A news story in the Los Angeles Times four weeks ago regarding Department overtime issues has triggered a county audit and an internal change on how overtime is tracked by Division Commanders.  

Meanwhile another news organization in the county continues the examination of Department overtime that they began in February.  Overtime expenses were recently reviewed by the Orange County Grand Jury.

The grand jury report was made public last week and on the issue of overtime, there was no adverse finding or recommendation and the Department was not required to respond.  The grand jury conclusion was this:  

Deputy Overtime in the OCSD Jail System

The Grand Jury examined the Sheriff-Coroner Department overtime costs for the last five fiscal years. Although overtime costs have increased during this timeframe, the increases have been proportionate to salary increases averaging 9% of salary and employee benefit costs. The Sherriff-Coroner Department has been under total budget for each of the last five fiscal years.

Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson recognized the need for Deputies to work overtime in order to fulfill our obligations. He thanked staff members who volunteer to work it in accordance with Department regulations. During the Santiago Fire and the subsequent flooding, over 1,300 individuals from the Sheriff’s Department worked overtime to protect the public. More...

ORANGE COUNTY OPERATIONAL AREA EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

PRESS RELEASE#4                                                                                                                      

Date:  May 22, 2008

Time:  2045

EVACUATION ORDERS LIFTED

  Voluntary evacuations orders have been lifted for Modjeska, Williams, and Live Oak Canyonsbut road closures in Williams and Live Oak Canyons remain in force for non-residents.  

Road conditions throughout Orange County may be hazardous due to the storm and motorists are cautioned to drive with care. Access to Modjeska Canyon is unrestricted but Williams and Live Oak Canyons are open to residents only. Santiago Canyon Road remains closed between Loma Ridge Road and Silverado Canyon. 

Cautionary signs are being placed at Modjeska and Santiago and Live Oak to remind motorists to slow down. 

Severe rain that caused mudslides in the canyons is believed to have damaged at least two homes and one business. There was one injury in a rain related traffic accident.  

The County of Orange issued a Proclamation of a Local Emergency Thursday afternoon.  The rain caused slides and damage to areas that were burned by the Santiago Fire in October and November 2007.  

The National Weather Service warned that similar rain and thunderstorms could return tomorrow afternoon. 

If residents have any questions, they can call the Orange County Emergency Operations Center hotline at (714) 628-7085 until 10 p.m. 

Press updates after 10 p.m. can be obtained by calling the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Watch Commander.

John Moorlach, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors has issued a Local Emergency Proclamation to help in storm response.  

ORANGE COUNTY OPERATIONAL AREA
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  PRESS RELEASE # 3
  Date:  May 22, 2008
  Time:  1745

PROCLAMATION OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY

Severe rain that caused mudslides in several canyon areas along with evacuations and property damage prompted the County of Orange to issue a Proclamation of a Local Emergency Thursday afternoon.

The Proclamation was issued by John Moorlach, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. He acted in the absence of the County Board of Supervisors being in session in at the request of the Orange County Director of Emergency Services.

The Proclamation noted that there had been significant rainfall and it caused flooding, debris flows, mudslides and related damage in the areas burned by the Santiago Fire in October and November 2007.  The weather conditions and the short term weather forecast constitutes conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property in Orange County, the Proclamation said. The conditions are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment and facilities of the County of Orange and require the assistance from other political subdivisions.

The Proclamation is intended to reopen the county’s claim for emergency compensation for damages and expenses related to the Santiago Fire. It will also help county emergency workers in seeking outside help if necessary.

Voluntary evacuations orders remain in force for Modjeska, Williams, and Live Oak Canyons.

The Orange County Fairgrounds (88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa) can accept large animals from residents.  Residents must call ahead to (714) 708-1588 to inform OC Fairgrounds that they are coming and to receive directions about which gate to enter.  Residents are expected to bring any necessary supplies for their large animals.

If residents have any questions, they can call the Orange County Emergency Operations Center hotline at (714) 628-7085.

