FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 8, 2021

CONTACT: Jackie.Koenig@sen.ca.gov, (916) 502-7674

Senator Umberg and Assemblymember Daly Amend Orange County Veteran’s Cemetery Bill

Amendments Allow for Study and Selection of Possible Anaheim Location

(Sacramento, CA) – Senator Thomas J. Umberg (D-Santa Ana) is debuting amendments to his Senate Bill (SB) 43, which pertains to the development of a Southern California Veterans Cemetery. SB 43, as introduced earlier this year, requires the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) to work with local government entities in Orange County to develop a long-discussed cemetery and memorial in the area.  Amendments debuted today will allow CalVet to conduct a feasibility study to also consider additional property currently being discussed in the City of Anaheim.

“Finding the right location for this cemetery has been a cumbersome – but absolutely vital part of this process,” said Senator Umberg. “After discussions with CalVet, it has become clear that any new potential site will need a thorough state examination and analysis. I’m thrilled the County has  made a financial commitment towards this process and our veterans and I’m happy to use SB 43 for this feasibility study.”

Senator Umberg and his co-author, Assemblymember Tom Daly (D-Anaheim), have worked for years to honor local veterans with creation of the Southern California Veterans Cemetery and Memorial in Orange County. In the last five years, the state has studied the feasibility of two prospective sites for the park – both in Irvine. In recent months, conversation has veered toward a possible third site in Gypsum Cannon in Anaheim.

“We remain committed to the establishment of a veterans’ cemetery in Orange County,” Assemblymember Daly said. “As a partner in this process, the Legislature must continue to do its due diligence when considering potential sites for development of the cemetery. This bill will enable CalVet to assess the feasibility of a third potential site, located in Gypsum Canyon.”

“Our heroes deserve an honorable place that will provide their families a true and lasting opportunity to pay their respects. Our offices will continue our work with local, state, and federal officials to bring this project to fruition,” said Senator Umberg.

Amendments for SB 43 are attached below and will be added to the measure in the next several days.  SB 43 passed the Senate earlier this year and will then likely be heard in its new, amended form, in the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs in 2022.

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Senator Thomas Umberg represents the 34th Senate District which includes the cities of Anaheim, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Midway City, Orange, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, and Westminster. Umberg is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, and former federal prosecutor. He and his wife, Brigadier General Robin Umberg, USA (ret.), live in Orange County.