Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter. Please share it with any of your friends who might be interested in the county and what we can do to be helpful. With fall on us, the winds will likely pick up. If you live in high fire zones, like most of the Third District, please take steps to harden your homes against fire threats and protect yourselves, your family, and your neighbors. I'm looking forward to cooler temperatures and all the activities, celebrations, and events that fall has to offer! |
Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter. Please share it with any of your friends who might be interested in the county and what we can do to be helpful. With fall on us, the winds will likely pick up. If you live in high fire zones, like most of the Third District, please take steps to harden your homes against fire threats and protect yourselves, your family, and your neighbors. I'm looking forward to cooler temperatures and all the activities, celebrations, and events that fall has to offer! |
|
|
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AGREE ON SECOND ATTEMPT TO INVESTIGATE NON-HUMANS ON VOTER ROLLS Santa Ana, CA – The Orange County Registrar of Voters is required to investigate whether its voter rolls contain animals by comparing dog licenses to the names and addresses of their potential owners. The measure, authored by Supervisors Don Wagner and Janet Nguyen, passed with a 3-1-1 vote at today’s Board meeting. Registrar Bob Page was questioned about his efforts to verify fraudulent votes and remove the records. This follows criminal charges earlier this month against a woman who registered her dog to vote and cast ballots in two elections. The Supervisors are concerned about California’s lax requirements for voter registration and lack of Voter ID with a pending special election on Prop. 50. “Today, common sense prevailed” said Supervisor Wagner.” I want to thank Supervisor Nguyen for her steadfast partnership in bringing this vital item to direct the Registrar of Voters to investigate, disclose, and remove non-human registrations from our voter rolls. The fact that a dog was registered and voted in two elections here in Orange County proves just how vulnerable our system is and why we need Voter ID laws in California. With the upcoming gerrymandering special election, it is absolutely essential that our voter rolls be clean, accurate, and trustworthy. In California, anyone eligible to vote should be encouraged to do so and no one, or animal, ineligible to vote should be on our rolls. I’m proud that a majority of this Board agreed with us today.” Supervisor Janet Nguyen stated in the Board meeting: “How can we have a fair election if someone can stuff the ballot box with dogs? I want to make sure heading into the election that we all have confidence in it.” Besides dog voting, another problem is households receiving multiple ballots in the mail. “We get voters who call our office and say, ‘We got two ballots,’” Supervisor Janet Nguyen said. “We refer them back to the Registrar of Voters.” Page said he refers fraudulent voters to the District Attorney’s Office. More than 2,600 Orange County voters lack identification, such as a driver’s license or social security number, which is required in federal elections. The Board directed Page to mail a letter to these voters requesting identification information. He is also directed to obtain license information on all Orange County dogs to compare with voter rolls. The license information is kept by the cities where the owners reside or with other animal shelters that contract those cities. |
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AGREE ON SECOND ATTEMPT TO INVESTIGATE NON-HUMANS ON VOTER ROLLS Santa Ana, CA – The Orange County Registrar of Voters is required to investigate whether its voter rolls contain animals by comparing dog licenses to the names and addresses of their potential owners. The measure, authored by Supervisors Don Wagner and Janet Nguyen, passed with a 3-1-1 vote at today’s Board meeting. Registrar Bob Page was questioned about his efforts to verify fraudulent votes and remove the records. This follows criminal charges earlier this month against a woman who registered her dog to vote and cast ballots in two elections. The Supervisors are concerned about California’s lax requirements for voter registration and lack of Voter ID with a pending special election on Prop. 50. “Today, common sense prevailed” said Supervisor Wagner.” I want to thank Supervisor Nguyen for her steadfast partnership in bringing this vital item to direct the Registrar of Voters to investigate, disclose, and remove non-human registrations from our voter rolls. The fact that a dog was registered and voted in two elections here in Orange County proves just how vulnerable our system is and why we need Voter ID laws in California. With the upcoming gerrymandering special election, it is absolutely essential that our voter rolls be clean, accurate, and trustworthy. In California, anyone eligible to vote should be encouraged to do so and no one, or animal, ineligible to vote should be on our rolls. I’m proud that a majority of this Board agreed with us today.” Supervisor Janet Nguyen stated in the Board meeting: “How can we have a fair election if someone can stuff the ballot box with dogs? I want to make sure heading into the election that we all have confidence in it.” Besides dog voting, another problem is households receiving multiple ballots in the mail. “We get voters who call our office and say, ‘We got two ballots,’” Supervisor Janet Nguyen said. “We refer them back to the Registrar of Voters.” Page said he refers fraudulent voters to the District Attorney’s Office. More than 2,600 Orange County voters lack identification, such as a driver’s license or social security number, which is required in federal elections. The Board directed Page to mail a letter to these voters requesting identification information. He is also directed to obtain license information on all Orange County dogs to compare with voter rolls. The license information is kept by the cities where the owners reside or with other animal shelters that contract those cities. |
