This measure would designate the portion of State Route 14 from the Avenue 0-8 bridge at Postmile R62.151 to the Avenue M overcrossing at Postmile R64.678, in the County of Los Angeles, as the CHP Officer Andy Ornelas Memorial Highway. The measure would request the Department of Transportation to determine the cost for appropriate signs, which shall include the star of the California Highway Patrol, showing these special designations and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources covering that cost, to erect those signs.

This measure would designate the portion of State Route 14 from the Avenue 0-8 bridge at Postmile R62.151 to the Avenue M overcrossing at Postmile R64.678, in the County of Los Angeles, as the CHP Officer Andy Ornelas Memorial Highway. The measure would request the Department of Transportation to determine the cost for appropriate signs, which shall include the star of the California Highway Patrol, showing these special designations and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources covering that cost, to erect those signs.

This measure would designate the portion of State Route 14 from the Avenue 0-8 bridge at Postmile R62.151 to the Avenue M overcrossing at Postmile R64.678, in the County of Los Angeles, as the CHP Officer Andy Ornelas Memorial Highway. The measure would request the Department of Transportation to determine the cost for appropriate signs, which shall include the star of the California Highway Patrol, showing these special designations and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources covering that cost, to erect those signs.

WHEREAS, Andy Ornelas of the California Highway Patrols Antelope Valley Area was born in the City of Lancaster, California, to parents Art and Kellie Ornelas on September 8, 1993; and

WHEREAS, Andy was raised in the City of Palmdale, California, where he attended Quartz Hill High School, graduating in 2011; and

WHEREAS, Andy continued his education, receiving a degree in fire science at the University of Antelope Valley and attending the Paramedic Program at the UCLA Center for Prehospital Care; and

WHEREAS, Andy began his professional career as an Emergency Room Technician (EMT) at Antelope Valley Hospital from 2011 through 2013, and continued his professional career as a paramedic and EMT with American Medical Response (AMR) from 2013 through 2016; and

WHEREAS, Andy comes from a law enforcement family: his mother is a retired California Highway Patrol officer from the Antelope Valley station where Andy would later work; his father is a motorcycle officer with the Los Angeles Police Department; his brother is a California Highway Patrol officer in the Central Los Angeles Area office; and his uncle is a retired California Highway Patrol captain; and

WHEREAS, On December 5, 2016, Andy entered the California Highway Patrol Academy and officially became a California Highway Patrol officer on June 16, 2017, and completed his extensive motor training to become a motor officer in April 2018; and

WHEREAS, In 2019, after dating for over 10 years, Andy married the love of his life and best friend, Taylor, and together Andy and Taylor filled their life with love for one another, family, and traveling; and

WHEREAS, Andy was also an extremely devoted son and spent time with his family while dirt bike riding and going to the lake; and

WHEREAS, Officer Ornelas responded to many emergency incidents for individuals injured or otherwise in distress on or around Californias highways; Andy lived the California Highway Patrol motto, Safety, Service, and Security; and

WHEREAS, Officer Ornelas not only provided the community with the highest level of safety, service, and security, he also took an active role in community events, including participating in the holiday parade showcasing his riding skills and handing out high fives to children of the Antelope Valley, regularly taking the time to allow children to sit on his motor and take photographs; and

WHEREAS, Officer Ornelas did not hesitate when putting himself in harms way to provide needed emergency assistance to a person in distress and in need of immediate attention; and

WHEREAS, Officer Ornelas, badge number 21685, crashed while on his way to help two people involved in a motor accident, sustained multiple injuries, and was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital, where he received around-the-clock care but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries on December 2, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Andy is survived by his wife, Taylor; his father, Art; his mother, Kellie; his brother, Cody; and sister, Nikki; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of Officer Ornelass great contributions and sacrifice in serving the California Highway Patrol and the citizens of California, it is fitting to designate a portion of State Highway Route 14 in the County of Los Angeles in his honor; now therefore be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby designates the portion of State Route 14 from the Avenue 0-8 bridge at Postmile R62.151 to the Avenue M overcrossing at Postmile R64.678, in the County of Los Angeles, as the CHP Officer Andy Ornelas Memorial Highway; and be it further

Resolved, That the Department of Transportation is requested to determine the costs of erecting the appropriate signs, which shall include the star of the California Highway Patrol, consistent with the signing requirements for the state highway system, showing these special designations, and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources covering the cost, to erect those signs; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the Director of Transportation and to the author for appropriate distribution.

