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| Volume 6 | Issue 43 |
October 23, 2026 |
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Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
Dear neighbor:
This week, I joined OCFA Fire Chief TJ McGovern and Congressman Mike Levin to survey the damage from the Norte Fire in San Juan Capistrano. The fire burned approximately 570 acres, damaged or destroyed seven homes, and forced approximately 16,000 residents to evacuate from 6,000 homes. The cleanup work remains underway and now with the rains coming, we worry about mudslides.
I’m working directly with impacted residents to deliver sandbag and wattles to secure the hills above their homes. We’re also working with 211 to help with temporary housing through donations of homes from Airbnb. My office continues to assist residents with property tax relief for the residents whose homes were destroyed or damaged and uninhabitable due to the fire. We need more volunteers to fill sandbags and place wattles. If you can help, call 714-834-3550 or email Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com. Call the OC Assessor’s Office for potential property tax relief at 714-834-2727 or fill out the form here.
Our firefighters delivered an extraordinary response. More than 750 firefighters from multiple state, regional and local agencies, first responders, and support personnel joined the response, attacking the fire from ground and air to protect people and property. This included 67 engines, 13 hand crews, and 11 helicopters.
I am deeply grateful to every firefighter, Sheriff’s deputy, emergency worker, and partner agency that responded with speed, skill, and courage. We remain fully committed to supporting everyone impacted by the disaster. Don’t hesitate to call our office at 714-834-3550 or email Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com if you need any resources.
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 With Congressman Mike Levin and OCFA Fire Chief TJ McGovern.
Keeping Our Communities Safe
Laguna Emergency Operations Center Ribbon Cutting
I joined Laguna Beach city officials and community members this week to celebrate the grand opening of the city's first standing Emergency Operations Center, named in recognition of Matt Lawson for his decades of service as an advocate for emergency preparedness. Laguna Beach faces real risks from wildfire, storms, and coastal hazards. This critical investment allows the city a permanent location to coordinate emergency response quickly, without the delay of set up, equipped with modern technology to support all departments in an emergency.
 Top: With Matt Lawson; Top Right: With Councilmember Alex Rounaghi, Mayor Mark Orgill, Councilmember Sue Kempf, and Councilmember Bob Whalen; Bottom Right: With Emergency Operations Coordinator Sarah Limones and Councilmember Alex Rounaghi.
Building Healthier Communities
19th Annual Senior Summit
More than 650,000 older Americans call Orange County home. Today, we hosted our 19th Annual Senior Summit in partnership with CalOptima, connecting older adults with important services that support healthy aging and explains the needs, challenges and goals of older adults and their caregivers. Thank you to Aliso Viejo Ranch for welcoming us for another year! The event included health screenings and vaccinations, educational workshops, and free groceries supplied by Community Action Partnership OC for our attendees to take home. We enjoyed incredible presentations on aging independently, caregiving, and disaster preparedness for our seniors. We closed the day with movement, enjoying a Jazzercise session hosted by Nancy Brady of Dana Point Jazzercise.
 Top Left: With OCFA Education Specialist Milton Neira; Middle Right: With representatives from Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation, Bottom Left: With Laguna Woods Mayor Pro Tem Pearl Lee; Bottom Right: With Irvine Councilmember Melinda Liu and Sen. Catherine Blakespear's Deputy District Director Kim Carr
Infrastructure Updates
Metrolink is temporarily suspending its passenger rail service through San Clemente due to anticipated high tides along the coastal rail corridor. Service will temporarily terminate at the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station from Monday, October 26, through Friday, October 30, in anticipation of forecasted high tides that could impact railroad tracks in south Orange County. This proactive approach is intended to minimize the potential for significant passenger delays and unanticipated service disruptions.
The LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency has determined that Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service will continue operating through the affected area, with buses on standby to accommodate passengers should track conditions require a temporary closure. Passengers are encouraged to visit Metrolink's service updates and Pacific Surfliner's travel alerts for the latest service information. We will keep you informed of any significant developments or additional changes to service.
Celebrating JWA Concessions
This week, we celebrated ribbon cuttings for six new concessions at John Wayne Airport, including The Goods @ SNA, Boutique Del Mar, SoCal Essentials, Orange Coast by Hudson, Market 949, and Five Vines. These openings are a part of the Airport’s Concession Development Program, delivering a significant transformation to the dining and retail experience across all Terminals. Our new concessions stimulate economic activity, support local family-owned businesses and artisans, create jobs, and reinforce John Wayne Airport's role as a major hub for economic development in Orange County.
 Environmental Protections
Costa Mesa Sandbag Distribution
On Tuesday, my office distributed free sandbags and natural disaster resource kits at the Costa Mesa Senior Center to our neighbors in preparation of upcoming El Nino storms. OC Public Works served 56 vehicles and distributed 1,256 sandbags. We expect severe weather this winter, bringing flooding, high tides, and widespread damage across the county. Taking steps to make sure you are informed and prepared beforehand is crucial to keeping your properties safe. If you missed this event, there will be another next Tuesday, October 27, at the Laguna Hills Mall from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. limited to 50 sandbags per person.
