Elected officials are easy targets for criticism and blame. However, the Orange County Board of Supervisors and Chairman Don Wagner got it right with the second class of inductees into OC Hall of Fame. A year ago, the inaugural HOF came under fire as too predictable and celebrity laden. Yes, the honorees in the first class, including Anaheim’s Gwen Stefani, Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods and Olympians Greg Louganis and Amanda Beard, have amassed headlines and mega social media followings, some critics waxed the list lacked a deeper connection to what has made Orange County distinct and memorable as an incubator for culture, goodness and even tension as it has evolved from a string of sleepy agrarian towns to a 21st century economic powerhouse. Clearly, the supervisors listened in evaluating a slew of nominations this year.
On Tuesday, the newest honorees were introduced and lauded for their impact. For those fortunate enough to be inside the Hall of Administration , it was a two-hour tutorial on what makes our community good and often great. Lists always trigger debate, it’s why we are drawn to them like children to candy.
The 2024 class undoubtedly will have its detractors. But I find it hard to argue against any of the names added this year to the HOF wall outside the supervisors chambers in Santa Ana. Chairman Wagner was smooth and genuine delivering each inductee’s narrative. From my longtime friends, the Lee family of Wahoo’s fame to civil rights icon Sylvia Mendez and entrepreneur turned philanthropist Charlie Zhang and labor leader and military veteran Nick Berardino, the second class was notable.