Please allow me a moment in my first newsletter to thank you for the opportunity to serve you as County Supervisor. I've lived in this District for almost 30 years and appreciate the chance to be involved in the life of the community.

The best part of Orange County does not come from government but from the people in the community doing for themselves and each other. I look forward to hearing from you and serving you in the coming years.

Our district is home to some wonderful open space that we must protect. The vast canyon landscapes — Anaheim Hills, North Tustin, parts of Yorba Linda, Santiago Canyon, and Modjeska Canyon — are home to many families, recreational trails, and acres of wildlife.

Today, our Canyons are covered in wildflowers, chaparral, and new vegetation. But in a few months, that growth will serve as fuel for brush fires when the humidity is low and the winds are high.

In the last two years alone, multiple firefighting agencies came together in an emergency effort to battle the monstrous blazes of the Holy Jim and Canyon 2 Fire. Holy Jim scorched over 23,000 acres. The Canyon 2 Fire charred over 9,000 acres, saw over 16,000 residents evacuated, and caused millions of dollars in damages.

We learned the homes that were spared had followed proactive safety measures, including brush clearing and the installation of fire-resistant roofs. This demonstrates that preventative fire safety measures work.

I'm collaborating with the Board and the Orange County Fire Authority to enhance fire protection resources and create the most impactful plans to protect you.

The Canyon communities will see a concerted effort focused on advance planning of brush-clearing projects, orderly evacuation plans, school closure announcements, and effective emergency messaging on our roads.

Part of my advocacy will include the convening of town hall meetings to discuss emergency communications and preventative solutions.

To uphold the safety of our fantastic but fire-prone communities, I implore you to become involved in our protective efforts. Follow my District newsletter to stay updated on this hot issue. 

Congratulations to Tea & Teacups Tea Room on their grand reopening! Over the past 22 years, this Yorba Linda treasure has served the community as a special place to create lifetime memories.

Sita Patel is the latest business owner of the newly renovated space. It was a pleasure to have staff present to honor the occasion with a Certificate of Recognition. Thank you, Sita, for continuing a legacy in Yorba Linda. 

"We serve 100 different fine-loose teas & award-winning artesian scones. We are honored to help the community enjoy tea and life with the people they love." — Sita Patel, Owner, Tea & Teacups Tea Room 

On May 18th, the Tustin-Santa Ana Rotary Club sponsored the 10th annual Loberfest at Peppertree Park in Tustin.

The event went swimmingly, as hundreds of hungry residents came out of their shells to raise funds for local charities.

With bibs and butter ready to go, the all-you-can-eat event cooked up over 1,500 lobsters and pounds of juicy tri-tip. Those who didn't feel too stuffed danced to live music while others chose to watch the festivities with family. 

I was honored to recognize Tustin Rotary President, Roger Carlson, for his outstanding leadership in the community. 

This event supports the following charities and beyond: 

On May 16th, the Battle of the Badges Golf Tournament took place at Tustin Ranch Golf Course. I had staff on hand to honor Police Officer Michael Fisher for his incredible service and dedication to public safety.

First responders, honored veterans, and community friends all took a swing at winning big prizes during this friendly competition. Congrats to all the hole-in-one winners!

Proceeds went to our dedicated Tustin Police Foundation in support of their community efforts.

Thank you to all the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect us.

Join our special Memorial Day event at OC Animal Care in Tustin. We're offering an adoption discount to active, reserve, and veteran military families looking to give a loving pet a "fur"-ever home. Please visit ocpetinfo.com to learn more. We look forward to seeing you this weekend! 

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, I'd like to acknowledge Mayor Chuck Puckett and the City of Tustin for implementing a visionary homeless shelter that's clean, safe, and peaceful for people in need. Our District's shelter will undoubtedly serve as a model for the rest of the County. 

I also want to thank Jim Palmer for his tireless service in restoring the confidence of vulnerable individuals. Jim creates a healthier outlook in people's lives and his work will have a positive impact on the community for years to come.