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| Volume 6 | Issue 32 |
August 7, 2026 |
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Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear Neighbor:
This week, our partnerships delivered results for Fifth District families: upgrading public safety facilities in Newport Harbor, advancing a safer Laguna Canyon Road, advocating for public health answers for Ladera Ranch, and an investment in San Juan Capistrano’s cultural legacy. I also co-hosted the State of the County with Supervisor Don Wagner and shared how we continue building a safer, healthier, more prosperous Orange County where everyone feels at home.
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FYI: Metrolink Service Update
Metrolink will temporarily halt service at the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station from August 10-14, as a precautionary measure in anticipation of continued King Tide impacts to the railroad tracks in San Clemente. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and freight trains will continue operating through the area, while track inspections continue throughout the week. I will continue to keep you informed of any significant developments.
Read on for details about our work this week.
Protecting Public Safety
Strengthening Harbor Safety with Congressman Min
Last year I worked with our County staff to identify critical public safety projects that lacked funding. Congressman Dave Min saw our request and secured a $2 million federal community grant to help modernize and improve technology in our aging Orange County Sheriff's Department Harbor Patrol Headquarters in Newport Beach. Thank you to Congressman Min for helping us protect our coast by filling gaps in our tight County budget.
 With Deputy Ryan Skutvik of OCSD Harbor Patrol, Congressman Dave Min, and OC Parks Director Pam Passow
Building Healthy Communities
Ladera Ranch Legislative Briefing
This week, Senator Catherine Blakespear, Assemblymember Kate Sanchez, and I received a briefing from the California Department of Public Health and CalEPA on their review of recent cancer diagnoses in Ladera Ranch. CDPH confirmed that its team continues examining Cancer Registry of Greater California data for all cancers in the region, not only Ewing sarcoma, and plans to publish a public FAQ.
CalEPA will lead the review of air, water, and potential environmental toxins, with a full analysis expected this fall. My office remains committed to keeping Ladera Ranch families informed every step of the way.
I also received a briefing from our County Counsel explaining why a ban or moratorium on pesticides is prohibited under state law. Although, we can restrict and regulate use in most circumstances on our own property. I will continue to advocate for better oversight and limited targeted application when only absolutely necessary, and to avoid in places where kids play.
 Growing Our Thriving Economy
State of the County Address
I joined the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and Supervisor Don Wagner in front of a soldout crowd at the Balboa Bay Club for the State of the County update on where our county stands, and where we’re headed. We talked about modernizing a cleaner, quieter John Wayne Airport, supporting local business, and building stronger wildfire protections for Orange County families. UCI Professor Jon Gould also shared his research on what it takes to achieve the American Dream here. Thank you to the Chamber for making sure our community enjoys a direct line to the leaders working on their behalf, for a county that works for everyone.
 GI Chamber Leaders Circle Reception
Last night, I met with Orange County business and community leaders at the Greater Irvine Chamber’s Leaders Circle Reception. We dug into regional economic development, major projects taking place across Irvine, and how to continue building partnerships.
 Environmental Protections
Laguna Beach Canyon Road Undergrounding
On Tuesday we cut the ribbon for the “Laguna Canyon Road: Protect & Connect” project. By moving utility lines underground, this project prevents wildfire, protects a critical evacuation route, canyon wildlife, and preserves a vital travel corridor for 36,000 daily commuters. Residents can also look forward to new bikeways and pedestrian paths, safer crossings, signal upgrades, improved transit stops, and native, low-water landscaping. The County invested $11 million in this $43 million project to strengthen Laguna Beach’s long-term resilience.
 Hands Across the Sand in Laguna Beach
Thank you to the Laguna Beach families who joined us at Main Beach for “Hands Across the Sand,” taking a stand against offshore drilling along our Orange County Coast. Hand in hand with our friends from Laguna Beach City Council, Aqua Groms, and Surfrider Foundation, my office continues our work protecting the long-term health of our coastline.
 Dana Point Harbor
Harbor West Breakwater Repair Project Begins
Starting this week, the US Army Corps of Engineers begin work on the Dana Point Harbor West Breakwater Repair project. Through the end of the month, crews work to replace displaced protective stone and reset existing stone so it all interlocks and holds strong. Crews will also dredge approximately 45,000 cubic yards of sediment for easier access, all of which we plan to recycle as nearshore nourishment off Doheny State Beach. This important, ongoing work protects our harbor for the boaters, businesses, and families who rely on it.
