It's been a busy week at the County of Orange. Supervisor Wagner brought forward a couple of items that passed unanimously at the Board of Supervisors. Read about them below. |
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At the October 18th Board Meeting, Supervisor Donald P. Wagner brought an item to allocate $15,000 from his Third District Discretionary funds to the Best Buddies California Orange County Chapter in recognition of National Employment Disabilities Month. The item passed unanimously at the Board of Supervisors.
"I'm always looking for ways to help our disabled community and found a significant need for essential job training and transportation to and from jobs. It is an honor to help a community determined to live proud, productive lives and a community partner that does excellent work serving people with disabilities," said Supervisor Wagner, Orange County Supervisor of the Third District.
Currently, the shortage of service providers for job development and coaching services has overwhelmed the referral system to Best Buddies, which had to close with a waitlist of over 100 people.
The Board approved the appropriation of $10,000 towards the Pre-Employment Transition Services vocational training program in Orange County's Third District and $5,000 to address transportation needs for participants to get to and from their interviews and jobs.
The Pre-Employment Transition Program will be Orange County's first-ever launch of the program.
"We are very grateful for the recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month at the County of Orange, with grant funds allocated from Supervisor Wagner to help support the Best Buddies Jobs Program in OC. These critical funds will help ensure those with intellectual and developmental disabilities have more access to transportation, essential job training, and most importantly, confidence as an integral part of Orange County's vibrant workforce," Katelyn Quintero, State Director, California, Best Buddies International.
Best Buddies International is one of Orange County's most trusted providers offering 1:1 friendship, integrated employment, and leadership development programs for people with and without Intellectual Disabilities. We may not see the disability in someone's life, but we can see the person and embrace their unique talents, skills, and passions. |
Supervisor Wagner brought an item that directs County Counsel to request OC Superior Court open conservatorship proceedings for defendant Aminadab Gaxiola to the public and victims of the March 31, 2021, mass shooting in Orange. The families, survivors, and public want to see justice served. His item passed unanimously.
Last November, Orange County Superior Court Judge Cheri Pham reasoned that Gonzalez was mentally incompetent to help in his legal defense. That conclusion was made after experts for the defense and prosecution concluded that Gonzalez was unfit to aid in his defense.
Supervisor Wagner believes the issue is one of transparency and, in that spirit, led the Board to request the court open its conservatorship hearings. While the Board of Supervisors is not the final decision-maker to open proceedings, he emphasized Supervisors have the right to make the request. Stay tuned on this issue. |
OCTOBER BOARD RECOGNITIONS |
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — please get screened |
| Human Rights of Iranian Women Recognition |
| October is National Disability Employment Month |
| October is National Bullying Prevention Month |
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Team Wagner was thrilled to participate in the first weekend of Orange County Park's Fall-O-Ween Fest in the City of Lake Forest. We had such a blast engaging with residents, viewing the spooky historic homes, and seeing all the creative costumes -- that we're doing it again this weekend. This free event is perfect for family photos, plus memories that can last a lifetime. The scary-good fun continues: Heritage Hill Fall-O-Ween Octpber 21-23
4:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Supervisor Wagner is also a sponsor of Treat in the Streets, a free Halloween-themed event in the heart of Old Towne Orange — mark your calendars. Treats in the Streets October 27 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm |
2022 MAYOR'S STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS |
Under crystal chandeliers in the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, our Yorba Linda community gathered for the 2022 Mayor's State of the City Address; the Library's distinguished East Room served as the ideal backdrop for good conversation among guests. The Mayor shared with our business community, partners, and residents city highlights and efforts, key projects, initiatives, city priorities, partnerships, and future planning. Supervisor Wagner was honored to attend the dinner and represent the Third District, where he engaged with community leaders, business owners, residents, and elected officials on issues he's addressing throughout the County.
Honorable Guests in Attendance
Mayor Carlos Rodriguez Mayor Pro Tem Gene Hernandez Councilmembers Tara Campbell Dr. Beth Haney and Carol Huang; Representative Young Kim Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Bayric Hunter and More |
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FENTANYL WARNINGS LAUNCH ON OCTA BUSES |
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Earlier this year, Supervisor Wagner got the County to adopt a formal Resolution in the collective fight against fentanyl. In the Resolution, the County pledged to embrace the national "One Pill Can Kill Campaign."
Fentanyl deaths have skyrocketed across the United States over the last few years, with Orange County experiencing a 1,000% increase in the previous five years due to an increase in fentanyl being sold under the guise of other less potent drugs. Statewide, fentanyl deaths have increased by 1,513%.
The drug's deadly, prevalent and covert nature — as it can masquerade as candy — prompted Supervisor Wagner to swiftly and successfully encourage all cities in his District to adopt similar Resolutions. His goal is that Orange County will stand united against fentanyl threats. We want to tell Sacramento that more accountability is necessary for these fentanyl poisonings.
The Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer has continued the effort by launching the "One Pill Can Kill" campaign on all OCTA buses. We thank all our community partners and law enforcement for raising awareness of this growing issue.
Once again, the fight won't be easy in California — but with every life saved, it will be well worth it. |
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GRAND OPENINGS + RECOGNITIONS |
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Team Wagner celebrates new business openings, private-public expansions, and grand reopenings in the Third District. You may see us at ribbon cuttings around town because we support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes for a diverse and prosperous local economy. Orange County truly is a wonderful place to live — and that's because of its good citizens. |
Team Wagner Field Representative Pat Buttress helps break ground for the new CHOC Children's Hospital Southwest Tower. It will open in phases and include a Research Institute with outpatient infusion therapies, radiology, and beyond. We are grateful to have this community resource in our backyard in the City of Orange. Follow the journey #longlivechildhood. |
Team Wagner Field Representative Al Murray celebrates the grand opening of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union's new campus in the City of Tustin. On behalf of the organization, Scott McClellan received the Certificate of Recognition from the Third District Office. |
Team Wagner congratulated Chad McClain of Exodus Escape Room for earning September's Business of the Month from the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce. The people closest to a community know its needs best, and we wish our small businesses many years of prosperity in serving our vibrant Orange County community. |
Team Wagner Field Representative Al Tello steps out of an Orange County Sheriff's Department Duke 6 Helicopter at the South County Disaster Preparedness Expo in Mission Viejo. The Expo provides an opportunity for the public to learn about our first responders' plans and tools that are put into play before and after a disaster strikes; it's the resources we hope we never need but are grateful to have on hand. |
COUNTDOWN TO VETERANS DAY OUTDOOR FESTIVAL |
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Supervisor 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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