The Sheriff conducted several media interviews this afternoon. During the interviews he released a statement and answered their questions. The statement is below.

"Last week, my department and I spent long hours working with our colleagues in law enforcement and the fire service, battling the fires that devastated Orange County. Today, I find myself in a firestorm of a different type.

This is not a complex matter. Simply put, I have NEVER misused the Office of the Sheriff of Orange County for financial gain. Any fair review of the evidence can only lead to that conclusion. And I am offended that similar accusations have been made about my wife, which are also patently false. I look forward to my day in court.

I have retained excellent counsel to assist me in demonstrating the falsity of the accusations and I will rely on their counsel and expertise in doing so. 

For nine years, I have been privileged to lead the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, considered to be one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the country. I intend to continue to lead the Department during this process, and will continue to work hard for all the residents of this county. I am confident that with the full support of my staff, an excellent organizational structure, and my dedication and work ethic that there will be no drop off in the level of service of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to the community as this case moves forward.  

I have proudly served in law enforcement for over thirty years. I respect and believe in our system of justice. That is why I am fully confident that justice will be done here, and I will be completely vindicated."

Undersheriff Jo Ann Galisky sent the following letter to Department personnel:

"Earlier today, an official announcement of a Federal Grand Jury indictment against our Sheriff was released to the public.  This event has caused a great deal of concern throughout the Department while also generating rumors and misinformation that will be exacerbated by an expected frenzy of media and press activity in the days and weeks ahead.  It is imperative that timely and accurate information be disseminated to you as this matter develops so as to keep you informed of events as they unfold. 

Sheriff Carona received the indictment and has reviewed the allegations against him.  He feels great confidence that he will be cleared of any wrongdoing as the case works its way through the court system.  While it has caused distress in his personal life and among his family, the Sheriff is eager to present his case and have the truth revealed.   

Earlier this afternoon, the Sheriff’s Command Staff met with all Division Commanders to discuss this issue and to provide direction.  Despite all that has occurred today and everything that will ensue in the days ahead, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department continues to provide invaluable public safety services to the community.  Our Department remains intact and continues to excel.  Nothing must detract us from our primary mission.  Please keep up the levels of excellence and professionalism in the performance of your duties.  Remain united and focused.   

Be mindful of the policies concerning media and press contacts as you may be solicited for information.  All Department members are encouraged to review the Sheriff’s blog for the latest developments."

Governor Schwarzenegger visited the incident command post on Saturday, October 27th to discuss actions taken to protect fire victims from fraud and reinforce his commitment to capture and prosecute the arsonists responsible for the Santiago Fire.

Sheriff Carona joined the Governor, along with Orange County Fire Chief Chip Prather and other state and local leaders. The Governor's press release states: "Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today reinforced the state and law enforcement’s strong commitment to capturing the criminals responsible for intentionally setting at least two of the devastating southern California fires. The Governor also discussed further actions the state is taking to protect southern California fire victims by helping to ensure that they are not taken advantage of during the rebuilding and recovery process."

Video and photos of the press conference are available here.

The Orange County Employees Association (OCEA) announced today that it is pledging $25,000 toward a relief fund that is being established to aid the victims of the Santiago Fire.

“The Orange County Employees Association is glad to do whatever the fine professionals at the Orange County Fire Authority and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department believe is the best way to assist in this crisis,” said OCEA General Manager Nick Berardino.“Orange County Fire Authority would like to thank the members of the Orange County Employees Association for their generous contribution to the relief fund,” said Orange County Fire Chief Chip Prather. 

Details of the relief fund are being developed. 

The Orange County Public Information Hotline number is (714) 628-7085.  Unless there is a life-threatening emergency, do not call 911. 

