Staff Reports
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Happy Friday, District 5! OCTA Board of Directors will meet next Monday to receive an update on the Coastal Rail Resiliency Study, which focuses on short- and mid-term solutions to protect the rail line and preserve rail operations. Through the study, staff developed potential strategies to protect approximately seven miles of rail corridor between Dana Point and San Diego County. Supervisor Foley was not satisfied with the sand analysis and continues to advocate for more. Our coastal economy depends on a safe, sturdy coastal rail – long-term protections that Vice Chair Foley remains committed to seeing through. She continues prioritizing immediate protections for our beaches and the long-term future of our coastline. Join us in-person for the meeting or watch the live-stream here.
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Adam Tallabas
District Director
This week, I joined the Irvine community in celebrating Small Business Administration’s Small Businessperson of the Year, Paul Novak of South Coast Mold! I enjoyed the opportunity to present a congratulatory certificate to Paul- who mentioned he grew up in the same area as I did! Very fun coincidence. On Wednesday, I attended the OCSEC Community Meeting and enjoyed fruitful conversation with so many of you on the future of the treasured community asset. This Sunday, catch our wonderful, amazing intern team at the Dana Point Car Show! Say hello and take a free bag.
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 Here I am with Paul Novak and his wife, who was a career educator and now helps Paul run South Coast Mold.
Abby Paulson
District Representative
Happy Friday, District 5! This week, I joined a webinar hosted by CA Natural Resources Agency discussing invasive species in California. I learned valuable insight on the habitat degradation caused by invasive species. They typically increase draughts, wipe out native species, and increase flood concerns. Arundo, a major invasive plant seen across California and right here in our orange county waterways, spreads quickly and overtakes native environment. Our Nontoxic Advisory Committee explores best practices to remove invasive plants, which will improve drought resiliency, decrease fire risk, and protect our natural environment. The CA Department of Pesticide Regulation discussed sustainable pest management, including their grant program, currently accepting applications through September 1, 2026, for alternative weed abatement projects.
Nick, our Chief of staff, and I also met with Santa Margarita Water District to hear updates on their work in South Orange County. Their CIP projects invest $700 million in infrastructure projects including increasing capacity in RMV and improving groundwater retention. They just began an emergency project in the San Juan Creek on an exposed sewage pipe. A portion of the San Juan Creek Bike Trail will be closed during this emergency work to protect our waterways from a potential sewer spill. Stay updated on their website.
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 Here I am at the grand opening of Pentatonic Logic Guitar Studio with owner Eddie Campbell.
Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
Hi District 5! This week, we met with AgeWell Senior Services to strengthen our partnership in supporting seniors across the district. AgeWell’s 50-year history and one-on-one service model serves about 3,000 clients and delivers roughly 30,000 home-delivered meals and 8,000 congregate lunches each month. We discussed transportation for medical appointments, care management, and the importance of adapting meals for a more diverse demographic. Collaboration between our office and Agewell ensures seniors stay informed on town halls addressing wildfire preparedness, scams, and benefit redeterminations hosted by our office, all while using AgeWell vans to close transportation gaps. To learn more about AgeWell’s services, click here!
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Robbie LaBounty
District Representative
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Happy Friday District 5! This week I received an amazing thank you from a resident who needed our help. He needed a little bit of assistance to make it through the month after getting hit in a car accident. After listening to his story, I immediately reached out to our Orange County Care Coordination team and asked them to reach out and see what resources we could provide. An intake team reached out and was able to get him some rental and utility assistance when he needed it most. He let me know on Monday that I made a massive difference in his life and thanked us for our compassion and dedication. |
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
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
Dana Point Pup Paddle
August 23, 8AM - 10AM
 
Camino Real Playhouse
Dana Point Summer Skate Camp
Science Tuesdays at Kerckhoff Marine Laboratory
Free marine science events at OC's only marine laboratory including activities, speakers, and tours! Learn more here.
Lyric Opera of Orange County presents Macbeth
Aging in Place Resource Fair
OCTA Long-Range Transportation Plan Community Meeting and Online Survey
OCFA Girls Empowerment Camp 2026
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 Sunset Cinema Series
OC Parks Summer Concerts in the Park
Doheny State Beach Cleanups
OC Office on Aging Introduces Free Mobile App for Senior Resources!
Local Arts & Entertainment
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.
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
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, Manny!
Combos are one of the best things in life, and we can’t think of a better one than Manny! This handsome 2-year-old boy is a lovable Siberian Husky and Pit Bull mix who’s ready to be your new favorite combo.
Manny may be a little shy with new people, but give him treats and a ball, and he'll be your best friend! Manny loves playing fetch, tug-of-war, and bonus, he's dog friendly! He often participates in dog play group where he can unleash his zoomies and socialize with other dogs his size.
Manny is potty-trained and already mastered his basic commands. He is best suited in an adult only home where he can bask in your love and affection. Come meet Manny (A1945952) and see why this sweet boy is the perfect mix of everything you love!
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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