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 need