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. June has been an exceptionally busy month. The Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget has been passed, USA 250 celebrations across the county lie ahead, and our CEO, Michelle Agruirre, who has served the county for 37 years in various roles, is retiring. She will be dearly missed, and our interim CEO, KC Roestenberg, our current Chief Information Officer, has big shoes to fill, but we have the greatest confidence in him! Looking forward to a celebratory July! |
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. June has been an exceptionally busy month. The Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget has been passed, USA 250 celebrations across the county lie ahead, and our CEO, Michelle Agruirre, who has served the county for 37 years in various roles, is retiring. She will be dearly missed, and our interim CEO, KC Roestenberg, our current Chief Information Officer, has big shoes to fill, but we have the greatest confidence in him! Looking forward to a celebratory July! |
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PRESS RELEASE: SUPERVISOR WAGNER ALLOCATES FUNDING TO OC SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FOR NEW BODY SCANNER AT INTAKE RELEASE CENTER (Santa Ana, CA) – At the June 23 Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board unanimously approved Supervisor Don Wagner’s allocation of $240,000 from his office budget to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for the installation of a new body scanner at the Intake Release Center (IRC). Current scanner technology at the IRC lacks many of the advanced capabilities available in newer systems. This new scanner has enhanced detection capabilities, including improved identification of narcotics and weapons, as well as a side-by-side comparison of current and prior scans, making it easier for our deputies to detect and seize contraband. “With the world constantly changing, law enforcement constantly needs to adapt to ensure that it has all the tools needed to tackle crime and not let criminal activity go undetected,” said Supervisor Wagner. “I am delighted to support the Sheriff’s Department with this new technology.” “The IRC is the primary intake location for jail bookings across the county, where body scanners are essential for identifying contraband such as narcotics and weapons,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. “The new scanner funded by this proposal will provide superior detection capabilities, including improved identification of drugs and weapons. Additional benefits of the latest technology scanners include a user-friendly interface that streamlines training for multiple staff members, seamless integration with jail management data systems, and a training simulator designed to enhance user accuracy through scenario-based practice.” This investment underscores Supervisor Wagner’s ongoing commitment to public safety and the well-being of both IRC staff and inmates. |
PRESS RELEASE: SUPERVISOR WAGNER ALLOCATES FUNDING TO OC SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FOR NEW BODY SCANNER AT INTAKE RELEASE CENTER (Santa Ana, CA) – At the June 23 Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board unanimously approved Supervisor Don Wagner’s allocation of $240,000 from his office budget to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for the installation of a new body scanner at the Intake Release Center (IRC). Current scanner technology at the IRC lacks many of the advanced capabilities available in newer systems. This new scanner has enhanced detection capabilities, including improved identification of narcotics and weapons, as well as a side-by-side comparison of current and prior scans, making it easier for our deputies to detect and seize contraband. “With the world constantly changing, law enforcement constantly needs to adapt to ensure that it has all the tools needed to tackle crime and not let criminal activity go undetected,” said Supervisor Wagner. “I am delighted to support the Sheriff’s Department with this new technology.” “The IRC is the primary intake location for jail bookings across the county, where body scanners are essential for identifying contraband such as narcotics and weapons,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. “The new scanner funded by this proposal will provide superior detection capabilities, including improved identification of drugs and weapons. Additional benefits of the latest technology scanners include a user-friendly interface that streamlines training for multiple staff members, seamless integration with jail management data systems, and a training simulator designed to enhance user accuracy through scenario-based practice.” This investment underscores Supervisor Wagner’s ongoing commitment to public safety and the well-being of both IRC staff and inmates. |
SUPERVISOR WAGNER ALLOCATES $300,000 TO VETERAN STRONG USA At the June 23 Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board unanimously approved Supervisor Wagner's allocation of $300,000 of Third District Discretionary funds to Veteran Strong USA to expand services and support for Orange County veterans and their families. Veteran Strong USA is a nonprofit founded by a U.S. Air Force veteran that provides innovative, veteran-centered services to promote healing, resilience, and long-term stability through equine-assisted psychotherapy, therapeutic horsemanship, peer mentorship, and comprehensive wraparound support. This funding will allow Veteran Strong USA to expand its services by acquiring
