|
|
| Volume 6 | Issue 36 |
September 4, 2026 |
|
|
Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear Neighbor:
We started September focused on what matters most: protecting our communities, strengthening health care, improving transportation, and supporting the organizations that make Orange County a better place to live.
On Wednesday, the Gibby Fire broke out near Ortega Highway in Rancho Mission Viejo. OCFA firefighters and hand crews attacked the fire aggressively from the ground and air, while helicopters used the District 5 funded San Juan Capistrano HeloPod to refill faster. By that evening, firefighters stopped the fire’s forward progress. I’m grateful to OCFA, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, OC Parks employees, CalFire, and our partner agencies for protecting Rancho Mission Viejo and surrounding communities.
|
  When a wildfire strikes, every minute matters. Sign up for AlertOC to directly receive emergency alerts.
Building Healthier Communities
Hospital Association Roundtable
This week, my office brought Orange County hospital leaders together to discuss the challenges facing our health care system as federal and state changes under HR 1 take effect. We focused on impacts to coverage, County procedures, hospital capacity, and where we can work together to prevent gaps in care. Our hospitals form a critical part of Orange County’s safety net. They shared about increased costs totaling $55M and growing related to the now 100,000 who lost their health insurance this year. We discussed strategies to help our eligibility staff enroll residents to prevent loss of coverage. I will continue bringing leaders together to identify problems early and develop practical solutions.
Attendees: Chad Lefteris, President and CEO of UCI Health, Robert Braithwaite, President and CEO of Hoag Memorial, Brian Helleland, Chief Executive, Providence, Warren Bradley, CEO of College Hospital Costa Mesa, and representatives from Kaiser Permanente, Rady/CHOC, MemorialCare, and the Hospital Association of Southern California.
 OCTA Updates
Public Hearing Regarding Draft Environmental Impact Report – Interstate 5 El Toro Road Interchange Project
Caltrans and the OCTA recently held public hearings on proposed changes to the I-5/El Toro Road interchange in Laguna Hills. The project could affect local traffic, freeway access, and the City-approved Village at Laguna Hills redevelopment, so community input matters.
Residents can review the proposed improvements and submit comments to Caltrans through September 14, 2026. Email D12.ELToro@dot.ca.gov or mail comments to Caltrans District 12, Division of Environmental Analysis, 1750 E. 4th Street, Suite 100, Santa Ana, CA 92705, Attn: Gabriela Duran.
 Building Opportunities to Call Orange County Home
Friendship Shelter – Bridge the Gap & Build Solutions
I joined Friendship Shelter for its Bridge the Gap & Build Solutions reception supporting its work across South Orange County. Since 1988, Friendship Shelter has helped more than 10,000 people through shelter, housing, and supportive services, and each year helps more than 100 people move from homelessness into permanent housing. Nearly 95% of those housed last year remained safely and stably housed. The 500 housed by 2027 campaign began last night. They can house an individual for $10,000 annually, but living on the streets costs taxpayers about $100,000. Thank you to Friendship Shelter for continuing to deliver real housing solutions for our needy neighbors.
 With the CEO of Friendship Shelter, Nishtha Mohendra.
Engaging with our Community
Festival of Children Opening Night and Grant
This week, I presented a $5,000 grant from the Festival of Children Foundation to Project3R during the opening celebration for the 25th Annual Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza. I selected Project3R because District 5 resident and inspiring young person, Ryan Hickman, leads our community in coastal cleanups, recycling education, and sustainability work across Orange County. Thank you to Festival of Children founder Sandy Segerstrom Daniels for 25 years of bringing attention and resources to organizations serving children and families.
 Top left: With Sandy Segerstrom Daniels; Top right: With retired CMPD Vic Bakala; Bottom right: With Arts & Learning Conservatory CEO Debora Wondercheck and Chief of Staff Keisha Lucier.
Vintage Laguna Locals
I had the pleasure of joining Tom Joliet today for his “Vintage Laguna Locals” podcast on KX FM 104.7. Tom was honored as our 2025 Veteran of the Year at our office’s Fifth Annual Veterans of the Year Awards last November. He now speaks with locals on his community radio show. It’s community members like Tom, and platforms like KX FM, that make Laguna Beach a thriving and safe community.
 With Tom “Tommy J” Joliet.
A Look Ahead
On Saturday, I’ll join union members, working families, and community partners at the Orange County Labor Federation’s annual Labor Day Picnic. Labor Day gives us an opportunity to recognize the workers who keep Orange County running and continue fighting for fair wages, safe workplaces, and opportunities for working families.