WHEREAS, Andy Ornelas of the California Highway Patrols Antelope Valley Area was born in the City of Lancaster, California, to parents Art and Kellie Ornelas on September 8, 1993; and

WHEREAS, Andy was raised in the City of Palmdale, California, where he attended Quartz Hill High School, graduating in 2011; and

WHEREAS, Andy continued his education, receiving a degree in fire science at the University of Antelope Valley and attending the Paramedic Program at the UCLA Center for Prehospital Care; and

WHEREAS, Andy began his professional career as an Emergency Room Technician (EMT) at Antelope Valley Hospital from 2011 through 2013, and continued his professional career as a paramedic and EMT with American Medical Response (AMR) from 2013 through 2016; and

WHEREAS, Andy comes from a law enforcement family: his mother is a retired California Highway Patrol officer from the Antelope Valley station where Andy would later work; his father is a motorcycle officer with the Los Angeles Police Department; his brother is a California Highway Patrol officer in the Central Los Angeles Area office; and his uncle is a retired California Highway Patrol captain; and

WHEREAS, On December 5, 2016, Andy entered the California Highway Patrol Academy and officially became a California Highway Patrol officer on June 16, 2017, and completed his extensive motor training to become a motor officer in April 2018; and

WHEREAS, In 2019, after dating for over 10 years, Andy married the love of his life and best friend, Taylor, and together Andy and Taylor filled their life with love for one another, family, and traveling; and

WHEREAS, Andy was also an extremely devoted son and spent time with his family while dirt bike riding and going to the lake; and

WHEREAS, Officer Ornelas responded to many emergency incidents for individuals injured or otherwise in distress on or around Californias highways; Andy lived the California Highway Patrol motto, Safety, Service, and Security; and

WHEREAS, Officer Ornelas not only provided the community with the highest level of safety, service, and security, he also took an active role in community events, including participating in the holiday parade showcasing his riding skills and handing out high fives to children of the Antelope Valley, regularly taking the time to allow children to sit on his motor and take photographs; and

WHEREAS, Officer Ornelas did not hesitate when putting himself in harms way to provide needed emergency assistance to a person in distress and in need of immediate attention; and

WHEREAS, Officer Ornelas, badge number 21685, crashed while on his way to help two people involved in a motor accident, sustained multiple injuries, and was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital, where he received around-the-clock care but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries on December 2, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Andy is survived by his wife, Taylor; his father, Art; his mother, Kellie; his brother, Cody; and sister, Nikki; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of Officer Ornelass great contributions and sacrifice in serving the California Highway Patrol and the citizens of California, it is fitting to designate a portion of State Highway Route 14 in the County of Los Angeles in his honor; now therefore be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby designates the portion of State Route 14 from the Avenue 0-8 bridge at Postmile R62.151 to the Avenue M overcrossing at Postmile R64.678, in the County of Los Angeles, as the CHP Officer Andy Ornelas Memorial Highway; and be it further

Resolved, That the Department of Transportation is requested to determine the costs of erecting the appropriate signs, which shall include the star of the California Highway Patrol, consistent with the signing requirements for the state highway system, showing these special designations, and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources covering the cost, to erect those signs; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the Director of Transportation and to the author for appropriate distribution.