 Engaging with our Community
Bungalow 30th Anniversary
On Tuesday, I attended The Bungalow’s 30th Anniversary Celebration in Corona del Mar. I enjoyed honoring three decades of business, while also supporting the Hoag Hospital Foundation. Congrats to owners Louie Feinstein and Jim Walker for creating a special place where locals gather, celebrate milestones, and generously give back to our community. Cheers to 30 more years!
 With Jim Walker and Louie Feinstein.
A Look Ahead
We have a busy weekend ahead. The Café Mesa officially opens tomorrow! My office invested $1.2 million in this location near the Donald Dungan Library, giving visitors a new spot to enjoy coffee after picking up a book. We also provided funding to support the purchase of café equipment. Join us for the ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. at Lions Park.
Tonight, I’ll attend the BIAOC Installation Gala in Rancho Mission Viejo to celebrate industry leaders and welcome new inductees into the BIASC Hall of Legends. This weekend, we’ll also celebrate the Nature Reserve’s 20th anniversary and two decades of environmental stewardship in Orange County.
Tomorrow, we’re getting into the Halloween spirit at Boo at the Bay! Bring the family to the Halloween party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center in Newport Beach.
Stay safe this weekend, neighbors. I know this is a challenging time for many in the Fifth District. Please remember you can always contact my office if you need any support. We’re here to help.
In solidarity,
 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 27, 2026
Community Correspondence
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Staff Reports
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Happy Friday, District 5! This Monday, the OCTA Board of Directors will review updated construction market conditions and long-range Measure M2 sales tax forecasts to assess future transportation project costs, funding, and delivery timelines. The analysis incorporates revenue projections from Neumo, Chapman University, Cal State Fullerton, and UCLA to help guide transportation investments under the Measure M2 Next 10 Delivery Plan. Vice Chair Foley remains committed to ensuring responsible use of taxpayer dollars while advancing critical transportation improvements that strengthen mobility, infrastructure, and connectivity throughout Orange County. Please join us in person for the meeting or attend the live stream here.
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Adam Tallabas
District Director
Please join our office for the Fifth District Veterans of the Year event! Nominate a veteran at bit.ly/D5VOTY.
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Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
Happy Friday, District 5! This week I saw our annual Senior Summit through from planning to the event itself. This morning at Aliso Viejo Ranch, older adults, caregivers, and families joined our team and CalOptima for resources and connection, and our panel with healthcare providers explored aging across every life stage. Thank you to every partner and resident who came out!
I also assisted with submitting our office’s policy positions to the County Executive Office’s Legislative Affairs team to shape how Orange County advocates in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. Finally, I focused on policy analysis for the October 27 Board of Supervisors meeting, reviewing items for fiscal responsibility and impact on District 5. Tune in Tuesday or share your thoughts through public comment.
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Abby Paulson
District Representative
Happy Friday, D5. Over the past few weeks, multiple natural disasters struck the Fabulous Fifth District. This week, I joined the City of San Clemente at a town hall for residents impacted by the Norte Fire. I shared county resources and connected with residents who lost their homes in the fire. We continue working diligently to help residents secure sandbags, wattles, and other resources to protect their homes ahead of the rain. For residents living near the burn scar, check out OC Public Works resource guide here for more information.
We also met with our Coastal Resource Manager and Director of OC Community resources to discuss coastal impacts to our Orange County beaches and parks. Hurricane Marie and tropical storm Rachel took a toll on our coast, causing damage to parking lots, lifeguard towers, rock revetment, and more at our public beaches. Our OC Parks team continues to place 9,000 cubic yards of sand at Capistrano Beach while evaluating solutions for other areas of our coast. This sand will protect public infrastructure and, as storm season continues, flow down our coast to help protect homes on Beach Road.
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Robbie LaBounty
District Representative
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Happy Friday District 5! This week I helped welcome BODYROK to the Costa Mesa business community at their grand opening. This reimagined Pilates studio will help our residents get a solid workout and ensure they look and feel their best. The key to a consistent workout routine is making it fun and having a supportive community behind you, and BODYROK aims to offer that to all its clients. |
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
Aging in Place Resource Fair
November 7, 2026
OC Office on Aging Introduces Free Mobile App for Senior Resources!
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
Cafe Mesa
October 24, 2026
Halloween Spooktacular & Trunk or Treat
October 24, 2026
OC Public Libraries Outdoor Film Screenings
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.
Local Arts & Entertainment
2026 Call For Artists
The San Clemente Pier Conservancy, in partnership with the City of San Clemente, invites artists and artist teams to apply for the third installation of Art on the Pier, a public art program celebrating the unique culture, history, and character of the San Clemente Pier.
For more information, visit scpierconservancy.org.
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, Baker!
Baker's personality is transforming beautifully, like leaves turning brilliant shades in the fall. This 7-year-old German Shepherd arrived at the shelter fearful and anxious, but with love and support from our staff and volunteers, Baker is thriving and becoming the friendly and playful dog he was always meant to be.
Baker knows basic commands and he loves going on walks. His ideal home includes loving adults who can help him take baby steps toward big confidence. He will thrive with patience, encouragement, and a calm home where he is the only pet.
Does Baker (A1972922) sound like the pet you're looking for? Schedule a visit and adopt or foster-to-adopt him at 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.
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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