Mud flows have been reported in Modjeska, Williams, and Live Oak Canyons.

Any residents requiring shelter please contact (714) 628-7085.

To view the proclamation click here: Orange County Local Proclamation Storm May 22 2008.pdf (105.92 kb)

Informational flyers are going out to canyon residents living in potential flooding, mudslides and debris flow pathways. The materials, including a magnet backed information sheet with emergency phone numbers is being sent to help them prepare for emergencies, share critical contact information and to properly be aware of planned response actions related to flooding and debris flows.

The mailings were sent last week and are being delivered those living in burn area canyons including, Silverado, Santiago, Modjeska, Williams, Harding, and Trabuco, as well as the Foothill Ranch area. The flyers include an Emergency Preparedness Information Flyer and Emergency Contact Information Magnet.

Phone numbers are here.

For details of the Orange County Santiago Fire Debris Flow Plan More...

Agapito "Gapo" Soto, an information technology consultant for our Department, supports three divisions: Risk Management, the Terrorism Early Warning Group (now OC Intelligence Assessment Center), and the Emergency Communications Bureau. Whenever the communications/media team arrives up at the Emergency Operations Center Gapo is called to help fix whatever computer we've broken.

Here's what the American Staffing Association has to say about Gapo:

Here's the reason why Soto is now National Staffing Employee of the Year: For most people at the Orange County Sheriff's Department, the work day starts at 8 and ends at 4. For Soto, however, the day starts at 7 and ends at 5 or whenever he is no longer needed there. It's that simple. More...

In his January newsletter, California State Senator Lou Correa shares pictures of emergency responders. He writes, "Pictures are worth a thousand words.  The following represents a sampling of the many individuals and organizations who played an important and heroic role in fighting last fall's wildfires in Orange County.  I am proud to recognize their outstanding work to protect our community."

Pictured are Orange County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Steve Mitchell and Investigator Chris Dunn:

From the City of Lake Forest:

First Responders Appreciation Day  

Please join us on December 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Heroes Park (25420 Jeronimo Road) to honor the emergency personnel who responded to the Santiago Fire. The day will include an appreciation ceremony recognizing the American Red Cross, California Highway Patrol, Orange County Animal Care Services, Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Sheriff’s Department. The event will also feature music, games, bounces houses, beverages, chips and hamburgers. All entertainment, food and beverages will be provided at no charge by the City of Lake Forest. For more information, please call 461-3450.

For additional press releases and information on the Winter Storm Event - December 6, 2007, please click here.

PRESS RELEASE # 2
Time:  1220
TEMPORARY SHELTERS AVAILABLE FOR ANIMALS EVACUATED FROM THE CANYONS

Orange County Animal Care Services (ACS) will accept domestic animals from the evacuated areas at the Orange County Animal Care Center, 561 The City Drive in Orange. Animal owners are asked to bring identification, vet information, and any special foods or medicines along with their animals in order to ensure their animals receive appropriate care and they can be reunited with their animals when the evacuation is over.

General information about Orange County Animal Care Services is available on their website at www.ocpetinfo.com or by calling (714) 935-6848.

The Orange County Fairgrounds has the capacity for up to 100 head of livestock.  Residents who need to evacuate large animals and livestock are directed to go to Gate 5 at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

Livestock, other than horses, will also be sheltered at Orange High School, 525 N. Shaffer St., Orange.

General information about Orange County Animal Care Services is available on their website at www.ocpetinfo.com or by calling (714) 935-6848.

The Silverado Library will close at 5 p.m. today rather than at 6 p.m. due to the mandatory evacuation. It is closed, as always, on Friday. No decision has been made on whether to reopen on Saturday.

PRESS RELEASE # 1
Time:  1100
ORANGE COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER AND PUBLIC INFORMATION HOTLINES ACTIVATED

The County of Orange activated and staffed the Emergency Operations Center with County agency representatives at 1100 hours on December 6, 2007.  The Public Information Hotline has been staffed and is ready to accept calls of inquiry in regard to evacuations in the Canyon communities of Orange County.

