June has been off to a great start!
I am delighted to share with all of you that the Board of Supervisors approved my office's $500,000 award of discretionary funds to support the HomeAid Family Care Center, a 56-bed emergency shelter for Orange County families facing homelessness, which was on the brink of being shut down this month. The funding will give the Care Center another year to continue providing shelter to families in need, as it works with the community to find a sustainable long term path.
I am also proud to have received support from the Board for my allocation of $500,000 to the Community Action Partnership of Orange County's OC Diaper Bank. Due to the state budget shortfall, the OC Diaper Bank will likely receive little to no funding this year. With this funding from my office, the Community Action Partnership will continue to support the well-being of our community's youngest, most vulnerable members, and their at risk families.
As we enter the summer season, I look forward to more ways my office can assist our Orange County residents. |
Chairman Don Wagner Allocates $500,000 to HomeAid Family Care Center (Santa Ana, CA) – At the Tuesday Board of Supervisors Meeting, the Board unanimously approved the allocation of $500,000 of Third District discretionary funds to support the HomeAid Family Care Center, a 56-bed emergency shelter for Orange County families facing homelessness. Opened in 2017, the Care Center provides low barrier entry beds to families who find themselves without shelter. To date, the Care Center has provided refuge for 1,473 individuals, providing them all with the shelter, food, and safety that they need. “HomeAid Orange County owns the The Family CareCenter and has donated it for use for nearly a decade as one of only a few emergency shelters in Orange County that accommodates families experiencing homelessness,” said Gina Cunningham, Executive Director, HomeAid Orange County. “It’s a critical part of our continuum of care and we’re incredibly grateful to Chairman Wagner for recognizing the gap in funding, and stepping up to contribute the operational resources, to support our neighbors who need it most.” “HomeAid Family Care Center has been a beacon of hope for families that have hit hard times and are facing the prospect of homelessness,” said Chairman Wagner. “This family care center was facing closure as soon as June 30th, and HomeAid was in desperate need to continue its operations. With this $500,000 donation of Third District discretionary funds, HomeAid will be able to continue its support of helping our most vulnerable Orange County families.” Chairman Wagner’s steadfast support for the HomeAid Family Care Center underscores his dedication to ensuring that Orange County families facing homelessness receive the critical assistance they need to rebuild their lives and thrive. |
Chairman Don Wagner Allocates $500,000 to Community Action Partnership of Orange County’s OC Diaper Bank (Santa Ana, CA) – At its Tuesday meeting, the Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the award of $500,000 of Third District discretionary funds to support the Community Action Partnership of Orange County’s OC Diaper Bank, earmarked for young and struggling families. "State budget challenges threaten this program, and threaten our most vulnerable families,” said Chairman Wagner. “This grant of $500,000 from my office’s discretionary funds to the OC Diaper Bank makes more than just a financial contribution; we make an investment in the well-being of our community's youngest, most vulnerable members and support their families.” For the past four years, state funding to the Community Action Partnership of Orange County has allowed OC Diaper Bank to provide 47 million infant diapers to over 430,000 vulnerable Orange County families and over 530,000 babies. However, due to the state budget shortfall, the OC Diaper Bank is likely to receive little to no funding this year. “The critical service provided to vulnerable families with infant children, through the OC Diaper Bank, was at risk, due to the massive California State Budget shortfall,” said Community Action Partnership CEO Gregory Scott. “Supervisor Wagner demonstrated his support for babies in need of diapers and of the valuable service provided by the OC Diaper Bank by providing $500,000 from his discretionary funds to sustain operation of the OC Diaper Bank beyond July 1. For that bold action, Supervisor Wagner is deserving of our thanks.” This allocation of funds is the latest action by Chairman Wagner to continue his support for Orange County’s most vulnerable people. |
|
|
 |
At this week's Board meeting, we declared May as Foster Care Month. Families are the bedrock of our society, providing love, care, and support for our children. They are the cornerstone of thriving communities. Recognizing that children flourish best in family settings, we must be committed to ensuring that those unable to be with their birth parents find loving homes whenever possible. Every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential. In February 2024, 2,139 children and young people in Orange County found compassion and nurturing through foster care placements. These safe, stable homes were provided by relative caregivers, extended family, resource families, and adoptive families. Relative caregivers, extended family members, and resource families play a vital role in nurturing children in crisis. Through their dedication, young people and families heal, and adolescents successfully transition into adulthood. Mark and Stephanie Parsons joined us to share their experience as foster parents. They have fostered about 9 children total over the past 13 years, and currently have three biological children, Mason who is adopted, and two foster teen girls. It's because of loving parents like Mark and Stephanie that foster children can have a better chance at life. |
WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY |
 |
At this week's meeting, the Board recognized June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Throughout the country, 10,000 people a day turn 65. Those 65 and older make up nearly 15% of the population. Sadly, at least 10% of senior citizens will experience some form of elder abuse, with recent studies showing that nearly half of those seniors experiencing dementia or Alzheimer's have also experienced abuse or neglect. In almost 60% of elder abuse and neglect incidents in our country, the perpetrator is the adult child or spouse of the victim. Elder abuse can take various forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and neglect, highlighting the need for comprehensive support systems. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the community are essential to creating a protective environment for seniors and addressing the causes of elder abuse. The County of Orange, including the Social Services Agency, OC Health Care Agency, Superior Courts, District Attorney, Office on Aging, and other Orange County community partners are committed to helping seniors live longer, healthier lives, in the communities of their choice, for as long as possible. We encourage all Orange County residents to report suspected abuse of an elderly adult by calling Adult Protective Services at 1-833-401-0832 or local law enforcement. |
ACC-OC GOLDEN HUB OF INNOVATION AWARDS RECOGNITION |
 |
At this week's meeting, the Board recognized Dr. Kostas Alexandridis, GIS Analyst and Spatial Complex Systems Scientist for Orange County Public Works, and Commander Charlie Walters of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department who oversees the Real Time Operation Center and the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center. Dr. Alexandridis and Commander Walters were recently awarded by the Association of California Cities-Orange County (ACCOC) for their contributions to the betterment of Orange County. Commander Walters oversees the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Real Time Operations Center, which is designed to allow the Sheriff’s Department to analyze publicly available information from several law enforcement databases in real time, and the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center, which is an intelligence sharing network among our local law enforcement agencies to collect, analyze and disseminate information on all criminal risks to Orange County. These proactive efforts keep each one of us safer. Dr. Alexandridis was awarded ACCOC’s Technology-Driven Transparent Governance Excellence award for his professional contributions to digital transformation technology. We are all grateful for the work that Dr. Alexandridis and his team at OC Public Works have done to make digital transformation technology more readily available and accessible. We're so grateful for ACC-OC's recognition of Commander Walters and Dr. Alexandridis' contributions to improving the lives of Orange County residents. |
We remember all those who have died in the line of duty fighting for freedom and liberty. We must always remember the men and women of the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the preservation of our God given rights. You will not be forgotten. |
On the morning of June 6th 1944, Allied Forces led by the United States, stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, in a massive amphibious assault that we know today as D-Day. It was the beginning of the liberation of France, the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany, and the end of the Second World War. Eighty years have passed since this historic day, but we will never forget the sacrifices made by our men in uniform who fought to defeat the Nazis, save Europe from the clutches of tyranny, and shape the future of the world for the next generation. |
FIRST PITCH FOR THE ANGELS |
I had the honor of throwing the first pitch at the Angels game. What an experience! I also had the opportunity to speak with Bally Sports West on Orange County’s OC4Vets program. This is a clinic staffed entirely by Veterans and Veteran connected individuals to assist our local Veteran community with mental health support, case management, college, family, housing, and legal support among other services. Country musician Kip Moore performed after the game. I had the chance to personally welcome him to Angel Stadium and to thank him for his headlining our OC4Vets post-game show. Orange County is so blessed to have such a strong relationship with the Angels, who work with us on promoting and supporting our Veterans, especially as we just as we just paid homage to our fallen heroes on Memorial Day. |
YORBA LINDA FENTANYL TOWN HALL |
 |
 |
 |