WHEREAS, Andy Ornelas of the California Highway Patrols Antelope Valley Area was born in the City of Lancaster, California, to parents Art and Kellie Ornelas on September 8, 1993; and

WHEREAS, Andy was raised in the City of Palmdale, California, where he attended Quartz Hill High School, graduating in 2011; and

WHEREAS, Andy continued his education, receiving a degree in fire science at the University of Antelope Valley and attending the Paramedic Program at the UCLA Center for Prehospital Care; and

WHEREAS, Andy began his professional career as an Emergency Room Technician (EMT) at Antelope Valley Hospital from 2011 through 2013, and continued his professional career as a paramedic and EMT with American Medical Response (AMR) from 2013 through 2016; and

WHEREAS, Andy comes from a law enforcement family: his mother is a retired California Highway Patrol officer from the Antelope Valley station where Andy would later work; his father is a motorcycle officer with the Los Angeles Police Department; his brother is a California Highway Patrol officer in the Central Los Angeles Area office; and his uncle is a retired California Highway Patrol captain; and

WHEREAS, On December 5, 2016, Andy entered the California Highway Patrol Academy and officially became a California Highway Patrol officer on June 16, 2017, and completed his extensive motor training to become a motor officer in April 2018; and

WHEREAS, In 2019, after dating for over 10 years, Andy married the love of his life and best friend, Taylor, and together Andy and Taylor filled their life with love for one another, family, and traveling; and

WHEREAS, Andy was also an extremely devoted son and spent time with his family while dirt bike riding and going to the lake; and

WHEREAS, Officer Ornelas responded to many emergency incidents for individuals injured or otherwise in distress on or around Californias highways; Andy lived the California Highway Patrol motto, Safety, Service, and Security; and

WHEREAS, Officer Ornelas not only provided the community with the highest level of safety, service, and security, he also took an active role in community events, including participating in the holiday parade showcasing his riding skills and handing out high fives to children of the Antelope Valley, regularly taking the time to allow children to sit on his motor and take photographs; and

WHEREAS, Officer Ornelas did not hesitate when putting himself in harms way to provide needed emergency assistance to a person in distress and in need of immediate attention; and

WHEREAS, Officer Ornelas, badge number 21685, crashed while on his way to help two people involved in a motor accident, sustained multiple injuries, and was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital, where he received around-the-clock care but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries on December 2, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Andy is survived by his wife, Taylor; his father, Art; his mother, Kellie; his brother, Cody; and sister, Nikki; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of Officer Ornelass great contributions and sacrifice in serving the California Highway Patrol and the citizens of California, it is fitting to designate a portion of State Highway Route 14 in the County of Los Angeles in his honor; now therefore be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby designates the portion of State Route 14 from the Avenue 0-8 bridge at Postmile R62.151 to the Avenue M overcrossing at Postmile R64.678, in the County of Los Angeles, as the CHP Officer Andy Ornelas Memorial Highway; and be it further

Resolved, That the Department of Transportation is requested to determine the costs of erecting the appropriate signs, which shall include the star of the California Highway Patrol, consistent with the signing requirements for the state highway system, showing these special designations, and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources covering the cost, to erect those signs; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the Director of Transportation and to the author for appropriate distribution.

 CONSENT  

Bill No: ACR 98

Author: Lackey (R), et al.

Introduced: 6/19/23

Vote: 21

SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: 15-0, 4/9/24

AYES: Cortese, Niello, Allen, Archuleta, Becker, Blakespear, Dahle, Dodd, Gonzalez, Limón, Newman, Nguyen, Portantino, Seyarto, Umberg

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 71-0, 7/13/23 - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: CHP Officer Andy Ornelas Memorial Highway

SOURCE: California Association of Highway Patrolmen

DIGEST:

This resolution designates the portion of State Route 14 from the Avenue 0-8 bridge at Postmile R62.151 to the Avenue M overcrossing at Postmile R64.678, in the County of Los Angeles, as the “CHP Officer Andy Ornelas Memorial Highway.”

ANALYSIS: Existing law assigns the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) the responsibility of operating and maintaining state highways, including the installation and maintenance of highway signs.

This resolution:

1. Recounts the life and career of California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer Andy Ornelas.
2. Designates the portion of State Route 14 from the Avenue 0-8 bridge at Postmile R62.151 to the Avenue M overcrossing at Postmile R64.678, in the County of Los Angeles, as the “CHP Officer Andy Ornelas Memorial Highway.”
3. Requests Caltrans to determine the cost of appropriate signs consistent with the signing requirements for the state highway system showing this special designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources sufficient to cover that cost, to erect those signs.

