Last week, the Orange County Fire Authority’s Urban Search & Rescue Team participated in specialized training at the Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding in San Juan Capistrano to learn horse rescue techniques. This program, initiated in 2021 by Battalion Chief Danny Goodwin after a challenging horse rescue, addresses the unique dangers of rescuing large, frightened animals during emergencies like wildfires. Firefighters were taught to read equine body language, safely approach horses, and guide them, improving their ability to handle such calls, which are among the most dangerous due to the animals’ fight-or-flight instincts. The Shea Center’s CEO, Dana Butler-Moburg, highlighted the program’s uniqueness in the U.S., and veterinary expert Jacqueline E. Johnson confirmed its effectiveness in enhancing rescue operations.

The article also briefly covers various local news, including labor rallies, public safety incidents, cultural events, and business developments in Orange County. Highlights include a union drive at Mother’s Market, a new electric vehicle charging station in Costa Mesa, and a centennial celebration for the Huntington Beach Union High School District auditorium. Additionally, notable public safety updates include fatal crashes and criminal charges, while sports news features local athletes signing with NCAA programs and rankings of high school teams. The newsletter concludes with accolades for journalists Gabriel San Román and Stephanie Chavez for their award-winning reporting.