(SANTA ANA, CA) – John Wayne Airport’s newest Vi Smith exhibit Endless Summer is a sweet homage to Orange County’s year-round sunshine. This vibrant showcase will be on display from November 10, 2023 to March 10, 2024.

Artists Betsy Enzensberger and Sarah Stieber illustrate a myriad of summer delights in this collaboration, with colorful, melting popsicles to glistening pools just beckoning you to dive in.

Enzensberger is a Southern California-based pop artist celebrated for her whimsical resin sculptures. Her Original Melting Pops™ are a tribute to a cherished childhood summertime delicacy—the popsicle. 

Enzensberger has created 82 brand-new, custom popsicles for the exhibit. The sweet treats are delicately balanced atop one another and adorned with a cherry, seemingly yielding to the embrace of the summer heat. 

Come on in! The water is fine in Stieber’s “Water” series. Sarah Stieber, a contemporary artist from San Diego, California, reflects her colorful, vibrant style in her pool-themed paintings.

The exhibit showcases characters bedecked in sparkling attire and immersed in reflective waters. Their dynamic poses and elaborate costumes evoke a sense of self-assuredness, radiating pride in one's identity. And what better way to embody that sentiment than by striking a confident pose in sequined bathing suits?

The collaborative efforts of Enzensberger and Stieber inspire Terminal guests to bask in the warm summer glow and lean into their summer desires. Whether you're a visitor to Southern California or a local resident, we invite you to relish in these delightful indulgences.  

The exhibition will be on view in the Vi Smith Gallery, in Terminal A. 

Don’t have a boarding pass? No problem! You can access the secure side of John Wayne Airport with an OC AirPASS, a post-security access pass. For more information on how to obtain an OC AirPASS, visit www.ocair.com/travelers/services/oc-airpass/. 

For more information about the John Wayne Airport Arts Program, 
contact Curator Heather Bowling at hbowling@ocair.com.
 

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John Wayne Airport (SNA) is owned by the County of Orange and is operated as a self-supporting enterprise that receives no general fund tax revenue. The Airport serves more than 11.3 million passengers annually and reaches more than 40 nonstop destinations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. More information can be found at www.ocair.com. Like us on facebook.com/johnwayneairport, or follow us on Twitter @johnwayneair and Instagram @johnwayneair.

To receive John Wayne Airport news releases automatically, go to www.ocair.com and click Subscribe.

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(Orange County, Calif. ) – OC Public Libraries is proud to present A Slice of Literary Orange, a series featuring keynote speakers throughout the year, in celebration of literacy.

Mitch Albom is an internationally renowned and bestselling author, journalist, screenwriter, playwright, radio and television broadcaster and musician. His books have collectively sold more than 40 million copies worldwide; have been published in forty-nine territories and in forty-eight languages around the world; and have been made into Emmy Award-winning and critically acclaimed television movies.

Douglas Preston is the author of thirty-six books, both fiction and non-fiction, twenty-nine of which have been New York Times bestsellers. He has worked as an editor at the American Museum of Natural History in New York and taught non-fiction writing at Princeton University. His newest book The Lost Tomb will be published in December. Douglas Preston will be in conversation with the author Paddy Hirsch.

WHO:  Mitch Albom is a beloved and prolific bestselling author whose works have touched the hearts of readers of all ages.

Douglas Preston, known for creating the popular Pendergast series with his writing partner Lincoln Child, is the number one bestselling author of The Lost City of the Monkey God.

WHEN:
Mitch Albom – Thursday, November 30th at 6:30 p.m.
Douglas Preston – Wednesday, December 6th at 11:30 a.m.

WHERE:
Mitch Albom – Laguna Hills Community Center – 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Douglas Preston – San Clemente Community Center – 100 N Calle Sevilla, San Clemente, CA 92672

WHY:
OC Public Libraries’ mission is to provide access to information and promote literacy at all ages. A Slice of Literary Orange celebrates literacy and promotes books and reading!

