Monday February 17th was a day to remember those who have served as our commander in chief ever since George Washington took office 231 years ago in 1789. We have had a total of 45 men who have served in the office of the presidency, all of which have added character to the White House and have made lasting impacts on our great nation. This is a day to commemorate that office and the accomplishments that have been made by those who have held it. Happy President's Day!

On February 20th, 1945 110,000 US Marines and Sailors and other US forces stormed the beaches of Iwo Jima, in what was the first battle in World War II that took place on Japanese soil. This 5 week battle resulted in an American victory, but at great cost. Despite the fact that the 21,000 Japanese forces stationed on the island were outnumbered, they managed to take the lives of nearly 7,000 Americans and wound over 19,000. The battle of Iwo Jima marked the beginning of the end of the most intense war in modern history. The 20th of February is a day of solemn remembrance for those whose lives were lost in that tragic battle that shaped history and resulted in one of the most inspiring photos in all of American history. 

I am pleased to announce the Grand Opening of the new Employee Wellness and Fitness Center, located in our recently opened County Administration South (CAS) building at the corner of Santa Ana Blvd./Ross St.

The Center was built with a 2018 $250,000 pledge from Cigna. Through this support, the 1700 square foot Center contains resources to support total health and well-being. It was a pleasure to present Cigna with a framed certificate of recognition for their partnership with the County.

After the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, my colleagues and I toured the facility and tried out some of the new equipment. I’m happy our hard-working employees have this on-site Wellness and Fitness Center where they now have daily access to professional services to help keep them healthy and in shape.

On the evening of February 6th, I attended Speak Up Newport’s 39th Annual Mayor’s Dinner. This sold out event is steeped in local tradition. The tight knit community of Newport Beach honors and recognizes their former Mayors prior to giving the podium to the current one. It is always moving and impressive to watch.

Mayor Will O’Neill gave a impassioned speech. It was filled with history, humor, facts, and optimism toward the future of Newport Beach. Most importantly, it recognized the hard work and dedication of city employees who make Newport Beach such a desirable place to live and work.

Congratulations to Mayor O’Neill, and to the Speak Up Newport volunteers who did a great job putting this event together.

The Orange County Fire Authority held their 12th Annual Best & Bravest Awards Dinner on the evening of Friday, February 7th. It was a pleasure to help honor this year’s forty-nine Awardees with certificates of recognition signed by all five Members of the Board of Supervisors.

Congratulations to all of the Awardees, who are selected among their peers to receive ‘Of the Year’ honors. I’m very proud of our brave men and women Firefighters!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

On the morning of Friday February 14th, I had the pleasure of starting the day officiating weddings at the Old County Courthouse. What a joy it was to be part of the momentous occasion of couples uniting their lives together. I’m happy to report that all the nervous and excited brides and grooms made it through their ceremonies and are now happily married husbands & wives!

Thank you to Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen for allowing me to help with your busiest of days for nuptials.

I was pleased to join with my colleague, 3rd District Supervisor Don Wagner, for a press event to present a new potential site for the long-awaited and overdue Veterans’ Cemetery for Orange County in Anaheim Hills.

The Board of Supervisors transferred this land to the Orange County Cemetery District in 2018 to avoid disputes and create a veterans cemetery as soon as possible. We showed why it’s the best location in the county to lay to rest our nation’s veterans, and to honor our allied veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

A tour of the rolling hills that will serve as the cemetery was given to the media, local veterans, and guests in attendance.

My colleagues and I led a ceremony commemorating the demolition of the aging and outdated Public Defender’s Office at the corner of West Civic Center Drive/North Ross Street. This building and the old clerk-recorder building at Civic Center/North Broadway are part of the second phase of a major makeover for the seat of Orange County government.

The building that will replace it will be a mirror image of the recently opened County Administration South, right next to it. When completed, the County Administration North will be the new home of the Board of Supervisors, the county CEO, and several other departments.

On the morning of February 20th, I received  text from a constituent informing me the flag in front the OC Veterans’ Service Office (VSO) and the Registrar of Voters Office was fouled on the flagpole and hanging upside down.

I promptly directed staff to take action and an immediate work order was expedited. The old, torn flag was replaced with a brand new one by 9:30 a.m.

I greatly appreciate it when constituents are eyes and ears for my office so we can be made aware of problems and correct them as soon as reasonably possible. If you see something that needs addressed in my District, please contact my office and let us know.

Preservation of our vital wetlands in Huntington Beach is very important to me. That’s why I’m on the Board of Directors for the Bolsa Chica Conservancy.

On the morning of Friday, February 21st, a small group of volunteers was allowed to participate in a Kayak Clean Up of the back bay. I was proud to have two members of my staff as part of the team. Assembling at 7 a.m. to coincide with high tide, the team worked for three and a half hours removing trash that could otherwise harm or kill the various animals that rely on a healthy wetlands to survive.

Great job to BCC CEO Patrick Brenden and his staff for obtaining permission from state officials to organize and conduct the Kayak Clean Up.

The Human Relations Committee of Orange County has a goodwill program that all OC residents should take a look at:

County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is opening up his office for those who want to get married on Leap Day this year on Saturday, February 29th. Read below for more details:

The year 2020 is a Leap Year, and since a Leap Day only occurs every four years Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen will be opening his offices for couples who wish to marry on Leap Day, Saturday, February 29. The department’s North and South County branch offices, as well as the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana, will be open for special Saturday hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on February 29. The Clerk-Recorder is expecting to have a record breaking Leap Day due to this rare occurrence.

This year, Leap Day falls on a Saturday which increases the potential for the department to break its leap year record of 73 couples married and 108 licenses issued on that day back in 2016. In 2012, 56 couples married and 81 marriage licenses were issued on February 29.  For this year’s special day, the department already has more than 180 appointments booked and demand continues to grow for Leap Day marriage services. Couples are encouraged to make an appointment due to the expected high demand on this special day, however, walk-ins are always welcome. To make an appointment, visit us at OCRecorder.com and use the online appointment system or one can be made by downloading the department’s OC Weddings mobile app.

“This year Leap Day, February 29, falls on a Saturday, so we will try to make it easier for couples by opening on that day,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “I am eagerly looking forward to a record breaking day! I would like to encourage couples to join us and help us make history.”

The origin of Leap Year dates to the calendars of ancient Rome and is meant to coordinate the number of days with the Earth’s rotation. While each calendar year contains 365 days, it actually takes the Earth 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 46 seconds to orbit the sun. So every four years, an extra day is added—Feb. 29—to recalibrate the calendar. With such a long history and scientific importance, it’s no wonder that Leap Day is regarded as a special occasion—even if you’re not getting married!

Another reason to join us on this special day, the department has the lowest costs for a marriage license and a marriage ceremony in the State. In Orange County, couples can obtain a public marriage license for $61 and a confidential marriage license for $66. A civil marriage ceremony can be performed for an additional $28.

To save time, marriage license applications can be completed online at OCRecorder.com and on our OC Weddings mobile app prior to visiting our offices. For more detailed information, call our information line at (714) 834-2500.