Crime Survivors, Inc has donated bags packed with essential items to help Deputies assist residents and their families recover after a crime.

From the Crime Survivors Website 

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
Crime Survivors is committed to serving our community by being an advocate and resource for crime victims and their families. If you don’t know where to turn, or are confused or frustrated with the public services that are available to you as you recover or seek justice, Crime Survivors can help. Our web site will provide information, resources and tools that will help you become a “Survivor”.

For more about Crime Survivors click here and go to their Website.

To see a video on the organization turning over the bundles click the icon below.

Over 300 county employees, including members of every Division in the Sheriff’s Department, helped win high praise in preliminary reports by federal evaluators of the recent SONGS Plume Phase Exercise, Sheriff’s Emergency Operations Bureau Manager Donna Boston told the Orange County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. 

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is the lead agency in County-wide emergency planning and preparedness.  This is done through the Homeland Security Division, Emergency Management Bureau (EMB).  Within the EMB there exists a team of highly trained emergency planners and coordinators who work to ensure the County develops effective emergency plans and is able to respond to any imaginable catastrophic event.  Among those hazards that the team plans for is an emergency at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, commonly referred to as SONGS.  

The County is mandated by federal and state regulations to manage a nuclear preparedness program, and part of that is to participate in evaluated exercises.  On September 23, 2009, the Sheriff’s Department hosted one of these evaluated exercises:  The 2009 SONGS Plume Phase Exercise.  

Preparation for this exercise included countless training sessions, a fully staffed dress rehearsal, major event preparations, and the involvement of every division of OCSD.   

On the day of the graded exercise, Sheriff Hutchens, as Director of Emergency Services  led the Emergency Operations Center to a successful final exercise grade.  At the conclusion of the emergency exercise, Federal Emergency Management Agency evaluators candidly stated that the “OC EOC rocked.”  Evaluators were extremely impressed with the EOC’s ability to make decisions, implement protective actions for the public and inform the public through media relations and hotline operators.  The final report for the SONGS Exercise captures the dedication to excellence which exists in the County and the Sheriff’s Department.  

The EMB staff who energized the entire EOC included Sara Kaminske, Vicki Osborn, Peggy Erdner, Donna Mayer, Raymond Cheung, Janell Harriman, Katrina Faulkner, Michelle Anderson, Luis Ramirez, Michelle Prieto and Mellisa Chorn.  It is through their attention to detail and willingness to push past challenges and reach for solutions that the EOC has become a national model for nuclear preparedness.       

Project 999, which helps support the survivors of peace officers killed in the line of duty, is one of the Orange County charities that benefit from United Way contributions.

To learn about Project 999 click here.

To learn more about the United Way of Orange County click here.

To view Sheriff Hutchens' Public Service Announcement click the icon below.

“Working Together to Save Lives” is the newly completed mural located in the Orange County Coroner Division facility. The mural celebrates the special collaboration between the Department and OneLegacy, the organ and tissue recovery organization serving the seven-county greater Los Angeles area.

Among those at the presentation were Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, Chief Deputy Coroner Jacque Brendt, officials of OneLegacy and a couple of special ladies.

The mural captures the first time that Amber Vargas listened to her mother’s heart beat in the chest of the Karen Athey, whose life was saved by the organ donation.  Both Amber and Karen were present.  

The presentation of the mural was covered by both the Orange County Register and KCAL.

Click here to view the Register report.

Click the icon to view the KCAL report.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens told the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that the Department faces another $65 million in budget cuts primarily due to the faltering sales tax revenues.   Assistant Sheriff Mike James gave the Board an update on the state of the Department's jails.

Click here to view the Orange County Register story on the presentations.

To view the PowerPoint presented by the Sheriff and Assistant Sheriff James click the icon below. 

A Message from Sheriff-Coroner Sandra Hutchens:

Last weekend the Executive Command staff, Division Commanders, and Bureau Commanders gathered at the Irvine Outdoor Education Center for our first Leadership Retreat. Our purpose was to begin the development of our one, three and five-year strategic plans; review and apply, where applicable, highlights of the book Good to Great, by Jim Collins; and discuss feedback from Undersheriff Scott's meetings with Lieutenants, Admin Manager II's, Sergeants and Admin Manager I's. The Leadership Retreat, at no cost to the department, was extremely positive. During these challenging times, our department leadership is unified in our goals and vision for the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

One of the most important discussions from Good to Great is the topic of Level 5 Leadership. Level 5 Leaders "want to see the company [or agency] even more successful in the next generation and are comfortable with the idea that most people won't even know that the roots of the success trace back to their efforts." Level 5 leaders want to be able to leave an organization and look back years later and still be proud to have worked there. Finally, Level 5 Leaders are not tolerant of mediocrity. "Good is the enemy of great," writes Jim Collins. Change and reform is difficult, but necessary, to serve out our mission with superior distinction.

