October has been a productive month so far, with several community events including the groundbreaking of the Be Well OC Irvine campus, which will provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to mental health care. We also launched the “Fentanyl is Forever” campaign to spread awareness and provide access to resources as our county, state and nation, face challenges from the ongoing and pervasive Fentanyl epidemic. I'm looking forward to a productive rest of the month as we continue into the fall season! |
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FIRE PREVENTION WEEK At this week's Board of Supervisors meeting, we recognized Fire Prevention Week in Orange County. While Fire Prevention Week concluded last week, we must realize that Fire Prevention is something we should practice year-round. Fire prevention is crucial this month, as October is traditionally the beginning of “fire season” with hot conditions and strong, dry winds, raising the threat of wildfires. This week is an opportunity to remind all of us of what we can do to protect ourselves and our families from fires. It is also an opportunity to recognize the work of firefighters throughout the county who are diligently working to keep our communities safe. |
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH The Board of Supervisors recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is a serious issue affecting millions of individuals. In the United States, one in four women and one in nine men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence, and/or stalking. Many organizations in our county are bringing awareness to this issue and providing support and services to victims. We recognized the hard work that our county staff at the Social Services Agency does for the people of Orange County. We also recognized Human Options, an organization that is at the forefront of a collective county-wide response to those threatened by domestic abuse in Orange County. I want to take this time to thank Human Options and the many organizations in Orange County that are creating a safe environment for victims and empowering survivors on their healing journey. We urge all residents to work towards improving victim safety and holding perpetrators of domestic abuse accountable for their actions against individual victims and our greater community. |
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BE WELL IRVINE GROUNDBREAKING |
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This Monday, I joined my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors, and other elected officials, to celebrate the groundbreaking of Be Well OC’s Irvine campus, the second Be Well campus in Orange County. Be Well OC is a transformative public-private partnership, bringing together public, private, academic, and faith-based organizations, as well as others, to create a coordinated system of mental health care and support for all Orange County residents. This innovative program happens when we work creatively and collaboratively to bring about improvements to benefit the citizens of Orange County. Be Well OC Irvine is the second campus in Orange County, developed through a public-private partnership, between Be Well OC, the County of Orange, CalOptima, hospital partners, and community partners. The campus will support a mental health ecosystem for children, adolescents, families, and adults in Orange County. This site is a testament to the years of dedication and forethought of so many leaders across this county. Thank you to all who are involved in this effort and I look forward to the completion of this campus! |
21ST WORLD KOREAN BUSINESS CONVENTION IN ANAHEIM |
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I was honored to provide opening remarks and a welcoming toast to participants at the 21st World Korean Business Convention in Anaheim. This is the first time the convention, which drew 20,000 people, has taken place outside of Korea. We are home to a flourishing Korean American community, whose contributions to our society and economy are immeasurable. Korean American businesses have thrived here, and we applaud and celebrate their achievements. Among those in attendance were Lee Cheol-woo, the Governor of the South Korean province of North Gyeongsang, Santiago Canyon College President Dr. Jeannie Kim, and members of the Anaheim City Council. I also had the pleasure of interviewing with the Korea Daily to discuss Orange County’s robust Korean business community. I would like to extend my congratulations to all involved in organizing this event, and to thank Overseas Korean Agency Chairman Lee Key-cheol, the World Korean Business Convention, the Korean American Chamber of Commerce, and the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County for inviting me to participate and for choosing Orange County to host the World Korean Business Convention. |
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Last week, we launched the County’s “Fentanyl is Forever” campaign to highlight the dangers of fentanyl poisoning that have tragically affected our community. We were joined by our Chief of Mental Health and Recovery Services, Dr. Veronica Kelley, and our Assistant Medical Officer, Dr. Charles Huffman, to spearhead this public information campaign on how fentanyl is becoming more prevalent in our community, threatening and taking the lives of our youth, and ways to preventative measures to ensure the safety of our children. Dr. Huffman demonstrated how to administer naloxone, a lifesaving drug for those experiencing an overdose that is easily administered nasally. We are steadfastly behind our law enforcement’s efforts to crack down on fentanyl dealers and protect our community, and with our medical professionals who work hard to save the lives of those exposed to this deadly drug. We must all fight this epidemic, because one grain of fentanyl can quickly take the life of a loved one, and we have the tools to prevent it from happening. For more information on the Fentanyl is Forever campaign, please visit: fentanylisforeveroc.org |
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UCI HEALTH NEW FACILITY CONSTRUCTION SITE TOUR |
Earlier this month, I joined UCI Health for a tour of the construction of their new facility. I was joined by my District Director, Scott Voigts, and we were given a tour of the site by Chad Lefteris, CEO of UCI Health. Congratulations to UCI Health for their newest facility! The people of Orange County will benefit greatly from its services. |
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I want to thank the City of Tustin for putting together another incredible Tustin Tiller Days parade and fair this year! I joined Mayor Austin Lumbard, members of the Tustin City Council, numerous schools, local businesses, and members of our community for this cherished annual celebration. I hoped you stopped by our booth at the fair where our staff offered constituents information about the county and what services we can provide. It’s always a pleasure to sponsor and be involved with Tustin Tiller Days every year! |
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Earlier this month, I sponsored Rancho Family Fest and helped pour pints in the Beer Garden for residents who joined to support this annual community event. Thank you RSM Chamber of Commerce for always putting together such a fun time for the community! |
ORANGE STATE OF THE CITY EVENT |
Over 480 people attended Orange’s State of the City where they honored the Large Business of the Year - Green Cheek Beer, Small Business of the Year – The Potting Shed, and Non-Profit of the Year – Mariposa Women & Family Center. The highlight of the event was honoring the Citizen of the Year, Teresa “Tita” Smith, former Mayor of Orange. Her acceptance talk was delightful, highlighting the five generations of the Smith family in Orange, as well as all the growth and changes the community has undergone during her time in public service. Congratulations to City of Orange on a wonderful State of the City! |
STANDING WITH THE JEWISH COMMUNITY |
I joined Orange County’s Jewish community last week to stand in solidarity with Israel, after the horrific massacre of innocent Israeli lives by Hamas terrorists. In attendence were Rabbi Eliezrie of Chabad Beth Meir HaCohen in Yorba Linda, and Rabbi Steinberg from Congregation Shir Ha-Ma'alot in Irvine. Huge crowds all came together in support of the Jewish people during this time of great loss. |
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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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