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS REJECTS SUPERVISOR WAGNER'S RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE PROPOSITION 50 (Santa Ana, CA) – At the September 23 Board meeting, the Orange County Board of Supervisors rejected in a 3-2 vote Supervisor Wagner’s resolution to oppose Governor Gavin Newsom’s gerrymandering special election. “Governor Newsom’s off-year special election is going to cost Orange County taxpayers millions of dollars,” said Supervisor Wagner. “The Board majority kept their statements brief, because they know how hard it is to justify this Proposition, when it is so blatantly obvious that this is a partisan power grab by Governor Newsom. Supporting an attempt to overturn an independent redistricting commission approved by the voters of this state twice, so that Sacramento politicians in back rooms can draw congressional lines for themselves, is an insult to the people of California.” In 2008 and 2010, California voters approved two ballot measures that delegated the drawing of both state legislative and congressional district lines to a nonpartisan Citizens Redistricting Commission. Since its implementation, the Commission has made district lines fairer and more balanced, following the census results and not halfway through the normal cycle, while also attempting to keep communities together. Proposition 50 would undermine 15 years of progress in ensuring that our congressional districts are drawn by nonpolitical actors, not elected officials who have a vested interest in their own political future. “One of my colleagues,” added Supervisor Wagner, “said Prop. 50 is in response to the redistricting efforts in Texas. But Texas was responding to litigation under the Voting Rights Act. Governor Newsom does not even have that fig leaf to hide behind. His is but a naked, partisan power grab. If what Texas is doing is wrong, as the Governor argues it is, we should not respond to Texas with our own wrong. Where Governor Newsom should respond to Texas is in the things Texas does to make itself more attractive as a place to live. People flee California because of our rapacious tax system, because we tolerate high crime and homelessness, because we are not business friendly, and because our education system fails too many of our children. People see Texas as a better place to live. Governor Newsom should respond to that and make us a golden state again. He cynically does the exact opposite pimping for Prop. 50. It should be opposed by the Board of Supervisors, and everyone interested in a free and fair California.” |
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS REJECTS SUPERVISOR WAGNER'S RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE PROPOSITION 50 (Santa Ana, CA) – At the September 23 Board meeting, the Orange County Board of Supervisors rejected in a 3-2 vote Supervisor Wagner’s resolution to oppose Governor Gavin Newsom’s gerrymandering special election. “Governor Newsom’s off-year special election is going to cost Orange County taxpayers millions of dollars,” said Supervisor Wagner. “The Board majority kept their statements brief, because they know how hard it is to justify this Proposition, when it is so blatantly obvious that this is a partisan power grab by Governor Newsom. Supporting an attempt to overturn an independent redistricting commission approved by the voters of this state twice, so that Sacramento politicians in back rooms can draw congressional lines for themselves, is an insult to the people of California.” In 2008 and 2010, California voters approved two ballot measures that delegated the drawing of both state legislative and congressional district lines to a nonpartisan Citizens Redistricting Commission. Since its implementation, the Commission has made district lines fairer and more balanced, following the census results and not halfway through the normal cycle, while also attempting to keep communities together. Proposition 50 would undermine 15 years of progress in ensuring that our congressional districts are drawn by nonpolitical actors, not elected officials who have a vested interest in their own political future. “One of my colleagues,” added Supervisor Wagner, “said Prop. 50 is in response to the redistricting efforts in Texas. But Texas was responding to litigation under the Voting Rights Act. Governor Newsom does not even have that fig leaf to hide behind. His is but a naked, partisan power grab. If what Texas is doing is wrong, as the Governor argues it is, we should not respond to Texas with our own wrong. Where Governor Newsom should respond to Texas is in the things Texas does to make itself more attractive as a place to live. People flee California because of our rapacious tax system, because we tolerate high crime and homelessness, because we are not business friendly, and because our education system fails too many of our children. People see Texas as a better place to live. Governor Newsom should respond to that and make us a golden state again. He cynically does the exact opposite pimping for Prop. 50. It should be opposed by the Board of Supervisors, and everyone interested in a free and fair California.” |
SHARE YOUR LIGHT CHAI CELEBRATION |
SHARE YOUR LIGHT CHAI CELEBRATION |
Earlier this month, I attended the Share Your Light Chai Celebration, hosted by the Merage Jewish Community Center. The event honored individuals who have made a lasting impact through their dedication to the Orange County Jewish community and beyond. Among the distinguished honorees was Rabbi Richard Steinberg, my appointee to the Orange County Human Relations Commission. It was an honor to attend this lovely community event. |
Earlier this month, I attended the Share Your Light Chai Celebration, hosted by the Merage Jewish Community Center. The event honored individuals who have made a lasting impact through their dedication to the Orange County Jewish community and beyond. Among the distinguished honorees was Rabbi Richard Steinberg, my appointee to the Orange County Human Relations Commission. It was an honor to attend this lovely community event. |
BLAKE BILDER CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION |
BLAKE BILDER CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION |
