(SANTA ANA, CA) – John Wayne Airport (JWA) welcomes Hawaiian artist Randy Au and his ceramic art exhibit to the Vi Smith Concourse Gallery.
“Vegetable Series” is inspired by Au’s love for nature. Whimsical in both color and shape, the display features ceramic shapes derived from squash gourds that are glossed and gilded in gold. The vibrant layers of décor and intricate design are inspired by Oriental, Egyptian, and American culture and history.
(Santa Ana, CA) – A bat found outside the main lobby of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Building #1 on Alton Parkway in Irvine, on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at has tested positive for rabies. Given the location and circumstance, The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is urging residents to be on alert and avoid contact with any bats. Rabid bats are identified routinely each year in Orange County and around the country. Contact with bats should be avoided and any potential bat bite should be discussed with a medical provider.
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport increased in August 2022 as compared to August 2021. In August 2022, the Airport served 1,030,933 passengers, an increase of 24.0% when compared with the August 2021 passenger traffic count of 831,522.
(Santa Ana, CA) – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a warning to school leaders last week about a new and concerning “rainbow fentanyl,” a potentially fatal drug found in brightly colored pills and powders that could attract young people.
(Santa Ana, CA) - The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is partnering with the Anaheim Ducks National Hockey League (NHL) Club in its first ever multi-year partnership to promote mental health awareness.
(Santa Ana, CA) – As 100+ Orange County schools celebrate International Walk To School Day on October 5, 2022, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) encourages all drivers to be alert and vigilant about driving safely in school zones and asks residents to take the Go Human Safety Pledge to help keep our students safe.
SANTA ANA, Calif. (September 29, 2022)–The County of Orange, in partnership with the Orange County Workforce Development Board (OCWDB) and California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), will be participating in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign intended to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.
“The County of Orange is proud to be a part of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month to spread the important message that we value everyone, including those with disabilities,” said Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth District Supervisor of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
“Orange County's recovery from the pandemic cannot be completed without the inclusion of all Americans, especially people with disabilities. From my staff to the people in our community, I want to ensure that our workforce is diverse because it's instrumental to the growth of our economy. We must stand up for any resident who wants to be productive and wants to contribute to OC's future success,” said Vice Chairman Donald Wagner, Third District Supervisor.
Throughout the month of October, the OCWDB and DOR will engage in a variety of activities to educate the Orange County community on disability employment issues and its commitment to inclusive work culture. These efforts include various outreach campaigns to educate the community, community-based organizations, and employers on the variety of services that the OCWDB and DOR have available, including but not limited to: individualized career services, training services, vocation rehabilitation, supportive services, apprenticeship opportunities, and independent living services.
“As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness month, it’s important to recognize the talent and drive of those living with disabilities and the contributions they’ve made to Orange County’s workforce,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, First District.
“Individuals with disabilities are integral members of our community. As unemployment decreases and businesses recruit for vacancies, please consider hiring from this untapped population of workers who offer loyalty, care, valuable skill sets, insights, and talents. I encourage employers recruit broadly to ensure no qualified candidates are overlooked,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley, Second District.
“As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we wholeheartedly recognize the value and talents that people with disabilities bring to the workforce and the employers and businesses who support them,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District.
The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
"I applaud those employers who have committed to having their workplace reflect the community they serve and have made diversity, equity and inclusion an integral part of their recruitment process,” said Joe Xavier, DOR Director. “Providing people with disabilities equitable employment opportunities allows them to not only earn a living wage but also provides the freedom to live independently and in their community of choice.”
To learn more about DOR services, visit dor.ca.gov or call the Orange San Gabriel District Office at (714) 991-0800.
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The Orange County Workforce Development Board, through the Orange County Business Service Center and Orange County Workforce Solutions Center, offers comprehensive services such as hiring assistance, career transition services, and employment services to businesses and job seekers at no cost.
(SANTA ANA, CA) – French artist Veronica Schmitt is the newest artist featured in the Community Focus Space at John Wayne Airport. Her fine art painting is inspired by the California impressionist artists she treasured while honing her talent. Acrylic paint captures lively, soft, and colorful snapshots of local life in this exhibit. Select paintings from her catalogue will be on display in the Thomas F. Riley Terminal through October 18, 2022.
Santa Ana, Calif. (September 27, 2022) – The Orange County Board of Supervisors expressed their gratitude today after the announcement that Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1595 into law.