Background

CHP Officer Andy Ornelas was born in Lancaster, California and raised by parents Art and Kellie Ornelas in Palmdale. Officer Ornelas graduated from Quartz Hill High School in 2011, and went on to receive a degree in fire science at the University of Antelope Valley and attended the Paramedic Program at the UCLA Center for Prehospital Care.

Officer Ornelas began his career as an Emergency Room Technician (EMT) at Antelope Valley Hospital in 2011, and served as a paramedic and EMT with American Medical Response through 2016. Ornelas was inspired by his law enforcement family and entered the California Highway Patrol Academy. His mother is a retired CHP officer from the Antelope Valley station where Andy would later work; his father is a motorcycle officer with the Los Angeles Police Department; his brother is a CHP officer in the Central Los Angeles Area office; and his uncle is a retired California Highway Patrol captain. Ornelas officially become a CHP officer on June 16, 2017, and he completed extensive motor training to become a motor officer in 2018.

As a CHP officer, Ornelas responded to many emergency incidents for individuals injured or otherwise in distress on or around California’s highways. Officer Ornelas not only provided the community with the highest level of safety, service, and security, he also took an active role in community events, including participating in the holiday parade showcasing his riding skills; handing out high fives to children of the Antelope Valley; and regularly taking the time to allow children to sit on his motor and take photographs.

Officer Ornelas crashed while on his way to help two people involved in a motor accident, sustained multiple injuries, and was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital, where he received around-the-clock care but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries on December 2, 2020. He is survived by his wife Taylor, his father Art, his mother Kellie, his brother Cody, and sister Nikki.

Writing as the sponsors of the resolution, the California Association of Highway Patrolmen state, “Since the inception of the CHP in 1929, we have lost approximately 232 officers to line of duty deaths. This is a very sad statistic, but recognizes the extreme danger these officers work under on a daily basis. ACR 98 will honor Officer Ornelas and pay tribute to the ultimate sacrifice he made for the citizens of our great State.”

Comments

Purpose of the resolution. According to the author, “ACR 98 dedicates a portion of State Route 14 in the County of Los Angeles as the CHP Officer Andy Ornelas Memorial Highway to honor the life of Andy Ornelas who gave his life in the line of duty selflessly rushing to aid members of his community. Officer Ornelas demonstrated nothing less than exemplary service at every opportunity, and never hesitated to put himself in danger to assist others.

“This highway dedication serves as a reminder and inspiration of the life of Andy Ornelas as to memorialize and encourage a life of service to others and one’s community.”

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 4/24/24)

California Association of Highway Patrolmen (source)

OPPOSITION: (Verified 4/24/24)

None received

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 71-0, 7/13/23

AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Alanis, Arambula, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Juan Carrillo, Wendy Carrillo, Cervantes, Chen, Connolly, Megan Dahle, Davies, Dixon, Essayli, Mike Fong, Vince Fong, Friedman, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Lackey, Lee, Low, Lowenthal, Maienschein, Mathis, McCarty, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Stephanie Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Joe Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Reyes, Luz Rivas, Rodriguez, Sanchez, Santiago, Schiavo, Soria, Ta, Ting, Valencia, Villapudua, Waldron, Wallis, Ward, Weber, Wicks, Wilson, Wood, Zbur, Robert Rivas

NO VOTE RECORDED: Alvarez, Bryan, Calderon, Flora, Gabriel, Holden, Jim Patterson, Rendon, Blanca Rubio

Prepared by: Melissa White / TRANS. / (916) 651-4121

4/24/24 11:16:18

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Senator Dave Cortese, Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular

Bill No: ACR 98 Hearing Date: 4/9/2024

SUBJECT: CHP Officer Andy Ornelas Memorial Highway

DIGEST: This resolution designates the portion of State Route 14 from the Avenue 0-8 bridge at Postmile R62.151 to the Avenue M overcrossing at Postmile R64.678, in the County of Los Angeles, as the “CHP Officer Andy Ornelas Memorial Highway.”