The Public Information Hotline phone number is (714) 628-7085.  All resources and support personnel have been identified and are on standby ready to mobilize other areas of the Emergency Operations Center when needed.

Due to the prediction of heavy rain and the danger of mudslides in the area of the Santiago Fire, the following orders and advisories are in effect.

Mandatory evacuation of large animals is ordered at 1100 hours for Modjeska, Silverado and Williams Canyons. The Orange County Fairgrounds has been designated as a reception area for evacuated large animals.

Voluntary evacuations for residents are in effect at 1100 hours for Modjeska, Silverado and Williams Canyons. An evacuation center has been set up at El Modena High School, located at 3920 East Spring Street in Orange.

Mandatory evacuations for residents of Modjeska, Silverado and Williams Canyons will take effect at 1700 hours.

If you have questions please call the Orange County hotline at 714-628-7085.

And the Orange County Register has a great section on the Flash Flood Watch and possible impacts -- including a map of the burn areas and areas at risk for mudslides.

For background on the burn area, the Register's Salvador Hernandez has a story on the Burned Area Emergency Response Report, released 12 days after full containment of the Santiago Fire.

Salvador writes:

People, property, water quality, wildlife and infrastructure once threatened by the flames of the Santiago fire are now at risk of floods and landslides caused by rain, according to a report released by the state Tuesday.

All areas near the 28,464-acre fire are at risk, but the risk is the greatest in Modjeska, Williams and the upper reaches of Silverado Canyon, according to the Burned Area Emergency Response report for the blaze.

PRESS RELEASE # 8
Time:  1030       

All voluntary evacuation orders in Modjeska, Williams, Trabuco and Silverado Canyons have been lifted.  Cleanup work continues.  Throughout the weekend, traffic in the canyon areas is requested for residents only. 

The Red Cross emergency shelter at El Modena High School in Orange is now closed. 

The Emergency Operations Center and Public Information Hotline are now deactivated.  Residents requesting information regarding debris removal or cleanup should contact (714) 567-6300 or (714) 567-6333.  If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

PRESS RELEASE # 7
Time:  2045
NOVEMBER MODJESKA CANYON RAIN EVENT UPDATE

"The mandatory evacuation order for Modjeska Canyon was lifted at 2030 hours (8:30 pm) but voluntary evacuation status remains in effect. Modjeska Canyon is open only to residents. Voluntary evacuation status is also in effect for Silverado Canyon. There are no restrictions remaining in effect for Williams or Trabuco Canyons. Residents are cautioned to drive carefully due to fog, darkness, wet roads and mud and debris on the roadway. 

The Orange County Fairgrounds was deactivated at 1830 hours as a care center for livestock evacuated from mudslide danger areas.

The Red Cross emergency shelter at El Modena High School, 3920 East Spring Street, Orange, remains open for residents."

PRESS RELEASE # 6
Time:  1800 
EVACUATION STATUS UPDATE

"The mandatory evacuation order for Modjeska Canyon remains in place until further notice.  Williams Canyon has been downgraded to a voluntary evacuation status.  Silverado Canyon remains under voluntary evacuation status and Trabuco Canyon remains under heightened awareness.  Residents returning to homes in the canyon areas are advised to drive carefully due to fog, darkness, and muddy conditions on the roads. The Red Cross emergency shelter at El Modena High School, 3920 East Spring Street, Orange, remains open for evacuated residents."

PRESS RELEASE # 5
Time:  1700
SILVERADO BRANCH LIBRARY CLOSURE    

"The Silverado Branch Library located at 28192 Silverado Canyon Road, Silverado, will be closed on Saturday, December 1.  The Public Information Hotline is 714-628-7085. Unless there is a life-threatening emergency, do not call 911."

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS have been ordered for Williams and Modjeska Canyons ONLY.

For more information on this event, please click here.

