Orange County and State Leaders Move Forward with Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon (Photo: County of Orange, California)
On September 22, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 571, authored by Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton), moving the Orange County Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon closer to becoming a reality. The legislation establishes the framework for the long-awaited project, authorizing CalVet to oversee environmental review and the next steps needed for development.
The bill passed with strong bipartisan and community support, backed by the County of Orange, every city in the county, and numerous Veterans organizations.
AB 571 follows years of bipartisan work to secure a final site for Orange County’s first Veterans cemetery. With the Governor’s signature, responsibility now moves to CalVet, a major step forward for local Veterans and their families who have spent more than a decade advocating for the project and working to preserve the Gypsum Canyon location.
Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva described the signing of AB 571 as a historic step for Veterans in Orange County. She said that working with CalVet honors the service of Veterans and brings the community closer to a cemetery they have long deserved. Quirk-Silva expressed deep gratitude to Governor Newsom for his continued support throughout this decade-long effort.
Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner called the signing of the bill a milestone for local Veterans. He credited Quirk-Silva’s persistence for helping the project overcome years of political obstacles and delays. Wagner also thanked the Governor for standing with the Orange County community to help deliver a Veterans cemetery at Gypsum Canyon, a site that has long been considered the most suitable and accessible location for the project.
Nick Berardino, President of Veterans Alliance of Orange County (VALOR), said the legislation clears the path for progress after years of waiting. He stated that Veterans have fulfilled every requirement set by state and federal agencies to build the cemetery and that the bill removes any reason for further delays. Berardino thanked Governor Newsom for his support and commitment to seeing the project through.
Under AB 571, the Gypsum Canyon Veterans Cemetery is exempt from additional California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review. The measure is designed to remove bureaucratic barriers and expedite the construction process. The exemption applies only under specific conditions, including that the cemetery must be a less intensive use than the previously approved Mountain Park development, which underwent an environmental impact review in 2005. An updated addendum has already been completed to align with current environmental standards.
The exemption is temporary and will expire on January 1, 2030. The urgency statute took effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature, allowing CalVet to move forward without delay.
RELATED ARTICLE: ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL GREENLIGHTS VETERANS CEMETERY IN GYPSUM CANYON, CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN 2026
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