Building Opportunities to Call Orange County Home
OCHFT Meeting
In our Wednesday meeting, the OC Housing Finance Trust Ad Hoc Committee mapped out our strategy to secure funding for housing development for Orange County workforce. Our new campaign centers on the connection between where residents live, work, and play. We also continue outreach around the industries driving Orange County's economy through sector roundtables and a dedicated website.
Infrastructure Updates
Enjoy our Summer Trolleys
Free summer trolley services by the Orange County Transportation Authority continue offering residents and visitors convenient transportation to beaches, restaurants, shops, and local attractions while reducing traffic during the busy summer season. Six cities operate seasonal services through Labor Day with select routes continuing into late September.
In six months, the services carried nearly 276,000 passengers. That figure includes 14 shuttles operating across Orange County, including Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, Los Alamitos, and Mission Viejo. In 2025 the shuttles traveled approximately 650,000 miles and helped more than 840,000 passengers reach their destinations.
 Engaging with our Community
Back to School Drive for NMUSD Students
At Newport-Mesa School District’s “Back to School Expo,” we joined Hoag Health, IKEA, and The Crossing Church in providing thousands of local students with backpacks, supplies, and new shoes to kick off the school year strong. As costs increase for necessities, we continue to find ways to support Orange County families. Thank you to all the volunteers!
 Supporting Camino Real Playhouse
For more than 36 years, Camino Real Playhouse has served as a cultural cornerstone of San Juan Capistrano, dedicated to celebrating the performing arts and bringing our community together. This week, I joined Mayor Campbell and City Councilmembers Taylor and Hart to present the Playhouse with a $103,633 grant to install new sound and lighting systems, so their stage remains a place where local artists and community spirit thrive.
 Celebrating National Night Out
Thank you to our local peace officers for hosting National Night Out across the Fabulous Fifth District, where crime continues to drop as public safety remains a top priority. Community events such as these bring neighbors and public safety together to contribute to safer communities. Team Foley enjoyed joining you in Costa Mesa, introducing residents to the neighborhood watch, youth explorers, and officers who protect us.
 With Costa Mesa Police Captain Scott Stafford, Asm. Cottie Petrie Norris Office District Director Michael Tou, and Costa Mesa Police Captain Carlos Diaz
A Look Ahead
On Monday, OCTA will host its first public meeting on the Coastal Rail Resiliency Study. This study ensures we protect the vital transportation corridor while preserving our coastline. As we evaluate long-term solutions, I continue advocating for nature-based solutions and sand nourishment.
I encourage residents, businesses and stakeholders to participate on August 10 and August 11 to learn about the science behind the study and help shape a comprehensive path forward for our rail line, beaches and local economy. Learn more here.
This weekend, join Team Foley at the 71st annual Fiesta Music Festival in San Clemente, the city’s biggest summer tradition. We can't wait to enjoy the live music and community fun with you on Avenida Del Mar. I also look forward to stopping by Laguna Dance to enjoy a We the People performance by dancers of Rennie Harris Puremovement American Street Dance Theater. Have a fantastic weekend in the Fifth, neighbors!
Be well,
 Katrina Foley
Vice Chair
County of Orange
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In This Edition
Read more about local events, community and health news, District and County initiatives, and other important updates!
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 Upcoming Board of Supervisors Meeting on August 11, 2026
Community Correspondence
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Staff Reports
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Happy Friday, District 5! Next week, the Orange County Board of Supervisors will consider adopting a Support position on Assembly Bill 2051 (introduced by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks), Public Resources: Coastal Resilience Permitting Working Group. This bill establishes a Coastal Resilience Permitting Working Group to recommend ways to streamline permitting for coastal resilience projects.
The working group will submit a roadmap to improve interagency coordination, reduce permitting timelines, and standardize mitigation requirements by January 1, 2028. This bill aligns with Vice Chair Foley's efforts to improve permitting and expedite coastal resilience projects that strengthen California's coastal infrastructure.
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Adam Tallabas
District Director
Happy Friday, District 5. As we enter the month of August, we celebrate and recognize Chicano Heritage Month. I come from a very proud Mexican family and community. I appreciate this celebration an opportunity for Orange County to come together, learn, and come to appreciate the beautiful Chicano cultures that so many neighbors identify with. This week, I continued to monitor submissions to our new Community Inquiries page to help residents in need find solutions to their issues as quickly as possible. Fine-tuning this system is important to overcoming disputes and issues in the community, as well as answering questions you may have more efficiently.