PRESS RELEASE # 4 
Time:  1350
MANDATORY EVACUATIONS ORDERED FOR MODJESKA AND WILLIAMS CANYONS

"The Orange County Operational Area Emergency Operations Center has ordered an immediate mandatory evacuation of Modjeska and Williams Canyons.  Silverado Canyon has been upgraded to voluntary evacuation status.  We are closely monitoring the situation for all other canyon areas. The Red Cross has established an emergency shelter at El Modena High School, 3920 East Spring Street, Orange, 92869."

PRESS RELEASE # 3
Time:  1330
TEMPORARY SHELTERS AVAILABLE FOR ANIMALS EVACUATED FROM THE CANYONS

Temporary shelters are available for domestic animals and livestock for residents who are evacuating from the canyon areas.  Orange County Animal Care Services (ACS) is accepting domestic animals at 561 The City Drive in Orange. Animal owners are asked to bring identification, vet information, and any special foods or medicines along with their animals in order to ensure their animals receive appropriate care and they can be reunited with their animals when the evacuation is over. 

ACS staff will also be available at the Care and Reception site at El Modena High School, 3920 East Spring Street, Orange, 92869.  Provisions, crates and food for domestic animals will be available at the El Modena location. 

ACS will not be transporting animals from the evacuation areas at this time. 

The Orange County Fairgrounds has the capacity for up to 100 head of livestock.  Residents who need to evacuate large animals and livestock are directed to go to Gate 5 at the Orange County Fairgrounds.    

General information about Orange County Animal Care Services is available on their website at http://www.ocpetinfo.com/ or by calling (714) 935-6848.

PRESS RELEASE # 1
Time: 1200
ORANGE COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER AND PUBLIC INFORMATION HOTLINES ACTIVATED

"The County of Orange activated and staffed the Emergency Operations Center with County agency representatives at 1100 hours on November 30, 2007. The Public Information Hotline has been staffed and is ready to accept calls of inquiry in regard to evacuations in the Canyon communities of Orange County.

The Public Information Hotline phone number is (714) 628-7085. All resources and support personnel have been identified and are on standby ready to mobilize other areas of the Emergency Operations Center when needed."

PRESS RELEASE # 2 
Time:  1210
EVACUATION STATUS CLARIFICATION

"To clarify evacuation status in the canyon areas of Orange County, there are voluntary evacuations in place for Modjeska and Williams Canyons.  All other canyon areas in Eastern Orange County, including Silverado and Trabuco Canyons, are on heightened awareness. A Care and Reception Center has been established at El Modena High School, 3920 East Spring Street, Orange, 92869." 

Rancho Soñado serves as the headquarters for Inside the Outdoors®, an environmental education facility located off Silverado Canyon. The Santiago Fires surrounded the Ranch but didn't harm any of the buildings.

From their website:

"Surrounded by preserves and national forest, Rancho Soñado gives your students a chance to explore local ecology in a pristine environment. Ecosystems represented include a pond, a riparian area, oak woodland, and chaparral."

And, true to their mission, they're already turning burned chapparal into chapparal-ade: (click over for great pictures)

"Rancho Soñado is surrounded by the chapparal ecosystem.  Historically, fire swept through chaparral areas approximately every 20 to 30 years. Not only are most of the chaparral plants well adapted to resisting fire, but some of the species, such as laurel sumac (Rhus laurina), rely on fire for their persistence or rejuvenation. Some of the plants, such as toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), chamise (Adenstoma fasciculatum), and laurel sumac (Rhus laurina), have basal burls or root crowns from which branches resprout after a fire.  Other chaparral plants have a seed bank underground in which seeds are deposited during non-fire years. After a fire, the parent plant is burned which results in the seeds receiving the water, space, light, and nutrients that they need in order to germinate and grow. Laurel sumac (Rhus laurina) seeds are thought to germinate only after being exposed to the heat from a fire (Vogl 1998)."

We've been meaning to highlight the exceptional planning and execution of the evacuation of the Musick facility on Monday, October 22nd. The evacuation not only interested members of the national media, but we received calls from correctional facilities around the country interested in our planning, process, and after-action review. Sergeant James Bau contributed this report: More...

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.