Good to Great also serves as an important reminder that the right people are our most important asset. "A" players who are going to put forth "A+" effort are absolutely essential not only to achieving greatness, but establishing greatness for generations to come. Additionally, vigorous and passionate debate in search of the best answers is something we should expect from our management team. However, once debate has ended, we must maintain unity in our decisions, regardless of our narrow, personal interests. More...

Three Reserve Deputies were among 14 reserves who graduated last week with Class 16R from the Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy in Tustin.

They were Reserve Deputies Michael Lee, a high school teacher and tennis coach, Darren Smith, an information specialist for the County of Orange and Kevin Wang, creative director for a holding company.

Class 16R takes oath as law enforcement officers

Photos by Professional Services Responder Randy Frager

Reserve Deputy Lee was selected as Class Chaplain and he offered a prayer before the hundreds of family, colleagues and supporters of the graduates.

“We entered this program as individuals and sit together tonight as brothers and sisters,” Class Chaplain Lee told those gathered. “Thanks for family and friends who supported us through this long and challenging process. Thank you for our instructors who have given their time unselfishly to teach us, shepherd us and mentor us. We also give thanks for our Academy Tactical Staff who since day one have been training and mentoring us to be the best possible police officers we possibly can. More...

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens joined Aliso Viejo Mayor Donald Garcia and other officials from the city and the Department to introduce Chief of Police Services Lieutenant Bob Osborne to city residents.

“When I first took office I went around to all of the City Managers to find out if we were doing our job, if there were issues,” Sheriff Hutchens said at the meeting. “I got nothing but accolades about what the men and women in the contract cities are doing.”

Patrol Operations Division Commander Mark Billings said, “We tailor our contract police services exactly the same as if you had own police force. We find we all become one family.  Deputies who come here to Aliso Viejo become members of your community. At least that is what we strive for. “

Lt. Osborne at microphone with Sheriff Hutchens and Capt. Billings

Photos by Professional Services Responder Randy Frager

He then introduced the guest of honor, Lieutenant Osborne, appointed to serve as Aliso Viejo Chief in April 2009.

Lt. Osborne noted that there was a small turnout and remarked that is probably a sign that most residents are content with their police services and he then proceeded to explain why.

“An interesting fact is that almost every city created in California in the last 50 years has become a contract city. It’s kind of a trend as to how things are going now.”

He explained that the Sheriff’s contract with the city combines the advantages of a small town police force with a large regional law enforcement agency.

It includes a motorcycle Deputy who is known by his first name in the community and a SWAT unit and Search and Rescue Team that have been deployed in Aliso Viejo in recent weeks due to separate incidents of a barricaded man and a missing woman.  More...

A message from Sheriff-Corner Sandra Hutchens to Department personnel.  

On Monday, September 21st all Division Captains and Directors will submit a plan to reduce their respective budgets by 15 percent. This is a follow-up to Command Staff talks this summer on downsizing our operation and restructuring to fulfill our public safety mission in the most cost-efficient way possible. We are reinventing ourselves.

This information will be used as part of the Strategic Financial Plan for FY 2010/2011. Any information that comes out of these reports will be for the purpose of financial planning and are not being submitted as operational inevitability.

The goal of this plan is to prepare the department to meet the mandate of the Orange County Board of Supervisors; that we cut our costs in the next fiscal year by an estimated $60 million. The reductions (referred to as the C-4 cuts) will be deep and it remains to be seen the ultimate impact these cuts will have on the department and our service delivery. We will do our best to serve all of our stakeholders, the Board of Supervisors, department personnel and, most importantly, the public we serve.

One area we will evaluate is the use of "extra help" by the department. As you may have seen in recent press reports, the department has been criticized for the use of extra help employees. These employees provide special skills and fill seasonal needs at a savings to the county as an alternative to hiring new full time employees.

Sheriff reminds Orange County to be 'ever vigilant'

Hundreds gather at Nixon Library for 9-11 memorial event.

YORBA LINDA — While cautioning that Americans should never forget the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, several speakers during a memorial event on Friday urged the crowd of several hundred to be mindful of current and future terrorist threats.

Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens quoted President Lincoln, who during his turbulent time in office, noted: "' The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. … As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew.'"

Before becoming appointed as Orange County's sheriff last year, Hutchens served as Los Angeles County's homeland security chief.

Hutchens said important lessons have been learned since the events eight years ago, and positive changes made, such as dropping the jurisdictional barriers that once separated law enforcement agencies.

Now, she said, "we work together with the collective purpose to protect American from attack. We do this in honor of our heroes. … We must remain ever vigilant and never forget our vulnerability."
 

The Stanton Police Department was formed when the city incorporated in 1956 and the department moved in to the current Police Services building in 1971. 

The Sheriff’s Department occupied the building in 1988, when the city disbanded their police department and contracted with the Sheriff for police services.  The need for renovations was recognized almost at once but they were not begun for 19 years. One of the hallmarks of the renovation is the conversion of the old city jail into a locker room for Deputies.  

Photos by Sheriff's Photographer Jerry Manson

A reopening ceremony took place earlier this month and was attended by Stanton Mayor Al Ethans, Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and a large number of officials and representatives from both organizations along with invited guests from the community.  

The city’s contract with the Department currently stands at $8.6 million.  More...

Sheriff urges watchfulness with Laguna Beach group

Sandra Hutchens says she's seeking staff cooperation in saving taxpayer money.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens recently recognized the National Association of Counties Awards given to the Department for excellence in the T.A.G.R.S. program and the DNA lab staff for their case management achievements.

    Sheriff Hutchens with T.A.G.R.S. Team

Sheriff Hutchens with DNA Case Management Team

In a related development, the City of Lake Elsinore just praised it's participation in T.A.G.R.S.

Here is an excerpt:

To do it right, the City’s Graffiti Task Force first studied what other cities have done to deter and reduce graffiti vandalism successfully. Increasing communication between the Lake Elsinore Police Department, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Code Enforcement and Information Technology Divisions, and boosting cooperation with schools and local utilities, is the first lesson learned by the Graffiti Task Force. Proposing a graffiti action plan to guide the City's anti-graffiti efforts
was accomplished earlier this year.

The plan incorporates new technology in the fight against graffiti vandalism. For example, City crews will use new data devices to photograph, detail and submit incident reports electronically into a graffiti database.

This powerful database was developed by the Orange County Sheriff and Coroner’s Department for tracking and compiling evidence against taggers and
other vandals.

To view the Lake Elsinore article click: OutlookWebV9N2[2].pdf (753.76 kb)

To see the Department Blog story on the National Association of Counties award for T.A.G.R.S. click here.

For the Department Blog story on the National Association of Counties Award for the DNA Case Managment Program click here.

Firefighter Specialist Arnaldo "Arnie" Quinones, left, and Captain Tedmund Hall

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens sent this message to all members of the Orange County Sheriff's Department:

As many of you are aware, two Los Angeles County Firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty on Saturday, August 30th, 2009, while fighting wild-land fires in the County of Los Angeles.

Tragically, Captain Tedmund Hall, 47, of San Bernardino and Firefighter Specialist Arnaldo "Arnie" Quinones, 34, of Palmdale, paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to the public when their vehicle plunged off the side of a mountain road while battling the "Station" fire. Captain Hall is survived by his wife and two adult children; Firefighter Specialist Quinones is survived by his wife, who is expecting their first child.

Whereas firefighting professionals are our allies in providing public safety to those whom we serve, I am directing all personnel who wear badges to place a black band on their badge until such time as these heroes are laid to rest.

Please keep Captain Hall and Firefighter Specialist Quinones, their families and the firefighting community in your thoughts and prayers.

Orange County Sheriff's Mobile Field Force was deployed over the weekend to LA's "Station" Fire   

The Public Safety Community of Southern California has lost two brave firefighters, killed fighting the Station wildfire in Los Angeles County.  The Orange County Sheriff's Department sent members of its Mobile Field Force to the fire scene after a mutual aid request was received from the Los Angeles Fire Department.

To read a Los Angeles Times story on how the two fallen fire fighters are remembered click here.

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that a memorial is planned later this week for the fire fighters. To read the story click here.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens authorized deployment of personnel in support of the Region I, mutual aid request. LASD specifically requested twenty-four Deputies, three Sergeants and one Lieutenant for deployment, commencing at 2100 hours, August 29, 2009 for evacuation and saturation patrol in residential areas of La Canada and La Crescenta.

