Ryan Fenley Bench Dedication 

When beloved father, husband, friend, and Costa Mesa neighbor Ryan Fenley passed away in 2024, I worked closely with the City of Costa Mesa and their Parks Department to help create a special place where his family may always reflect on Ryan’s life and legacy. We kicked off our week at the unveiling of a new memorial bench at Fairview Park, dedicated to Ryan’s memory. 

Costa Mesa Police Department Recognition Breakfast  

This week, we honored the Costa Mesa Police Department employees of the year for their exemplary work:  

• Officer Tuivasa Maloata, Officer of the Year
• Officer Nick Much, Rookie of the Year
• Sgt. John Tripp, Sworn Supervisor of the Year
• Custody Supervisor Francisco Diaz, Supervisor of the Year
• Park Ranger Stanley Garcia, Professional Employee of the Year
• Explorer Andrick Figueroa, Explorer of the Year
• Don Carrick, Volunteer of the Year
• Detective Guy Foxwell, Investigator of the Year
• Southside Towing, Community Partner of the Year  

Thank you for your tireless commitment to keeping our community safe. 

 

OC Fire Authority Board Meeting 

At last night’s Orange County Fire Authority Board meeting, we heard powerful news – OCFA nearly paid off its pension liability and expects to fully fund its retiree medical liability by June 30, 2026. This progress frees up roughly $29 million to reinvest in OCFA’s core mission: Protecting families, supporting firefighters and paramedics, strengthening wildfire readiness, and improving emergency response.  

OCFA and the County both participate in our locally governed OC Employee Retirement System. As the County pays down its own unfunded pension obligations through 2033, we reduce employee contributions and, over time, open up hundreds of millions of dollars for core services. With responsible governance, we continue protecting taxpayers, supporting our employees, and reinvesting in the services keeping Orange County safe.  

Chief McGovern then shared an incredible story about the lifesaving work of OCFA’s 911 dispatchers. When one-year-old Emory went into pediatric cardiac arrest, an OCFA dispatcher calmly guided her panicked parents through CPR for four minutes. Emory's full recovery exemplifies the life-saving impact of our reinvestment in people, training, equipment, and emergency response systems. 

 

Randall Preserve Advisory Committee Meeting 

Randall Preserve represents a rare opportunity to turn a post-industrial landscape into California’s largest open space park right here in Orange County. At our Randall Preserve Advisory Committee meeting today, we reviewed and discussed the draft recreation and open space plan.  

Home to 45 special status plant and animal species, the Randall Preserve supports rich biodiversity and a wealth of educational resources. Seven miles of proposed trails aim to protect the preserve's diverse wetland wildlife while opening public access to our pristine outdoor spaces for residents from San Bernardino to Newport Beach. Plans to connect Talbert Regional Park offer to further enhance regional accessibility for our community. 

Dogs’ Day Out Wellness Walk 

Thank you to all who joined us on our walk with adoptable OC Animal Care shelter dogs Goldie and Rover, introducing them to adventure and potential adopters. Join us as we help larger dogs find new homes through our new “Dog’s Day Out” program, which allows residents to adopt for a few hours and take dogs for walks. So far, we see excellent results.  

Coast Snap Update  

Shoreline monitoring helps inform sand nourishment along our coast. Beaches from Dana Point to San Clemente lose an average of 0.3 acres of sand per year, or 3 acres per decade. May 2026 marks two years since the installation of the OC Parks CoastSnap station on Strands Beach. With our collection of more than 732 snaps from community members, OC Parks will develop a time lapse photo exhibit using tidal variations to help us strengthen our shores with sand.  

Balboa Yacht Club Meeting  

This week, I visited Balboa Yacht Club to check on the seawall along their "South Yard,” a stretch of waterfront property they lease from the County which protected the area from coastal erosion and flooding for 50 years. We discussed funding for its upkeep, navigating the Coastal Commission approval process, and researching historical archives on the seawall’s original construction. 

We also learned about the yacht club’s community programs and sailing camps serving our community. Check out flyers in our Community News section below, and learn more here.  

Coyote Canyon 

This week, we met with developers who presented us with draft plans for Coyote Canyon links golf course. With geotechnical, environmental, and development studies continuing, we hope to proceed to city later this year. After six years in the making, I remain committed to keeping this project moving forward.  

Legacy at the Shores  

Niguel Shores, the largest HOA community in South Orange County with 960 homes, honored their earliest residents at a champagne tea event. Many residents moved here in the more than 55 years ago, shaping our charming coastal community ever since.  

 

Niguel Shores Men’s Club 

For decades, a gap in ownership left important public infrastructure at North Strands Beach in limbo and in need of repair. Last year, when we visited the Niguel Shores Men’s Club, I learned about this issue and began researching.

I enjoyed sharing updates this year on the County’s action taking full responsibility for these improvements, including the walkway, stairs, fencing, landscaping, and restrooms that support access to Strands Beach and Dana Point Harbor. Our residents deserve safe, reliable, and accessible ways to reach and enjoy our coastline.  

JWA Monthly Meeting  

John Wayne Airport continues evolving with reliable, efficient, comfortable travel through Orange County. We now offer travelers several delicious, nutritious vending machines, ranging from illy coffee and Slices Pizza to Farmers Fridge. Our popular Pokemon card vending machine raised $38,000 in revenue last month! Stay tuned for details on continued safety and infrastructure improvements on the horizon at JWA.

Commentary: Legal to buy, deadly to use — we must ban nitrous oxide 

Sacramento Snapshot: Sylvia Mendez could get her own holiday in California 

Patch AM: How could a landfill expansion reshape daily life in San Juan Capistrano? 

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.  

The OCTA Teen Council offers high school students an opportunity to learn about transportation-related projects. Members focus on building leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. 

Apply today: https://www.octa.net/.../octa-teen-council/application-form 

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