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. September is here! I hope you all managed to get by the intense heat wave we experienced over the last couple of weeks. We recently commemorated the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and the thousands of lives lost on that fateful day in our history. This week is also the 239th anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution on September 17th, while the 18th is the 79th anniversary of the founding of the US Air Force, and also POW/MIA Day. This past Saturday, my office held its fifth and final fishing derby at Irvine Lake, as the Irvine Ranch Water District is draining the lake to renovate the dam, which is expected to take years. It was a bittersweet final chapter of a cherished tradition. The first day of fall is just around the corner, and I look forward to the cooler weather to come! |
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HOLIDAYS & COMMEMORATIONS |
25 years have passed since the tragic day that took so many American lives and plunged the United States into a 20 year conflict against al-Qaeda and its allies. We must never forget the 2,977 innocent victims whose lives were taken on that day. While 9/11 will always be remembered as a terrible day in American history, the unity that brought Americans together in the aftermath of the attacks is something we must strive for as we commemorate the lives lost and ensure that an attack like it never takes place again. |
It has been 239 years since the signing of the US Constitution on September 17th, 1787. This timeless document is the oldest written and codified national constitution in the world. A testament to the wisdom of the founding fathers, our Constitution still stands as the law of the land in our great nation. Happy Constitution Day! |
On September 18, 1947, the US Army Air Forces, then a branch of the US Army, was reorganized into the United States Air Force, a standalone branch of the United States Armed Forces. The US Air Force and its predecessor organizations stretch back all the way to 1907 when the first aviation division of our military was formed. From its humble beginnings in the early 1900s to our 21st century stealth fighters, the US Air Force has proven to be the most advanced aerial military force in the world. Happy 79th birthday, and to many more years! |
On POW/MIA day, we honor those brave Americans who served in our military and were prisoners of war or went missing in action. Over the course of our nation’s history, far too many of our military heroes have been captured by our enemies, some of whom were never seen again. This day is dedicated to them and the sacrifices they made to ensure the safety of all of us. |
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH |
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At Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, I led a presentation recognizing September as National Suicide Prevention Month. I was joined in this presentation by Health Care Agency Director Dr. Veronica Kelley, Anne Dunsmore, President of Angel Force, which focuses on stopping Veteran suicide, and Danny Beissel, lead singer of the acclaimed Angel Force band. Depression and suicide affect people of all demographic backgrounds but are especially prevalent among our young people in middle and high school, and among the Veteran population. According to “The 31st Annual Report on the Conditions of Children in Orange County,” suicide is the second leading cause of death for children aged 10 to 14 years old. Data among Veterans is also quite bleak. We must make ourselves aware of the signs of suicide ideation and responsibly talk with those who may be thinking of suicide. There are numerous resources available to take care of your loved ones, like the “988” hotline, established in 2005 for suicide prevention, which offers 24/7 invaluable, free, and confidential support to individuals in distress and even provides vital prevention and crisis resources. We urge everyone in Orange County to join in spreading awareness for suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. You could save a life. |
PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH |
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At Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, Chairman Chaffee and I led a presentation recognizing September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer for men. With 1 in 8 men being diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is vital that all of us get regular medical check-ups to keep track of our health. Prostate cancer is highly treatable, and the earlier it is detected, the easier it is to treat. But left untreated, this disease can be deadly. That is why we can never take our health for granted and should always be vigilant about regular checkups, including PSA tests and MRI scans. Thankfully, here in Orange County, we have some of the most incredible healthcare providers in the nation who can help with early detection and treatment. I would like to thank all our local healthcare providers and the Prostate Forum of Orange County for prioritizing the support of men with prostate cancer prevention and treatment. As we observe Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, let us use this time to encourage all the fathers, brothers, husbands, sons, and friends to take their health seriously and schedule regular screenings. Early detection saves lives, and together, through awareness, education, and the support of our outstanding healthcare professionals, we can continue to make a difference in the fight against prostate cancer. Thank you, and let’s all do our part to promote a healthier Orange County. |
CATFISH DERBY AT IRVINE LAKE |
With scores of Orange County residents and visitors in attendance, our Catfish Derby was an incredible success! Hundreds of people were lined up outside the gate to the lake before the sun rose and spent the entire day reeling in fish for a wonderful time of family friendly fun. The largest fish came in at a whopping 14.87 pounds, caught by John Morris of Santa Ana! Congratulations to the winners of the largest fish prizes! A big thank you to Orange County Parks and James Events for all their hard work in coordination with our office to make this happen. We couldn't have done this without you! This final fishing derby before Irvine Ranch Water District drains the lake for renovations was a bittersweet way to end this cherished tradition. To everyone who came out to Saturday's event, we hope you had a wonderful time! |
ORANGE INTERNATIONAL STREET FAIR |
Once again, my office staff manned our booth throughout the 2 ½ days of the Orange International Street Fair. There were over 300,000 visitors who came to the City of Orange to enjoy food from around the world, special beers, wine, and wonderful craft items.
