Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary reminds us of the enduring ideals which define our nation: freedom, democracy, service, and our responsibility to one another -- especially in difficult times. Celebrating America’s Independence brings us together to honor our country in deeply personal, uniquely American ways. 

I cherish Fourth of July parades, fun at the beach and in the water, barbecues, and block parties with neighbors, family and friends. Thank you to our local police, fire, and lifeguard personnel as they protect our communities this holiday weekend. I wish all of you a safe, fun, and patriotic Independence Day! 

Read on for highlights from the week.  

Summer Safety 

This week, Costa Mesa Police Department removed 710 pounds of illegal fireworks from the streets and arrested two suspects – an important reminder that illegal fireworks continue to pose a serious risk to our communities.  

UCI Health Regional Burn Center sees a major influx of severe, preventable trauma cases every summer. This Fourth of July weekend, help us keep our neighborhoods safe.  

Please remember:  

• Never light fireworks in open spaces with dry brush and trees  

• Never light fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol  

• Never use illegal fireworks  

• Always soak spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding  

This Independence Day, I encourage you to grab a blanket and enjoy one of the many professional fireworks or drone shows throughout District Five. Sit back, celebrate safely, and leave the show to the experts. 

Nitrous Oxide Update 

Both County-sponsored nitrous oxide bills, SB 758 by Senator Umberg and SB 936 by Senator Blakespear, passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee and now head to Assembly Appropriations in August.   

Amendments to SB 936 strengthened and clarified the bill by applying prohibition broadly to anyone who sells, distributes, or gives away prohibited nitrous oxide containers, while maintaining the ban on containers holding more than eight grams and any container designed for direct inhalation. Lawmakers also agreed to continue working on cost-recovery provisions for local enforcement agencies during the summer recess.  

Watch our social media reel here.

Miramar Food Hall Grand Opening  

The new Miramar Food Hall, set inside the restored Miramar Theatre, brings together local favorites, global tastes, and ocean views of our San Clemente coast. We enjoyed honoring the charm of this historic theatre repurposed and welcoming this new hub of small businesses in our community. The Connecticut style lobster roll at Lobster Lab is delicious.  

OC Fair Express 

As you prepare for summer fun at OC Fair beginning July 17, I encourage you to buy your passes early, and experience the OC Fair Express -- service begins July 18. Last year, a record-breaking 22,888 passengers avoided traffic and parking by riding this bus — with $4 adult tickets and children riding free. Fifth District stops include Laguna Hills Transportation Center and Irvine Train Station.

Learn more here.   

Marina Revitalization Update  

The marina revitalization project continues making great progress, with Phase 12 scheduled to open in September. Boaters will soon enjoy new slips at the Docks of the Juniper Lantern, Cobalt Lantern, and Coral Lantern, while Phase 13 – the final East Basin Island phase – remains on track for completion by the end of the year. Temporary relocation letters for Phase 13 tenants will arrive in mid-to-late July, with relocations completed by August 31. Slip selection for both phases continues by email and follows seniority within each slip size until all available slips fill. 

Dock light installation nears completion, with testing already underway. The large lanterns at each gangway will continue welcoming boaters with their dock's signature color. As the new docks come to life, we look forward to gathering friends and neighbors to celebrate another summer on the waterfront. 

DPH Parking Structure 

We unveiled the new Dana Point Harbor parking structure a year ago this week — providing free community access to shopping and dining at the Wharf and the Village. So far, more than 134,900 guests have enjoyed this amenity’s 1,000 parking spaces, expanded parking walkways, 16 electric charging stations, and upgraded boater facilities. The Wharf remains open as we move forward with this landmark revitalization of Dana Point’s economic and community hub. Thank you for using this incredible new structure.

I appreciate the emails from the business community and residents regarding the additional time needed for our board to consider the new lease for Dana Point Harbor Partners. They requested a 10-year extension on their lease and to bifurcate the one lease into three, so the hotels are separated from the commercial core and marina. County staff continues to negotiate with the partners to ensure the taxpayers and partners all benefit from the new lease. I look forward to updates in the next few weeks.  

In the meantime, continue to shop and dine at the wharf, check out the new electric boat rentals, enjoy a walk and coffee at Coffee Importers by Ocean Institute and start thinking about ideas to improve the county side at Baby Beach. We want to hear from you on August 19 at 6pm during our community input meeting.   

Celebrating the Career of Debra Gunn Downing  

This week I joined friends and community leaders in celebrating my friend Debra Gunn Downing and her extraordinary career at South Coast Plaza. For nearly three decades, Debra helped shape South Coast Plaza’s influence on style, fashion, our local economy, civic engagement, and giving back to the community. Her leadership left a lasting mark on Costa Mesa and Orange County. I wish her the very best in retirement.  

A Week of Engagement  

Thank you for joining us as we celebrated local traditions and national milestones this week. 

During my time as Mayor of Costa Mesa, I helped secure a permanent home for the Costa Mesa Lions Club at Lions Park. As your County Supervisor, I provided a grant for their annual Fish Fry to kick off a summer of family fun in support of Costa Mesa schools and local charities.  

In honor of America’s 250th Anniversary, we celebrate the enduring ideals that unite us, and honor all who defended these values. Thank you to the VALOR veterans and OCEA labor teams for joining the Board and county staff as we honored this momentous American milestone as well as Orange County’s legacy of service and sacrifice.  

In this spirit, we also commemorated the new “Freedom Wall” in Laguna Hills, a tile display my office funded of our community’s dedication to America’s promise: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  

As we celebrate Independence Day, please help us protect our community. Wear and reapply your sunscreen, assign designated drivers, avoid drinking and boating, try not to get risky with the “safe and sane” fireworks where allowed, and remember — no fireworks in wildfire-risk areas. 

If you plan on enjoying our coastline, check out OC Health Care Agency’s daily water quality updates on ocbeachinfo.com.  

Have a great weekend and enjoy the many July Fourth festivities throughout the Fabulous Fifth, neighbors! Join me at the OC Fair tonight for Costa Mesa’s Independence Day celebration. Free admission, bring a chair, blanket, and your dance moves. I hope to dance with you to some 80s Flashback Heart Attack -- the best fireworks show ever -- at 9pm. If you don’t like the crowds, head over to Dick Church’s to watch.   

A California bill sought to make sweeping changes to how can request public records — and how much it’d cost them 

LA and Orange counties certify primary election results  

State Sen. Blakespear launches push for bill limiting sales of nitrous oxide  

Press Release: CalBike Applauds Assembly Transportation Committee Passage of SB 1167  

2,000 gallons of sewage spill into Laguna Beach waters, prompting closure  

King Tides, High Surf Cause Minor Damage at Capistrano Beach  

New Laws in California Starting July 1, 2026  

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.

Changes to CalFresh and Medi-Cal  

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 

Celebrate a Plastic Free July with Stand up to Trash! 

Stand up to Trash is hosting Yoga, Beach Cleanup and Lunch & Learn on Sunday, July 12, 2026, 8 AM to 11 AM. 

The festivities begin at Baby Beach with yoga and a beach cleanup followed by a fun Lunch & Learn event featuring basket weaving. See the flyer below for more information. 

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