REGISTRATION: No registration required. Early arrival is suggested.
OTHER LINKS: A Slice of Literary Orange - ocpl.org/page/slice-literary-orange

(Tustin, Calif.) – In response to the ongoing local state of emergency resulting from the North Hangar Fire in Tustin, Calif., the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is partnering with Orange County Animal Care (OCAC) to fly more than 100 shelter dogs to the ASPCA’s recovery center in Columbus, Ohio. Ongoing flare-ups, high winds, and announced deconstruction of the remaining structure, which is in close proximity to the shelter, have prevented staff from safely bringing the dogs in their care outside for walks, exercise, and playtime. To combat this concern and ensure the dogs continue to receive the care they need, they are being flown to a facility operated by the ASPCA that is dedicated to the recovery of some of the country’s most vulnerable animals, including those displaced by emergency situations like this. The dogs will then be placed with partner shelters and made available for adoption in the coming weeks. The ASPCA is continuing to work with OCAC to assist with additional needs during this difficult time, including supporting their kitten nursery by transporting kittens that require specialized care out of the shelter in the coming days, and working with them to develop a comprehensive disaster plan for future emergencies.

Since the onset of the fire, OCAC has responded quickly to put protective measures in place to ensure the continued safety of all staff, animals, and visitors. This includes widespread efforts to partner with local, state, and national agencies to move animals out of the shelter through transport programs and community pleas to help place dogs into foster homes.

“Our team at OC Animal Care has been at modified operations since November 7, when the North Hangar initially caught fire, which includes limiting dogs to the inside portion of their kennels,” said Monica Schmidt, Interim Director. “This partnership with the ASPCA, including their commitment to providing vital resources, is affording over 100 dogs the opportunity to relocate from our shelter as modified operations continue with no definite end date. We are incredibly grateful to our partners at the ASPCA, who like us and our community, care deeply for the dogs in Orange County.”

“The ASPCA is uniquely positioned to support shelter partners across the country during emergency situations by quickly mobilizing and providing critical resources and services that alleviate strain on local animal welfare organizations and keep vulnerable animals out of harm’s way,” said Karen Walsh, senior director of ASPCA Animal Relocation. “We are grateful to Orange County Animal Care for their ongoing efforts to prioritize the wellbeing of the animals in their care and are proud to collaborate with them to move these animals to safety and provide them with a second chance at finding loving homes.”

In addition to providing boots on the ground assistance in response to emergencies and disasters, the ASPCA works closely with local agencies across the country to help enhance their animal response capabilities through grants and training opportunities. The ASPCA also works with lawmakers to increase access to co-sheltering opportunities to keep people and pets together when they are displaced by natural or manmade disasters.

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About OC Animal Care
OC Animal Care is the largest municipal animal shelter in Orange County, located at 1630 Victory Rd. Tustin, CA 92782. It services 14 cities and takes in over 14,500 animals each year. OC Animal Care provides refuge and care for animals, fosters the human-animal bond, and promotes safety in our community. For more information about OC Animal Care, please visit ocpetinfo.com.

About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation’s leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. For more information, visit www.ASPCA.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok

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(TUSTIN, Calif. ) – Due to the upcoming high wind event forecasted by the National Weather Service, the shelter’s close proximity to the north hangar and the City of Tustin Incident Management Team announcement of the controlled deconstruction of the remaining structure, as well as the continued effort to prioritize the health and safety of staff, visitors, and animals on campus, OC Animal Care will temporarily close on-site operations to the public, out of an abundance of caution, from Monday, November 20 through Tuesday, November 21. OC Animal Care staff will continue to be on-site caring for over 450 animals, and all activities are still being shifted indoors, when possible.

To minimize additional animals being brought to the shelter at this time, OC Animal Care is imploring the community to first exhaust all efforts to search for the owners of stray animals, specifically dogs, before bringing them to OC Animal Care. This includes first reporting to your local animal control agency, checking with neighbors, and posting found information on social media sites, community forums and Nextdoor. The shelter has education tips available for anyone who has found or lost a pet.

Should you come across a sick, injured, or aggressive dog, please call 714-935-6848 to speak to an animal field services dispatcher. Please note that while general response times may be longer than normal, field support to contract cities and the County unincorporated areas will continue for priority level calls for service.

Since the onset of the fire, OC Animal Care immediately took action by putting protective measures into place to ensure the continued safety of all staff, animals, and visitors. This includes routine mobile monitoring, fixed-place monitoring and air quality sampling.  To date, testing results at OC Animal Care have been within normal ranges. Additionally, the agency has distributed safety equipment to staff, replaced all indoor air filters, installed seven mobile HEPA air filtration systems and contracted with a professional clean-up crew who specializes in this type of debris to continue to be on campus to evaluate and initiate any needed remediation.

