Board agrees on second attempt to investigate non-humans on voter rolls

The Orange County Registrar of Voters is required to investigate whether its voter rolls contain animals by comparing dog licenses to the names and addresses of their potential owners.

I co-authored this measure with Supervisor Don Wagner and it passed the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 23. This follows recent criminal charges against a woman who registered her dog to vote and cast ballots in two elections.

I’m concerned about California’s lax requirements for voter registration and lack of Voter ID with a pending gerrymandering special election on Prop. 50.

How can we have a fair election if we can stuff the ballot box with dogs who are voting? I want to make sure heading into the election that we all have confidence in it. I won my first election in 2007 by three votes. Every election matters and every vote counts. I want to make sure we have confidence in our elections as we vote on Prop. 50.

Officer Jon Coutchie Memorial Bridge is finally designated

We have too many officers who are killed in the line of duty. I have had the honor of designating portions of our state highways for several of them when I was in the California Legislature.

Often this takes years.

Laguna Beach Police Officer Coutchie was killed responding to a traffic call on his motorcycle in 2013. I introduced legislation in 2023 to honor him with a highway sign on a portion of Pacific Coast Highway that is the Aliso Creek Bridge.

It was my honor to speak at the unveiling of the sign last week and meet many of the brave men and women of the Laguna Beach Police Department. Rest in peace, Jon.

Scouting America's Citizen of Character

Each year, Scouting America’s Orange County Council selects several noteworthy individuals to receive a Citizens of Character award.

I was honored and humbled to receive this award recently at the historical Nixon Library, which is one of California’s most beautiful landmarks. Four other great citizens were also honored at a beautiful dinner. This was so exciting to me because while I give out hundreds of awards every year, I never expect to receive one for my work.  

Scouting America says it selects its honorees based on devotion to family, faith and community who also have the traits of Scout Law: loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

For over 100 years the Boy Scouts – and now Scouting America – have built character and leadership in its young members, which helped build America into the greatest country in the world.

My husband, Tom, is an eagle scout and he counts that as one of most rewarding achievements as a young man. We have used scouting attributes to raise our two boys. We are often in the community as a family at the hundreds of events I attend every year.

Being an elected official is more than just passing a budget and enacting laws. It’s attending the openings of new businesses and playgrounds, supporting cultural events, making sure our first responders have the resources they need, supporting local non-profits, helping constituents, and safeguarding taxpayer dollars by exposing fraud.

County grants approved

I’m proud of the grants we approved in September that align with my priorities like public safety and infrastructure development.

We secured $1,949,581 from the Federal Aviation Administration for John Wayne Airport's power generation upgrades and $47,772,704 from the same agency under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for terminal distribution enhancements at a Board meeting last month. This boosts economic growth without local tax increases.

We also approved a $480,000 application from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance for the Sheriff-Coroner’s DNA backlog reduction, enhancing law enforcement efficiency. We accepted a retroactive $1,948,894 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, funded through the California Board of State and Community Corrections from the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance, to support equipment and training for crime prevention. 

Additionally, we approved $159,954 from the California Office of Traffic Safety to analyze drug prevalence in DUI drivers, reinforcing road safety efforts.

Apostille Pop-Up Shop

Join Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen and the California Secretary of State for a convenient Apostille Pop-Up Shop on Oct. 23, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Save time and money by getting your documents authenticated on the spot, no appointment needed!

Pet Adoption Expo

My Pet Adoption Expo is coming up on Oct. 11. We’ll be joined by great partners and will offer a wide array of services at discounted rates. See you there!

Patriot Day Ceremony

I joined the City of Huntington Beach for their annual Patriot Day ceremony honoring and remembering the lives lost during the September 11 attacks and our first responder heroes.

California Surf Day

Orange County recognizes California Surf Day! Thank you to surf legend Peter “PT” Townend, World Surf League, Surf Industry Members Association, International Surfing Museum, Surfrider Foundation, and VisitHB for joining us at our presentation. Surfs up, Orange County.

Paddle out for Kolby Aipa

I proudly attended a Huntington Beach paddle out to celebrate the life of Kolby Aipa. Taken far too soon, Kolby touched lives with his kindness, humility, and love of surfing. He carried the spirit of aloha in all he did, leaving an enduring impact.

Oktoberfest in Huntington Beach

Oktoberfest in Huntington Beach is a fun family event. My office recently spent an afternoon enjoying the music, food and games along with the HB City Council and local elected officials.

Celebrate Los Al

We attended Celebrate Los Al to recognize veterans for their devotion and service to our nation. It was an evening filled with music, food, rides, and community spirit.

