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| Volume 6 | Issue 44 |
October 30, 2026 |
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Weekly Update from Supervisor Foley
This week focused on the work that keeps Orange County safe, strong, and moving forward, including public safety, economic vitality, and protecting our coastline and neighborhoods.
Read on for updates from the Fabulous Fifth.
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Board of Supervisors and OCTA Meetings
This week the Board ratified a proclamation of local emergency for the recent Norte Fire that impacted San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, allowing the County to access resources for debris removal, damage mitigation, and recover. This action also allows us to continue to seek resources for impacted residents and prepare for additional risks, such as flooding and mudslides from upcoming storms.
The Board of Supervisors also approved a $1.9 million Wildlife Conservation Board grant to the Laguna Canyon Foundation to support native wildlife habitat restoration at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. This grant will restore 71 acres of native habitat in the next five years.
At OCTA, we continued the coastal rail emergency in San Clemente so crews can move faster on urgent shoreline protection. Work along the stretch of coast around Calafia State Beach, north of Cyprus Shore, will strengthen shoreline barriers and continue adding sand to protect the beach and rail line from erosion and high tides.
 Keeping Our Communities Safe
Sandbag Distribution in Laguna Hills
This week, nearly 2,800 free sandbags and disaster preparedness kits went home with residents from our Laguna Hills distribution, hosted by my office with support from OC Public Works. Last week, we also distributed more than 1,200 free sandbags and preparedness resources in Costa Mesa as we continue helping Fifth District communities prepare for El Niño storms.
Thank you to OC Public Works helping our communities prepare for flooding, high tides, and severe storms.
 Bottom right: With Assemblywoman Laurie Davies.
Tomorrow, October 31, we are bringing that effort to San Juan Capistrano. Starting at 10 a.m. while supplies last, residents can receive up to 50 free, pre-filled sandbags and preparedness information from local agencies. Staff will help load vehicles, so no shoveling is required.
Environmental Protections
Moving Spent Nuclear Fuel Off Our Coast
For years, I have fought to move spent nuclear fuel off our coast. As co-chair of the Spent Fuel Solutions Coalition and a member of the SONGS Community Engagement Panel, I continue pressing for a permanent solution.
This week, I joined Congressman Mike Levin at San Onofre as he unveiled a strategy to move the 3.6 million pounds of spent fuel off our coast and out of our State. His plan advances Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses in willing states and the federally certified Atlas rail system to safely transport the waste. Six states are already exploring these campuses. We cannot leave this dangerous waste on our coast indefinitely.
 Middle: With President & CEO of Southern California Edison Steve Powell, Congressman Mike Levin, and SONGS Community Engagement Panel Chair Daniel Stetson.
Nature Reserve 20th Anniversary
The Nature Reserve in Rancho Mission Viejo had their 20th anniversary this week, celebrating two decades of environmental stewardship in Orange County. This protected open space preserves over 20,000 acres of California wildlands, safeguarding dozens on native species, sensitive habitats, and natural ecosystems. They remain a fundamental pillar in preserving our biodiversity in Southern California. Congratulations on two decades, and to many more successful years of education, and conservation!
 Bottom: With Nature Reserve’s Executive Director Laura Coley Eisenberg.
Investing in our Economy
Café Mesa Grand Opening
Last weekend we celebrated the long-awaited opening of Café Mesa by Neat at Lions Park in Costa Mesa, completing a community investment envisioned nearly a decade ago alongside renovations to the park and the Donald Dungan Library. My office invested $1.2 million for this project to finally move forward and provided additional funding for equipment, bringing this community space to life while supporting a local homegrown, woman-owned business. Café Mesa will also give back to Costa Mesa’s two Orange County Public Libraries, with a share of the proceeds supporting library programs and improvements.
Grab a cup of coffee knowing your purchase will help support our local libraires!
 Top: Costa Mesa City Manager Cecilia Gallardo-Daly, Costa Mesa Councilmember Arlis Reynolds, NEAT owner Ally Gavrvin, Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens, Costa Mesa Councilmember Manuel Chavez, County Librarian Samanthna Smith, and Costa Mesa Public Works Director Raja Sethuramen. Bottom: With NEAT owner, Ally Garvin.
Balboa Bay Resort Grand Reveal
This week, I had the pleasure of joining the Balboa Bay Resort to celebrate their ribbon-cutting and grand reveal. This stunning transformation honors the glamour of Newport Beach’s Golden Age while introducing a new experience for modern guests, including a reimagined lobby, the new Bar nineteen48, and more. Congratulations to the entire team! I wish you continued longevity and success in the Fabulous Fifth District.
 With Balboa Bay Resort co-owner and manager Kevin Martin and his wife Devon Martin.
Engaging with our Community
Boo at the Bay
I had a great time at the Boo at the Bay Halloween Party this week. I joined families at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, reading stories and enjoying the fun costumes and activities. Thank you to OC Parks and all the incredible booth exhibitors for hosting this festive event; it is a perfect example of how Orange County continues to prioritize families.
 A Look Ahead
Next week, I will testify before the California Coastal Commission in support of two critical Orange County coastal projects. I will advocate for OCTA’s work to protect the San Clemente rail corridor and beaches and OC Public Works’ plan to expedite and streamline sand replenishment across Orange County. We need every level of government moving faster to restore our beaches and protect coastal infrastructure.
I also look forward to attending Mission San Juan Capistrano’s 250th Bell Ringing on Sunday. I’m excited to celebrate this amazing milestone of tradition, legacy, and impact. I hope to see you there!