In addition, OC Animal Care continues its wide-spread efforts to partner with local, state, and national agencies to move animals out of the shelter through transport programs. OC Animal Care also called on the community to help place dogs into foster homes. OC Animal Care is incredibly grateful to the families who opened up their hearts and homes to foster an animal. Thanks to our community, over 260 animals are currently off-site receiving plenty of love and attention with their temporary family.

The temporary closure is scheduled from Monday through Tuesday but may be extended pending review of weather conditions and status of the Tustin Hangar Emergency. Once the deconstruction of the north hangar is complete and all air quality tests are finalized, OC Animal Care will resume normal operations.

Visit ocpetinfo.com for more information or call OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848.

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(Tustin, CA) - Due to the ongoing local state of emergency directly across the street from the facility, OC Animal Care is asking for immediate help from our community. The shelter is in need of foster homes for medium and large size dogs, for at least two weeks, in an effort to reduce the number of animals on campus.

Since the recent fire of the north hangar at the former Marine Corps Air Station in Tustin on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, OC Animal Care has taken every precaution, including modifying operations, to ensure the continued safety of the animals in our care, staff, volunteers, and community visitors.

OC Animal Care currently has over 300 dogs. The shelter team has done a remarkable job pivoting to indoor adoption visits and ramping up in-kennel enrichment efforts. In an abundance of caution related to the ongoing incident however, the dogs have been moved to the indoor portion of their kennel and can no longer go out for walks or play outside.

OC Animal Care is asking the community to open their heart and home to a shelter dog for the next two weeks. OC Animal Care will provide each foster family with a starter kit containing food and basic supplies including a leash, collar, and tags for your temporary housemate.

Please contact OCACPrograms@occr.ocgov.com to become an emergency dog foster. All dogs are spay/neutered, microchipped, current on DHPP-Bordetella and Rabies vaccines, dewormed, and current on flea preventative.

The community can also help by donating Kong toys to keep the dogs occupied while indoors in their shelter kennel. Our shelter accepts donations in person daily from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. or through our Amazon Wishlist.

Because OC Animal Care continues to be severely impacted by the fire, the shelter is imploring the community to find positive solutions to shelter surrender at this time. OC Animal Care has many resources for pet owners who may be struggling with caring for their pet including:

• Low-cost pet clinics
• Training resources
• Pet food service list of local pet food banks

Most importantly, if you find a lost or stray pet, OC Animal Care asks for your help in locating their family by reporting to your local animal control agency, checking with neighbors, and posting found information on social media sites, community forums, and Nextdoor. The shelter has education tips available for anyone who has found or lost a pet.

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SPANISH / CHINESE / KOREAN / VIETNAMESE

(Anaheim, Calif.) – Discover prehistoric rock formations and surround yourself with stunning views at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness.

The 500-acre property located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space features 6 miles of new trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, along with lookout points that offer sweeping views of the surrounding canyons, Santa Ana Mountains and beyond. 

“Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is full of adventure waiting to be discovered,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “I am proud to bring this park space to the residents of Orange County. I look forward to exploring the new trails and all the beauty this area has to offer.”  

Gypsum Canyon Wilderness features dramatic cobble and sandstone bluffs formed 16 to 20 million years ago when the earliest camels, horses, rhinos and saber-toothed deer roamed the area. Today, its protected and preserved native habitats are home to an abundance of wildlife including mule deer, red-tailed hawks, California gnatcatchers and bobcats. California poppies color the hillsides in the spring months while oak-studded meadows and large sycamore trees can be enjoyed year-round.

The area includes seven new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, ranging from easy to moderate in difficulty. Take in the expansive views of the surrounding landscape and colorful rock formations from two scenic overlooks. Visitors will have the opportunity to provide voluntary feedback about Gypsum Canyon Wilderness through on-site participation surveys and offer naming suggestions for several unnamed trails.

Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is currently accessible through scheduled guided and self-guided programs with advance registration. OC Parks balances environmental stewardship with public access to ensure the area is preserved and enjoyed. Public usage and feedback, along with further monitoring of native habitat and wildlife populations will be considered when determining future access opportunities and availability. Free public access opportunities will begin Friday, November 17, weather permitting.  

November and December 2023 Activities and Programs at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

Advance registration required for all activities and programs.
                                      Visit OCParks.com/irvine-ranch-open-space for more information and to sign up. Inclement weather may cancel activities and programs. 
 