The OCSD Department Operations Center was activated to Level I in support of the request for resources.  One Lieutenant was specifically tasked to coordinate mutual aid along with the on-duty Department Commander.  Six additional support personnel were assigned to assist with the resource request. Action was commenced for eventual reimbursement by FEMA for Orange County resources used in the response to the fire.

The OCSD Department Commander notified allied law enforcement agencies (Brea, Fullerton, Anaheim and Santa Ana Police Departments) within the Operational Area of the additional personnel requirements and requested twenty-one police officers and four Sergeants assemble at the Katella facility for deployment to the Los Angeles area.

At about 9 p.m., OCSD deployed twenty-two Deputies, four Sergeants and one Lieutenant in uniform to the staging area of the LASD Incident Command Post (Hansen Dam park). The OCSD force received mission tasking for evacuation of residents in the vicinity of La Crescenta, Briggs and Shield Streets and Ocean View Blvd. and Rockdell Streets.  Furthermore, mission details included patrol of evacuated areas and support to the fire department resources in the area.

Shortly before 5 a.m. on Sunday, LASD mobilized their Department and re-deployed on-duty personnel.  This action eliminated the need for additional OCSD, mutual aid resources.  The Department Commander immediately cancelled all allied agency and OCSD personnel response to the Los Angeles Area.  All assembled personnel were demobilized and returned to regular assignments.

At about 11:30 a.m. the two OCSD squads deployed the previous night were relieved by other Region I law enforcement agencies and released back to Orange County.

Eight youngsters from around Orange County were honored last week for their exemplary conduct when they called 9-1-1 to report real life emergencies.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens was joined by fire officials, news personalities and show business celebrities in honoring the youngsters at the Sheriff's Regional Training Academy in Tustin last Thursday.

Sheriff Hutchens presented an award to Drew Zavala, 11, of Yorba Linda, who called to report an assault in his home to Orange County Sheriff's Dispatcher Jennifer Demers.

The Sheriff said in her presentation: "On June 19, 2009, 11-year-old Drew called 9-1-1 to report a known suspect had broken into the house and was fighting with his mother. Drew remained very calm and provided Dispatcher Jennifer Demers with his correct address and phone number. This was very important, as he had called on a cell phone, which does not automatically show the address of the caller. Even though Drew’s mother was injured, he remained calm throughout the call and answered each question he was asked. Thanks to Drew’s quick action, units arrived and were able to help Drew’s mother."

Four awards went to youngsters who called the Anaheim Police Department, one who called the La Habra Police Department and one who called the Orange County Fire Authority. 

Award Presenters included the Sheriff and Orange County Fire Authority Chief Keith Richter, KOCE-TV's Ed Arnold, Fox 11 News Anchor Christine Devine, and actresses Tatum and Haley McCann, who have starring roles in the hit movie "The Time Traveler's Wife."

9-1-1 For Kids is an organization dedicated to teaching youngsters how to make 9-1-1 calls. For more information on the group click here. 

Part 1

Part 2

The Orange County Grand Jury issued it's annual State of the Jails Report in June and, while giving the Sheriff's Department high marks for their operations, made several recommendations and asked for responses from the Sheriff and the Board of Supervisors.

The report said in part: "The overriding conclusion reached by the Grand Jury is that the Orange County jail system is well run and in good overall condition. The delivery of service continues to improve under new leadership and the morale of the jail staff is improving."

The Grand Jury found that the facilities are aging quickly, staff overtime remains a concern and the challenges for command and line staff are many. Still the Grand Jury said it applauds the work of the OCSD men and women and the HCA staff in operating a jail system that has no shortage of tests and challenges."

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens filed the Department's reponse on August 17 and the Board of Supervisors approved their response at today's Board Meeting.

To view the full grand jury report click here.

To view the Sheriff's response click here.

To view the response approved by the Board of Supervisors click here.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and Orange County Chief Probation Officer Colleene Preciado are guests of Johnny Law's Cop Shop.

To hear the broadcast click the icon below. The portion with Sheriff Hutchens starts around minute 16.

Letter from the Sheriff

Fifty years ago newly hired Deputy Sheriffs were assigned to work in the Orange County Jail for the purpose of

observing criminal behavior before working the streets on patrol. They rarely spent a full year working in the jail.

That quaint training experiment has grown into our modern day custody operations force that requires deputies to stay

in the jails for up to eight years before they have the opportunity to transfer to patrol and it costs the county millions

of dollars a year.

In the interest of both fiscal responsibility and enhancing the careers of both sworn and non-sworn members of the

department, we have opened recruitment for a new class of department employee, the Sheriff's Correctional Services

Assistant.