The latest news from Orange County Emergency Operations Center:

Representatives of two dozen private and public agencies are on hand to help wildfire evacuees at the Local Assistance Center, 125 Technology Drive West, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92618. The Center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 26, and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, October 27^th & 28^th.  Service hours may be extended based on need.  Those on hand to provide assistance include:

•  FEMA
• 211
• Salvation Army
• Red Cross
• Department of Rehabilitation
• OC Social Services
• California Department of Family Services
• Employment Development Department
• Mental Health
• Welfare Assistance
• State Insurance Department
• Southern California Edison
• AT&T
• Irvine Valley Water
• Cox Communications
• San Diego Gas and Electric
• OC Assessors Office
• Small Business Association
• Franchise Tax Board
• OC Clerk Recorder
• OC Health Care Agency
• OC Resources & Development Management Department/Operations & Maintenance
• The Office of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein
• The Office of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer

Those visiting the LAC for assistance will be asked to sign-in as they enter and fill out an intake form to determine their needs.  Residents will be routed to the appropriate agency or agencies for assistance. For additional information contact the Orange County One-Stop Center at (949) 341-8000.  

The Orange County Public Information Hotline number is (714) 628-7085.  Unless there is a life-threatening emergency, do not call 911. 

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE INFORMATION

The Silverado Post Office, 28251 Silverado Canyon Road, remains closed and evacuated.  Mail for Silverado customers is available for pick up at the Orange Post Office, 1075 N. Tustin Street, Orange, CA  92863, during regular lobby hours ― 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

The Trabuco Canyon Post Office, 30595 Trabuco Canyon Road, has been evacuated and closed.  Road closures prevented delivery of mail to 700 Post Office boxes and 50 homes in the Live Oak Canyon area.  Mail is available for customer pick up at the Rancho Santa Margarita Carrier Annex, 29862 Avenida De Las Banderas, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA  92688, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday.  Postal customers are required to bring photo identification.

Unites States Postal customers may call Consumer Affairs at (714) 662-6125 if they have specific questions regarding mail delivery.

The Orange County Public Information Hotline number is (714) 628-7085.  Unless there is a life-threatening emergency, do not call 911. 

From CNN's Anderson Cooper's blog:

"I'm at the Santiago Canyon fire camp in Orange County, not too far from Irvine. It's basically a state park that gets taken over by all kinds of emergency crews: firefighters, police, animal shelter experts, media and prisoners.

Yes, prisoners. California has long had a program where state inmates help fight fires. They show up in orange jump suits, they're monitored by prison guards, and they are a big part of the relief effort.

Still, it's kind of interesting to see all these fire guys and prisoners essentially at the same outdoor dining tent, getting hot eggs and potatoes, fueling up for the long day and night ahead.

Then there are the mobile units. These are often pulled by semis, and expand into large communication centers, with all kinds of electronics sticking out. The big rigs remind me of the Jetsons, when some huge contraption would pop out of a suitcase, then later fold back up inside.

There are more than 1,000 firefighters out on the line -- just this for the Santiago Canyon fire, which has burned 23,000 acres so far. It takes a lot of personnel to back them up, and they all float through fire camp.

This massive infrastructure is a reminder that in California, at least, fighting fire is more than a public obligation; it's an industry."

Calitics posts an extensive roundup of reactions and commentary here: "Today is the second day with a special SoCal wildfire blog roundup."

The Liberal OC points the way to assistance on their front page and has offered commentary and updates throughout the week:

On October 24th: "Over the past couple of days more than 3,000 people have visited this website searching for information about the Santiago Canyon wildfire. Please take a moment to give the Orange County Board, and specifically Supervisor Moorlach, a call today and tell them how much you appreciate the heroic efforts of the public safety employees of Orange County and across California to fight the recent wildfires."

OC Blog has offered commentary on more controversial aspects: "So in light of all of this going on, you have to wonder about the judgment of candidates for political office who are campaigning and fundraising in this impacted area, either oblivious or insensitive to the magnitude of the situation."

Couric & Company's John Blackstone writes:

"If you have been watching the fire coverage from southern California you have undoubtedly seen most of us reporters fashionably clad in our yellow protective fire suits. I have been wearing the yellow suit myself but I have to admit I often feel a bit like a phony.

