This week, we advanced coastal rail protections, planned for lasting reliable infrastructure, and celebrated the community leaders and beautiful places that make our corner of Orange County such a special place to call home.

Read on for details of our work this week. 

San Clemente Catchment Wall Update 

This week, I joined Congressman Mike Levin in San Clemente to tour progress on our $47 million 1,400-foot catchment wall. Our OCTA crews continue constructing this wall to prevent landslide damage, improve drainage infrastructure, and prepare for placement of the pedestrian footbridge later this month. Thank you to Congressman Levin for his funding support, and helping with Army Corps permitting challenges related to sand replenishment. Together, we work to deliver 540,000 cubic yards of sandy protection for our rail and beaches. 

Randall Preserve moves forward, and I work to make sure we do everything right. At our Randall Preserve Advisory Committee meeting, we discussed the management plan, access points, and environmental protections guiding this project. 

Environmental Nature Center  

At the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach, we explored ways to continue partnering on native landscaping expansion and building stronger zero-waste initiatives for our communities.

Welcoming the New SOCEC Members 

Congratulations to the newest members of the South Orange County Economic Coalition Board, strengthening our thriving economy by facilitating, educating, and advocating for our local business community. Thank you to OC Realtors for sponsoring. Special thanks also go out to Executive Committee Chair Collin Powers for another term, and our outgoing SOCEC Board for their year dedicated to uplifting our business community.  

 

SoCal Procurement Alliance 

When I first joined the Board, I set out to actively support small businesses and increase access for local businesses to County municipal contracts. Today, the County holds more than 4,000 contracts with local business suppliers!

One contract with the County can transform a local business and the lives of Orange County entrepreneurs. The SoCal Procurement Alliance provides a collaborative network of nearly 100 public entities, including cities, fire authorities, and water districts across Southern California, dedicated to streamlining public contracting. For local small businesses, the alliance breaks down standard barriers by standardizing bidding procedures, lowering transaction costs, and creating a transparent platform to bid on regional government contracts. Suppliers gain direct, face-to-face access to buyers through recurring informational workshops and massive matchmaking expos. The County of Orange hosts ongoing Vendor Information Days on the first Thursday of every month to keep businesses actively connected. Join the Alliance or learn more about business opportunities with the County of Orange here.

The Dana Point Harbor Revitalization remains critically important for our Orange County economy. My focus always remains on getting the Commercial Core and Hotels operational by the 2028 Olympics. My office spent the last three years assisting the hotel developer and marina operator in securing entitlements and permits through the California Coastal Commission, reducing red tape and streamlining the building permit process, and securing federal and state funding for the Harbor Patrol and County side docks. 

Dana Point Harbor sat at the county languishing for years and I take pride in our successful work to get shovels in the ground and expedite this redevelopment. While Development Services staff wait for updated lease documents, they continue working to finalize the building and demolition permits so once final lease agreements are approved and financing secured, construction can begin immediately without delay. The economic growth and opportunity for the city, county, and business community will transform our region. The ability to showcase Orange County's harbor on the world stage during the Olympics presents a one-time opportunity I refuse to miss. 

That's why, at the last Board meeting, after hearing many of my colleagues needed additional time to review the late-night edits sent by the developer, I supported continuing the vote of the Board of Supervisors to a special meeting or the next regularly scheduled meeting on August 11th. The brief delay allows my colleagues time to thoroughly review the 66-year lease, address their individual and public concerns given the bifurcation and extra 10 years added to the lease.  

As this project continues to move forward, I remain focused on protecting public interest, strengthening accountability, and ensuring the harbor delivers real benefits for our residents.

Laguna Beach Sewage Spill Update  

On Friday, City and County officials swiftly responded to an approximately 500-gallon sewage spill in Laguna Beach caused by a malfunction of a temporary pipe, according to the City of Laguna Beach. Thalia Beach temporarily closed while our County Health Care Agency and Environmental Health teams conducted thorough water quality tests.

By end of weekend, results confirmed a return to healthy water quality – the affected ocean area reopened for residents to swim, surf, and play for Fourth of July weekend. Orange County maintains top marks for water quality in the state due to proactive efforts by our dedicated teams.

Residents or businesses impacted by temporary closures or otherwise may file claims for property or personal injury here. 

OC Transportation Authority Update 

This week, the OCTA Regional Transportation Planning Committee reviewed the latest Draft 2026 Long-Range Transportation Plan, helping position Orange County for future transportation funding through 2050. We also advanced the Coastal Rail Resiliency Study, where I emphasized evaluating every option to protect San Clemente's critical rail line — including ongoing sand replenishment — and ensuring robust community engagement so local voices help shape the future of our transportation system. 

A Week of Engagement 

Across the Fabulous Fifth, our communities celebrated America’s 250th Birthday and the Fourth of July together to honor our freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. My office remains committed to upholding these values every day with continued service to Orange County veterans.  

In this spirit, we supported the Veterans Legal Institute in celebrating their Executive Director and Co-Founder Antoinette Naddour's 12 years of amazing work ensuring low-income veterans receive the benefits and care for which they served and sacrificed. 

We popped into the Rotary Club of San Clemente to thank them for their charitable spirit of service.   

We rounded out our week dancing at a Flashback Heart Attack concert at William R. Mason Regional Park. Join us for three free concerts and four movie nights at OC Parks throughout the Fabulous Fifth this summer – see the schedule here.  

As we surf through summer, keep your families learning with our OC Public Library Summer Reading program and other summer activities. I look forward to dancing with you at concerts in the park beginning this month, check out the schedule here. I plan to enjoy more beach sunsets with my husband, farmers markets, recreating on the water with friends and family, and many other summer traditions that define the Fabulous Fifth. 

Next week, we look forward to advancing infrastructure and housing developments and celebrating Opening Day of the OC Fair with you. Remember your sunscreen this weekend! 

OCFA Awards $23 million to build facility for crews in Rancho Mission Viejo  

Miramar Food Hall Celebrates Ribbon-Cutting at Historic North Beach Site 

People for Housing OC and 2-1-1 Orange County Receive $500,000 Commitment in State Funding to Launch Countywide Affordable Housing Access Platform

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.

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