This recruitment has been met with a lot of interest and it showcases the fact that, despite the challenges we currently

face, our future is bright.

Thank you for your collaborative and innovative efforts to explore new ways of accomplishing our mission. The press release is below:

"In a move that's likely to save the Orange County Sheriff's Department $10 million a year, Sheriff Hutchens announced the recruitment

for the position of Sheriff's Correctional Services Assistant Trainee. The Correctional Services Assistant will assist sworn personnel with

monitoring inmate movement, maintaining order and controlling entry and exit to jail facilities."

"The Correctional Services Assistant is an extremely important addition to the Orange County Jail system. This new classification of

department personnel will not only assist us in our mandate to provide for the safety and well being of our inmates, but it will provide a

significant savings to our operating budget," said Sheriff Sandra Hutchens. "Just this year we have been required to reduce our budget by

$28 million and next year we're looking at a $60 million reduction. Any savings we can obtain is of great benefit to Orange County

taxpayers."

The initial recruitment is open to current Orange County Sheriff's personnel; however, we anticipate opening this position to individuals

outside the department in the next few months.

The first class of fifty Correctional Service Assistants will attend nine weeks of training and should begin working in our jails in January

2010."

SANDRA HUTCHENS

Sheriff-Coroner

August 21, 2009

A Message on the Department Reorganization
Sheriff Sandra Hutchens 

Our Core Values:

Integrity without compromise;
Service above self;
Professionalism in the performance of duty;
Vigilance in safeguarding our community.

We all continue to feel the effects of these challenging economic times, both in our professional and personal lives.  The Fiscal Year 2009/10 budget approved by the Board of Supervisors requires our Department to cut 28 million dollars from our budget this fiscal year. Based on revenue projections, we must prepare for an additional 60 million dollar cut in fiscal year 2010/11.  When faced with these unprecedented budget cuts, I directed my Command Staff and Division Commanders to “deconstruct” their commands and look at our core functions—those functions that impact our responsibility for direct public safety services.  The decision of who would be laid off was made as a result of what functions could be eliminated and/or combined without directly impacting our core mission.  These layoffs were not based on performance; they were based on the elimination or consolidation of functions and were made solely because of our current financial situation.  

During the past few weeks, I have met with each Assistant Sheriff, Executive Director, and Captain.  The purpose of the meetings was to tell them if they were staying or if they would be laid off.  For me, this has been one of the most difficult and gut-wrenching of tasks.  As I have publically stated, given the budget cuts we have been directed to make, I felt it my duty to preserve the delivery of front-line law enforcement so that the residents of Orange County would continue to enjoy the benefit of our public safety services and not be impacted by our budget cuts.

You will see from the attached Organization Chart that the shape of the Department has been dramatically altered.    I have cut two Assistant Sheriff and five Captain positions. Assistant Sheriff Hillmann with be responsible for Field Operations and Investigative Services. Assistant Sheriff James will be responsible for Custody and Court Services.  Executive Director Dostal will continue to be responsible for Administrative Services Command. 

Of the remaining nine Captains, two will serve as Area Commanders.  The Area Commander will assist their respective Assistant Sheriff with their expanded commands.  Tim Board will serve as the Area Commander for Field Operations and Investigative Services and Jay LeFlore will serve as the Area Commander for Custody and Court Services.

Director Gialamas, in addition to his Crime Lab responsibility, will assume command of Support Services.  Undersheriff Scott will assume direct responsibility for Professional Services Division and I will assume direct responsibility for Coroner and the Crime Lab/Support Services Divisions.I view these cuts as temporary and something that we cannot sustain for more than a couple of years. I fully intend to rebuild the department when the economy improves.In addition to our Command Staff cuts, we are having to impact the lives of 30-40 of our employees either through demotion or layoffs.  This process will be completed sometime in September.

I want to personally acknowledge the tremendous contributions of our personnel who are impacted by these budget cuts.  They have all contributed to the success of this Department and are to be congratulated for their commitment and dedication. Their service and individual contribution to the success of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will not be forgotten.

Finally, I want to thank each and every one of you for your hard work and willingness to go the extra mile to secure the safety of all and to continue the great reputation of community service that the Orange County Sheriff’s Department so richly deserves.  Your actions serve to make me proud every day. It is an honor to be your Sheriff and to serve side by side with you.   My decisions have and will always be based on what is best for the public safety needs of Orange County and the continued success of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.  