The firefighters wear the same yellow suits…but they never look like ours do. The suits the firefighters wear are darkened by smoke, soot and dirt as well as by a lot of sweat. The suits worn by the reporters are usually clean and bright yellow. The reporters’ suits don’t show any of the hard work and hard wear so obvious on the firefighters’ clothing."

Finally, Daryl Cagle's Professional Cartoonists Index focuses on the California Fires. 

The latest from the Orange County Emergency Operations Center:

LOCAL ASSISTANCE CENTER OPENING TO OFFER ONE-STOP ASSISTANCE FOR RESIDENTS

To help affected residents recover from the wildfires, the County will open a Local Assistance Center (LAC) on Friday, October 26^th.  Representatives from multiple agencies will be available to offer assistance.

The Local Assistance Center is located at 125 Technology Drive West, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92618.  The Center will be open from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm on Friday, October 26, and from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday, October 27^th & 28^th.  Service hours may be extended based on need. 

For additional information contact the Orange County One-Stop Center at (949) 341-8000.

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS ANNOUNCES CANCELLATION OF ATHLETIC ACTIVITES

County Superintendent of Schools William Habermehl today announced that all indoor and outdoor athletics, extra curricular and co-curricular activities are cancelled countywide Thursday, October 25^th through Sunday, October 28^th due to poor air quality.

For more information, please contact Nicole Savio, School and Community Services Coordinator, at 714-966-4385, or visit the Orange County Department of Education website at www.ocde.us.

The latest updates from the Orange County Fire Authority can be found here.

Here's the OC Register's Fire Central.

Mari Frank interviews Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson on the Santiago Fire and how the community can stay safe while assisting public safety. Click the link to listen to the interview:

These photos were taken Sunday night, as the fire approaches the Emergency Operations Center (photos: Dispatcher Terri Armstrong):

Sheriff Carona; Assistant Sheriff of Operations, Jack Anderson; and Operations Support Captain Christine Murray (photo: Dispatcher Bryan Hovde):

Sheriff Carona (photo: Dispatcher Bryan Hovde):

The lastest releases from the Orange County Emergency Operations Center: 

COPING WITH STRESS FOLLOWING WILDFIRES

Disasters like wildfires can result in increased anxiety and stress for both adults and children. This can occur even with people that have not directly suffered loss as a result of the fires. Signs that someone may be having difficulty coping with a disaster include:

• Depression, sadness or feelings of hopelessness
• Mood swings
• Headaches or stomach problems
• Difficulty sleeping
• Disorientation or confusion
• Reluctance to leave home

To ease the stress, talk to someone about your feelings. Try to maintain a normal household and daily routine. Stay in contact with your existing support network, including family, friends and religious or spiritual contacts. Make sure you get plenty of rest and eat healthy meals. If you or a member of your family still have trouble coping, seek help by consulting a counselor or mental health professional. Children may need frequent comforting and reassurance. Be open and honest, but make sure information provided to children is appropriate for their age. Encourage children to talk about their feelings. 

The Orange County Public Information Hotline number is (714) 628-7085.  Unless there is a life-threatening emergency, do not call 911. Orange County residents are encouraged to monitor their local television or radio stations for the most current information about the Santiago Fire.

CALTRANS ROAD INFORMATION

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has advised that both directions of Route 74 will remain open tonight.

Orange County Register reports can be found here and here.

The map of the Santiago fire is here.

Updates from the Orange County Fire Authority are here. (Updated throughout the day) 

Orange County currently has the following firefighting and law enforcement assets deployed throughout Orange County in response to the Santiago fires: 

Orange County Fire Authority·   500+ Firefighters·   100 Engines/Trucks·   4 Helicopters (as weather conditions permit operation)·   4 Air Tankers (as weather conditions permit operation)·   2 Dozers·   2 Water Tenders 

Orange County Sheriff’s Department·   Air support (as weather conditions permit operation)·   72-80 Deputies·   2 Command Posts 

California Highway Patrol·   23 CHP officers·   Hundreds of law enforcement personnel on standby

Any evacuees needing prescription medications and who are unable to fill them via their physician or pharmacy should call OC Public Information Hotline at 714-628-7085.

