana Point Mayor John Gabbard, and the San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point Chambers.
Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
Hi, District 5! On Wednesday, I organized Vice Chair Foley's roundtable tackling vacant storefronts and strategies to strengthen businesses across the Fifth District. From there, I dove into the legislative bulletin for next week's Board meeting, where several state and federal bills will come before the Board for official positions.
AB 2309 (Bains), for example, requires the state to cover CalFresh benefits for existing recipients during any federal funding lapse for SNAP in California. Protecting food access for vulnerable residents remains a priority. Every bill the Board supports must reflect the best interests of Orange County residents.
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Robbie LaBounty
District Representative
Happy Friday District 5! This week I attended Orange Coast College (OCC)’s annual Advisory Committee meeting for their Child Development and Education programs. This meeting serves as an opportunity for advisors, industry leaders, and faculty to collaboratively validate curriculum, review program design, and make recommendations in order to ensure OCC continues to provide a top tier education. It also allows for industry experts to share important trends in the workplace, helping faculty stay up to date.
Additionally, I helped Supervisor Foley organize an E-bike safety town hall at Ladera Ranch Middle School. Our office looks forward to hosting more of these events throughout the district - stay tuned for more information.
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 Speaking at the Costa Mesa City Council meeting
Orange County Seeks CEO
With our CEO Michelle Aguirre set to retire in June, my fellow Supervisors and I continue our search for a new leader of the county’s 18,000 employees. I seek candidates who possess a broad depth of experience in California county government and dedication to leading with integrity, ethics, and inclusivity.
 
Apply to Join a Commission!
The County of Orange is looking for passionate individuals to serve on the variety of County Boards, Commissions, and Committees. I encourage anyone interested and meets the qualifications to apply for a position.
Specific qualifications listed below, but all applicants must be registered to vote in Orange County and reside in District 5, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, a large portion of Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel.
Here are a list of Boards, Commissions, and Committees with openings in District 5:
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Must be an Attorney, CPA or Public Accountant, Real Estate Broker, or Appraiser who is licensed/certified within the State of California for a period of at least 5 years. Must maintain qualifications through term of office.
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Orange County In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Advisory Committee
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Must be a recipient who is a current or past user of personal assistance services.
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Public Financing Advisory Committee
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Shall not be serving or running for elective office.
OCFA Celebrates 30 Years!
Update from Interim Fire Chief, TJ McGovern
Celebrating 30 years of OCFA history, we still purvey The OCFA Way; we still live and work In Service of Others; and of course, we still support each other as one, tight-knit OCFA Family. Our firefighters and professional staff continuously breathe new life into a vision that was born some 30 years ago. Our work and personnel demonstrate the vision which Chief Prather called a “dream of what ‘could be,’ has not only come to fruition, but also continues to evolve and change.
After all, it’s right there in the first few words of our Mission Statement: “We proudly serve the changing needs of our communities.” Today, tomorrow, for the next 30 years, and as Chief Holms stated in OCFA’s first Bulletin, as one “OCFA Family.”
Upcoming OCFA Events
Health News
OC Social Services Updates
Medi-Cal Eligibility Changes
Starting January 1, 2026, when you apply for or renew your Medi-Cal, we will look at what you own. This is called an asset check. Assets are things you own that have value. You may be affected if you:
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Are age 65 and older and meet the household income limit for Medi-Cal
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Have a disability (physical, mental, or
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Are in a family that makes too much money to qualify under federal tax rules
To learn more about these asset limits, visit here.
Protect Against Measles While Traveling
Get Your Flu Shot!
The flu or influenza is a serious disease. It’s more than just a runny nose and sore throat. The flu can make you very sick and cause you to go to the hospital or even lead to death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine (flu shot). You can protect yourself and those around you by getting a flu shot: Learn how from OC Health Care Agency.
Stay Safe from Harmful Substances -- Fentanyl, NOX, and Kratom:
 
 
3-Year Behavioral Health Integrated Plan
Then, join the Orange County Behavioral Health Advisory Board for a public hearing to discuss efforts on building a healthier community for all to call home.
Public Hearing on April 15, 2026 from 430-6:30pm
County Administration North Multi-purpose Room
400 Civic Center Dr. Santa Ana, CA 92701
Mental Health Resource Fair for Moms
Transportation News
Help us Plan for OC's Future
Complete OCTA’s Long-Range Transportation Plan survey to offer your thoughts on how to improve the future of transportation in Orange County. Please visit octa.net/LRTP to learn more.
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.
Salt Creek Beach Parking Lot Surfacing, April 13 - May 15, 2026
Ladera Ranch Community Garage Sale
Ladera’s biggest community-wide garage sale is back — your chance to turn clutter into cash! With over 300 homes typically participating, this is the ultimate spring-cleaning event you don’t want to miss.