Continuing our fight against fentanyl threats in OC, this time with a Community Forum in Yorba Linda with the Orange County Health Care Agency, the City of Yorba Linda, the Orange County Sheriff's Department, and the Orange County Fire Authority. Fentanyl is the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered. It is everywhere. From large metropolitan areas to rural America, no community is safe from this poison. Just a few grains of fentanyl are enough to kill. Many thanks to Yorba Linda Mayor Tara Campbell for helping to facilitate this Community Forum and to the panelists who discussed how fentanyl poisoning deaths are preventable and how to access available support and resources: • Mark Lawrenz, Assistant Deputy Director, Substance Use Disorders, Behavioral Health Services • Scott Wiedensohler, Division Chief from the Orange County Fire Authority • De Anne Wigginton, Chief of Yorba Linda Police Services from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department The OC Health Care Agency has launched a multimedia campaign to warn people about the dangers of fentanyl. For more info, go to: www.fentanylisforeveroc.org |
TUSTIN STREET FAIR AND CHILI COOK OFF |
I joined the City of Tustin for its 40th Annual Tustin Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off, where I participated as a judge! It was a wonderful event where the community got together and bonded over delicious chili and so much more that Tustin has to offer! On a side note, my Policy Advisor and former Tustin Mayor, Al Murray (above left in the photo), tells me he attended that first street fair 40 years ago. |
ANAHEIM HILLS KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS "DINNER WITH THE BEATLES" |
A wonderful Friday evening was spent with my Anaheim Hills constituents as we supported the San Antonio de Padua Knights of Columbus and their charity work with their “Dinner with the Beatles” event. I started the evening off with the Flag Salute. The evening concluded with a performance by a Beatles tribute band, Britain’s Finest. The Knights of Columbus support the community both financially and with man-power when needed. They have donated over 10,000 man hours to the community from assisting at food kitchens to painting and repairing homes for the needy. Thank you Knights of Columbus for hosting such a wonderful event! |
|
|
MISSION VIEJO RECOGNITION OF SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES |
 |
My Community Outreach Director, Saga Conroy, was proud to join the City of Mission Viejo to recognize our outstanding Sheriff’s Deputies! The city celebrated the the following deputies for receiving the Medal of Valor for their heroism during the Cook’s Corner shooting: -Deputy Jesus Carrasco -Deputy Juan Contreras -Deputy Brandon Espinosa The following deputies were recognized for receiving the Medal for Lifesaving during their response to the stabbing attack at the Mission Viejo Amazon Distribution Center last year: -Deputy Kassy Jacobs -Deputy Stacy Cole -Deputy Casey Briggs The following deputies were recognized for receiving the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Award: -Deputy Jesus Carrasco -Deputy Adam Zellers Carrasco and Zellers each had 28 drunk driving arrests in the City of Mission Viejo in 2023. Thanks to deputies like these, Orange County had 7 of the top 10 safest cities in California in 2024 in a recent Safewise report, 6 of which are patrolled by the Orange County Sheriff's Department. |
|
|
TUSTIN MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCE EVENT |
My Policy Advisor, Al Murray, joined the City of Tustin's Memorial Day Remembrance Event at the Tustin Veterans Sports Park with Mayor Austin Lumbard and Mayor Pro Tem Ryan Gallagher honoring our military men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. |
|
|
MISSION VIEJO MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY |
My Community Outreach Director, Saga Conroy, joined the City of Mission Viejo's Memorial Day ceremony along with members of the Mission Viejo City Council, Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez and members of Mission Viejo’s Veteran community to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our nation. |
PLEASANTS STONE HOUSE RIBBON CUTTING |
My Field Representative, Al Tello, attended a ribbon cutting ceremony held by Orange County Parks to celebrate the completion of the restoration to the historic Pleasants Stone House at Arden: Helen Modjeska Historic House and Gardens. Supported in part by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of the Interior‘s National Park Service, the restoration project included repairing wood paneling on interior and exterior surfaces, and installing a new shingle roof and stairs. This stone building was constructed by Joseph Pleasants and Mary Refugio Carpenter around 1876. It served as a store house on their homestead during a period when bears still roamed the area. After the death of Mary Refugio Carpenter, Joseph Pleasants sold the ranch to Helen Modjeska. Arden is a registered National Historic Landmark |
|
|
Chairman Wagner is proud to serve approximately 630,000 residents at the Board of Supervisors in the communities of Anaheim Hills, Irvine, Lake Forest, Tustin, North Tustin, Orange, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Villa Park, Yorba Linda, the Unincorporated Canyon areas. |
|
|
| |