Hotline staff will ask for callers to provide their name and telephone number. County personnel will screen and process requests and will respond to callers at the telephone number provided.

HORSE SHELTER INFORMATION AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS RELATED TO SANTIAGO FIRE IN ORANGE COUNTY

The Orange County Fairgrounds is no longer accepting large animals evacuated as a result of the Santiago Fire. Los Alamitos Race Course can accept up to 180 horses, but they cannot accept any other type of livestock. If you are bringing a horse to Los Alamitos Race Course, please enter at 4961 Katella Avenue, Los Alamitos, 90720. Horse owners should bring their own supplies, including food, and will have to care for their own horses. Water is available on site.

Orange County Animal Care Services is receiving numerous reports from the public about wildlife fleeing from the Santiago Fire in Orange County. Wildlife, including deer, may be seen in heavily populated areas and may attempt to cross streets or highways. This is a natural response to the fire and the public should not try to capture the animals or intervene. Please keep your distance from wildlife and report any sick or injured animals to Orange County Animal Care Services at (714) 935-6848.

The responses to the 2007 OCSD Employee Survey have been compiled and analyzed.  A total of 1,669 employee surveys were completed.  This means about 48 percent of current employees chose to complete the survey.  While we had hoped to hear from all of our employees, this response rate provides statistically valid results.

The survey results provide some very positive information, 90 percent of Department employees are proud to be members of the OCSD team, and 89 percent agreed the Department is a good place to work.  It also shows that 90 percent of employees agreed the Department is responsive to the needs of the Community, and 89 percent agreed the Department provides good customer service.  Training was also viewed positively, with 87 percent agreeing they had received the training needed to properly perform their work, and 85 percent agreeing that training is effective in updating and improving skills and abilities.

The survey results also provide helpful insight into areas where the Department needs to make improvements.  Across the board, employees from all classifications felt the promotional process needs improvement, primarily at the professional, sergeant and investigator level. The Department’s Management Team continues to review the survey results and is working to develop strategies for making improvements.  Much of the information will be useful in ongoing efforts to address Department issues through Division Commander working groups established last fall.  These working groups are working on issues including Department staffing, the rank structure, organizational communication, and staff development.

None of this, however, could be accomplished without your feedback, which will assist us in creating a better workplace while ensuring that we remain true to our mission to serve the residents and businesses of Orange County.

Thank you for all that you do each and every day.

The results can be found here.

A news release from the Orange County Emergency Operations Center:

As of 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 23, 2007, there are two Red Cross shelters open in Orange County to receive people evacuating due to the fires in Southern California.    

There are two shelters open and in operation at:

·   El Modena High School, 3920 E. Spring Street in the city of Orange.  El Modena High School is located off Chapman Avenue between Prospect Street and Hewes Street.

·   El Toro High School, 25255 Toledo Way in Lake Forest. At last report, the El Toro shelter is nearing capacity.    

San Clemente High School and the California State Parks at San Onofre are not evacuation shelters. People trying to locate family members can register and search the Red Cross “Safe and Well” list at www.redcross.org or by calling (866) GET-INFO. 

The Orange County Public Information Hotline number is (714) 628-7085.

Evacuees with animal shelter questions are advised to contact the Animal Control hotline at 714-935-6848.   

Please continue to monitor your local television or radio stations for the most current information.

Orange County Register reports can be found here and here.

The map of the Santiago fire is here.

Updates from the Orange County Fire Authority are here. (Updated throughout the day)

News releases from the Orange County Emergency Operations Center:

Orange County Fire Authority has advised voluntary evacuations of Hamilton Truck Trail in Trabuco Canyon. 

Residents are advised to proceed north on Santiago Canyon Road to El Modena High School.   