November 17 – Morning Mountain Bike Ride at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
8 – 10:30 a.m.

November 18 and 25 – Wilderness Access Day: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

November 22 – Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
9 – 11:30 a.m.  

November 24 – Turkey Burner Fitness Hike in Gypsum Canyon Wilderness   
8 – 10 a.m.

November 24 – Afternoon Hike at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness   
1 – 3:30 p.m.

November 29 – Early Morning Fitness Hike: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness   
7 – 9:30 a.m.

December 9 and 23 – Wilderness Access Day: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness    
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

December 15 – Morning Mountain Bike Ride at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
8 – 10:30 a.m.

December 16 – Early Morning Fitness Hike: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
7 – 9:30 a.m.

December 22 – Morning Hike at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
8 – 10:30 a.m.

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OC Parks
OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com

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Press Release in Spanish

Press Release in Vietnamese

Press Release in Korean

Press Release in Traditional Chinese

(SANTA ANA, CA) – The John Wayne Airport Arts Program presents Meditative Reflections, on view from October 18 through November 30, 2023. This group show brings together seven Orange County-based abstract artists selected from a large pool of applicants to be featured in this exhibition: Jim Ellsberry, Patrice Goldberg, E.E. Jacks, Sonja Krastman, Tanya Lozano, Erin Schalk, and Thomas Wright.

Much like the practice of meditation, working abstractly challenges the artist to wipe away all preconceived notions of what is and what should be, creating space for them to reflect upon their deepest hopes and intentions.

Oil painter E.E. Jacks captures the raw energy of a scene through her use of vibrant color and thickly applied paint.

Artist Sonja Krastman revisits her early childhood and family heritage by depicting vaguely familiar landscapes. Of her series of paintings on view, Impressions of the High Desert, Krastman says, “I seek to capture the vibrant and evocative power of color I find in the desert.”

The colorful geometric paintings of Huntington Beach artist Thomas Wright address climate change through symbolic compositions that focus on finding the balance between the needs of the natural world and the desires of the human race.

Other significant works on view include those of Anaheim photographer, writer, and educator Erin Schalk. Schalk creates profound abstract portraits of herself and others with disabilities that evoke understanding and celebration.

For some artists, it’s the journey itself rather than the destination that is the goal of creating these masterful works. Whereas other artists featured in this exhibition seek to explore specific poignant themes through their reflections. However, by operating in these non-representational methods, the artists ultimately empower the viewers to take away reflections of themselves.

The entire collection of work is viewable pre-security. Paintings span from the Upper (departure) Level near security in Terminals A, B, and C and on the Lower (arrival) Level by Baggage Carousels 2 and 4.

For more information about the John Wayne Airport Arts Program, visit www.ocair.com/terminal/artexhibits.

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ORANGE COUNTY OPERATIONAL AREA EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

PRESS RELEASE # 02 

 Date:  November 9, 2023 

 Time:  1900 

ORANGE COUNTY DECLARES EMERGENCY DUE TO FORMER TUSTIN MARINE CORPS AIR STATION HANGAR FIRE 

Tustin Hangar Debris Found to have asbestos, and other heavy Metals. Caution is advised to reduce asbestos and heavy metal exposure 

The County of Orange has declared a local emergency due to the former Tustin Marine Corps Air Station hangar fire. The local emergency has been declared to assist the County in ensuring the proper resources are provided after the fire to assist with remediation. To see a copy of the proclamation, click here. The Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting to consider ratification of the emergency proclamation on Monday, November 13 at 12:00 pm.  

County of Orange Health Care Agency Update 

Following Tuesday’s fire at the former Marine Corps Air Station Tustin, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has collected and analyzed air and ash samples which indicate the presence of asbestos as well as heavy metals including lead, arsenic and nickel. Residents are encouraged to exercise caution to reduce exposure during the clean-up of structural fire debris which may contain asbestos and heavy metal particles.  

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been utilized in construction and was commonly used in buildings built before 1960. When building materials are burned or damaged, any asbestos fibers present in the ash and debris can become airborne and potentially inhaled.  

Residents should use caution in areas where asbestos has been detected or suspected. Exposure to asbestos can cause harmful health effects. If inhaled, asbestos can increase risk of developing lung disease or cancer and if ingested, asbestos can damage the stomach or intestinal lining.  

