As Chair of the Metrolink Board of Directors, I had the honor of leading our March Board Meeting, where we recognized Chief Financial Officer Arnold Hackett for his dedicated years of service to Metrolink. Arnold joined Metrolink in 2019 as an Information Technology Consultant and quickly became an integral part of the organization, serving in key leadership roles, including Interim Chief Financial Officer, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Strategy Officer, before being appointed Chief Financial Officer in December 2021. I wish him continued success and thank him for his invaluable contributions to Metrolink. 

Following the meeting, we held our annual Board Workshop at the Knotts Berry Farm Hotel, bringing together regional partners to enhance rail service and transportation across Southern California.

Key topics included:

• OCTA Project Updates
• Optimized Metrolink Service
• Dedicated Transit Funding
• Rail Safety & Olympics Readiness
• BNSF Briefing on Freight & Passenger Rail Coordination
• State & Federal Transportation Advocacy

With insights from industry experts, these discussions are shaping the future of transit in Orange County and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates!

Team Chaffee took a tour of a portion Irvine Ranch Open Space and the OC Zoo this month.

The Irvine Ranch Open Space spans nearly 25,000 acres in the Eastern Foothills of Orange County and consists of protected wildlands, including six nature preserves. Hiking, biking and equestrian activities within Irvine Ranch Open Space are accessible through monthly self-guided Wilderness Access Days or scheduled programs.

After a short expedition in the Irvine Ranch Open Space, we met some friends at the OC Zoo. The Zoo's focus is on animals and plants native to the southwestern United States. Many of the animals are injured, orphaned, confiscated, or not releasable into the wild. Animals on exhibit include the following: black bear, mountain lion, bald eagle, kit fox, ocelot, beaver, great horned owl, porcupine, coyote, turkey vulture and more.

Thank you OC Parks for your hard work in conserving the Irvine Ranch open space and providing a nice home to our favorite animals.

I attended the ribbon cutting for the new Health Care Agency campus at Marine Way. Built on approximately 9.6 acres, the 68,000 square foot HCA building will host key department and services, including: a Public Health Lab, Community and Nursing Services, Emergency Management Center, and Agency Operations Center.

This was the County’s largest fast-track design-build project to date, setting a new standard for speed, collaboration, and quality in public infrastructure. The project team used a “Budget Tracker” tool to make real-time decisions with full transparency—keeping the County in control and ensuring that every dollar delivered value for the end-users.

Over six months of user engagement and design workshops hosted by the project team brought together public health officials, architects, builders, and facilities teams. From the layout of workstations to the design of the emergency operations center, every decision was shaped by the people who will use the space.

A key feature of the campus is the Biosafety Lab- Level 3 (BSL-3), one of the most advanced biosafety labs in the region. BSL-3 laboratories are used to study infectious agents or toxins that may be transmitted through the air and cause potentially lethal infections, such as anthrax or malaria.

This campus demonstrates the County's commitment to enhancing our community health and strengthening our ability to respond to public health crises. Thank you to HCA, OCPW, CEO Budget, and all other stakeholders for bringing this project to completion.

Join us, County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA), and CalOptima for a Children and Families Health Fair.

Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025

Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Magnolia High School located at 2450 W. Ball Road, Anaheim, CA

Residents can receive health screenings and food while supplies last; apply for food, health insurance and monetary benefits; and visit participating partners to find out more about other services and resources available to them.  SSA will bring its Mobile Response Vehicle – an office on wheels – and a team of eligibility professionals to assist attendees in applying for public assistance benefits or to answer questions recipients may have about their current benefits. In-language services will be available.

Local folklorico groups will provide entertainment during the event. Additionally, there will be a live cooking demonstration and class by Celebrity Chef Tue Nguyen. For more information regarding activities and resources at the event, visit d4.ocgov.com/2025-children-and-family-health-fair.

For any inquires please call the Office of Supervisor Doug Chaffee at (714) 834-3440 or email fourth.district@ocgov.com.

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Join Supervisor Doug Chaffee in partnership with OC United Way for an exciting summer experience at the Youth Career Connections Summer Career & Life Prep Academy!

Date: June 17 - July 16

Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Tuesdays – Fridays

Location: Fullerton College, 321 E. Chapman Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832

The Youth Career Connections Summer Career & Life Prep Academy is open to all current middle school students (7th-8th) and high school students (9th-11th) attending a school in the districts of Anaheim Union, Fullerton Joint Union, Brea-Olinda and Placentia-Yorba Linda. The program features guest speakers from local businesses and organizations, career prep workshops, and industry site visits. These workshops are designed to help you build essential skills for future careers, part-time jobs, and internships. The program also provides opportunities to tour companies, improve interview skills, and explore various career fields. Students will earn a certificate and a $250 scholarship upon completion.

To apply, visit https://ocuw.to/summer-academy

Deadline to apply: May 30th at 11:59pm

Keeping your family and community safe is simple. The OC Free Gun Lock Program provides free firearm locks to Orange County residents, helping prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of accidents. This program is open to all residents, with priority given to households in the Fourth District.

Orange County residents can now request free gun locks through an online form at d4.ocgov.com/FreeGunLocks, with locks mailed directly to their homes. Each package includes a video tutorial on safe firearm storage and information about California's evolving gun laws, including SB 53, which require secure storage for all firearms starting in 2026.

For more information or to request a free gun lock, visit d4.ocgov.com/FreeGunLocks.

OCTA encourages residents to apply for the Taxpayer Oversight Committee (TOC). Openings are available in the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Supervisorial Districts! The TOC ensures Measure M funds are spent on voter-approved transportation projects. Please visit octa.net/tocrecruitment for more information.

Applications due by May 4, 2025

Join the Toll Roads for their Spring Tours at Bonita Creek and Upper Chiquita Canyon, where you can learn about their conservation efforts and enjoy the beauty of nature. Limited spots available, reserve your spot now at TheTollRoads.com/SpringTours.

In support of International Compost Awareness Week, OC Waste and Recycling is excited to announce their upcoming Countywide FREE Compost Giveaway.

The event will take place from on May 3, 2025 from 7:30 a.m. to noon, while supplies last, at the following locations:

• Irvine: Bee Canyon Greenery, Frank R. Bowerman Landfill, 11002 Bee Canyon Access Rd.
• Brea: Valencia Greenery, Olinda Alpha Landfill, 1942 N. Valencia Ave. 
• San Juan Capistrano: Capistrano Greenery, Prima Deshecha Landfill, 32250 Avenida La Pata

Only prefilled bags are available at the Brea location with a 4-bag limit per household, while supplies last. Please note that rain will cancel the event. For more information, visit https://oclandfills.com/CompostGiveawayMay2025.

Donald may be shy when you first meet him, but once you offer him treats, he'll bloom like a flower in spring! He's a sweet two-year-old Pit Bull mix who's all about the foodie life!

So, what has Donald been up to? He’s been on a journey of growth and confidence-building! When he first arrived at OC Animal Care, he was incredibly nervous and unsure of people. But once we discovered his love for treats, everything started to change. With time, patience, and lots of treats, Donald has gone from flinching at touch to seeking out affection and belly rubs!

He's already a champ at basic commands and walks great on leash. Donald's (A1873432) come such a long way and is now ready to trade kennel life for couch life. Could that be with you? Give him a chance and foster-to-adopt or adopt him today!