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| Volume 6 | Issue 41 |
October 9, 2026 |
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Coastal Flooding Emergency: Stay Safe and Stay Informed
My office continues to partner and direct supports to our cities and residents experiencing experiencing flooding from elevated tides and surf, with more impacts expected as Tropical Storm Rachel approaches Southern California.
Newport Beach experienced significant street flooding on the Balboa Peninsula, and the City declared a local emergency today. At my request, OC Public Works delivered 20,000 sandbags to Newport Beach and has crews and heavy equipment ready to respond. The City of Costa Mesa also delivered extra sandbags to Newport Beach to help residents protect their properties. I’m also working to get Newport pumps to prevent further flooding. Please let us know how else we can help you.
I joined a call with Beach Rd residents in Dana Point to identify supports needed. We plan to deposit 9000 cubic yards of sand at Capo Beach this week to help. We also reached out to the building trades for labor and equipment help to protect the homes, and to coastal commission related to emergency permits.
The National Weather Service expects the greatest coastal flooding risk again Sunday, with rain and gusty winds also expected this weekend.
 Photo courtesy of Daily Pilot
For official information and emergency alerts:
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AlertOC — Orange County’s official mass-notification system sends emergency alerts, evacuation information, warnings, and public safety instructions by phone, text, and email. Register at https://www.AlertOC.com
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Orange County El Niño Response Website — launched today with current County response information, preparedness resources, storm updates, and links to local city resources: https://www.ocgov.com/el-nino
The County of Orange and our coastal cities are actively responding.
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County response: The County’s Operational Area Emergency Operations Center remains activated at a low level for ongoing coastal weather impacts. OC Emergency Management continues coordinating across jurisdictions, while OC Public Works has delivered sandbags to Newport Beach and has crews and heavy equipment ready to respond
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Newport Beach: Encourages residents and travelers to avoid flooded portions of the Balboa Peninsula and follow all road closures. Residents can pick up free sandbags at the City Corporation Yard: 592 Superior Avenue. Call 949-644-3055 to confirm availability. Empty bags are also available at Newport Beach fire stations.
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Laguna Beach: Sandbag resources include Act V: 1900 Laguna Canyon Road, and Aliso Beach East, 31132 South Coast Highway, when activated. Empty bags are available at all four fire stations. Call Laguna Beach Public Works to confirm availability (949) 497-0711.
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Dana Point: Residents should monitor the City’s El Niño and Beach Road updates, especially in vulnerable coastal areas. For immediate concerns call (949) 770-6011.
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San Clemente: Residents can fill up to 25 free sandbags at Richard T. Steed Memorial Park: 247 Avenida La Pata, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call (949) 361-8317 to confirm availability.
Please share this information with your neighbors in impacted areas.
Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear neighbor:
This week, I joined Assemblywoman Laurie Davies, the mayors of San Clemente and Dana Point, the California Coastal Commission staff and commissioners, and Undersecretary for Natural Resources Bright to educate them on the coastal erosion in South Orange County and our needs. Our south county leaders are working together to get sand onto these beaches. We prioritized a waterside view since the beach is completely eroded. I appreciated discussing potential strategies for saving our coastline and how quickly we can mobilize to protect our county from El Niño. Thank you to Orange County Harbor Patrol for safely transporting us on the tour.
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 Infrastructure Updates
Coastal Rail Project Completion and Trail Reopening
Today, OCTA and Fifth District community leaders celebrated completion of a major coastal rail protection project and the reopening of the popular pedestrian trail near Mariposa Point in San Clemente. For the people of San Clemente and neighboring communities, reopening this trail means restoring a connection that was lost to to bluff landslides, and serves as an important part of everyday life along our coast. Sand replenishment, shoreline protection, and strong partnerships at every level remain critical as we confront the ongoing effects of increasingly severe coastal conditions.
 Top left: With Congressman Mike Levin; Bottom: With Assemblywoman Laurie Davies, Congressman Mike Levin, City leaders, and OCTA Directors.