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Abby Paulson
District Representative
Happy Friday, D5! This week, I celebrated three ribbon Cuttings in the Fabulous Fifth District. I joined the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce to welcome NPH Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to removing barriers to healthcare access, and Harwood House, a community gathering space where residents and visitors can enjoy the Art Cafe, join a workshop, attend a community gathering, or host a private event. I also joined the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce to celebrate Polo Cleaners new location. We remain committed to supporting our amazing small businesses and nonprofits—congrats to our newest business owners!
This week Supervisor Foley and I worked with OC Parks on an outline for our South County Beach Coalition Meeting next week. Supervisor Foley asked our OC Transportation Authority to share about the recent track failures in San Clemente as well as how we can expedite sand placement going forward. We also worked with our four subcommittees for the Non-toxic Advisory Committee to prepare for next week’s meeting.
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Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
Hi, District 5! This week I worked on the following Grand Jury Report: “California Housing Mandates: The Unintended Reshaping of Orange County Neighborhoods."
The report examines how state housing laws reshape our communities. Each cycle, the state assigns cities a set number of housing units to plan for, and the Grand Jury found the process hard to follow and often disconnected from what our neighborhoods can absorb given limited land, infrastructure, and funding. It calls for stronger regional coordination and better public education. I reviewed the County's proposed responses, flagged where we might adjust our position, and tracked our reply deadlines. Read the report here.
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Robbie LaBounty
District Representative
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Happy Friday, District 5. This week I helped a business owner in Ladera Ranch get all the permits necessary for him to open his new store! They just needed a little help to get over the finish line. Supervisor Foley and I love supporting small businesses and truly want them to succeed. If you or someone you know needs help, our office is always happy to support! |
Join County Board Meetings Remotely
Orange County is adding remote participation for members of the public to participate in Board Meetings in response to California Senate Bill 707 (SB 707) and upgrading the live webcasting capabilities of its Board of Supervisors meetings to promote greater community participation. In-person or remote participants can also register at board.oc.gov/meetings-agendas.
California Climate Credit
SCE residential customers will soon receive the California Climate Credit, a bill credit funded through California’s Cap-and-Trade Program that returns a portion of program proceeds to customers while supporting the state’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
While customers previously received the credit in the spring and fall, beginning this year the electric credit will be applied during the late-summer billing period to provide added relief when energy use and bills are typically higher. The credit will appear automatically on eligible customers’ bills as a line item labeled “California Climate Credit,” and no action is required to receive it. Customers will see a $36 credit on their August bill and a $36 credit on their September bill, providing a total of $72 in rate relief this summer.
Join a Commission!
The County of Orange is looking for passionate individuals to serve on the variety of County Boards, Commissions, and Committees. I encourage anyone interested and meets the qualifications to apply for a position.
Specific qualifications listed below, but all applicants must be registered to vote in Orange County and reside in District 5, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, a large portion of Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel.
Here are a list of Boards, Commissions, and Committees with openings in District 5:
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Must be an Attorney, CPA or Public Accountant, Real Estate Broker, or Appraiser who is licensed/certified within the State of California for a period of at least 5 years. Must maintain qualifications through term of office.
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Orange County In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Advisory Committee
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Must be a recipient who is a current or past user of personal assistance services.
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Public Financing Advisory Committee
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Shall not be serving or running for elective office.
Health News
Healthy Actions by August 14, 2026
Protect Against Measles While Traveling
Get Your Flu Shot!
The flu or influenza is a serious disease. It’s more than just a runny nose and sore throat. The flu can make you very sick and cause you to go to the hospital or even lead to death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine (flu shot). You can protect yourself and those around you by getting a flu shot: Learn how from OC Health Care Agency.
 
 
Transportation News
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.
OCTA Teen Council
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.
Help us Plan for OC's Future
Complete OCTA’s Long-Range Transportation Plan survey to offer your thoughts on how to improve the future of transportation in Orange County. Please visit octa.net/LRTP to learn more.