Have a fun and safe Halloween 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 November 3, 2026
Community Correspondence
 
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Staff Reports
Anthony Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Happy Friday, District 5! This Monday, OCTA Regional Transportation Planning Committee will consider approving an agreement to provide public outreach services for the SR-55 Improvement Project between I-5 and SR-91. Construction on the 7.5-mile project through Anaheim, Orange, Santa Ana, and Tustin is scheduled to begin in early 2027. Outreach will keep residents, businesses, and drivers informed about lane closures, detours, construction, and traffic impact Vice Chair Katrina Foley continues to support transportation investments with clear, timely communication for impacted communities.
Please join us in person for the meeting or attend the live stream here.
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Adam Tallabas
District Director
This week, I organized our Laguna Hills and San Juan Sandbag Distributions in coordination with OC Public Works. There, we distributed 2,800 sandbags to D5 residents to protect their homes and businesses from floodwaters, bringing our total this month to 4,000 sandbags delivered to residents. Tomorrow, we host our third sandbag distribution of the month. Join us at Reata Park in San Juan Capistrano beginning at 10 am. I hope to see you there. Stay dry, and Happy Halloween! 🎃👻
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I am thrilled to announce the keynote speaker for our Veterans of the Year event: Justice Eileen C. Moore! Currently an Associate Justice in California’s 4th District Court of Appeal, Justice Moore served our nation in Vietnam as a registered nurse. Following her service, Justice Moore used her experience to advocate for and work towards a better experience for veterans returning from subsequent conflicts. Prior to her appointment, Justice Moore built a legal career in private practice in Newport Beach. She also practiced as a registered nurse, including service as a combat nurse with the Army Nurse Corps in Vietnam. She is a life member of Vietnam Veterans of America. In addition to her judicial position, Justice Moore has spent the past 25 years in support of veterans, particularly those who interact with the courts and the justice system. Since 2008, she has chaired the Judicial Council’s Veterans and Military Families subcommittee. She has authored over 100 articles on veterans’ legal issues. She is also the author of two books: Race Results compares the treatment of African Americans by the U.S. Supreme Court and in Hollywood movies, while Gender Results compares the treatment of gender issues by the U.S. Supreme Court and in Hollywood movies.
Morgan Goldstein
District Representative
Happy Friday 😊 This week I joined our Deputy Chief of Staff, Alyssa Napuri, at the Orange County Taxpayers Association’s 16th Annual Roses and Radishes Award Dinner. Every year, OCTax honors the leaders and organizations who stood up for taxpayers and calls out those who fell short. One of the many things OCTax has in common with Vice Chair Foley is their staunch opposition to tax increases. We work every budget cycle to make sure the County spends your dollars wisely. Thank you to OCTax for a fun evening!
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 Also, make sure to join Vice Chair Foley at the Aging in Place Resource Fair in Laguna Woods on November 7th. There she will give an update on the County’s Master Plan for Aging, ensuring Orange County remains a place all seniors can comfortably age in.
Abby Paulson
District Representative
Happy Friday, D5! This week, I joined our state and local representatives in San Juan Capistrano to meet with residents and see what we can do to secure slopes impacted by the fire ahead of the rain. Grab your sandbags tomorrow morning, beginning at 10 am at Reata Park. Each resident can receive up to 50 free prefilled sandbags to protect your homes and businesses.
I shared updates about the Norte Fire, coastal erosion, and the OCTA Coastal Rail at the San Clemente Legislative Affairs meeting. I also joined the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce at both their quarterly Workforce Open House at the Boys and Girls Club of San Clemente, and at their “Ready for ‘28” Certification class. So many incredible small businesses call the Fabulous Fifth District home. I learned about the opportunities our small businesses offer to help develop students and young adults in Orange County, and enjoyed hearing from small businesses as they prepare for the opportunities the LA2028 Olympics will bring. Supervisor Foley remains dedicated to workforce development and supporting our local small businesses.
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 Here I am at the Workforce Open House at Boys and Girls Club with local businesses owners and leaders in the education sector.
Robbie LaBounty
District Representative
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Happy Friday District 5! This week I had the opportunity to attend two important events in our District. On Tuesday I attended the Costa Mesa State of the City to watch Mayor Stephens give his final address to the city. It was great getting to hear him and the other Councilmembers who termed out talk about their best moments. Supervisor Foley thanks Mayor John Stephens, Mayor Pro-Tem Manuel Chavez, Councilmember Arlis Reynolds, and Councilmember Andrea Marr, for their service and dedication to Costa Mesa. I also attended the Newport Mesa State of the Schools at Newport Harbor High School to hear from Superintendent Dr. Wesley Smith about how well our schools are doing, while reiterating that we can always strive to be better. |
 Here I am with Mayor John Stephens and NMUSD Superintendent Dr. Wesley Smith.
Fair Market Rent Survey
Take the Fair Market Rent Survey and help HUD get Orange County’s rental numbers right. Your answers update the rents and support housing programs in our community. Take a few minutes and help the County!
Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LRVPBSC or scan the QR code below for your preferred language.
OCFA Sandbags
Several OCFA fire stations offer both sand and sandbags, while most OCFA stations have empty sandbags available to the public. Supplies are limited and may vary by location. Find locations and details here.
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
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
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, Cali!
Cali is a shy and sweet 4-year-old Jindo mix who thrives with slow introductions. Cali’s social skills are continuing to improve, and she’s enjoying life’s little adventures, from zoomies in the yard to long walks. Cali has also shown she is comfortable spending time on her own and enjoys having a little independence. She doesn't rely heavily on constant attention, making her an ideal candidate for adopters who want a companion that's affectionate in their own subtle way.
Cali (A1966136) may not be the first to jump into the spotlight, but she has a sweet personality waiting to be discovered. Give this girl a chance and visit her 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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Thank you for being an active member of our County.
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@SupervisorFoley
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