Supervisor Bates Joins Governor with Federal, State and Local Officials 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 24, 2007	Contact: Sergio Prince 714-834-3550

Supervisor Bates Joins Governor with Federal, State and Local Officials
to Survey Fire Damage and Call for Additional Resources

Santa Ana, CA – Supervisor Pat Bates today joined the Governor with local legislators, mayors and city council members to coordinate with state and federal agencies in deploying additional resources to extinguish the wildfires plaguing South County.

Earlier in the day, Supervisor Bates joined Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and leading state fire officials as well as a number of state and local elected leaders at an evacuation shelter at El Toro High School in Lake Forest. “My heart goes out to the residents who’ve been forced to endure the unimaginable”, said Bates as she met with people who had evacuated their homes to escape the flames.

The group of officials later convened at the Orange County Fire Authority Command Post in Irvine Regional Park where she was briefed on the increase in firefighting aircraft and resources to combat the blaze that has consumed over 20,000 acres thus far. “Everyone is doing their part to make a difference, to save lives and property”, said Supervisor Bates. “I appreciate the Governor making the trip to South County to personally witness the fire-devastation.”

In addition, Supervisor Bates today contacted the office of Congressman Ken Calvert while her staff was in communication with Senator Feinstein’s office to emphasize the need for the deployment of additional resources in order to effectively fight these wildfires.  

Bates implored residents and the affected communities to stand with the Governor in calling on the federal government to deliver resources in a timely and effective manner – so that promises made are promises kept.

“I will continue to work with our federal, state and county officials to coordinate firefighting efforts as well as offer my support to those who have been harmed by this fire”, concluded Bates.

Supervisor Pat Bates represents the Fifth District of Orange County which encompasses the South County Cities of Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, the community of Newport Coast, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, and Wagon Wheel. Supervisor Bates also serves on the Orange County Fire Authority Board of Directors.