It's fall already, and I have been hard at work for the constituents of the Third District. As we enter October, we have exciting developments in the county. We just celebrated the 100th Anniversary of John Wayne Airport, a landmark event that showcases our community's enduring commitment to aviation and transportation. Additionally, I'm proud to announce the renewal of our Sheriff's Department Fire Suppression Helicopters, a crucial asset in our ongoing efforts to combat wildfires and ensure the safety of our residents during this wildfire season. I'm excited to see what lies ahead this month, and my office is always available to address matters in the Third District. |
RENEWAL OF SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FIRE SUPPRESSION HELICOPTERS DURING WILDFIRE SEASON |
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At the September 26th Board of Supervisors meeting, the board unanimously approved the renewal of a critical lease agreement aimed at bolstering the preparedness and capabilities of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for the upcoming wildfire season. This agreement will grant the Sheriff’s Department access to as-needed fire suppression helicopter services in partnership with Orange County Fire Authority as we enter the wildfire season in California. These helicopters will be used to support the work that our Orange County Fire Authority does to combat wildfires in our vulnerable regions.
Our Sheriff’s Department's helicopters are an indispensable asset in our fight against wildfires and other emergencies. As we approach wildfire season, it is crucial that we equip our dedicated first responders with the tools they need to keep our community safe. This agreement reaffirms our commitment to ensuring the highest level of preparedness and response during challenging times.
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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES RECOGNITION OF ORANGE COUNTY EMPLOYEES At the September 26th board meeting, the Board of Supervisors recognized the work of our incredibly talented and dedicated county employees who were recognized nationally for creating innovative county programs. Since 1970, the National Association of Counties has recognized innovative programs across the country through their Achievement Awards. I am proud to say that our County earned 11 Achievement Awards in 2023. Recipients included Orange County Clerk Recorder Hugh Nguyen, Treasurer – Tax Collector Shari Freidenrich, Director of IT for the Auditor-Controller’s Office Larry McCabe, CEO Frank Kim, Clerk of the Board Robin Stieler, Chief Information Officer KC Roestenberg, OC Community Services, Workforce and Economic Development Division Assistant Director Francis Barton, Mobile Library Branch Manager Nancy Pea, Department of Child Support Services Director Maria Arzola, Social Services Agency Director An Tran, OC Public Works Director Jim Treadaway, OC Waste & Recycling Deputy Director of Landfill Development Jeff Southern. Thank you to all our dedicated employees for continually striving to improve the services we offer to our residents! |
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PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH At the September 24th Board of Supervisors Meeting, O.C. Supervisor Doug Chaffee and I introduced a resolution proclaiming September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. We presented the resolution to representatives of the Prostate Cancer Forum of Orange County. Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among men globally. Being aware of prostate cancer is crucial because early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival. Awareness can save lives, which is why this month we unite to raise awareness about this prevalent disease, educate ourselves and our community on its early detection, and support those who are courageously fighting against it. |
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JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT 100 YEARS OF FLIGHT CELEBRATION |
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I joined John Wayne Airport, Orange County Director Charlene Reynolds, and my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors to commemorate the 100 years of flight in OC, and the unveiling of the Orange County Destination Arts and exhibit space in the airport, showcasing 100 years of rich history of our beloved airport, which will be on display through December. John Wayne Airport has been a cornerstone of our community, fostering economic development, providing essential transportation links, and connecting air travelers to the world. This celebration is not just about aviation; it’s about celebrating Eddie Martin, a business and tech pioneer who started a private landing strip in 1923 in what became the airport we all know and love. John Wayne Airport has become a staple of Orange County and a landmark that has helped shape our county into what it is today. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our constituents for being a part of this remarkable journey. |
GYPSUM CANYON MEMORIAL PARK |