Youth Ride Free Bus Passes
The pass provides youth aged 6 to 18 with free travel on safe, clean and reliable buses. Youth Ride Free passes are available from your child's participating Orange County school. Parent signature is required. REQUEST A PASS
OCTA Free Hikes & Equestrian Rides
Lace up your hiking shoes or saddle up your horse, and sign up for a free hike or equestrian ride today. Come see Orange County as it was yesterday, and as it will be tomorrow.
OC Bus - Commute Calculator
Science Tuesdays at Kerckhoff Marine Laboratory
Free marine science events at OC's only marine laboratory including activities, speakers, and tours! Learn more here.
Segerstrom Center Summer Movies
Mondays at 8pm
Relive your favorite throwback moments all summer long with the return of free Movie Mondays on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza! Click here for the schedule.
60th Annual Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach
June 26 - September 6, 2026
Each summer and winter, these forested grounds become a living, breathing art village, a place where over 180 Laguna Beach artists are empowered to exhibit and sell their work directly to the public. Enjoy art classes, live music, and support local businesses.
Learn more here.
Camino Real Playhouse
Lyric Opera of Orange County presents Macbeth
OC Fair Family Bundles
Dana Point Summer Skate Camp
Aging in Place Resource Fair
Laguna Coastal Code: Keep Heat Off the Sand
BBQs and open flames are not allowed on the beach. Even small flames can create safety risks for beachgoers, wildlife, and the coastline we all share. Help keep our beaches safe and enjoyable by leaving grills and open flames at home and using designated areas where permitted.
Construction Updates: Ladera Ranch Curb Ramps
OC Parks Summer Concerts in the Park
Doheny State Beach Cleanups
Dana Point Classic Car Show
OC Office on Aging Introduces Free Mobile App for Senior Resources!
Local Arts & Entertainment
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
Balboa Yacht Club Summer Sailing Program
Mariners 936 Dana Point Sea Scouts
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!
Crystal Cove Art Classes
Our Great Plein Air Art Experience art classes invite you to take part in Crystal Cove's living history by spending a relaxing day capturing the beauty of the Cove on canvas with the help of Crystal Cove plein air artist, Debbie Morines. These five-hour classes from 9am – 2pm will take you through the process of creating your first plein air painting from beginning to end. For a full list of upcoming events, visit CrystalCove.org/Events.
Resources at OC Public Libraries
Meet Pet of the Week, Gimli!
Gimli is a strong, affectionate, and social 4-year-old Pit Bull looking for his forever family. He is potty trained, knows basic commands, and treat-motivated. His ideal day includes walks, pets, and a comfy place to cuddle in!
Gimli would thrive in an adult-only home as your one-and-only pet, where he can bask in all your undivided love and attention. He may not realize just how big and strong he is, but that doesn’t stop him from thinking he’s the perfect lap dog! No matter your size, Gimli will happily squeeze onto your lap for some cozy cuddles. Adopt or foster-to-adopt Gimli (A1944625) from OC Animal Care today!
Visit www.ocpetinfo.com/adopt for more.
Support Our Local Museums
Book Your Whale-Watching Tour & Watch Marine Life in the Wild!
See giant blue whales, finback whales, gray whales and many more in their natural habitat while whale watching in Newport Beach and Dana Point! Visit www.newportwhales.com, www.danawharf.com, and Captain Dave's to make your reservations.
OC Workforce One-Stop: OPEN NOW!
Ready Set OC offers no-cost employment training for Orange County youth ages 14-24. To find out more information, call the OC Business and Economic Recovery Call Center at (714) 480-6500 or text (657) 210-1295. Email info@readysetoc.com
Bulky Item Disposal
Are you an Orange County resident trying to dispose of bulky items like old refrigerators and appliances but not sure how? For information on local haulers and recycling coordinators visit OCLandfills.com/quick-links.
BenefitsCal
Orange County officially switched over to a new benefits enrollment portal called BenefitsCal. Households interested in applying for benefits assistance can now create an account at www.BenefitsCal.com and submit their application or link their old MyBenefitsCalWIN case to their account. For more information about BenefitsCal, including new features and capabilities, click here.
Alert OC
Sign up for AlertOC to get notified in case of emergency in Orange County. The mass notification system is designed to keep Orange County residents and businesses informed in the event of a time-sensitive emergency. YOU MUST OPT IN TO RECEIVE ALERTS. Register today at this link!
Committee Appointments
If you have questions or comments that you'd like to share, in relation to the committees below, please email me at Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com
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Thank you for being an active member of our County.
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