Dana Point Harbor Phase 3 Construction Walk
I joined the Harbor Partners and our County teams in Dana Point for a tour of the commercial core construction. Exciting progress continues in phase three, with new waterfront buildings going up. The next phase of construction – beginning this fall – includes the Wharf. I encourage you to support the small businesses on the Wharf, open through the end of the month. We checked in on Turks last night and it was packed. Nice to see so much support for this beloved spot. I’ve requested that the Harbor Partners find a new home for Turks in the new buildings. Stay tuned. Also, Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching and the Catalina Express will continue operating from temporary trailers throughout the construction. Make your holiday dolphin and whale watching reservation today.
 OCTA Regional Planning Committee
On Monday, the OCTA Regional Transportation Project Committee received an update on several projects, including the Los Patrones Parkway Extension, the Ortega Highway Gap Closure and Multimodal Improvements Project, and the I-5 Improvement Project from the County Line to Avenida Pico. I shared concerns regarding the Ortega Highway Gap Closure, particularly its impact on Riata Glen Senior Living employees who rely on Ortega Highway for their daily commute. These essential workers need reliable access to arrive on time and provide uninterrupted care and services to residents.
At my direction, OCTA continues exploring potential employee shuttle options for Riata Glen and opportunities to expedite construction. I’ve requested that our team reach out to management at Riata Glen to better understand the concerns and find solutions. Additionally, the contract with the City of San Juan Capistrano restricts construction to the hours of 6am-6pm, which significantly hinders progress. OCTA, the City, and the contractors plan to talk to the city and HOAs to rework this limitation in hopes of decreasing lengthy construction on Ortega Highway.
 Investing in our Environment
Randall Preserve Check Presentation
We must continue investing in and protecting our coastal open spaces. Randall Preserve gives our community a place to connect with nature while protecting critical habitat for wildlife and native plants. Thank you to Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris for bringing $2 million home to support transitioning this decommissioned oil field into a beloved coastal access wilderness park. This funding helps pay for the first phase of opening.
 Engaging with our Community
Solidarity Awards Gala
I attended the 26th Annual Solidarity Awards Gala hosted by the Orange County Labor Federation. The gala gathers local labor leaders, workers, and allies to honor union members, community partners, and leaders who stand up for fair wages, safe workplaces, and dignity on the job. Congratulations to local labor unions for their progress this year. My office remains committed to supporting our workforce and working families across Orange County.
- Delegate of the Year Award: Glenn Ball, CWA Local 9510
- Organizing Award: UNAC/UHCP
- Friend of Labor Award: Labor Community Services, Los Angeles
- Friend of Labor Award: Colette’s Children’s Home
- Solidarity Lifetime Achievement Award: Judy Bowling
 Left to right: OC Labor Federation Executive Director Gloria Alvarado, former OCEA President Judy Bowling, OCEA General Manager Charles Barfield, OCEA President Leti Guererro, and Supervisor Foley.
Pacific Marine Mammal Center Grand Opening
Last weekend, I joined the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, celebrating their 55th Anniversary, Next Wave Expansion, and upcoming public reopening. Established in 1971, PMMC spent more than five decades responding to sick, injured, out of habitat, deceased, or entangled marine mammals out of Laguna Beach. Now, after a three-year modern expansion, they reopened for the community to experience the important wildlife rescue work happening here in Orange County.
 With Laguna Beach City Councilmembers Alex Rounaghi & Sue Kempf, PMMC interim CEO Blair Contratto, PMMC Board Chair Roger Faubel, Mayor Mark Orgill, and Councilmember Hallie Jones.
Laguna Niguel Women Who Mean Business
Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
- Assemblywoman Laurie Davies
- Jennifer Pinnegar of Goosehead Insurance
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Toral Parmar of Saddleback City Lifestyle Magazine
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Former DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart
Thank you to the Chamber and the incredible sponsors for bringing our community together to recognize the women keeping the Fifth District thriving.
 Have a great weekend!
 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 October 13, 2026
Community Correspondence
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Staff Reports
Alyssa Napuri
Deputy Chief of Staff
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I attended the City of Hope’s special gathering this week, honoring breast cancer patients and survivors and celebrating the hope and resilience of the community that surrounds them. Building a healthier Orange County means investing in cancer awareness, reducing stigma, expanding access to screenings, and supporting academic studies and medical research. City of Hope is an important community leader, bringing world-class cancer treatment and research directly to our local residents.
