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Board approves one-year roadside memorial and safety-sign pilot after family testimony
Summary
After emotional testimony from a family whose infant son was killed in a curb-jump crash, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a one-year pilot roadside memorial program that allows memorial signs with safety messages on county roadways.
Chair Doug Chaffee opened the meeting by recognizing county graduates of the CSAC Institute and then moved to agenda business. Item 67, a one-year pilot to allow county roadside memorial signs with safety messages, drew three emotional public testimonies from a family that lost their infant son, Madden.
Kyle Ohlweiler, of Rancho Santa Margarita, told the board the family was struck on 04/02/2023 when “a driver under the influence of illegal drugs veered off the road going approximately over 50 miles an hour onto the sidewalk striking all 3 of us,” and that their son Madden “was killed.” His wife, Haley Oweiler, asked the board to install signage near the sidewalk where families and schoolchildren walk to raise awareness about driving while under the influence and to deter impaired driving.
Supervisor Katrina Foley noted her office had worked with the family and Orange County Public Works to develop a formal policy for roadside memorial signs and moved the item. Chair Chaffee seconded. The board approved the pilot unanimously among members present (4-0, one supervisor absent). In explaining the program, Supervisor Foley said residents could apply via the county website for memorial signs that carry safety messages such as “watch your speed,” “don’t text and drive,” and “don’t drive under the influence.”
The board directed staff to implement the one-year pilot, authorize necessary administrative adjustments, and allow the public to apply for signs that combine commemoration and safety messaging. The measure passed with the stated intent of balancing public commemoration with roadway safety and minimal impacts to sidewalks or the roadway.
The pilot will return to the board for evaluation after its period of implementation; staff said applications and operational details will be posted at myoceservices.ocgov.com.