Shelters are open at the El Modena High School located at 3920 E. Spring Street in the city of Orange.  El Modena High School is located off Chapman Avenue between Prospect Street and Hewes Street.

An additional evacuation shelter is open at the El Toro High School 25255 Toledo Way in Lake Forest. The El Toro shelter is nearing capacity.   

The Public Information Hotline number is 714-628-7085. Unless there is a life-threatening emergency, do not call 911.

Evacuees with animal shelter questions are advised to contact the Animal control hotline at 714-935-7158.

The Orange County Emergency Operations Center has been activated. 

Orange County Fire Authority's latest news release is here. They have photos posted here and video here.

The Orange County Register's "Fire Central" is here.

The map of the burn area is here.

Angels of Love, one of our partners in Correctional Programs, was mentioned on this morning's Good Morning America. The video can be found here.

Here's what the Good Morning America website has to say on the segment:

"Robin Roberts, who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer, has received well wishes and many gifts from viewers across the country.

Today on "Good Morning America," Roberts talked about a few of those gifts that have provided her with comfort and inspiration.

Kids from Rio Contiguo High School in Santa Ana, Calif., sent hand-crafted stained glass angels from www.angelsoflove.org. The angels are not sold. They are given away by the group to provide encouragement to people in difficult circumstances.

The Chemo Comfort Kit, made by Anne Marie Paolucci. Paolucci, a breast cancer survivor, created a "starter kit" filled with products that helped her through chemotherapy, including oral hygiene products, teas and ginger for nausea, warm socks, a sleep cap and more. The kits are available at www.chemocomfort.org.

Liv'n Out Loud Clothing Company makes T-shirts with inspirational messages. One of the co-founders nearly died during routine surgery, and that near-death experience inspired her and her partner to leave their corporate jobs and start this company. www.livnoutloud.com."

Mark Eades and Salvador Hernandez of the Orange County Register describe accident reconstruction tests performed last Tuesday:

"The car hit the 160 pound body at 25mph, knocking it into the air to land on the parking lot pavement 48 feet later. Fortunately the body was that of a crash dummy, and it was hit by a car in the name of science.

'We want to gather some data for these types of accidents,' said Deputy Paul Wade of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

Wade took part in the tests conducted Tuesday at the Honda Center in Anaheim, as a member of CA2RS, the California Association of Accident Reconstruction Specialists. The group was in Orange County for its fall conference.

Wade said the tests provided valuable data which will help police, insurance and private investigators know what physical evidence to look for in determining what happens in these types of accidents.

'We know a lot about these all ready, but very infrequently do we have time or the means in which we can actually do crash testing,' Wade said.

Wade, of the sheriff's traffic division in Aliso Viejo, works with other deputies to investigate car accidents.

Using equations developed from these tests, and physical evidence left behind such as tire marks, Wade works to find details that can piece together how an accident happened – even when no one was there to see it."

The Register has great photos and a video, so follow the link over.

"As I’ve written previously, one of our strategic objectives has been to increase the reach of our Public and Media Relations efforts – going beyond our organization and around the filter of the news media. Our blog has been a tremendous success in this effort. We’re being read in all the right places, here in Southern California, and throughout the country.  

Some of our work, however, goes beyond the space and time constraints of our blog and our bulletin. Try giving an in-depth explanation of DNA or our Inmate Programs Division and how Correctional Programs relates with Governor Schwarzenegger’s prison reforms and proposals in a clear and interesting and entertaining way so readers will come back for more. The fact is, in most instances the knowledge and expertise of the men and women of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department deserves more than a few paragraphs.  

On Monday, October 22^nd, John McDonald, former Staff Writer for the Orange County Register will join our team. In his part-time capacity, John will be tasked with writing feature stories for placement in magazines, newspapers and our blog. We already have a list of subjects for him to explore – all with the goal of highlighting your extraordinary service to the residents of Orange County.  

Over the next few months we will continue to innovate and diversify our communication efforts to shine a positive light on your efforts. Thank you for your constant and consistent professionalism, which makes it so easy to get the good word out there."