Adopting our 2026-2027 County Budget  

The Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted Orange County’s final Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget, a responsible $10.5 billion spending plan to fund the essential services residents rely on every day, especially health care and public safety, homeless prevention services, and long-needed infrastructure improvements. As economic pressures and state and federal cost shifts continue, we remain focused on conservative budgeting, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and protecting the County’s long-term financial stability. 

Hiring an Interim CEO  

We welcomed our new Interim County Executive Officer, KC Roestenberg. With more than 30 years of leadership experience, including 19 years as Orange County’s Chief Information Officer, KC now assumes executive management of the County’s 23 departments, 18,000 positions, and $10.5 billion budget. KC is a problem solver; I look forward to working with him as we continue moving Orange County forward. 

Public Noticing for Herbicide and Pesticide Applications 

Since local advocates brought this issue to our attention, I have led the charge on safer, healthier vegetation management. In the last three months, we directed OC Public Works (OCPW) to pause herbicide spraying, launched our Non-Toxic Advisory Committee, and voted to phase out routine herbicide use on County land. In addition, our pilot program now evaluates manual and mechanical removal in San Juan and Trabuco Creek channels. 

This week, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved my proposal directing OCPW to require public notification for herbicide and pesticide applications -- moving the County toward stronger transparency and safer conditions for our employees, contractors, and residents.

Nitrous Oxide Press Conference 

Today, I traveled to San Diego to stand with Senator Catherine Blakespear and local health and safety experts in support of Senate Bill 936. There is NO safe recreational use for nitrous oxide. No valid purpose to sell in liquor stores, smoke shops and online. 

As the first county in California to ban nitrous oxide, we responded to a growing public health crisis felt by our families, schools, hospitals, and law enforcement. Local neurologists and pediatricians share stories of formerly strong individuals now struggling to stay in school as well as maintain employment and housing. SB 936 saves lives statewide.

I stand with Senator Blakespear in protecting our communities, preventing further harm, and holding NOX manufacturers and retailers accountable. 

Orange County Fire Authority Board Update  

At this week’s OC Fire Authority (OCFA) meeting, we approved a contract for the design and construction of the long-awaited Wildfire Resource Center in Rancho Mission Viejo, a major investment in South County fire readiness. I worked closely with Rancho Mission Viejo and OCFA to help move this project forward because our communities need the personnel, equipment, and coordination to respond quickly when fire danger rises. This new facility will strengthen hand crew and heavy equipment operations as well as help protect families, nearby communities, and surrounding open space. 

Expanding Access to Contraceptive Care 

This week, we awarded $250,000 in Fifth District funds to Planned Parenthood Orange and San Bernardino Counties, expanding access to contraceptive care and reproductive health services for our residents. As federal cuts threaten providers who serve Medicaid patients, Orange County steps up to fill the gaps. Every resident deserves access to preventative care, regardless of their income.  

Common Good Groundbreaking  

Stability saves lives — in housing, employment, and support to live a better life independently. This week, we broke ground on Common Good, a first-of-its-kind publicly owned workforce reentry campus, offering stable housing, job training, mentorship, and a reliable path to work. When people earn a paycheck and support themselves and their families, their chance of moving forward increases instead of returning to the circumstances that brought them into the system. 

OC Transportation Authority Update  

This week, the OCTA Board received an update on the Newport Transportation Center Relocation Feasibility Study, a joint effort with the City of Newport Beach I motioned to approve last October. Three potential sites enter evaluation: 3848 Campus Drive, 1201 Dove Street, and 951 Newport Center Drive. Our action this week keeps the study on track and collaboration with the City moving forward to ensure reliable service for Newport residents. 

JWA Advisory Group Update 

Cleaner, quieter aircraft make a real difference for residents living under the flight path. This week, the JWA Advisory Committee advanced our strategy for defending the 1985 Settlement Agreement ahead of its 2030 renegotiation. We continue protecting the curfew, maintaining reliable flights, and accommodating more passengers as the next generation of aircraft comes online. 

A Week of Engagement 

In my hometown of Costa Mesa, we look forward to the Lions Club’s annual Fish Fry & Carnival an 80-year tradition. Join us this weekend at Lions Park for delicious fish, live music, and carnival fun, all in support of local schools, clubs, and community organizations. Learn more here. 

On America's 250th Anniversary, we celebrate the enduring ideals that unite us — liberty, equality, self-government, charity, and opportunity — and honor all who defended these values through service and sacrifice. On Monday, I look forward to the County’s America 250 celebration.

As we welcome summer, keep your kids learning with our OC Public Library Summer Reading program and other summer activities. I also look forward to dancing with you at Segerstrom Center for the Arts on Tuesday nights and at concerts in the park beginning in July, beach sunsets, farmers markets, recreating on the water, and many other summer traditions that define the Fabulous Fifth.

I hope you’ll check some of these events out – have a great weekend!

Laguna Beach Independent Town Crier: June 19 

PierPride Rebrands as San Clemente Pier Conservancy During Launch Party Cruise 

Dana Point Harbor developer said project for new hotel, surf lodge is ‘dead’ after approval delay 

OC grand jury calls for allowing elected officials to be ousted for misconduct 

Apply to Join a Commission! 

Save the date for our Community Input Meeting on August 19 from 6-8pm!

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.  

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 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

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

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