DON BARNES
SHERIFF, OC SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
WHY: Worked at department for 36 years; elected sheriff in 2018. Oversees about 4,000 employees within the department that handles law enforcement of the entire county.
IN THE NEWS: Planning $15M training center for officers to practice response tactics for public safety threats, which has attracted the support from local business execs including Henry and Susan Samueli and Palmer Luckey.
NOTABLE: Has worked to improve community programs that address local issues like drug addiction, homelessness and addiction.
QUOTABLE: “This could be the greatest investment for saving lives.”