This week we also helped our son move into his apartment in Brooklyn, New York. He’s embarking on a new adventure. He’s well prepared for it by his great education in our Newport Mesa schools and through OCC’s fashion design program. Thanks to all the teachers, coaches, and mentors who encouraged him to pursue his dreams no matter how challenging. It takes a village. We appreciate ours.
 Be well,
 Katrina Foley
Vice Chair
County of Orange
|
In This Edition
Read more about local events, community and health news, District and County initiatives, and other important updates!
|
|
 Upcoming Board of Supervisors Meeting on September 15, 2026
Community Correspondence
 
|
|
Staff Reports
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Happy Friday, District 5! Next Tuesday, OCTA Regional Transportation Planning (RTP) Committee will review updates on OCTA’s Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Program, which coordinates traffic light signals across jurisdictions to improve traffic flow, as well as regional active transportation efforts that support safer walking and biking throughout Orange County. Vice Chair Foley remains focused on improving mobility and helping residents travel safely and efficiently throughout Orange County. Please join us in person for the meeting or attend the live stream here. Have a safe Labor Day weekend.
|
Adam Tallabas
District Director
Happy Friday. This week, I continued progress on planning our upcoming Senior Summit and Veterans of the Year events. More details soon on those. This weekend, our nation recognizes Labor Day- which is not just an excuse for an extra day off or a weekend barbecue. This holiday was established to celebrate and recognize the contributions made by organized labor, whose members work every day to power our economy and society. From electricians to plumbers, public employees, warehouse & grocery employees and more, we thank them for their activism in securing things like weekends, equal pay, paid time off, sick time, and so many more cornerstones of healthy workplaces. I encourage all to read more here.
|
Abby Paulson
District Representative
Happy Friday. D5! This week, I joined the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce at their quarterly Business Council meeting to talk about the Dana Point Harbor and issues impacting San Clemente. I enjoyed connecting with business leaders and City leadership and look forward to continued partnership supporting our thriving economy in the Fabulous Fifth District.
Additionally, I met with our Parks and Open Spaces Subcommittee, where we discussed open space best practices for treating invasive plants, Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) plants, and areas the County can improve transparency.
I also attended Truely Gelato’s official ribbon cutting with Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. Here I am with the leadership team from Truely Gelato and Truly Pizza, welcoming their Italian-inspired gelato traditions to the Dana Point community.
|
Robbie LaBounty
District Representative
 |
|
Happy Friday District 5! This week I had the opportunity to attend 5 different events in the district supporting our local businesses and nonprofits. In Costa Mesa I presented a proclamation to the Costa Mesa Historical Society in honor of their 50th anniversary, a huge milestone for an amazing organization that has worked tirelessly to preserve artifacts and history in Costa Mesa. I also attended the Wild Water Express Wash grand re-opening; this Costa Mesa staple re-opened recently with brand new equipment for the community to benefit from. In Irvine I attended the grand opening of LagunaSeka Inc. which offers premium skincare products from Korea. I stopped by Levain Bakery for its grand opening in Fashion Island, this NY staple will definitely be enjoyed by the community. Finally, I was down in San Clemente for the grand opening of Klatch Coffee, this family-owned business sources, roasts, and brews its coffee to make the perfect cup. |
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:
-
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.
-
Orange County In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Advisory Committee
-
Must be a recipient who is a current or past user of personal assistance services.
-
Public Financing Advisory Committee
-
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
Maintenance Alert
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
Veterans Coffee Talk
September 5, 2026
Senior Scan Stopper Seminar
September 10, 2026
Ocean Institute's 42nd Annual Maritime Festival
Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay
September 19, 2026
OC Public Libraries: Paint and Swap
Fall Gardening Workshops
Camino Real Playhouse
Lyric Opera of Orange County presents Macbeth
October 22 - 23, 2026
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.
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, Missy!
Missy is a 2-year-old friendly German Shepherd mix who loves to be out and about. She might be shy when you first meet her but give her treats and she'll be your best friend! Missy enjoys playing fetch, splashing in the pool, and rolling over for belly rubs. She also knows basic commands and will gladly show them off for yummy treats.
Missy's favorite thing to do is lounge by your side, soaking up all the love she can get. She is looking for a family to share her sweet and playful personality with. She would do best in an adult only home so she can she take her time settling in. Give Missy (A1886845) a chance and adopt or foster-to-adopt her 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
|
|
Thank you for being an active member of our County.
Please share this newsletter with family and friends!
Follow us and be the first to know about important announcements in your community!
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
@SupervisorFoley
|
|
|
|
|