I joined the Orange County Cemetery District to film a video highlighting the progress of the Gypsum Canyon Memorial Park, Orange County’s very own Veterans Cemetery. The Gypsum Canyon Memorial Park will be located on a 283-acre property in the City of Anaheim near the intersection of Gypsum Canyon Road and Santa Ana Canyon Road. It will include the Southern California State Veterans Cemetery as well as a public cemetery, which also includes space for Allied Veterans and OC’s first responders - which will be the first in Orange County and perhaps in the entire nation. Orange County officials and the local community celebrated a groundbreaking with the installation of a flagpole and raising of flag end of last year in 2022. The Gypsum Canyon Memorial Park and State Veterans cemetery will benefit the OC community for the next 100 years. It’s a point of pride to our community. This is more than a cemetery, it’s a memorial park for the OC community. |
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SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK SPECIAL PLANTING EVENT |
Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County held a special event for elected officials at Harvest Solutions Farm in Irvine. I had fun getting my hands dirty and helping to plant cabbage seedlings, and I had the opportunity meet and talk with Hannah, the Farm Manager. The seedlings we planted will help feed people who would otherwise go hungry. The event was held as part of Hunger Action Month. Harvest Solutions Farm is an innovative component of Second Harvest’s sourcing strategy. In partnership with the UC South Coast Research and Extension Center and local sustainability farming pioneer and Solutions for Urban Agriculture founder A.G. Kawamura, Second Harvest has grown over 3.7 million (and counting!) pounds of produce for the community. Thank you Second Harvest for inviting me to this incredible event! |
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION PUBLIC SCHOOL SAFETY FORUM |
I joined the Orange County Board of Education for a public school safety forum to educate the Orange County community on issues that threaten our students lives every day. We discussed a wide range of topics such as Fentanyl, sexual assault, human trafficking, surveillance, social media and cybersecurity. I want to thank OCBE for hosting this event on the constantly evolving circumstances surrounding how we can keep our schools safe. |
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I CAN ACADEMY GRAND OPENING |
My District Director Scott Voigts and Outreach Director Saga Conroy presented a certificate of recognition for I Can Academy OC’s grand opening in the City of Mission Viejo, hosted by the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce. My team congratulated Shaina De Fusco, the Founder and a passionate educator, for creating a nurturing and supportive learning environment to empower young minds through personalized education, and helping K-12 students achieve their academic goals. I wish many years of success to I Can Academy! |
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I joined the Los Angeles & Orange County Iranian American Chamber of Commerce for their Mehregan Fall Festival, where I presented a Certificate of Recognition thanking the Chamber for its great work in keeping our business community alive, and bringing the community together to enjoy a special day in Persian culture marked with love, light, friendship, and kindness. Also in attendance were Former Assemblyman Scott Baugh, Newport Beach Councilwoman Robyn Grant, my District Director and Lake Forest Councilman Scott Voigts, Yorba Linda Councilwoman Janice Lim, and Irvine Police Chief Michael Kent. I want to thank Shani Moslehi, the Chamber’s Executive Director, and Shirin Behzadi, Chair of the Chamber's Board of Directors, for hosting such a wonderful community event! |
Thank you to everyone who participated at this year’s Canyon Clean-Up event. This is a day when people come together as a community to clean-up their properties and the canyons. People were there lending a helping hand, showing they care about their community. County staff from OC Waste & Recycling and Fire Safe Council East Orange County Canyons were there and helped coordinate the large dumpsters which were used to collect the waste material that day. Thank you OC Waste and Recycling and all who volunteered to clean up the canyons. |
IRVINE REGIONAL PARK HABITAT ADVENTURE TRAIL |
I joined Orange County Parks Director Pam Passow to cut the ribbon for the Irvine Regional Park’s brand new Habitat Adventure Trail. The new Habitat Adventure Trail is a ¼-mile loop that allows users to learn about plants and animals in four different habitats: oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, riparian, and chaparral. The project features a walking trail with interpretive panels and nature-themed play components. I am excited to open this new park amenity and look forward to seeing families out at Irvine Regional Park enjoying the trail! |
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Chairman Wagner is proud to serve approximately 630,000 diverse 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. |
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