Please follow these guidelines to help minimize your exposure:   

• Avoid touching or disturbing the materials unless you have been properly trained to do so   

• Avoid touching fire debris/ash  

• Wear protective equipment (mask/gloves) if in an area where there is high risk of encountering asbestos  

• Remove shoes before entering your home  

• Keep windows closed on windy days to keep asbestos out  

• Spray your patio with water instead of sweeping it  

• Avoid using leaf blowers   

• Wash off ash from vehicles or outdoor toys or outdoor furniture  

• Wash ash off pets  

For more information: 

https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/docs/asbestos_factsheet_508.pdf  

https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/learn-about-asbestos  

South Coast Air Quality Management (AQMD) District Update 

South Coast AQMD has been providing technical assistance for the former Tustin Marine Corps Air Station Hanger Fire Incident Response. An update on efforts can be found below. 

Asbestos Found In Debris 

On November 7, three bulk samples of debris were taken at Veterans Sports Park and results of laboratory testing detected asbestos. The three samples showed 25% asbestos, 27% asbestos and 17% asbestos, respectively. The final report for these bulk samples can be found here. 

Air Pollution Discharge Notice was issued on 11/9 notifying the City of Tustin, Orange County Board of Supervisors and the Orange County Health Officer of the discharge of hazardous materials likely to impact public health or safety.   

Air sampling 

Air samples were taken on November 8 using glass plates, which are used to capture any materials in the air and are being tested for asbestos. Results from those samples will be available in the next few days.  A fixed air monitor collected samples from the late afternoon on November 8 to the morning of November 9 to monitor for small fibers of asbestos that can be breathed in. Results of the analysis showed no presence of asbestos. That report can be found here. 

South Coast AQMD also collected air samples on November 7 near the hangar and in nearby communities which are being analyzed in our laboratory for gaseous air toxics, such as benzene. Results from these samples show all levels to be within common background levels (air quality on a typical day). The laboratory report can be found here. 

Mobile Monitoring 

On the day of the fire, South Coast AQMD deployed its mobile monitor to take measurements of metals, including lead and arsenic. The majority of results from the mobile monitoring showed no elevated levels of metals. For short periods of time on November 7, the mobile monitor showed elevations of lead and arsenic inside the area of the smoke plume. Mobile monitoring on November 8 did show some elevated levels of lead, but the levels were five times lower than those observed during the fire.   

South Coast AQMD took additional glass plate samples on November 9, which are being analyzed in the laboratory. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is providing technical assistance to the county on long term air and ground samples. 

The County has created a public information website at http://www.ocgov.com/tustin for this incident. The County also has a public information hotline available for residents at 714-628-7085. The public information hotline will be manned with staff until 8 pm this evening. 

Follow the County of Orange on social media for more information at: 

Twitter: @OCGovCA Facebook:@OCGov Instagram: @OCGov 

#TustinHangar  

Photo Source: @OCFireAuthority

The County of Orange activated and staffed the Emergency Operations Center with County agency representatives at 0830 hours on Thursday, November 9, 2023 in response to the former Tustin Marine Corps Air Station hangar fire. All resources and support personnel have been identified and are on standby ready to mobilize when needed.

The County has created a public information website at ocgov.com/tustin for this incident. The County also has a public information hotline available for residents at 714-628-7085. The public information hotline will be manned with staff until 8 pm this evening.

Follow the County of Orange on social media for more information at:

Twitter: @OCGovCA                       Facebook:@OCGov                        Instagram: @OCGov

Photo Source: @OCFireAuthority

**UPDATED information can be found at www.Tustinca.org**

(Santa Ana, CA) – Smoke and ash from the recent fire at a hangar located at the former Marine Corps Air Station Tustin may pose a health risk to some Orange County (OC) residents in the immediate and adjacent vicinity. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) issued a Smoke Advisory for the Tustin area indicating that air quality will be variable through Wednesday as wind conditions change.

“Everyone should be aware of the recommended precautions to reduce the health effects of smoke and ash from building fires,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer and OC Health Care Agency’s Director of Public Health Services. “Extra measures may be needed for those with pre-existing medical conditions like heart or lung disease, those with disabilities, older adults, children, and those who may be working outdoors.”

As the Tustin fire situation has evolved since this initial press release was issued, updated health recommendations and precautions can be found on the Tustin website as the lead agency for this incident. Visit www.Tustinca.org.

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