Registration is now open, and closes at noon on Wednesday, April 22! Sign up to get your garage sale on the interactive map, enjoy tasty donuts, and have directional signs guiding eager shoppers your way.
Please note that during the event, entry to Covenant Hills is limited to Ladera Ranch residents with valid access cards. The Sienna Gate will be the only access point.
National Prescription Take Back Day
Mark your calendars for National Prescription Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026!
Got expired or unwanted medications? Drop them off, no questions asked, at any of our 12 locations across Orange County, from 10am-2pm.
Apply to Work for Kerckhoff Marine Laboratory
Caltech’s Kerckhoff Marine Laboratory (KML) is seeking an occasional Aquatics and Administrative Assistant that will support the on-site aquatic life support systems and facilitate education and outreach programs. Under the direct supervision of the KML Manager, this role will assist with troubleshooting lab equipment, provide regular maintenance of systems, and assist with general lab activities (both research and education). Apply here.
Grunion Runs 2026
Grunion run 2026 begins in March and ends in August, and if you want to witness this incredible natural event, you’ll need to know the grunion run schedule for Orange County beaches. Check it out: California Grunion Facts and Expected Runs.
County of Orange OC Same Day Solutions Fair
Second Harvest Food Bank - Walk to Feed OC
Spring Gardening Workshops with OC Public Libraries
OC Public Libraries - Earth Month
OCWR accepting applications for food recovery grant program
Join Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce for the Par-tee in Paradise at The Ranch at Laguna Beach!
We invite all golf enthusiasts to come and enjoy a fantastic day on the course. Experience 9 holes of golf, live music, a goodie bag, and awards to celebrate your accomplishments. Plus, lunch and dinner are included!
Register here.
Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce
State of the City Mayor's Luncheon
The Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce will host its annual State of the City Mayor's luncheon on Monday, May 11 from 11:00 am - 1:30 pm at the Montage Laguna Beach, 30801 South Coast Highway. Register here.
OC Office on Aging Introduces Free Mobile App for Senior Resources!
Call for Artists
OC Streetcar arrives in 2026! Local artists are invited to submit portfolios for a chance to be featured in marketing campaigns. Learn more: octa.net/artists
Free Compost Giveaway
Local Arts & Entertainment
Fremont Ave.
In 1968, George buys a suburban Southern California home—a stop on his way to something bigger—and hires Audrey as a housekeeper. In 1991, Robert is still living there, itching to start his own life. Thirty years later, Joseph returns home, still struggling with a secret that holds him back. With humor and heart, this multigenerational drama revolves around three Black men, their journeys to choose love and the woman who holds them all together.
Previews: Apr. 25-30, 2026
Opening Night: May 1, 2026
Regular Performances: May 2-23, 2026
American Sign Language Performance: Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Hershey Felder: The Piano & Me
Music of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Bartok,
June 9-12, 2026
Known for his hit portrayals of musical geniuses in his beloved composer series, Felder now renders a different musical artist: himself. In this deeply moving new play, Felder pulls back the curtain on his own story. Growing up in Montreal as the child of Polish and Hungarian immigrants, a young Felder discovers the piano, its captivating music connecting him to his unsuspected heritage, while opening up a remarkable new world full of adventure, possibility, heartbreak, and connection. Featuring performances of beloved compositions by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Bartók, and more, Hershey Felder: The Piano and Me recounts the inspiration behind Felder's illustrious career of more than 6,000 performances across the globe and offers a poignant and profoundly touching portrait of the power of music.
Mariners 936 Dana Point Sea Scouts
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!
Crystal Cove Art Classes
Our Great Plein Air Art Experience art classes invite you to take part in Crystal Cove's living history by spending a relaxing day capturing the beauty of the Cove on canvas with the help of Crystal Cove plein air artist, Debbie Morines. These five-hour classes from 9am – 2pm will take you through the process of creating your first plein air painting from beginning to end. For a full list of upcoming events, visit CrystalCove.org/Events.
Resources at OC Public Libraries
Meet Pet of the Week, Rico!
Meet Rico, your future 8-year-old German Shepherd bestie! He knows basic commands and still has plenty of pep in his step for zoomies and playtime.
Rico is a sweet guy who likes to stay active. So, if you’re looking for a workout buddy or walking partner, count him in. Rico has a big heart, good manners, and lots of love to give! He's all in for a forever family, new adventures, and even learning a trick or two.
Come meet Rico (A1933991) at OC Animal Care and start your next chapter together
Visit www.ocpetinfo.com/adopt for more.
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.
Metrolink Weekends - Ride for $10!
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.
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
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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@SupervisorFoley
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