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Assigns the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) the responsibility of operating and maintaining state highways, including the installation and maintenance of highway signs.

Committee Policy:

The committee has adopted a policy regarding the naming of state highways or structures. Under the policy, the committee will consider only those resolutions that meet all of the following criteria:

1. The person being honored must have provided extraordinary public service or some exemplary contribution to the public good and have a connection to the community where the highway or structure is located.
2. The person being honored must be deceased.
3. The naming must be done without cost to the state. Costs for signs and plaques must be paid by local or private sources.
4. The author or co-author of the resolution must represent the district in which the facility is located, and the resolution must identify the specific highway segment or structure being named.
5. The segment of highway being named must not exceed five miles in length.
6. The proposed designation must reflect a community consensus and be without local opposition.
7. The proposed designation may not supersede an existing designation unless the sponsor can document that a good faith effort has uncovered no opposition to rescinding the prior designation.

This resolution:

1. Recounts the life and career of California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer Andy Ornelas.
2. Designates the portion of State Route 14 from the Avenue 0-8 bridge at Postmile R62.151 to the Avenue M overcrossing at Postmile R64.678, in the County of Los Angeles, as the “CHP Officer Andy Ornelas Memorial Highway.”
3. Requests Caltrans to determine the cost of appropriate signs consistent with the signing requirements for the state highway system showing this special designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources sufficient to cover that cost, to erect those signs.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose of the resolution. According to the author, “ACR 98 dedicates a portion of State Route 14 in the County of Los Angeles as the CHP Officer Andy Ornelas Memorial Highway to honor the life of Andy Ornelas who gave his life in the line of duty selflessly rushing to aid members of his community. Officer Ornelas demonstrated nothing less than exemplary service at every opportunity, and never hesitated to put himself in danger to assist others.

“This highway dedication serves as a reminder and inspiration of the life of Andy Ornelas as to memorialize and encourage a life of service to others and one’s community.”

1. Background. CHP Officer Andy Ornelas was born in Lancaster, California and raised by parents Art and Kellie Ornelas in Palmdale. Officer Ornelas graduated from Quartz Hill High School in 2011, and went on to receive a degree in fire science at the University of Antelope Valley and attended the Paramedic Program at the UCLA Center for Prehospital Care.

Officer Ornelas began his career as an Emergency Room Technician (EMT) at Antelope Valley Hospital in 2011, and served as a paramedic and EMT with American Medical Response through 2016. Ornelas was inspired by his law enforcement family and entered the California Highway Patrol Academy. His mother is a retired California Highway Patrol officer from the Antelope Valley station where Andy would later work; his father is a motorcycle officer with the Los Angeles Police Department; his brother is a California Highway Patrol officer in the Central Los Angeles Area office; and his uncle is a retired California Highway Patrol captain. Ornelas officially become a CHP officer on June 16, 2017, and he completed extensive motor training to become a motor officer in 2018.

As a CHP officer, Ornelas responded to many emergency incidents for individuals injured or otherwise in distress on or around California’s highways. Officer Ornelas not only provided the community with the highest level of safety, service, and security, he also took an active role in community events, including participating in the holiday parade showcasing his riding skills; handing out high fives to children of the Antelope Valley; and regularly taking the time to allow children to sit on his motor and take photographs.

Officer Ornelas crashed while on his way to help two people involved in a motor accident, sustained multiple injuries, and was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital, where he received around-the-clock care but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries on December 2, 2020. He is survived by his wife Taylor, his father Art, his mother Kellie, his brother Cody, and sister Nikki.

Writing as the sponsors of the resolution, the California Association of Highway Patrolmen state, “Since the inception of the CHP in 1929, we have lost approximately 232 officers to line of duty deaths. This is a very sad statistic, but recognizes the extreme danger these officers work under on a daily basis. ACR 98 will honor Officer Ornelas and pay tribute to the ultimate sacrifice he made for the citizens of our great State.”

