September has been off to a good start, after a rocky August, where we contended with both Hurricane Hilary and the Cook's Corner shooting. This month, we have honored our workers on Labor Day, commemorated the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, and paid trubute to our service clubs. We look forward to celebrating Native American Day later this month, and also encourage spreading awareness for suicide prevention. We also are celebrating recovery awareness with "Recovery Awareness Month", as we seek to combat substance abuse. As we transition into the fall season, we carry with us the lessons and resilience forged through the trials of August and the unity celebrated throughout September. With the changing leaves and cooling temperatures, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the Orange County community. |
ESSENTIAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR OCFA FIREFIGHTERS |
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At the September 12 Board of Supervisors meeting, the board unanimously approved my allocation of $85,000 to ensure that every Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) firefighter receives essential personal safety equipment. This decision comes in the wake of the recent completion of the International Association of Fire Fighters' Fire Ground Survival program by our dedicated OCFA firefighters. My unwavering commitment lies in supporting our first responders and providing them with the necessary resources to carry out their life-saving duties. By allocating these funds to equip OCFA firefighters with this upgraded safety gear, we are taking a crucial step towards enhancing their protection and boosting their confidence in performing their critical tasks. The Fire Ground Survival program plays a pivotal role in equipping our firefighters with the skills and knowledge required to prevent life-threatening situations during their operations. It ensures that our firefighters are well-prepared to take life-saving actions in scenarios involving disorientation, injuries, low air supply, or entrapment. During the program, OCFA firefighters identified a specific need for specialized self-rescue tools. The proposed FFPG cutters are compact wire cutters equipped with a durable webbing lanyard. These powerful cutters, measuring under seven inches in length and weighing nine ounces, are designed to swiftly and effectively sever wires and ropes that could pose entanglement hazards to our brave firefighters. By providing all 1,250 OCFA firefighters with a set of these wire cutters, I am ensuring that they have the means to overcome challenging situations and protect not only their lives but also the lives of their fellow firefighters. This allocation of funds represents a continuation of my commitment, along with OCFA's dedication, to creating an environment of safety and preparedness for our firefighters. By taking these proactive measures, Orange County is setting a precedent for prioritizing firefighter well-being and, ultimately, the safety of our community. |
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SEPTEMBER IS SERVICE CLUBS MONTH At the September 12 board meeting, the Board of Supervisors recognized September as Service Clubs Month in Orange County, being the first California County to do so. We were joined by Elks District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler David Lawhorn, Rotary District Governor Roy Jefferson, Kiwanis District Governor Shawn Wood, Yorba Linda Woman’s Club First Vice President Dottie Jensen, The Exchange Club of Tustin Board Member Kathy Kozak, and Tustin Host Lions Club President John Nielsen. Service clubs have been an integral part of Orange County in many cases for over 100 years and have made significant contributions to the development of our communities. They contribute to various community projects, such as building playgrounds, supporting educational programs, and providing scholarships. They donate to food banks, homeless shelters, and disaster relief efforts. They encourage civic engagement by promoting volunteering and community service. And the list goes on and on. We are deeply grateful for the philanthropy service clubs have provided to our county, and it is my honor to recognize September as Service Clubs Month in our county for the first time in appreciation for all the significant contributions these organizations make to Orange County. |
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SEPTEMBER 22 IS NATIVE AMERICAN DAY California Native American Day is celebrated every year on the 4th Friday of September, and this year, it is celebrated on September 22, 2023. We were joined by Chairwoman Heidi Lucero of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation. Orange County recognizes the importance of acknowledging and honoring the rich history, culture, and contributions of California Native Americans. California Native American communities have made significant contributions to the growth, development, and progress of Orange County through their rich traditions, art, language, and more. California Native American Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the Tongva Tribe and the Acjachemen Nation as the original inhabitants of the Orange County lands and thank them for their many contributions to our community. |
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SEPTEMBER IS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH At the September 12 Board of Supervisors Meeting, the board recognized September as Suicide Prevention Month in Orange County. Suicide Prevention Month is a time in which individuals, organizations and communities around the country join their voices to amplify the message that suicide can be prevented. As of 2022, the suicide rate in Orange County has increased 27% since 2000, with an average of over 320 preventable deaths per year. In Orange County, we renew our commitment to connecting with those who may be struggling and encouraging communities, organizations, and county agencies to work together to prevent suicide. We encourage all residents to promote mental health and wellness. Knowing the signs of suicide, finding the words to talk with someone who may be thinking of suicide, and reaching out to local resources are actions everyone can take to care of themselves and others. As part of the county’s commitment to improving mental health, we have partnered with the Anaheim Angels to help raise awareness. Join us at the game tomorrow night where I will have the honor of throwing out the first pitch. I don’t promise to throw a strike, but together we can strike a blow against the scourge of mental illness. Help is available for those suffering from mental illness. Call 988 if you or someone you know might be grappling with suicide ideation. |
