We also met with the Governor’s Office, Senator Tom Umberg, Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, and Assemblymember Avelino Valencia’s office to advance the County of Orange’s broader priorities. Our discussions focused on the local impacts of H.R. 1, funding pressures tied to Proposition 36, the proposed IHSS cost shift, wildfire and public safety needs, transportation investments, and continued progress on the Southern California Veterans Cemetery. 

We made our message loud and clear: While County of Orange already takes difficult steps to cut costs and protect core services, the combined effect of federal actions and unfunded state mandates threaten to reduce services residents rely on. That’s why I urged our state leaders to partner with counties in the May Revision and budget process. 

I remain grateful for the partnership of our legislative delegation and everyone working with us to protect Orange County residents and taxpayer dollars. 

Celebrating Our Fly Friendly Program 

When I spearheaded the Fly Friendly program, I urged John Wayne Airport to take a more active role in protecting surrounding neighborhoods. In the last four years, the airport led the effort to educate pilots, promote quieter procedures, and encourage cleaner, more efficient flying. Our general aviation partners helped move this work forward. Most importantly, many pilots stepped up by choosing quieter practices and showing greater respect for the communities below. 

For the fourth consecutive year, I thank the pilots and private jet operators who make intentional choices to reduce noise, limit late-night impacts, and invest in newer aircraft. Those decisions help protect quality of life for residents, proving aviation can operate responsibly while respecting the people who live under the flight path. 

LA28 Olympic Preparedness Ad Hoc Committee  

Chair Chaffee appointed Supervisor Sarmiento and me to lead the County of Orange’s OC-LA28 Olympic Preparedness Ad Hoc Committee. This committee will bring County departments, regional partners, hospitality leaders, and community stakeholders together — preparing Orange County to welcome the world and fully benefit from the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Orange County offers an unmatched quality of life, and the Games offer us a rare chance to showcase that on a global stage. This committee will strengthen coordination across agencies, work closely with the private sector, attract teams to stay and train here, expand opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy Olympic-related activities, and help Orange County capture the economic benefits that come with this once-in-a-generation moment. 

Read more here. 

Approval of County Ethics Program Audit Contract 

We unanimously moved forward with an independent audit of the County’s ethics program. After our forensic audit last month, the County moved to ensure stronger ethics oversight, stronger whistleblower protections, as well as a renewed focus on transparency and accountability. 

Adopt Resolutions and Approve Revised OC Traffic Committee Bylaws  

In the Fifth District, we advanced two practical traffic safety improvements. Families in Las Flores will see a new crossing guard, and Saddle Way in Rancho Mission Viejo will now have a 25 mile-per-hour speed limit. These changes respond directly to concerns from parents and educators who want safer routes to school. 

Approve 2026 State Budget Request Priorities 

The Board then adopted the County’s 2026 State Budget Request Priorities. H.R. 1 threatens health care, food assistance, housing stability, and other core services for nearly one million Orange County residents. Proposition 36 and other state cost shifts add even more pressure. Orange County receives only five cents of every property tax dollar -- the lowest share in the state, so we do not have the flexibility to absorb these losses on our own. I continue urging the Governor and Legislature to backfill federal funding losses, reject the proposed IHSS cost shift to counties, and protect the safety net services residents rely on. 

North Strand Beach Access Improvements Quitclaim Deed with Headlands Reserve LLC  

The Board transferred ownership of decades-long neglected infrastructure at North Strands Beach to the County of Orange so we can finally improve safety for beachgoers and families. Repairing the public walkway, stairs, fencing, landscaping, restrooms, and other improvements support access to Strands Beach and Dana Point Harbor. Our residents deserve safe, reliable, and accessible ways to enjoy the coastline. 

Contract for Behavioral Health and Public Health Outreach Campaign 

The Board voted 3-2, with Supervisor Sarmiento and I dissenting, on the approval of the Behavioral Health and Public Health Outreach and Strategic Marketing Campaign with Angels Baseball. I voted no on this $800,000 contract because I believe public dollars should support outreach presenting clear results, strong accountability, and real value for residents. 

Addressing Flood Control

The Board then authorized flood control maintenance contracts for channel cleaning and runoff pollution reduction. This work removes trash, debris, and silt and clears vegetation around access roads and critical infrastructure.  