additional therapy horses and equipment, increasing the availability of licensed therapists and counseling services, and creating dedicated space for individual and family therapy sessions. Supervisor Wagner continues to be a steadfast supporter of Orange County's Veteran community and the nonprofit organizations assisting those on the road to recovery from PTSD. |
SUPERVISOR WAGNER ALLOCATES $300,000 TO VETERAN STRONG USA At the June 23 Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board unanimously approved Supervisor Wagner's allocation of $300,000 of Third District Discretionary funds to Veteran Strong USA to expand services and support for Orange County veterans and their families. Veteran Strong USA is a nonprofit founded by a U.S. Air Force veteran that provides innovative, veteran-centered services to promote healing, resilience, and long-term stability through equine-assisted psychotherapy, therapeutic horsemanship, peer mentorship, and comprehensive wraparound support. This funding will allow Veteran Strong USA to expand its services by acquiring
additional therapy horses and equipment, increasing the availability of licensed therapists and counseling services, and creating dedicated space for individual and family therapy sessions. Supervisor Wagner continues to be a steadfast supporter of Orange County's Veteran community and the nonprofit organizations assisting those on the road to recovery from PTSD. |
Check out my latest interview with Jennifer Horn on the The Morning Answer, where we discuss AB 1821, a bill from Blanca Pacheco that would allow government agencies to delay responding to certain public records requests and to charge $22 to $66 an hour to search for and review the records they deem are for “commercial use.” |
Check out my latest interview with Jennifer Horn on the The Morning Answer, where we discuss AB 1821, a bill from Blanca Pacheco that would allow government agencies to delay responding to certain public records requests and to charge $22 to $66 an hour to search for and review the records they deem are for “commercial use.” |
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On July 4th, 1776, the 56 delegates to the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming that the Thirteen Colonies were free and independent states and were no longer part of the British Empire. What many Americans may not know, is that the Declaration was signed over a year into the American Revolutionary War, with the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and the shot heard round the world, taking place in April of 1775. After eight years of bloody conflict, the colonists were victorious, and the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, with the British recognizing American Independence. None of the founding fathers could have ever imagined in that iconic moment the technological, medical, military, cultural and industrial global power that the United States of America would become. Through their convictions, tenacity and dedication to establishing a republic based on rule of law, these men that ushered in the greatest nation in human history through their bravery amidst immense turmoil. Wishing you all a happy Independence Day! |
On July 4th, 1776, the 56 delegates to the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming that the Thirteen Colonies were free and independent states and were no longer part of the British Empire. What many Americans may not know, is that the Declaration was signed over a year into the American Revolutionary War, with the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and the shot heard round the world, taking place in April of 1775. After eight years of bloody conflict, the colonists were victorious, and the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, with the British recognizing American Independence. None of the founding fathers could have ever imagined in that iconic moment the technological, medical, military, cultural and industrial global power that the United States of America would become. Through their convictions, tenacity and dedication to establishing a republic based on rule of law, these men that ushered in the greatest nation in human history through their bravery amidst immense turmoil. Wishing you all a happy Independence Day! |
At last week's Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Nguyen and I introduced a Board resolution recognizing the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America and the hard work of USA 250 Orange County, of which I am the Honorary Chairman. I am immensely grateful to JoEllen Chatham, Co-Chair of USA 250 OC, and Director of Concordia University Irvine’s Center for for Civics Education, and all involved for all the hard work on this initiative leading up to the celebration of the 250th signing of the Declaration of Independence. |
At last week's Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Nguyen and I introduced a Board resolution recognizing the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America and the hard work of USA 250 Orange County, of which I am the Honorary Chairman. I am immensely grateful to JoEllen Chatham, Co-Chair of USA 250 OC, and Director of Concordia University Irvine’s Center for for Civics Education, and all involved for all the hard work on this initiative leading up to the celebration of the 250th signing of the Declaration of Independence. |