On Friday, September 4, I took to the Main Stage to welcome everyone to the street fair, bringing on stage Kim Le, owner of the Pacific Conservatory, and my appointee to the John Wayne Airport Arts Commission which she chairs, as well as the kids of the Pacific Conservatory. Kim came on stage to entertain the crowd with the theme song for the city, Orange Sweet Orange.
This annual event is always a delight and I look forward to next year!
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MISSION VIEJO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL LUNCHEON
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My office happily sponsored the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Annual Luncheon. My Chief of Staff, Tara Campbell, District Director, Scott Voigts, and Community Outreach Director, Saga Conroy, attended the luncheon and presented certificates to all award recipients. My team presented certificates to the Chamber’s Outgoing President, Dave Benson, Outgoing Board Member, Kim Jones, and celebrated the Chamber’s new board installation. Congratulations to Kateryna Karasyk, owner & CEO of Elephant Signage & Display Int., for being sworn in as the President of Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce, 2026-2027. We appreciate your dedication and your support of our business community! |
ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC AFFAIRS LEGISLATIVE AIDES LUNCHEON |
My staff attended the Orange County Public Affairs Association Legislative Aides Luncheon, where my Policy Advisor, Amanda Casillas, gave an update to the attendees on the Third District and our office’s recent projects and initiatives, including our fishing derby, fire safety town hall, and small business grant program.
It was a great turnout and wonderful opportunity for my staff to connect with the staff of other elected officials.
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50TH ANNIVERSARY OF AYSO REGION 84 |
My Community Outreach Director, Saga Conroy, presented a certificate of recognition to AYSO Assistant Regional Commissioner Gina Piquet, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Mission Viejo AYSO Region 84.
Thank you for fifty years of world-class youth soccer programs that enrich lives. May your organization continue to thrive in the years to come!
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50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MISSION VIEJO GIRL'S SOFTBALL |
My Community Outreach Director, Saga Conroy, presented a certificate of recognition to Coach Jesse Matlock, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Mission Viejo Girls Softball, and thanked Team MVGS for their fifty years of youth sports programs.
Congratulations on providing fifty years of youth sports to the Mission Viejo community!
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My Field Representative, Pat Buttress, presented a certificate to Bell’s Head Spa in Yorba Linda for its grand opening and ribbon cutting.
It was a great turn out of Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce board members and ambassadors.
This wonderful Yorba Linda facility provides clients with a full scalp conditioning treatment in a calming environment which includes soothing music, aromatherapy, and professional scalp care tailored to the client’s needs.
Congratulations on your grand opening!
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KATHERINE COATES' LAST DAY OF INTERNSHIP |
Friday, August 28 was our intern, Katherine Coates’ last day in our office. Katherine is entering her senior year at UCLA studying political science, and was a wonderful, inquisitive, and hard working member of Team Wagner. We will miss the positive energy she brought to the office every day. Wishing Katherine all the best in her future endeavors! |
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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. |
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