This contract authorizes no herbicides or pesticides. Due to concerns raised to my office, no RoundUp or glyphosate have been used in the Trabuco or San Juan Creek Flood Control Channels since 2025, and those chemicals will not return to these channels. I continue urging for manual and mechanical clearing methods that protect both residents and habitat. 

Memorandum of Understanding with In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority 

We unanimously approved a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Orange County In Home Supportive Services Public Authority. IHSS workers help seniors and people with disabilities remain safely at home, with more dignified and far less costly care than institutional placement. I continue to oppose the Governor’s proposal to shift $233.6 million in IHSS costs to counties. 

Primary and Secondary Developer Selection for 1725 West 17th Street Development 

The Board also selected C and C Development and Waterford Property Company for exclusive negotiations on the redevelopment of the Health Care Agency site at 1725 West 17th Street in Santa Ana. I supported moving the process forward, while making clear that the final agreement must deliver affordability, more family-sized units, adequate parking, developer-funded demolition, support for relocation of the existing HCA facility, a strong labor agreement with local hire, and a childcare component. 

Approve Orange County Housing Authority Administrative and Annual PHA Plan 

We updated the Orange County Housing Authority’s Administrative Plan and Annual Plan for the Housing Choice Voucher program. These changes strengthen resident safety by denying taxpayer-funded housing assistance when a household member appears on a sex offender registry, while removing barriers to affordable housing in high-opportunity areas. 

Recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month 

We all share the responsibility of ensuring every child in Orange County enjoys growing up in a safe, healthy, nurturing environment. Last year in District Five, we received 4,189 reports of child abuse and placed 242 children in out-of-home care for their safety. Thank you to our County Social Services Agency and local law enforcement for your proactive efforts to reduce and prevent abuse. To report child abuse, call our hotline at 714-940-1000 or 800-207-8464. 

Recognizing Public Health Week 

We thank our public health leaders for working tirelessly to ensure we stay clean and green here in the County of Orange. My office remains focused on reducing substance abuse, investing in the health of our seniors and our most vulnerable, promoting electric vehicle infrastructure for clean air quality, and maintaining safe water quality in our beaches and waterways. 

OC Fire Authority Update  

This week, the Orange County Fire Authority CIP Committee approved our Capital Improvement Program, advancing key public safety projects across Orange County.  

In the Fifth District, I feel especially proud of our continued progress on the San Clemente Helopod, which aims to strengthen emergency response and wildfire readiness for our coastal and South County communities. Earlier this year, my office secured the County funding to advance this project. The plan also advances the Rancho Mission Viejo Wildfire Resource Center and a new fire station in Laguna Woods, expanding the facilities and infrastructure our firefighters and first responders need. 

Weekly Audiobook Walk Club 

Team Foley walked our two-mile route around the OC Fairgrounds, enjoying in the beautiful outdoors of our Fabulous Fifth District, while getting some cardio. As this time of year may feel especially “taxing,” find balance in exploring the natural beauty of our OC Parks and trails. We hope you join us next Tuesday for our weekly walk at 6pm. RSVP here.  

Connecting Local Businesses with Government Resources  

Five years ago, I convened a meeting of local mayors where Buena Park Mayor Connor Traut pitched a simple but powerful idea: Public agencies should collaborate on procurement rather than operating in silos. My office partnered with our procurement team who grew this idea into our SoCal Procurement Alliance, which hosted our 5th Annual Supplier Outreach Event, bringing together business leaders from across the region.  

The county now holds 4000 contracts with local business suppliers.  

Together, we explored strategies to strengthen business engagement, support entrepreneurs, and drive economic growth through tourism. Every $1 invested in Orange County small businesses returns $1.97, proof our collaboration builds a more resilient, connected economy. 

South OC Beach Coalition Meeting 

Maintenance plans keep our roads and infrastructure safe and accessible. At our South Orange County Beach Coalition meeting, we began building a beach maintenance index. This index informs our sand nourishment needs and future projects in South Orange County as we begin developing a maintenance plan for our beaches. 