“This is an historic day in Orange County for our Orange County veterans, their families and their loved ones,” said Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “Due to the Governor’s and Assemblymember Quirk-Silva’s dedication to our County’s veterans, we are so much closer to making this cemetery a reality.”
Authored by Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, the bill sponsored by the County of Orange allows the California Department of Veterans Affairs (Cal Vet) to study, acquire, design, develop, construct and equip a state-owned and state-operated Southern California Veterans Cemetery in Orange County. As this legislation contains an urgency clause, AB 1595 became law immediately upon the Governor’s signature.
“Our Veterans, allied Veterans, and first responders have always had our backs, and it's time we have theirs,” said Supervisor Donald P. Wagner of the Third District. "It was an honor to lead the bipartisan coalition with our Veterans and community. A local Veterans cemetery reflects not only our military history, but a vision for the future: service, respect, and love of country.”
Under AB 1595, any local governmental entity or private organization in the County of Orange may request Cal Vet to conduct an acquisition study on a designated property to assess the feasibility and costs for a state-owned and operated veterans cemetery. The requestor is required to pay for the study costs in advance through a newly created Southern California Veterans Cemetery Study Fund.
“Today is a monumental day for Orange County veterans,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, First District. “We have come a long way since 2018 when the Board unanimously voted to approve a proposal that I brought forward with then-Supervisor Todd Spitzer to transfer approximately 283 acres of County-owned space to the OC Cemetery District for a State Veteran’s Cemetery. It is both a privilege and an honor to be in a position where I can help to properly give back to those who have served us all so valiantly with a final resting place.”
On September 13, 2022 the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to formally request in writing – upon signature of AB 1595 into law – that Cal Vet conduct an acquisition study in order to assess feasibility and costs of construction of a Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon location in Anaheim Hills. The Board’s action also authorized the immediate payment of an amount not to exceed $700,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act to Cal Vet which will be deposited into the Southern California Veterans Cemetery Study Donation Fund.
“Our Orange County veterans, Allied veterans and first responders are so deserving of this cemetery. We’re grateful to see Governor Newsom, our state delegation, and every city in Orange County finally united for these brave men and women to provide them their final resting place in Orange County,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley, Second District.
“The County is thrilled to see our local and state partners aligned in supporting the Veterans Cemetery which will also serve as a final resting place for Allied veterans and first responders.” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District. “While there is still more hard work to do, it is our sincere hope that we will break ground in the near future and make this monumental project a reality.”
Background on County Actions Related to the Orange County Veterans Cemetery
On June 29, 2022, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved the Orange County Cemetery District Business Plan for Phases 1A and 1B of a public cemetery at Gypsum Canyon. In addition, the Board approved Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with Orange County Cemetery District for a section of the cemetery dedicated for Allied Veterans and First Responders.
The Veteran's Cemetery will also include a new flagpole entry area which will be funded by the County and the Orange County Cemetery District. That flagpole was installed on August 25, 2022.
On July 27, 2021, the Board of Supervisors budgeted $20 million exclusively for site development of the Veterans portion of Mountain Park Cemetery, Anaheim, CA. The funding for the Veteran’s Cemetery is from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The funding for the Veteran’s Cemetery Expenditure and ARPA Revenue for the flagpole project contract is included in CEO Real Estate Budget Control 035, FY 2021-22 Recommended Budget and will be included in the budgeting process for future years.
On December 4, 2018, the Board of Supervisors approved transferring approximately 283 acres of unencumbered property in Gypsum Canyon, in the City of Anaheim, to the Orange County Cemetery District (OCCD) to be utilized as a public cemetery with half of the useable acreage required to be set aside for a State Veterans’ Cemetery. As part of that approval, OCCD was also asked to provide burial space for an Allied Veterans Cemetery within the public cemetery portion, and subsequently, the Board requested OCCD to provide additional burial space for First Responder police and firefighters. The OCCD has agreed to both requests and the attached Memorandum of Understanding memorialize these concepts. The Quitclaim Deed from the County to the OCCD also required that the Board approve OCCD’s operational and business plan (Business Plan) prior to any use of the property for cemetery purposes. The OCCD has submitted their Business Plan for Phases 1A and 1B of the public cemetery portion, which also includes common infrastructure that will benefit the State Veteran’s Cemetery.
