We entered February with a major atmospheric river storm hitting Southern California, giving Orange County a soaking. Thankfully, we had no injuries or deaths, and no one needed evacuation.
Our Sheriff’s Department, Fire Authority, Public Works, and other local agencies actively prepared for this storm and informed residents of its potential impacts, and I am grateful for their vigilance in ensuring the safety of Orange County residents.
I look forward to what the month of February will bring us, and, as always, I am honored to represent you on the Orange County Board of Supervisors. |
Chairman Don Wagner and Orange County Board of Supervisors Approve Renewal of Sheriff’s Department Crime Lab Erase Kits Contract (Santa Ana, CA) – Chairman Don Wagner and the Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted in favor of a contract renewal with Endeavor DNA, Inc. for the Orange County Sheriff's Department Crime Lab's utilization of Erase Kits. The Orange County Sheriff's Department Crime Lab’s DNA Bureau employs state-of-the-art technology, including robotics and advanced DNA typing, ensuring precise and efficient analysis of evidence from crime scenes, with a particular focus on sexual assault kits. In 2020, Chairman Wagner worked with District Attorney Todd Spitzer on initiating the clearing of the over 30-year sexual assault kit backlog. In 2022, that backlog was finally cleared, thanks to the hard work of the Crime Lab. This accomplishment demonstrates our commitment to justice and closure for victims. This monumental accomplishment exemplifies Orange County's unwavering commitment to justice and closure for victims, marking a significant step forward in the pursuit of resolving long-standing cases. In 2023 alone, the DNA Bureau entered over 1200 crime scene profiles into the Combined DNA Index System. These statistics underscore the DNA Bureau's vital role in enhancing public safety, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing funding and support. "The work of the Orange County Sheriff's Department Crime Lab’s DNA Bureau is instrumental in ensuring the safety of our community and delivering justice to victims,” said Chairman Wagner. “The renewal of our contract reaffirms our commitment to equipping our law enforcement with cutting-edge tools and technologies to solve crimes efficiently and effectively.” Chairman Wagner remains dedicated to supporting the Orange County Sheriff's Department and its Crime Lab in their ongoing efforts to maintain the highest standards of forensic analysis and ensure the safety and well-being of the community. |
DISCUSSING ATMOSPHERIC RIVER STORM ON SPECTRUM 1 NEWS |
On Monday night, I joined Spectrum 1 News to discuss the Atmospheric River Storm that hit Southern California and its initial impacts on Orange County.
I’m happy to report that Orange County has weathered the impacts of this storm.
On Sunday evening, the County implemented a voluntary evacuation for Canyons residents in Trabuco, Modjeska, Silverado, and Williams Canyons, and our Emergency Operations Center went on alert in case conditions worsen.
Our Emergency Operations Center received only two calls inquiring about the evacuations, and there were no requests for sheltering from the public.
Our Sheriff’s Department, Fire Authority, Public Works, and other local agencies actively prepared for this storm and informed residents of its potential impacts. I am grateful for their vigilance in ensuring the safety of Orange County residents.
Orange County was largely spared from any catastrophic damage from the storm. However, our Emergency Operations Center, first responders, and all our government agencies were still on high alert at all times. |
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2024 is the 215th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's birth. We remember the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, who both ended slavery and saved our nation from permanent division by leading the Union to victory during the American Civil War. His legacy lives on to this day as a reminder to all of us of what true Presidential leadership looks like. |
Happy Presidents Day! On this day, we honor President George Washington, the Father of our Country, and Abraham Lincoln, who saved the nation during the Civil War. Maybe you want to spare a good thought for Millard Fillmore of Chester A. Arthur, too on this day, but Washington and Lincoln are the giants. |
I want to wish Orange County's Catholic community, and all other Christian denominations that celebrate, a very happy Ash Wednesday and beginning of the Lenten Season. |
Happy Valentine's Day to all of our happy couples in Orange County! And if you're thinking of getting married on Valentine's Day, drop by the county courthouse where I, and maybe a few of my colleagues will be performing some weddings. We love the opportunity to help happy couples celebrate. |
ANNUAL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING |
I hosted my annual County Commissioners Meeting, where all of my appointed commissioners came to discuss issues they face in their respective policy areas and to receive an update on the state of the county and my office’s accomplishments in the last year.
It was a robust conversation where many policy areas were discussed. I want to thank all my commissioners for attending and for all the hard work they put into their roles. |
MISSION VIEJO EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR CEREMONY |
I joined the Mission Viejo City Council meeting to recognize the city's Employees of the Year.
I was proud to recognize: - City of Mission Viejo Employee of the Year Kelly Ellis (Information Technology Administrative Assistant)
- Orange County Fire Authority Employee of the Year Firefighter Lance Day (also a 20-year USMC veteran)
- Orange County Sheriff's Department Employee of the Year Deputy Casey Briggs (Behavioral Health Bureau Deputy)
- I also brought a certificate of recognition for City Clerk Kimberly Schmitt, who won the 2023 Municipal Clerk of the Year Award from City Clerks Association of California (CCAC).
Thank you all for your strong work ethic, outstanding efforts, and commitment to serving our community!
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MISSION VIEJO ROTARY SERVICE CLUB PROCLAMATION |
I joined the Mission Viejo Rotary Club for their January General Meeting. I discussed the ongoing fentanyl crisis, crime in Orange County, and progress with the Veterans Cemetery. I also presented a Service Club proclamation for Mission Viejo Rotary, thanking its members for their decades-long commitment to helping the community. |
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ORANGE PARK ACRES ANNUAL MEETING |
I joined Orange Mayor Dan Slater and Orange City Manager Tom Kisela at Orange Park Acres' (OPA) annual meeting to recognize and praise its work on maintaining the excellent horse, walking, and biking trails throughout OPA.
This organization has volunteers who look after the trails and ensure they are always in good working order, as well as a group planning the expansion of the trail system for all to enjoy.
I am so grateful for all of Orange Park Acres' work for the Orange community. Your dedicated volunteer work has not gone unnoticed and is greatly appreciated! |
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My office’s Senior Scam Stopper Seminar in Mission Viejo was a great success! We had a massive turnout from our senior citizen community, where they were taught best practices to avoid, detect, and report scam attempts.
Our parents always told us the world could be dangerous if you’re unprepared. It’s a privilege to return the favor to them to help them avoid being taken advantage of by scammers.
Thank you to everyone who attended and our experts who led the seminar! |
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My office held our first CPR class in Rancho Santa Margarita.
It was a great success, with more than 60 attendees!
A big thanks to the City of Rancho Santa Margarita and the Bell Tower Community Center for providing the space to hold our CPR class and to RSM City Councilwoman Anne Figueroa, who came to support our efforts! |
I joined the Association of California Cities, Orange County’s Policy Dinner, where I provided opening remarks on Governing in the Era of Artificial Intelligence. Thank you, ACC-OC, for your constant involvement in the community and for representing the interests of Orange County’s cities. |
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Chairman 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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