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SEPTEMBER IS RECOVERY AWARENESS MONTH September is Recovery Awareness Month in support of individuals and families living with and impacted by substance use disorders and in observance of dedicated recovery communities and service providers who support recovery. Supporting recovery for all is critical now more than ever, as the poisonings and overdoses are significantly higher over the past three years than ever before. The number of deaths from drugs and alcohol in Orange County increased by 60% in 2022 compared to three years prior in 2019. The number of poisoning and overdose deaths from the opiate fentanyl accounted for 647 deaths alone in Orange County, 69% of all drug overdose deaths in 2021. Through the observance of Recovery Awareness Month, people are made aware of the effectiveness of treatment and recovery services, recognize the signs of substance use disorders, encourage those in need of recovery services to seek help, and break the stigma surrounding substance use disorders and getting help for these conditions. Recovery Awareness Month spreads the positive message, “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community,” reminding people in recovery and those who support them that no one is alone in their journey. |
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LABOR DAY Last Monday, we came together to honor the backbone of our great nation: the American worker. This day is a tribute to the tireless efforts, dedication, and resilience of every individual who contributes to the prosperity and progress of our country. Labor Day is more than just a day off from work; it is a day to recognize and appreciate the men and women who build our roads, educate our children, care for the sick, grow our food, and make countless other contributions that keep our society functioning. It's a day to celebrate the dignity of work and the enduring spirit of the American worker. So, thank you to all the hard working Americans for what you do every single day for our great nation. |
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Even though it has been 22 years since the tragic terror attacks on September 11th, 2001, I still remember the events that occurred that day as vividly as I remember yesterday. We cannot forget the lives that were lost in these attacks, the lives that were saved as a result of the bravery of our first responders and the solidarity that Americans found in each other to stand against and defeat the perpetrators of these horrific attacks. 9/11 will remain a scar on our nation for generations to come. It is incumbent upon us to ensure that an attack like this never happens again and to make sure that future generations of Americans never forget what happened this day. |
CITY OF HOPE CANCER HOSPITAL TOPPING OFF CERIMONY |
My District Director Scott Voigts and my Outreach Director Saga Conroy joined City of Hope for their topping off ceremony for their cancer hospital in Irvine. City of Hope’s Cancer Hospital building is Orange County’s only specialty cancer hospital exclusively focused on treating and curing cancer, and will open in 2025. The cancer hospital will complete the continuum of care for patients. It is part of a $1 billion investment in Orange County and will be seamlessly connected to City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, which opened in August of 2022. I want to thank City of Hope for their continued dedication to the health and wellness of Orange County residents. |
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I hosted a vigil with the canyons community in honoring the lives of Tonya Clark, John Leehey and Glen Sprowl, as we came together as a community to mourn their loss just weeks ago in the tragic shooting that shook the Orange County community. People from all walks of life joined together in lightning candles to remember the three innocent lives we lost. Rhonda Palmeri, manager of Cook’s Corner, spoke about that tragic day, how it has touched so many lives, and how, after this incident, the bond of Cook’s Corner community will be even stronger. We were joined by Sheriff Don Barnes, District Attorney Todd Spitzer, and three faith-based leaders: Father Alan Benander of St. Michael’s Abbey, Pastor Larry DeSimone of Calvary Chapel of the Canyons, and Pastor Robert Jacobson of the Trabuco Canyon Community Church. While this tragic shooting hit our community hard, it has further strengthened the bond of everyone affected, and we will recover. Thank you to all who came to remember Tonya, John and Glen. |
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SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK 40TH ANNIVERSERY DOCUMENTARY |
Earlier this month, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County came to my office to film a segment in their mini-documentary celebrating its 40th anniversary. In it, I discussed their partnership with Orange County, and the work they do to help our County’s disadvantaged families. Second Harvest played a huge role in providing food for those in need during the COVID pandemic. We’re grateful for everything they have done for Orange County, and wish them many more years of success. |
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ORANGE INTERNATIONAL STREET FAIR |
I joined the City of Orange for their annual International Street Fair. Booths with cuisine and wares from various nations from across the world and live music made this event a fun filled occasion! We were joined by Orange Mayor Dan Slater, members of the Orange City Council, the Orange Chief of Police, and U.S. Representative Young Kim. |
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IRVINE PARK RAILROAD NEW TRAIN UNVEILING |
I had the privilege of joining the retirement ceremony for locomotive 285, which has brought fun to families and children for the last 27 years. We also commemorated the incoming locomotive 420, a new state-of-the-art electric locomotive. I want to thank Irvine Park Railroad for all their work, and wish the new locomotive 420 many more years of bringing fun and wonderful memories to our community. |
E-VEHICLE SAFETY IN IRVINE SCHOOLS |
Earler this month, I joined the Irvine Police Department and Irvine Unified School District for e-vehicle safety presentations for the students of Irvine High School and Northwood High School. We discussed the differences between e-vehicles, rules of the road and e-bike laws, safety concerns, registration requirements and more. Kudos to the Irvine Police Department and the Irvine Unified School District for educating students about the importance of operating e-vehicles safely. |
September is suicide prevention month. Orange County is coming together to inspire hope. Go to www.lightuphopeoc.com to learn more or dial 9-8-8 if you are in immediate crisis to get the help you need today. |
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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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