To view the new Organization Chart click: New Org Chart.pdf (2.15 mb)

To view the old Organization Chart click: Old Org Chart.pdf (1.43 mb)

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens joined child safety advocates Erin Runnion, Ed Smart and Steve Daley at a forum in San Juan Capistrano Monday night. The forum was held to educate parents in ways to protect their children from sexual predators.

Erin Runnion and Ed Smart are both nationally known advocates in the battle against child predators. In 2002, 5-year old Samantha Runnion was kidnapped from outside her Stanton home and murdered. The same year middle-school student Elizabeth Smart was taken from her bedroom in her Salt Lake City home and she survived 9 months of sexual molestation.  Steve Daley, a former police officer in Florida, is founder of radKIDS Inc., which teaches youngsters of all ages ways to physically combat child predators.

Also at the forum were Orange County Sheriff’s Department special victims investigators Jeff Brown and Sandra Longnecker.

The forum was sponsored by the National Center for Chaplain Development, which has several volunteer Orange County Sheriff’s Department Chaplains among its members.

Sheriff Hutchens was the first speaker and began with a description of Erin Runnion.

“Her smile is almost as big as her heart, and she turned a tragedy in her life to help other people, and that’s huge.

“We have here two crimes against children investigators, Jeff and Sandy. They are experts in this field.

“Isn’t it sad we have to have law enforcement officers who are experts in this field.  I will tell you they work the most difficult of assignments. You will hear in law enforcement circles among investigators and some of the toughest cops out there that they would not want to have to investigate crimes against children.  It is difficult and I admire Jeff and Sandy and any of our investigators who deal with that day in and day out and do it very very well.

“When I’m out speaking to various groups in Orange County I’m always asked what the public can do to assist law enforcement in this and other areas. The answer is right here in this room.  You’re here tonight, you’re engaged, you’re here to learn. We need you to continue to be active and vigilant in this area. We need our parents to be educated and engaged in the dangers facing our children in this area and we need our kids to be educated and to tell.

“There are 800,000 children reported missing each year, 58,000 are abducted by friends, acquaintances and strangers. Children represent the largest group of victims of violent crimes in America.  I know we would all like to think that it won’t happen to us, that it won’t happen in our neighborhood. I want to tell you that that is natural. We would like to think that we live in a world where we can trust everybody. But the fact of the matter is we don’t.  There are people out there who for whatever reason want to do us harm. So we have to make sure we don‘t allow ourselves to become victims, that we take the steps to keep that from happening, that we protect our children and empower them.  

The speakers were introduced by Ken Schlenker, executive director of the National Center for Chaplain Development and a volunteer Chaplain for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

To see the Orange County Register’s story on the forum, click here.  http://www.ocregister.com/articles/runnion-children-safety-2524838-samantha-kids

Some of the advice Investigators Jeff Brown and Sandra Longnecker had for parents included:

1.       Megan’s Law Internet data base does not include sexual offenders who have been arrested but not been convicted nor many of those who were convicted of victimizing members of their own family. More...

Playhouse Women, a support group of the non-profit Laguna Playhouse, will host a luncheon featuring keynote speaker O.C. Sheriff-Coroner Sandra Hutchens on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach.

“We are extremely honored that Sheriff Hutchens can join us,” said Ilona Martin, a charter member of Playhouse Women.  “We are looking forward to hearing more about her accomplishments during her first year in office, and her vision for the Sheriff’s Department.” Martin said that an audience Q&A will follow Sheriff Hutchens’ presentation.

Founded in 1920, the Laguna Playhouse is one of the oldest continuously operating theatres on the West Coast. The Laguna Playhouse has evolved from an amateur theater into a professional venue that is now a member of League of Resident Theatres (LORT), a prestigious body of the nation's largest non-profit professional theatres. In addition to employing Equity actors, The Playhouse is a constituent of the Theatre Communications Group, the national organization of American professional theatre. More than 100,000 theatergoers annually attend performances at the Laguna Playhouse. Its continued artistic excellence, audience popularity and critical acclaim have helped make it one of Southern California 's most important nonprofit theatre companies.

Playhouse Women (PW) was established in 2007 to develop awareness of and support for the non-profit Laguna Playhouse, now entering its 90th anniversary.  PW is comprised of more than 70 women with a variety of talents and interests, including executives, community leaders, working moms, business owners, artists, and others.  All value great theatre in their community and want to ensure its long-term success.   PW hosts a variety of special events offering a broad range of topics for its members and non-members throughout the year.