Like many of you, my thoughts for the last week have been with the Jennings Creek fire still burning in Sterling Forest. Most particularly on the tragic death of Dariel Vasquez, the young man who lost his life. The loss of someone from our community is always challenging, but in the case of someone so young and so promising, it is a deeply-felt tragedy, and I know all of Orange County is thinking of Dariel’s family and friends at this time.
I want to thank all the firefighters working around the clock to contain the blaze – both locally and those who have come from all over the state to help. Our gratitude also goes out to those community volunteers who have stepped forward, donating time and money and food to assist in any way they can. Through the smoke, it is heartening to see communities come together to support neighbors, friends, and strangers. This spirit is what makes Orange County the incredible place that it is.