1. Consistent with committee policy. This resolution is consistent with committee policy.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

POSITIONS: (Communicated to the committee before noon on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.)

SUPPORT:

California Association of Highway Patrolmen (sponsor)

OPPOSITION:

None received

-- END --

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:ACR 98

Author:(Lackey)

As Introduced Ver:June 19, 2023

Majority vote

SUMMARY

Designates the portion of State Route 14 from the Avenue 0-8 bridge at Postmile R62.151 to the Avenue M overcrossing at Postmile R64.678, in the County of Los Angeles, as the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer Andy Ornelas Memorial Highway. The measure would request the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to determine the cost for appropriate signs, which shall include the star of the California Highway Patrol, showing these special designations and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources covering that cost, to erect those signs.

COMMENTS

Andy Ornelas of the California Highway Patrol's Antelope Valley Area was born in the City of Lancaster, California, to parents Art and Kellie Ornelas on September 8, 1993. Andy was raised in the City of Palmdale, California, where he attended Quartz Hill High School, graduating in 2011. Andy continued his education, receiving a degree in fire science at the University of Antelope Valley and attending the Paramedic Program at the UCLA Center for Prehospital Care. He began his professional career as an Emergency Room Technician (EMT) at Antelope Valley Hospital from 2011 through 2013, and continued his professional career as a paramedic and EMT with American Medical Response (AMR) from 2013 through 2016.

Andy comes from a law enforcement family: his mother is a retired California Highway Patrol officer from the Antelope Valley station where Andy would later work; his father is a motorcycle officer with the Los Angeles Police Department; his brother is a California Highway Patrol officer in the Central Los Angeles Area office; and his uncle is a retired California Highway Patrol captain. On December 5, 2016, Andy entered the California Highway Patrol Academy and officially became a California Highway Patrol officer on June 16, 2017, and completed his extensive motor training to become a motor officer in April 2018.

In 2019, after dating for over 10 years, Andy married the love of his life and best friend, Taylor, and together Andy and Taylor filled their life with love for one another, family, and traveling. Andy was also an extremely devoted son and spent time with his family while dirt bike riding and going to the lake.

Officer Ornelas responded to many emergency incidents for individuals injured or otherwise in distress on or around California's highways; Andy lived the California Highway Patrol motto, "Safety, Service, and Security". Officer Ornelas not only provided the community with the highest level of safety, service, and security, he also took an active role in community events, including participating in the holiday parade showcasing his riding skills and handing out high fives to children of the Antelope Valley, regularly taking the time to allow children to sit on his motor and take photographs.

Officer Ornelas did not hesitate when putting himself in harm's way to provide needed emergency assistance to a person in distress and in need of immediate attention. Officer Ornelas, badge number 21685, crashed while on his way to help two people involved in a motor accident, sustained multiple injuries, and was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital, where he received around-the-clock care but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries on December 2, 2020. Andy is survived by his wife, Taylor; his father, Art; his mother, Kellie; his brother, Cody; and sister, Nikki.

In recognition of Officer Ornelas's great contributions and sacrifice in serving the California Highway Patrol and the citizens of California, it is fitting to designate a portion of State Highway Route 14 in the County of Los Angeles in his honor.

According to the Author

"As a 28 year veteran for the California Highway Patrol I have lost many brothers and sisters in the line of duty. Officer Ornelas had only served for three years in the CHP and already demonstrated exemplary courage for our community and state. He gave his life in the line of duty selflessly rushing to assist two individuals involved in a motor accident. This highway dedication serves as a reminder and inspiration of the life of Andy Ornelas as to memorialize and encourage a life of service to others and one's community."

Arguments in Support

The sponsor of ACR 98, the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, state that since 1929 California has lost approximately 232 officers to line of duty deaths. ACR 98 will honor Officer Orenlas and pay tribute to the ultimate sacrifice he made for the citizens of our great State.