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 Top: With Irvine Councilmember Melinda Liu; Bottom: With City of Hope staff and leadership.
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Happy Friday, District 5! On Thursday, the Vietnamese American Arts and Letters Association (VAALA) kicked off Viet Film Fest 2026 in Orange County, the largest international Vietnamese film festival in the diaspora. The festival offers in-person screenings October 8-11 at The Frida Cinema and virtual screenings October 12-25. One of this year's featured films (the very first from Taiwan), Strangers and Their Babies, chronicles my family's journey from Vietnam by boat and their resettlement in Taiwan's Penghu Islands, where I was born – before our family eventually immigrated to the United States. Vice Chair Foley recognizes the importance of celebrating our diverse communities and preserving the stories of immigrant and refugee families whose journeys have helped shape Orange County's rich cultural heritage.
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Adam Tallabas
District Director
This week, I worked with our partners in Costa Mesa, Laguna Hills and OC Public Works to finalize details on our upcoming El Nino Sandbag Distribution. Our two events:
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October 20: Costa Mesa Senior Center, 4-7pm
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October 27: Laguna Hills Mall (the side off El Toro), 4-7pm
Residents can obtain up to 50 bags of pre-filled sand. You will not be scooping the sand yourself.
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On Thursday, November 12, join our team in celebrating those who support healthy lives for veterans at the 2026 Veterans of the Year celebration. This year’s theme, “Supporting Healthy Lives for Veterans,” celebrates the veterans contributing to the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of their fellow servicemembers – such as doctors, nurses, therapists, and more. Nominate a veteran HERE.
Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
To cap off the week, we surprised Dianne Smith, administrator for the Laguna Niguel Chamber, with a birthday celebration. Dianne makes the wheels turn, and seeing so many people show up for her felt amazing. Happy birthday, Dianne!
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 With Dianne Smith (Laguna Niguel chamber) and Doug Becht (OC Office of Care Coordination).
Abby Paulson
District Representative
Happy Friday, D5! This week, I joined CalOES in Capistrano Beach to look at damages from Hurricane Marie. As we prepare for more high tide and storm events, we continue working with our coastal communities to protect homes and businesses.
Additionally, I attended the Rady Children Health, Orange County, legislative breakfast briefing. Hosted at Orange Coast College, we heard about the Gastrointestinal Integrative Health Program. The program aims to advance pediatric integrative health through nutrition and culinary medicine, combining medical expertise with nutrition education and hands on cooking skills for families managing digestive disorders. In Orange County, 1 in 6 children face food insecurity. Programs like this help equip families with skills to use food as medicine while balancing the high cost of groceries.
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Robbie LaBounty
District Representative
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Happy Friday District 5! This week I attended a ribbon cutting for Vatan, a brand new upscale Persian restaurant on the Balboa Island Peninsula. They’re elevating Persian cuisine and delivering a fine dining experience at the restaurant. I really enjoyed getting to meet the owner and the head chef as well as talking about all the different techniques that to make the culinary experience special. |
Intern Update - Malia
Hi District 5! I’m a new policy/district intern for Supervisor Katrina Foley. My name is Malia, and I’m a political science student at Irvine Valley College. I’ve lived in Orange County my whole life and I hope to give further support to my community. I look forward to serving the Fabulous Fifth District!
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
San Clemente's National Night Out
October 16, 2026
Repair Café
October 17, 2026
OC Public Libraries Outdoor Film Screenings
Halloween Spooktacular & Trunk or Treat
October 24, 2026
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
November 7-8, 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, Lyric!
Adopting Lyric would be music to your ears! She's a friendly 4-year-old Doberman Pinscher mix who's ready to put a smile on your face. Lyric knows basic commands, loves playing fetch, and exploring the world around her. She's a happy dog with plenty of love to give!
Lyric feels most comfortable around women and is continuing to build her confidence and social skills around men. With patience, understanding, and a little encouragement, you could help her continue to shine!
Could Lyric (A1971548) be the missing note in your family's song? Visit OC Animal Care to meet her and see if you're a perfect match!
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.
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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