OC PUBLIC WORKS CREW RECOGNITION |
OC PUBLIC WORKS CREW RECOGNITION |
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At last week's Board meeting, I recognized the hardworking members of our Public Works Department who recently received praise from the local community in Yorba Linda for their work on a beautification project in a small pocket within the city. Members of this community have reached out to my office and the CEO’s office to express their gratitude for the responsiveness, professionalism, and care dedicated to this project and requested that our Public Works professionals be publicly recognized for their hard work. I’d like to acknowledge the following Public Works professionals and extend the gratitude of the community or their hard work on cleaning up this area: Maintenance Inspection Team:
Eddie Perez, Carlos Serrano, Alejandro Villegas, Maurice Ortiz, Kris Ruiz
Equipment Operations Team:
Joe Barboa, Richard Taylor, Steve Rochoa, Edward Molina, Jose Higareda, Esteban Zamora, Omar Naranjo, Pedro Guerrero, Isidro Cortez, Brandon Morgan, Erik Budzinski
On behalf of the Yorba Linda community, and the entire Board of Supervisors, we thank you for your professionalism, and dedication to the preservation of the quality of life for our residents in Orange County. |
At last week's Board meeting, I recognized the hardworking members of our Public Works Department who recently received praise from the local community in Yorba Linda for their work on a beautification project in a small pocket within the city. Members of this community have reached out to my office and the CEO’s office to express their gratitude for the responsiveness, professionalism, and care dedicated to this project and requested that our Public Works professionals be publicly recognized for their hard work. I’d like to acknowledge the following Public Works professionals and extend the gratitude of the community or their hard work on cleaning up this area: Maintenance Inspection Team:
Eddie Perez, Carlos Serrano, Alejandro Villegas, Maurice Ortiz, Kris Ruiz
Equipment Operations Team:
Joe Barboa, Richard Taylor, Steve Rochoa, Edward Molina, Jose Higareda, Esteban Zamora, Omar Naranjo, Pedro Guerrero, Isidro Cortez, Brandon Morgan, Erik Budzinski
On behalf of the Yorba Linda community, and the entire Board of Supervisors, we thank you for your professionalism, and dedication to the preservation of the quality of life for our residents in Orange County. |
GRAND OPENING OF CARTWRIGHT FAMILY APARTMENTS IN IRVINE
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GRAND OPENING OF CARTWRIGHT FAMILY APARTMENTS IN IRVINE
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My team and I attended the grand opening of the Cartwright Family Apartments in Irvine. This project represents a meaningful step forward in expanding housing opportunities for our residents. This 60-unit development is designed to support individuals and families earning 30% to 80% of the area median income. Beyond providing beautiful new apartments, it includes essential resources like a computer lab, community areas, and a pool. Most importantly, this project prioritizes those who need it most, with reserved units for military veterans, individuals with developmental disabilities, and those transitioning out of homelessness. Effective housing solutions require partnership, and the Cartwright is a prime example of what we can achieve when the County, the City of Irvine, and private partners work together toward a common goal. I was pleased to present Certificates of Recognition to C&C Development and the Riverside Charitable Corporation for bringing this vision to life. Congratulations to all involved in providing these needed homes for our community. |
My team and I attended the grand opening of the Cartwright Family Apartments in Irvine. This project represents a meaningful step forward in expanding housing opportunities for our residents. This 60-unit development is designed to support individuals and families earning 30% to 80% of the area median income. Beyond providing beautiful new apartments, it includes essential resources like a computer lab, community areas, and a pool. Most importantly, this project prioritizes those who need it most, with reserved units for military veterans, individuals with developmental disabilities, and those transitioning out of homelessness. Effective housing solutions require partnership, and the Cartwright is a prime example of what we can achieve when the County, the City of Irvine, and private partners work together toward a common goal. I was pleased to present Certificates of Recognition to C&C Development and the Riverside Charitable Corporation for bringing this vision to life. Congratulations to all involved in providing these needed homes for our community. |
CELEBRATE IRVINE LUNCHEON |
CELEBRATE IRVINE LUNCHEON |