Arguments in Opposition

None on file

FISCAL COMMENTS

Unknown, but the measure requests that Caltrans determine the cost of appropriate signage consistent with requirements for the state highway system, and only erect the appropriate signage upon receiving donations from non-state sources covering the cost.

VOTES

ASM TRANSPORTATION: 15-0-0

YES: Friedman, Vince Fong, Alvarez, Berman, Juan Carrillo, Davies, Gipson, Hart, Jackson, Kalra, Stephanie Nguyen, Sanchez, Wallis, Ward, Wicks

UPDATED

VERSION: June 19, 2023

CONSULTANT: Aimee Anspach / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093 FN: 0001207

Date of Hearing: July 5, 2023

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Laura Friedman, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:ACR 98 (

Author:Lackey) – As Introduced Ver:June 19, 2023

SUBJECT: California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer Andy Ornelas Memorial Highway

SUMMARY: Designates the portion of State Route 14 from the Avenue 0-8 bridge at Postmile R62.151 to the Avenue M overcrossing at Postmile R64.678, in the County of Los Angeles, as the CHP Officer Andy Ornelas Memorial Highway. The measure would request the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to determine the cost for appropriate signs, which shall include the star of the California Highway Patrol, showing these special designations and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources covering that cost, to erect those signs.

EXISTING LAW: Assigns Caltrans the responsibility of operating and maintaining state highways. This includes the installation and maintenance of highway signs.

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown, but the measure requests that Caltrans determine the cost of appropriate signage consistent with requirements for the state highway system, and only erect the appropriate signage upon receiving donations from non-state sources covering the cost.

COMMENTS: Andy Ornelas of the California Highway Patrol’s Antelope Valley Area was born in the City of Lancaster, California, to parents Art and Kellie Ornelas on September 8, 1993. Andy was raised in the City of Palmdale, California, where he attended Quartz Hill High School, graduating in 2011. Andy continued his education, receiving a degree in fire science at the University of Antelope Valley and attending the Paramedic Program at the UCLA Center for Prehospital Care. He began his professional career as an Emergency Room Technician (EMT) at Antelope Valley Hospital from 2011 through 2013, and continued his professional career as a paramedic and EMT with American Medical Response (AMR) from 2013 through 2016.

Andy comes from a law enforcement family: his mother is a retired California Highway Patrol officer from the Antelope Valley station where Andy would later work; his father is a motorcycle officer with the Los Angeles Police Department; his brother is a California Highway Patrol officer in the Central Los Angeles Area office; and his uncle is a retired California Highway Patrol captain. On December 5, 2016, Andy entered the California Highway Patrol Academy and officially became a California Highway Patrol officer on June 16, 2017, and completed his extensive motor training to become a motor officer in April 2018.

In 2019, after dating for over 10 years, Andy married the love of his life and best friend, Taylor, and together Andy and Taylor filled their life with love for one another, family, and traveling. Andy was also an extremely devoted son and spent time with his family while dirt bike riding and going to the lake.

Officer Ornelas responded to many emergency incidents for individuals injured or otherwise in distress on or around California’s highways; Andy lived the California Highway Patrol motto, “Safety, Service, and Security”. Officer Ornelas not only provided the community with the highest level of safety, service, and security, he also took an active role in community events, including participating in the holiday parade showcasing his riding skills and handing out high fives to children of the Antelope Valley, regularly taking the time to allow children to sit on his motor and take photographs.

Officer Ornelas did not hesitate when putting himself in harm’s way to provide needed emergency assistance to a person in distress and in need of immediate attention. Officer Ornelas, badge number 21685, crashed while on his way to help two people involved in a motor accident, sustained multiple injuries, and was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital, where he received around-the-clock care but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries on December 2, 2020. Andy is survived by his wife, Taylor; his father, Art; his mother, Kellie; his brother, Cody; and sister, Nikki.

In recognition of Officer Ornelas’s great contributions and sacrifice in serving the California Highway Patrol and the citizens of California, it is fitting to designate a portion of State Highway Route 14 in the County of Los Angeles in his honor.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

California Association of Highway Patrolmen

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Aimee Anspach / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093