Recognition of the Honorable Larry Crandall

Congratulations to the Honorable Larry Crandall (former Fountain Valley Mayor) for being recognized by the Rotary Club of Fountain Valley as the Ed Arnold Volunteer of the Year. Thank you Larry, for the work you do in our community

Pacific Air Show

The Pacific Airshow returns to Surf City USA from October 3 - 5, with thrilling aerial performances over Huntington City Beach. Headliners include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Canadian Forces Snowbirds, and the F-35A Demo Team. Gates open at 9 a.m. daily, with aerial action beginning at 10 a.m. Enjoy both free and ticketed viewing options.

For more information click here

Cypress Run

Join the City of Cypress on Oct. 4, for a day of fun and fitness at the annual Cypress Run! Participants can choose from a 5K run, a non-competitive walk, or the Community Dash. Race day starts at 7 a.m. at the Cypress Civic Center.

For more information click here

Cypress Community Festival & Business Expo

Come out to the Cypress Community Festival on Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Oak Knoll Park. Enjoy a classic car show, chili and salsa contests, live music, food trucks, crafts, and the annual Chamber Business Expo. Admission is free!

For more information click here

Cover to Cover Club with In-N-Out

From Oct. 4 - Nov. 15 kids ages 4 to 12 are invited to dive into reading with the Cover to Cover Club. Read five books or 300 minutes and earn a free In-N-Out hamburger or cheeseburger.

For more information click here

Westminster Moon Festival

Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival at the Westminster Senior Center on Oct. 6 from 10 - 11 a.m. Enjoy cultural performances, mooncakes, and family-friendly activities in honor of this traditional holiday.

For more information click here

La Palma Halloween Carnival

Enjoy tons of activities, carnival games, costume contests, tricks, and treats at the City of La Palma’s Halloween Carnival. The festivities will be held on Oct. 8 from 3 - 6 p.m.

For more information click here

La Palma Library Mid-Autumn Festival

Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at La Palma library on Oct 8 from 4 - 5 p.m. Celebrate with stories, festive crafts, mooncakes, and other treats.

For more information click here

Cypress State of the City

Watch the 2025 Cypress State of the City on Oct. 14 from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at the Civic Center Green. This free outdoor event will feature a presentation from the city on the progress they’ve made and what’s to come.

For more information click here

La Palma State of the City

Join the City of La Palma on Oct. 16 from 5 – 7 p.m. for the annual State of the City. Celebrate the city’s progress, honor recent achievements, and get a glimpse of the exciting future ahead.

For more information click here

Cypress Kids Night Out

On Oct. 21 from 5:30 – 8 p.m., the Cypress Senior Center will host a fun-filled evening for kids, featuring games, activities, and light refreshments.

For more information click here

Halloween Spooktacular

Join the City of Westminster at the Civic Center on Oct. 24 starting at 4:30 p.m. for a spooktacular evening of Halloween fun! Enjoy trick-or-treating, games, and festive activities for the whole family.

For more information click here

Los Alamitos Trunk or Treat

Check out the City of Los Alamitos’ Trunk or Treat. This free event will feature lots of candy and even a pumpkin patch. The event is scheduled for Oct. 25 from 5 - 7:30 p.m.

For more information click here

Garden Grove Jack O’ Lantern Jamboree

Head to Atlantis Play Center on Oct. 25 from 1 - 4 p.m. for the Jack O’ Lantern Jamboree. Families can enjoy pumpkin carving, carnival games, and other fall festivities in a safe and fun environment.

For more information click here

Falloween

Join the Huntington Beach Community & Library Services Department on Oct. 26 from 12 - 5 p.m. at the Central Park Bandstand for family-friendly fall fun. This exciting afternoon will feature inflatables, carnival games, pumpkin carving, live performances, food trucks, and of course, candy.

For more information click here

Los Alamitos Halloween home decorating contest

Residents in Los Alamitos can join in on the Halloween festivities by decorating their home. Registration for the event is free and required to be able to participate in the contest. The categories being judged will be spookiest, most creative, and most fall festive. Judging will take place on Oct. 28 from 7 - 9 p.m.

For more information click here

Surf City Spooktacular

On Oct. 31, head to Downtown Huntington Beach for a spooktacular night of family fun!. Enjoy trick-or-treating from local businesses and community partners from 4 - 6 p.m., then line up for the lively Monster March Parade down Main St. at 5 p.m. Also, don’t miss the Halloween Costume Contest at 5:30 p.m. Bring the entire family for a fun and safe evening filled with community spirit.

For more information click here

Free mulch for Rossmoor residents

On the 2nd Saturday and 4th Friday of the month at Kempton Park, the Rossmoor Community Services District offers free mulch to residents from 9 - 11 a.m. Take advantage of this useful resource for your home garden or landscaping needs. Don’t forget to bring your own containers.

For more information click here

Thank you for being an active member in your community.

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