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I was honored to be one of the sponsors this year’s Celebrate Irvine luncheon organized by the Greater Irvine Chamber. JSX was the presenting sponsor of this year’s Celebrate Irvine. I had the opportunity to chat with David Drabinsky, President of JSX, who has served in this role since March 2026. Interestingly, David holds a degree in Business Economics from the University of California, Irvine. JSX is an airline offering passengers spacious 30‑seat semi‑private flights from crowd‑free terminals. Congratulations to this year’s Celebrate Irvine outstanding honorees: • Innovator of the Year: RJ Scaringe – Rivian • Visionary Leader of the Year: Annette M. Walker – City of Hope • Business of the Year: Hoag • Global Business of the Year: CTC Global Corp • Community Impact Award: Acorns • Entrepreneur of the Year: Matt Harding – EcoMetricx • Executive of the Year: Sid Ramani – Hyatt • Innovative Business of the Year: Field AI and Albertson’s Distribution Center • Non-Profit of the Year: RAD Camp The luncheon also featured a panel discussion with expert insights from: • Pete Carmichael, Assistant City Manager, City of Irvine • Scott Fox, CEO, OC Startup Council • Shelley Hoss, Chief Executive Officer, Orange County Community Foundation • Dr. Ian O. Williamson, Dean, UCI Paul Merage School of Business Many thanks to the Greater Irvine Chamber for their dedicated efforts in promoting and supporting our business community. |
I was honored to be one of the sponsors this year’s Celebrate Irvine luncheon organized by the Greater Irvine Chamber. JSX was the presenting sponsor of this year’s Celebrate Irvine. I had the opportunity to chat with David Drabinsky, President of JSX, who has served in this role since March 2026. Interestingly, David holds a degree in Business Economics from the University of California, Irvine. JSX is an airline offering passengers spacious 30‑seat semi‑private flights from crowd‑free terminals. Congratulations to this year’s Celebrate Irvine outstanding honorees: • Innovator of the Year: RJ Scaringe – Rivian • Visionary Leader of the Year: Annette M. Walker – City of Hope • Business of the Year: Hoag • Global Business of the Year: CTC Global Corp • Community Impact Award: Acorns • Entrepreneur of the Year: Matt Harding – EcoMetricx • Executive of the Year: Sid Ramani – Hyatt • Innovative Business of the Year: Field AI and Albertson’s Distribution Center • Non-Profit of the Year: RAD Camp The luncheon also featured a panel discussion with expert insights from: • Pete Carmichael, Assistant City Manager, City of Irvine • Scott Fox, CEO, OC Startup Council • Shelley Hoss, Chief Executive Officer, Orange County Community Foundation • Dr. Ian O. Williamson, Dean, UCI Paul Merage School of Business Many thanks to the Greater Irvine Chamber for their dedicated efforts in promoting and supporting our business community. |
It was a pleasure to welcome Rabbi Marcus and his wife, Bassie Marcus, from the Chabad Jewish Center of Mission Viejo to the office this week. I presented them a proclamation in celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month. It is a privilege to celebrate the contributions, faith, and resilience of the Jewish community here in Orange County. |
It was a pleasure to welcome Rabbi Marcus and his wife, Bassie Marcus, from the Chabad Jewish Center of Mission Viejo to the office this week. I presented them a proclamation in celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month. It is a privilege to celebrate the contributions, faith, and resilience of the Jewish community here in Orange County. |
ANNUAL TUSTIN CHILI COOKOFF |
ANNUAL TUSTIN CHILI COOKOFF |
My Policy Advisor, Al Murray, led Team Wagner at the Annual Tustin Chili Cookoff. The event, which has become known as the largest one day chili cook-off in the country, saw thousands in attendance. A variety of exhibitors, crafters, food and chili booths, and most importantly a contest to see who made the best Chili took place! With live music, contest, and activities for kids, this event was a major success. |
My Policy Advisor, Al Murray, led Team Wagner at the Annual Tustin Chili Cookoff. The event, which has become known as the largest one day chili cook-off in the country, saw thousands in attendance. A variety of exhibitors, crafters, food and chili booths, and most importantly a contest to see who made the best Chili took place! With live music, contest, and activities for kids, this event was a major success. |
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MISSION VIEJO MAYOR'S PRAYER BREAKFAST |
MISSION VIEJO MAYOR'S PRAYER BREAKFAST |
My District Director, Scott Voigts, and Community Outreach Director, Saga Conroy, attended the Mission Viejo Rotary Club’s Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at Mission Viejo Christian Church. It was a moving morning focused on faith and community. We were honored to hear from Mayor Wendy Bucknum, Pastor Mike Maiolo, and Baseball Hall of Fame legend Rod Carew. Rod shared his personal journey, covering everything from his early days in Panama to the challenges he faced throughout his baseball career and his health struggles later in life. We thank Mission Viejo Rotary for hosting this important spiritual event every year. |
My District Director, Scott Voigts, and Community Outreach Director, Saga Conroy, attended the Mission Viejo Rotary Club’s Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at Mission Viejo Christian Church. It was a moving morning focused on faith and community. We were honored to hear from Mayor Wendy Bucknum, Pastor Mike Maiolo, and Baseball Hall of Fame legend Rod Carew. Rod shared his personal journey, covering everything from his early days in Panama to the challenges he faced throughout his baseball career and his health struggles later in life. We thank Mission Viejo Rotary for hosting this important spiritual event every year. |
BALT USA RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY |
BALT USA RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY |
My District Director, Scott Voigts, and Community Outreach Director, Saga Conroy, joined Balt USA team in Irvine for its official ribbon-cutting ceremony. They had the opportunity to tour the new office and manufacturing facility after presenting a certificate of recognition. It is encouraging to see companies like Balt USA choose Orange County for such a significant expansion. With a $400 million investment and plans to grow their local workforce to over 1,200 employees by 2030, this site will serve as a vital hub for research and development and the production of life-saving neurovascular medical technologies. Seeing this level of growth in our med-tech sector reinforces why our region remains a global leader in innovation. |
My District Director, Scott Voigts, and Community Outreach Director, Saga Conroy, joined Balt USA team in Irvine for its official ribbon-cutting ceremony. They had the opportunity to tour the new office and manufacturing facility after presenting a certificate of recognition. It is encouraging to see companies like Balt USA choose Orange County for such a significant expansion. With a $400 million investment and plans to grow their local workforce to over 1,200 employees by 2030, this site will serve as a vital hub for research and development and the production of life-saving neurovascular medical technologies. Seeing this level of growth in our med-tech sector reinforces why our region remains a global leader in innovation. |
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MISSION VIEJO VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS RECOGNITION |
MISSION VIEJO VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS RECOGNITION |
My Community Outreach Director, Saga Conroy, presented a proclamation to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6024, recognizing their ongoing service to our local veterans and the wider Saddleback Valley community. Post 6024 does more than provide a place for service members to connect. It is actively involved in youth development, veteran benefit assistance, and spreading patriotism throughout our neighborhoods. It is a privilege to support an organization that remains so dedicated to those who have worn the uniform and the communities they swore to protect. Thank you to Commander Kearns and all the members of Post 6024 for your unwavering commitment. You truly embody the motto, “No one does more for veterans.” |
My Community Outreach Director, Saga Conroy, presented a proclamation to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6024, recognizing their ongoing service to our local veterans and the wider Saddleback Valley community. Post 6024 does more than provide a place for service members to connect. It is actively involved in youth development, veteran benefit assistance, and spreading patriotism throughout our neighborhoods. It is a privilege to support an organization that remains so dedicated to those who have worn the uniform and the communities they swore to protect. Thank you to Commander Kearns and all the members of Post 6024 for your unwavering commitment. You truly embody the motto, “No one does more for veterans.” |
COASTLINE ENDOCRINOLOGY RIBBON CUTTING |
COASTLINE ENDOCRINOLOGY RIBBON CUTTING |
My District Director, Scott Voigts, was honored to welcome Coastline Endocrinology to Lake Forest. They provide a calm welcoming environment where they make complex medical information easy to understand. Coastline Endocrinology specializes in a wide range of thyroid and metabolic conditions. We thank them for choosing the Third District to open their practice. |
My District Director, Scott Voigts, was honored to welcome Coastline Endocrinology to Lake Forest. They provide a calm welcoming environment where they make complex medical information easy to understand. Coastline Endocrinology specializes in a wide range of thyroid and metabolic conditions. We thank them for choosing the Third District to open their practice. |
FULL HEARTS, FULL FAIRWAYS GOLF INVITATIONAL |
FULL HEARTS, FULL FAIRWAYS GOLF INVITATIONAL |
I invite you to support a great cause and enjoy a day on the course at the Full Hearts, Full Fairways Golf Invitational on July 13 at Los Coyotes Country Club in Buena Park. This fundraiser benefits Friendly Center, an Orange County nonprofit that helps families build stability and achieve long-term success through a wide range of programs and services. Whether you're an avid golfer, a local business leader, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, I encourage you to learn more and consider participating. Your support helps strengthen families and our community. Register today at the link below for a meaningful day of golf in support of Orange County families. https://friendlycenter.org/golf/ |
I invite you to support a great cause and enjoy a day on the course at the Full Hearts, Full Fairways Golf Invitational on July 13 at Los Coyotes Country Club in Buena Park. This fundraiser benefits Friendly Center, an Orange County nonprofit that helps families build stability and achieve long-term success through a wide range of programs and services. Whether you're an avid golfer, a local business leader, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, I encourage you to learn more and consider participating. Your support helps strengthen families and our community. Register today at the link below for a meaningful day of golf in support of Orange County families. https://friendlycenter.org/golf/ |
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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. |
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