Earlier this month, I presented a certificate of recognition to UFC fighter Blake Bilder, who started the Suicide Sprint Challenge. This movement was launched by Bilder, a Costa Mesa resident, in memory of his brother, and has grown into a viral campaign to challenge stigma, build community, and raise funds for suicide prevention, especially among veterans. The Suicide Sprint Challenge invites participants to engage in a physical sprint challenge, nominate others on social media, and donate to organizations such as Angel Force USA, Irreverent Warriors, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Operation Rebound, and U.S. VETS, sparking a broad, grassroots movement similar in scale and spirit to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. |
Earlier this month, I presented a certificate of recognition to UFC fighter Blake Bilder, who started the Suicide Sprint Challenge. This movement was launched by Bilder, a Costa Mesa resident, in memory of his brother, and has grown into a viral campaign to challenge stigma, build community, and raise funds for suicide prevention, especially among veterans. The Suicide Sprint Challenge invites participants to engage in a physical sprint challenge, nominate others on social media, and donate to organizations such as Angel Force USA, Irreverent Warriors, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Operation Rebound, and U.S. VETS, sparking a broad, grassroots movement similar in scale and spirit to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. |
MEETING WITH MEXICAN CONSULATE |
MEETING WITH MEXICAN CONSULATE |
I had the pleasure of meeting Maxaira Baltazar, the newly appointed Consul of Mexico in Santa Ana, who formally assumed her role on August 1, 2025. As Consul, she is the official representative of the Mexican government responsible for strengthening ties between Mexico and the Orange County community. Congratulations to her on the new role and I look forward to strengthening Orange County-Mexico relations. |
I had the pleasure of meeting Maxaira Baltazar, the newly appointed Consul of Mexico in Santa Ana, who formally assumed her role on August 1, 2025. As Consul, she is the official representative of the Mexican government responsible for strengthening ties between Mexico and the Orange County community. Congratulations to her on the new role and I look forward to strengthening Orange County-Mexico relations. |
|
|
Team Wagner attended the City of Irvine’s 4th annual Fiesta Latina, held at the Great Park in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The event featured a vibrant showcase of music, cuisine, and cultural traditions that honor the rich heritage of Hispanic and Latin American communities. My Field Representative, Al Tello, was born in Mexico City and began learning English in kindergarten after moving to the United States. He is pictured with Irvine Vice Mayor James Mai. |
Team Wagner attended the City of Irvine’s 4th annual Fiesta Latina, held at the Great Park in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The event featured a vibrant showcase of music, cuisine, and cultural traditions that honor the rich heritage of Hispanic and Latin American communities. My Field Representative, Al Tello, was born in Mexico City and began learning English in kindergarten after moving to the United States. He is pictured with Irvine Vice Mayor James Mai. |
|
|
60TH ANNUAL MAYOR'S PRAYER BREAKFAST |
60TH ANNUAL MAYOR'S PRAYER BREAKFAST |
Team Wagner attended the 60th annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast held at the Irvine Marriott Hotel. The keynote speaker was Robert Pelinka, L.A. Lakers President of Basketball Operations and General Manager. A former basketball player with a law degree, Pelinka has negotiated some of the largest contracts in NBA history as a sports agent, guiding the careers of top players including the late Kobe Bryant. In his remarks, Pelinka shared how his faith keeps him grounded amidst life's pressures and reflected on the life lessons that he holds dear. Pictured at the breakfast are Congresswoman Young Kim and my chief of staff, Tara Campbell. |
Team Wagner attended the 60th annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast held at the Irvine Marriott Hotel. The keynote speaker was Robert Pelinka, L.A. Lakers President of Basketball Operations and General Manager. A former basketball player with a law degree, Pelinka has negotiated some of the largest contracts in NBA history as a sports agent, guiding the careers of top players including the late Kobe Bryant. In his remarks, Pelinka shared how his faith keeps him grounded amidst life's pressures and reflected on the life lessons that he holds dear. Pictured at the breakfast are Congresswoman Young Kim and my chief of staff, Tara Campbell. |
|
|
My Field Representative, Pat Buttress, presented a proclamation to retiring Yorba Linda City Manager Mark Pulone. Mark has served as City Manager of Yorba Linda for the past 12 years and under his leadership much has been accomplished. His economic development initiatives included St. Jude Heritage Medical Center, a CostCo Gas Station, a new Maserati dealership and the revitalization of downtown Main Street, Target and Town Center featuring Bristol Farms and Regal Cinema. In 2025, Mark was named City Manager of the Year by the Association of California Cities Orange County. He has given more than 35 years of service to various communities over his career. We thank Mark for all his hard work in ensuring Yorba Linda remains the wonderful city it has always been, and wish him a wonderful retirement. |
My Field Representative, Pat Buttress, presented a proclamation to retiring Yorba Linda City Manager Mark Pulone. Mark has served as City Manager of Yorba Linda for the past 12 years and under his leadership much has been accomplished. His economic development initiatives included St. Jude Heritage Medical Center, a CostCo Gas Station, a new Maserati dealership and the revitalization of downtown Main Street, Target and Town Center featuring Bristol Farms and Regal Cinema. In 2025, Mark was named City Manager of the Year by the Association of California Cities Orange County. He has given more than 35 years of service to various communities over his career. We thank Mark for all his hard work in ensuring Yorba Linda remains the wonderful city it has always been, and wish him a wonderful retirement. |
|
|
Supervisor 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. |
Supervisor 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. |
|
|
| |