We also heard from Riley Pratt with California State Parks about their upcoming Doheny State Beach Climate Resilience and Modernization project. Currently, flooding, small campsites, and crumbling infrastructure impact the campsite. Additionally, Doheny State Beach loses four linear feet of sand per year on average. The new plan accounts for rising sea levels, improved bike and walk paths, and flood risk to improve public access of our beaches for both vehicle and tent camping. 

Celebrating OC Women in Leadership Summit 

Empowered women power Orange County. Thank you to the OC Women in Leadership Summit for inviting me to speak to a remarkable room of women dedicated to shaping a safe, healthy, economically thriving community for us to call home. Together, we create paths for future young women leaders who will reflect our values and move our community forward. We must continue to lift others up as we lead.

OC Transportation Authority 

On Thursday, the OCTA Legislative and Communications (L&C) Committee voted to support six new state bills: AB 1855 (Gonzalez), AB 1944 (Lee), AB 2513 (Petrie-Norris), AB 2576 (Harabedian), SB 935 (Choi), and SB 1167 (Blakespear). Together, these measures speed up infrastructure delivery, expand wildfire funding, support zero-emission transit, strengthen e-bike safety, and give Orange County more flexibility over costs and timelines. 

The Committee also opposed two state bills: AB 2560 (Schultz) and SB 1423 (Stern). These measures restrict local control over transportation funding, prioritize state mandates over Orange County’s project needs, divert limited funds from congestion relief and infrastructure improvements, and increase costs while delaying high-impact projects. 

I continue fighting for local governance, smart infrastructure investments, and funding decisions that reduce congestion, improve safety, and deliver real results for Orange County residents. 

I look forward to a full weekend, enjoying our community with you. We kick things off by celebrating healthy fun at the opening of Sender One Climbing gym in Aliso Viejo, before supporting our Aliso Viejo family-owned restaurants at Taste of Aliso Niguel and honoring women changemakers past and present at Women’s Journey Foundation’s “Making HERStory” performance in Newport Beach.  

Join Team Foley as we celebrate Earth Month throughout the Fabulous Fifth District tomorrow, at the following events:  

• Costa Mesa Earth Day Festival 
• Stand Up to Trash Earth Day Beach Cleanup, 
• Doheny beach Cleanup,
• Laguna Niguel Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration,  
• Newport Beach Earth Day at the Bay,  
• San Clemente Earth Day Beach Clean-up and Educational Fair 

We hope to see you there!  

New concrete pump track, snake run, clover pool coming to Costa Mesa’s Skate Park 

Orange County Supervisors Reject Treasurer’s Claims 

Vice Chair Foley Addresses Fiscal Claims, Affirms Orange County’s Financial Health 

JWA Update  

Airport Director, Charlene Reynolds 

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.  

Help us choose, and provide input on the core attributes, qualities of leadership, and technical strengths you value in our County leadership: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7WP76FW 

Apply to Join a Commission! 

OC Social Services Updates 

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:  

• Are age 65 and older and meet the household income limit for Medi-Cal 

• Have a disability (physical, mental, or 

• developmental) 

• Live in a nursing home 

• Are in a family that makes too much money to qualify under federal tax rules 

To learn more about these asset limits, visit here.  

OC Bus – Earth Day 

Ride OC Bus for free this Earth Day and make a difference for our environment. Every ride helps reduce pollution and congestion across Orange County. Plan your trip and learn more: OCBus.com/RideFree 

2026 Taxpayer Oversight Committee Recruitment 

Be a watchdog for Orange County’s tax dollars! Lend your voice on the Measure M Taxpayer Oversight Committee (TOC). Districts 2 & 3 are seeking new members to ensure voter-approved transportation funds are spent as promised. Learn more: octa.net/tocrecruitment 

OC Bus - Commute Calculator  

Daily commute costs add up fast, but there is a smarter and more affordable way to get around. Ride OC Bus and see how much you can save with our new commute calculator. Learn more: octa.net/getting-around/bus/oc-bus/commute-calculator 

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. 

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   

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.

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 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. 

Aliso Viejo 

Costa Mesa 

Dana Point 

Irvine 

Laguna Niguel 

Laguna Woods

Newport Beach 

San Clemente 

San Juan Capistrano