The month of November has had some great moments and some significant challenges for Orange County. We celebrated our veterans and their contributions to the safety and security of our great nation. Numerous events across the county were held to honor the men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms. I was honored to be present at so many of these events over Veterans Day weekend.
 
Unfortunately, the celebration of our veterans was overshadowed by an unprecedented three-alarm fire at the Tustin North Hangar that resulted in ash and debris landing in the surrounding communities. The loss of this historic building, especially during the week of Veterans Day, is undeniably sad, but I am grateful that no one has been injured during the incident. 
 
In response to this situation, I signed an emergency declaration that allows the county to utilize federal and state resources and assistance to help mitigate the crisis and ensure the safety of our communities. We are working around the clock with our local, state, and federal partners to address the needs of our community.
 
As we approach Thanksgiving, it is a time for us all to be grateful for what we have. Amid the challenges of this role, the good and the bad, I am honored to serve as your supervisor, and will continue working hard for you. 

I joined Fox 11's Marla Tellez to discuss the tragic loss of the Tustin North Hanger. This hanger, along with its twin, are iconic landmarks that symbolize the rich military history of Orange County. The loss of the North Hangar and the impact this fire has had on Tustin and the greater community has been incredibly challenging for all of us, but we are working diligently to ensure the safety of our residents.

Last Thursday, I signed a county-wide state of emergency declaration following Tuesday’s Tustin North Hangar Fire. This declaration will expedite the availability of state and federal resources and fulfill certain legal requirements with respect to environmental cleanup. 

For more information, resources, and contacts for our residents affected by the debris and smoke from the fire, visit: https://www.tustinca.org/1457/North-Hangar-Fire-Community-Resource-Pag

We also set up a public information hotline for any resident who may have questions at: 714-426-2444.

The tragic loss of this historic hangar and the subsequent smoke and debris that has affected the surrounding communities is something that I don’t take lightly. I will continue to stay in constant communication with our emergency personnel and partner agencies as we clean up and move forward.

VETERANS DAY RECOGNITION

At the November 7th board meeting, Vice Chairman Do and I led a presentation  marking November 11th as Veterans Day. We were joined by our Orange County Veterans Service Officer, Eric Ensley, the Orange County Veterans Advisory Council members, and the President of Veterans Alliance of Orange County, Nick Berardino.

On Veterans Day, we honor the valor of those brave Americans who have sacrificed to defend peace, freedom, and our republic for us all. We urge all residents to remember the noble sacrifice of our country's armed forces in defense of our country, not just on Veterans Day, but every day.
 
Orange County is home to over 125,000 veterans. We want to thank them for their service and ensure that veterans of every era and their families get the state and federal benefits and services they have earned and deserve because of their selfless and honorable military service.

If you are a veteran or know a veteran, please take advantage of our county resources available for our servicemembers. You can find more at: https://www.veterans.ocgov.com/

DECEMBER IS ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH

At the November 7th Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board presented a resolution recognizing November as Adoption Awareness Month in Orange County. 

We were joined by Kristin Shelby, Jacob Lee Williams, and their son Wyatt James Williams. Kristin and Jacob adopted Wyatt in March of this year.

We are grateful for all our adoptive families who provide safe, loving, and stable homes for children.

Last year, 362 adoptions were finalized, placing children who faced tumultuous journeys in safe and stable homes.

But we still have over 3,000 children in the Orange County foster care system.

Children coming from the foster care system have faced uncertainty and sometimes danger. Many children won’t ever have a safe home to return to. Adoption is the safe harbor they need to end instability and thrive from the love, nurturing, and compassion permanent families can provide.

Orange County needs more adoptive and resource parents. We encourage those interested in learning more about becoming a resource family to call 1-888-871-KIDS or visit www.oc4kids.com.