We've entered the month of May, and we finally have some consistent sunny weather! This month has already gotten off to a great start! Recently, I joined events celebrating and recognizing our public safety personnel, remembering our crime victims, engaging the community on behalf of our aging population and those suffering mental health challenges, and challenged a large group of third graders to explore the world around them through the magic of reading. We also had some international travelers come to learn from Orange County about how we serve our constituents. It was a privilege to host a delegation from San Juan City, Philippines, who traveled here to learn from our expertise in emergency management, social services, public safety, and waste management. Their visit indicates the international recognition and relevance of the work we do. May has just started, and it's already been busy. I'm looking forward to what the rest of this month brings for our office! |
Chairman Don Wagner Orange County Board of Supervisors Approve Agreement to Allow Juvenile Offenders to Partake in Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp (Santa Ana, CA) – Chairman Don Wagner and the Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a contract allowing Orange County Probation Department-supervised youth to participate in Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp, operated by CALFIRE and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). "Pine Grove represents a crucial step in our efforts to provide effective rehabilitation for young people in the juvenile justice system," said Chairman Don Wagner. "By offering comprehensive support and training, Pine Grove reduces incarceration rates and empower these young men and women to successfully reintegrate into their communities. I am excited to see that Orange County Probation Department is participating in this program." Pine Grove, run by CALFIRE and CDCR, offers housing, care, and training for youthful offenders. It aims to reduce incarceration, provide rehabilitative programming, assist with reentry, and lower recidivism. Services include counseling, educational programs, and vocational training. Eligible individuals, aged 14-25, adjudicated for serious offenses, can participate. The agreement allows up to 10 youth at Pine Grove at a daily cost to Probation. Youth receive firefighting training and certificates. Eligibility is determined by CDCR and the County. Chairman Wagner and the Orange County Board of Supervisors wholeheartedly support the Probation Department's efforts to help youthful offenders reintegrate back into society and reduce recidivism. |
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MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH |
At this week's Board meeting, we declared May as Mental Health Awareness Month. We used the opportunity to enhance public awareness of the importance of mental health and support those experiencing the challenges of mental health disorders.
One in every six adults experience mental health challenges in their lives. Mental health disorders affect people of all backgrounds, and it not only impacts them, but their loved ones and caretakers.
There are many factors that lead to the development of a mental illness or substance abuse disorder. Prevention and early intervention are vital.
It’s incumbent upon all of us to support those facing mental health challenges, support them in seeking help, and to make available the resources that they can use to better treat their conditions.
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At this week's Board meeting, we recognized May as Older Americans Month. This month is a time to recognize and honor older adults and the massive impact they have on our communities throughout Orange County. Their wealth of life experience and wisdom, older adults can guide our younger generations and be a continual reminder of preserving our shared heritage and history.
Many older adults actively improve our communities through intergenerational relationships, community service, and civic engagement.Orange County is committed to providing resources and support for older Americans so they may stay engaged in their communities.
The Orange County Office on Aging is dedicated to delivering quality health programs to over 700,000 older adults, enhancing their quality of life.This year's theme emphasizes the importance of meaningful interactions and social connections for the well-being of older adults.
We encourage all residents to recognize the contributions of older citizens and promote programs that foster connection and support for them throughout the month of May.
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CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS WEEK CEREMONY |
I joined District Attorney Todd Spitzer, Sheriff Don Barnes, and numerous others in law enforcement to commemorate Crime Victims Rights Week. This annual commemoration highlights victims rights, and the hard work that the Orange County District Attorney, Orange County Sheriff's Department and all of our local law enforcement does to protect victims of crime and bring criminals to justice. This year, the commemoration was dedicated to young victims of crime, where we heard harrowing stories, and of the heroic work that our law enforcement and their partners have done to visit justice on the guilty and solace on the grieving. I want to thank the men and women in law enforcement and all our victim advocate partners for their hard work. |
PHILIPPINES DELEGATION VISIT |
I had the privilege of greeting the Mayor of San Juan City, Philippines, Francis Zamora, Vice Mayor Jose Angelo Rafael Agcaoili, the entire city council, and city staff, during their visit to Orange County. They sought to better understand how we handle emergency management, social services, public safety, and waste management. I had a wonderful time answering the Mayor and city council’s questions and understanding their priorities. Thank you, and I hope that our County provided you with answers and ideas to solve the issues that San Juan faces. |
I joined the Meal of Valor luncheon hosted by the Orange County Sheriff’s Advisory Council. Sgt. Brian Gunsolley received the Medal for Merit for developing and implementing a new drug education and prevention program, Above the Influence, which is a six-week substance abuse prevention program for 5th and 6th graders. It has been launched in more than 40 elementary schools across Orange County. My office has helped fund this outstanding program, which was recognized during the award ceremony. The ceremony also awarded the brave deputies who responded to the Cook’s Corner shooting in Trabuco Canyon last fall.The Medal for Lifesaving, the Medal for Merit, the Medal for Courage, and the Medal for Valor were all presented to deserving men and women of the Sheriff's Department for their actions during that horrific shooting. Congratulations to all of the deputies who received medals. Your dedication to the safety of our residents has not gone unnoticed! |
GIFT OF HISTORY PROGRAM AT NIXON LIBRARY |
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I welcomed 300 third-grade students from several Orange County schools to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda. The Children’s Education Foundation of Orange County has facilitated the award-winning Gift of History program since 2007. Its goal has always been to make Orange County’s rich history come alive for all third-grade students. To do this, the foundation commissioned Orange County historian Stan Oftelie to write “Nothing Rhymes with Orange,” a unique history book designed specifically for third-grade readers. I had the privilege of writing the Forward to the newest edition of the book, hundreds of copies of which were handed out at the event. I also introduced two videos, one from Orange County Transportation Authority talking about the buses that connect all of the OC, and the other a short video talking about the Orange County Board of Supervisors. This was a very special morning for me. It is always a pleasure to meet with young people, and to join in an effort to expose them to the joys of reading. |
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OCGOP ELECTED OFFICALS AWARDS CEREMONY |
I was honored to receive the County Elected Official of the Year Award from the Republican Party of Orange County at its annual Elected Officials Awards Ceremony. The recognition was for my work on the fentanyl crisis, support for local law enforcement, and efforts to balance budgets, lower taxes and cut regulatory red tape. Out of all the fine local elected officials in Orange County, I am honored to have received this award. |
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EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR |
My District Director, Scott Voigts, presented a certificate of recognition to Adam Vincent Scott, for his Eagle Scout Court of Honor at Santiago de Compostela Catholic Church in Lake Forest. A big congratulations to Adam on his accomplishment and to Orange County Council Boy Scouts Troop 604 for adding another Eagle Scout to their ranks! |
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My Policy Advisor, Al Murray, presented a certificate of recognition for EverSpring, a new Chinese restaurant at the Tustin Marketplace that uses a robotic waiter to serve food to customers. Congratulations on your grand opening and on your use of this new innovative technology for your customer service! |
GLAMOUR LOCKS HAIR EXTENSION SYSTEM GRAND OPENING |
My field representative, Pat Buttress, presented a certificate on my behalf to Glamour Locks Hair Extension System owners Mario and Paula, congratulating them on their new store in Anaheim Hills. They specialize in patented hair extension systems and had demonstrations of the process during the celebration. The grand opening was well attended with Anaheim Chamber board and ambassadors and Glamour Locks clients. Congratulations on the grand opening of your new location! |
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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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