County Budget Hearings 

This week, the Board reviewed a proposed County budget that decreases from $10.8 billion in 2025-26 to $10.5 billion in 2026-27. That reduction reflects the difficult work departments are doing to cut back, identify savings, and focus resources on the services residents rely on most. 

I want to thank County staff for taking a fiscally conservative approach during a time of real uncertainty. Departments are tightening spending across the board, including a 5% reduction in Board office budgets. We still face serious challenges ahead, including pressure from state and federal decisions, but Orange County is managing those risks responsibly. We are making careful choices now to protect our long-term stability and keep delivering for residents. 

Banning Herbicides in the County of Orange

On Tuesday, the Board approved the core of my proposal to begin the process of phasing out herbicides in Orange County and formally move forward with the San Juan and Trabuco Creek pilot project I initiated with OC Public Works.  For the first time, the Board gave clear public direction to reduce routine chemical use in these waterways and continue building a path toward safer alternatives. The Board also backed continued work on long-term planning, cost review, and implementation steps to move this effort forward. 

I fought to keep public noticing in place, but my colleagues stripped that requirement from the final action. I will bring it back at the next Board meeting as a separate item because Orange County residents deserve transparency when chemicals may be used near the places where their families live, walk, and recreate. Herbicide spraying remains indefinitely paused throughout the San Juan and Trabuco Creek pilot area. 

I have pushed this issue for years, and this vote marks real progress. The public showed up in overwhelming numbers, and that pressure helped move the County in the right direction. We still have more work ahead, but Orange County is now taking concrete steps to phase down herbicide dependence in our waterways and expand safer, nontoxic alternatives. Read this week’s article.

Community Health Resource Fair 

Our annual Community Health Resource Fair, held in partnership with CalOptima Health and the OC Social Services Agency, provided 450 attendees with enrollment assistance, health resources, free food, diapers, and family activities. Nearly 900,000 Orange County residents rely on Medi-Cal and 300,000 on CalFresh. As federal changes reshape eligibility, our office continues working to connect residents with care and support. If you need assistance due to cuts, call 2-1-1. 

This week, a powerful south swell brought dangerous surf conditions to Orange County, with waves reaching up to 20 feet from The Wedge to Trestles. 

Tragically, a 5-year-old girl was swept into the water Tuesday night at Treasure Island Beach in Laguna Beach. No family should ever endure a loss like this. Our entire Orange County community mourns with those who loved her. Read the story here. 

Thank you to Laguna Beach Marine Safety, the Laguna Beach Fire Department, and the bystanders who rushed in to help, as well as the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard for supporting the search and recovery effort. My heartfelt condolences are with this young girl’s family.  

Beach conditions remain dangerous, and I encourage residents and visitors to take all warnings seriously. Please check surf and tide conditions before heading to the coast, stay off rocks and jetties, keep children within arm’s reach near the water, and never turn your back on the ocean. 

Preserving San Clemente Pier  

Congratulations to the San Clemente Pier Conservancy — formerly known as PierPride Foundation — on 10 years! Every year Dana Wharf Sport Fishing hosts a cruise to the pier fundraiser. I enjoyed joining members of the San Clemente City Council and Mayor Rick Loeffler to announce the new San Clemente Pier Conservancy. This dedicated team of volunteers helps restore and preserve this beloved historical landmark. 

This year, my office invested in bike racks, murals for the new concession buildings, and native plants near the access points. We look forward to sharing this Orange County landmark and celebrating the Pier's 100th birthday in 2028 with the world during the Olympics. 

Learn more about the conservancy here: scpierconservancy.org. 

Herbicide Spraying in San Juan and Trabuco Creeks to be Phased Out 

Orange County Leaders Warn of Dangerous Budget Future 

OC Board of Supervisors extend contracts with OC Meals on Wheels, Age Well Seniors 

Activists, Supervisors Debate Use of Chemicals in Orange County’s Flood Control Channels  

In a little under an hour and for less than $10, I was able to travel from the heart of Orange County to LA -- a trip that is usually more than an hour and a half by car in crazy traffic. Utilizing public transit is how we keep public transit! 

Today, I joined our wonderful OC Parks team in installing 251 American flags at Dana Cove Park in preparation for our Flag Day & Army’s Birthday Celebration on Sunday. The installation will remain in place through June 14 at 6pm – honoring the brave service members who serve and sacrifice for our freedoms.  

 I hope you'll stop by the installation and snap a picture – don’t forget to tag us at @SupervisorFoley! 

Apply to Join a Commission! 

As the broader Dana Point Harbor Revitalization moves forward, the OC Sailing & Events Center (OCSEC), located next to Baby Beach, continues to see meaningful enhancements thanks to County investment. Since opening in 1985, OCSEC has served as an important community hub, offering recreational programs, public restrooms, meeting spaces, and special event venues for the public.  

Recently, the Board approved a contract to begin developing a long-term master plan for the entire OCSEC campus. This effort will evaluate future opportunities for key facilities such as the Cove Room, Pilot House, Boat House, picnic areas, and parking and pedestrian access points, focusing on how OCSEC can continue to serve the community for decades to come. Public engagement will be an essential part of this process, so please stay tuned for details on upcoming community meetings.  

To address immediate needs, the County is currently undergoing short term facility enhancements at OCSEC. These improvements include essential building repairs, ADA upgrades, demolition and replacement of aging storage structures, and expanded classroom space for program users. Additionally, the aging north and south docks are being replaced with modern infrastructure for more accessible boating access.  

Together, these projects reflect a comprehensive County investment for the future of Dana Point Harbor, supporting community programming, improving aging facilities, and ensuring residents can continue enjoying this treasured waterfront destination for years to come.

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.  

Notice to EBT Cardholders 

Magnetic stripe‑only EBT cards will be deactivated on April 19, 2026. You must replace your magnetic stripe‑only card with a chip/tap-enabled EBT card to continue accessing benefits. Residents who already have chip/tap- enabled EBT cards do not need to take further action. Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) and SUN Bucks magnetic-stripe EBT cards will not be affected. To request a replacement, please call the EBT Helpline at (877) 328‑9677, visit Benefitscal.com or ebtedge.com, or contact your local Social Services Agency office in person or by phone at (800) 281‑9799. 

15 Years of Measure M 

See how Measure M is improving Orange County with better streets, freeways, transit and environmental programs. Celebrate 15 years of progress with OCTA and explore what’s ahead through 2041. Learn more at: octa.net/MeasureM15 

Metrolink Announces Extension of Reduced Weekday Service Levels 

Metrolink, Southern California’s six-county passenger rail service, will continue to operate on a reduced weekday schedule moving forward.  

On March 23, Metrolink decreased weekday service levels by 20% to address reliability issues stemming from mechanical challenges and supply chain delays. Originally, these changes were anticipated to remain in place for seven weeks but will now continue for the foreseeable future. 

To minimize disruption to customers, the agency prioritized preserving the highest-ridership trains and travel windows. Click here to learn more.  

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. 

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/teencouncil

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 

Construction Updates: Ladera Ranch Curb Ramps

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   

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! 

Aliso Viejo 

Costa Mesa 

Dana Point 

Irvine 

Laguna Niguel 

Laguna Woods

Newport Beach 

San Clemente 

San Juan Capistrano