Staff Reports
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Happy Friday, District 5! This Monday, the OCTA Board of Directors will review and vote on the Orange County Transportation Authority’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 Metrolink Operating Subsidy for the Second Quarter. Metrolink continues operating under a continuing resolution through December 31 while finalizing its FY 2026-27 budget and service plan. Metrolink requests $51.9 million annually from OCTA, exceeding OCTA’s $46 million funding limit. The Board will consider $10.5 million for second-quarter operations, bringing OCTA’s authorized contribution through December to $25 million. Vice Chair Foley continues advocating for safe, reliable Metrolink service while protecting Orange County’s long-term transportation funding. Please join us in person for the meeting or attend the live stream here. Happy Tết Trung Thu to those who celebrate it.
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Adam Tallabas
District Director
This week flew by! On Tuesday, I hosted our booth at Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris' Senior Scam Stopper Seminar in Irvine. There, I connected with seniors regarding services offered by the County, our upcoming Senior Summit, and more. That night, I attended American Business Women Association’s American Business Women’s Day celebration at IKEA in Costa Mesa. There, I spoke on behalf of the Vice Chair, who is a businesswoman herself, on the importance of supporting not only small, locally owned businesses, but women-ran businesses especially.
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Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
Hi, all! I kicked off this week by planning District 5’s annual Senior Summit with our District Director, Adam Tallabas. I then met with a local constituent, Laguna Niguel city staff, and Laguna Niguel OCFA Division Chief Reid Gibson to discuss wildfire safety efforts in our region. I also joined city staff and the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce for Aliso Viejo’s annual State of the City event, where I learned about exciting projects underway in our district, including initiatives related to fiscal health, housing growth, and new community amenities like pump tracks, all contributing to a safe, happy, and healthy community.
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Abby Paulson
District Representative
Happy Friday, D5! Over the weekend, I joined Stand up to Trash on California Coastal Clean-up day at the Dana Point Harbor. 406 amazing volunteers showed up, and together we removed 271.5 pounds of trash. I also joined the Dana Point Historical Society at their Founders Day ceremony. We honored Jack LoConsolo, owner of Jack's Restaurant in Dana Point, a community staple for 30 years, continuously giving back to the Dana Point 5th Marine Support Regiment, Dana Point Woman’s Club, Senior meals, and more.
Additionally, I joined Killer Dana Surf shop at the Film Premiere for “Point Taken: The Legend of Killer Dana” highlighting the history of the iconic surf break. Thank you to all the incredible groups that helped shape this film, telling the stories of our iconic South Orange County Surfers. The film highlights the delicate balance between development and preservation—an idea we continue to explore today as our beaches shrink due to lack of natural sediment movement.
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Robbie LaBounty
District Representative
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Happy Friday District 5! I recently had the pleasure of welcoming Edge & Flow in Corona del Mar for their grand opening! This salon provides high-quality haircuts and salon services for the men of Corona del Mar. Our office loves to support the small businesses in our district, and we wish Edge & Flow success in the Fabulous Fifth district. |
Intern Update - Jake
I attended Costa Mesa’s Knowledge & Health Fair Expo, an annual event that brings valuable resources and services in the community to seniors and families. Seniors receive free health screenings, giveaways, and get their questions answered from healthcare professionals. This health fair is another great example of how we continue investing in our community's health and welfare here in Orange County. I look forward to seeing some of you at our 19th Annual Senior Summit on October 23. Sign up at https://bit.ly/kfseniorsummit .
Invest Clean
In 2024, my office helped convene the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant stakeholders alongside our County Climate experts and the AQMD. We successfully brought home $500 M from the Biden Administration, and now that funding is available as an INVEST CLEAN grant. Invest Clean is a regional initiative led by the South Coast Air Quality Management District to bring zero-emission technology to Southern California’s freight and shipping routes. The program recently launched two funding opportunities: the Last Mile Freight Program and the Charging Infrastructure Incentive Program. Learn more and apply at investclean.org/FundingOpportunities.
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
19th Annual Orange County Senior Summit
October 23, 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
Addressing Fire Safety in Rancho Mission Viejo
September 28, 2026
Eco Expo
September 30, 2026
Success Summit
September 30, 2026
Free Compost Giveaway
October 3, 2026
OC Public Library Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 to October 15, 2026
Dana Point Trolley Art & History Tour
October 10, 2026
Camino Real Playhouse
Lyric Opera of Orange County presents Macbeth
October 22 - 23, 2026
Aging in Place Resource Fair
November 7, 2026
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
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!
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, Bertha!
Bertha is an 8-year-old hippo look-a-like with a sass of a queen and the cuddles of a happy baby. She's potty-trained, playful, does great on walks, and is always ready for some fun! Her favorite pastime is rolling over for belly rubs! When she's not soaking up the love, she likes to stay busy by playing fetch and splashing around in the pool.
Bertha would love to meet her new family. That could be you! Give this sweet girl a chance and adopt or foster-to-adopt Bertha (A1949370) 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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