Orange County's Finest

Orange County lost one of it's finest current and future leaders today - City of Orange Councilman Steven Ambriz.  Those who talked to Steve for any length of time learned quickly just how happy he was in life - few people are as comfortable and confident in their own skin or with their own vision, outlook and certainty of purpose.  Steve was that rare exception.  Conversations began and ended with, "buddy, I'm on top of the world."  Steve was a veritable motivational novel - handing out heaps of praise, compassion and the kind of unconditional friendship few see from someone so public.  Steve Ambriz was larger than life - so too will be his legacy to the city and county he loved.

Readers of this blog know Steve because they've read about him in the news articles, or heard about his activism in local politics.

What made Steve such a rare jewel in his life and in his political and service career was his authenticity, his amazing passion and his love for everything in which he was involved.

In his work, Steve brought commitment and motivation to everything he did and everyone he worked with.  Steve was just a kid from Orange who was as comfortable in the Irvine Company's board rooms as he was at Islands (or as he'd like to remind you, his old job) on Tustin Avenue.  Before he was elected to the Orange City Council, Steve worked on some of the most intense and personal political battles in Orange County, and interacted with some polarizing personalities - never once loosing his integrity or his sense of humor.  In his work with the County, he brought his every man's perspective to his work.  In a recent conversation, he told me about a program in which he was involved and described it not by it's bureaucratic name, but by simply saying "we helped young moms and dads learn CPR and first aid to help take care of their babies."

In his political career, Steve never lost touch with his parent's immigrant roots, the tough lives they conquered in order to provide for he and his siblings, and the faith they instilled in him to love his country, his community and his fellow man.  Steve's father was a Marine and those who knew Steve knew that he lived by the Semper Fi motto - always faithful to his family, his friends, his faith and his fellow citizens.   

In his personal life Steve was an amazing father - if you asked what he was up to or how he was doing, he wouldn't recite a litany of work projects.  Rather he'd simply tell you that he and Bridget and his baby girl just got back from ballet or swimming class, or a walk with their dog.  Steve knew the names and interests of every kid on his block and cared deeply about every person with whom he worked and interacted.  Steve was a big guy and his heart was of equal size - with plenty of love to share with everyone.

Orange County has had its share of local elected officials who have made their marks - some for good some in other ways.  Seldom has Orange County however, produced someone that has the makings of a true American success story in every way - a friend and a leader with all the right skills and limitless potential.  His beautiful wife and child forever complimenting the perfect family image.  Although Steve may now be gone, it's a sure bet that hundreds of people in Orange County will wake up tomorrow and every day after recalling a memory of Steve Ambriz and then trying to find a way in their own lives to live and act in a way that would make Steve proud.

Those who know Steve know that he loved and admired his dad who died a few years back.  At a somber event, leading a cathedral-full of mourners at his dad's memorial, Steve passed out the words to the the Marine Hymn.  He led the crowd in signing his father's favorite song, recalling the pride, faith and commitment of a fallen Marine.

While that moment recalled the commitment and dedication Marines feel for their own, our sentiments should carry out every day those acts of inspiration Steve demonstrated for us: always to be faithful to our friends, families, communities and most importantly - as Steve showed us -- to ourselves.

Please keep his wife Bridget and his daughter Kaitlyn in your prayers.  God bless you Steven Frank Ambriz.

Comments

[bridget ambriz]

When I woke up this morning I had no idea what to do with myself, so I figured I would look online to see that the papers and more importantly the Blog was saying about Steve – after all that is what he would do!. I was so touched to see people take the time to reflect on what Steve meant to them, the community and his family. While I will never know why this happened to myself and my daughter I am confident that his friends will carry on Steve’s mission so that Kaitlyn will be able to grow up in a city and community that focuses to do right in every situation.

I will be saving all the wonderful words that have and will be written about Steve so that as Kaitlyn gets older she will know first-hand the impact her “proud daddy” had on this community.

Thank you in advance for your support and prayer,

Bridget Ambriz

[Tony Bedolla]

Bridget,

I attended last night's meeting of the OCFA Board of Directors meeting. When the news of Steve was announced there was a pronounced hush in the room. At the request of the Vice Chair (Keri Lynn Wilson from Yorba Linda) last night's meeting was adjourned in Steve's honor.

[Jon Dumitru]

I want to thank you all at oc blog for posting about Steve.

The loss Steve was more then lossing a counterpart, but more of lossing a brother. He was taken before many of you reading this were even able to meet him and getting to know what a great guy and friend he is.

Steve was always there to lend a hand and to encourage you to keep going. We always talk about the things people accomplish in elected office and how they made a difference.

Well, Steve, made a huge difference in the City of Orange, The County of Orange, and the State of California.

But in the end, the proudest moments I will remember of Steve, is of holding his daughter and being a father, being a wonderful husband to Bridget. And for being friend through thick and thin.

My thoughts and prayers are with Bridget and Kaitlyn and all of Steve's family.

Please, today, take a moment out your busy day and reflect on your life and tell those people close to you, just how special they are.
God Bless,
JD

[John Stratman]

To my Dear Friend Steve,

I, like so many others sit here in shock today. I know if you could talk to me you would say, “John, I do not want you to be sad, to be mad or even to cry because for the last 11 years we have had a great friendship.” Steve, I wish it was just that easy.

It is true, that I will always hold dear the moments we shared together from the first time we met at Islands to last phone call I made to you just yesterday. I will be sad because I lost a great friend, a friend of tremendous character who had a true love of family and community and one that I could always call upon. I promise you that I will not be mad. I know that you are in a better place, sharing some laughs with your Father and watching over us as we promise to watch over Bridget and Kaitlyn for you. And unfortunately Steve, I will cry because I lost one of my best friends. Thank you for being such an important part of my life. I will continue to miss you and look forward to the moment when we meet again.

God Bless You Steve.

[Martin Gardner]

On behalf of the family I would like to thank all of you for your kind words, comments and memories of Steve. I was Steve's brother in law and to others his partner in crime. Steve was not only my brother in law, he was my best friend and savior. Steve helped me in so many ways I do not know where to start. He loved life, his friends, the City of Orange and most of all his family Bridget and Kaitlyn. I would like to inform all of you that these wonderful things everyone is saying about Steve is going to be printed out and made into a book for Kaitlyn, so she knows how many people her daddy touched and the type of man her daddy was in his short life. Once again thank you all for your support, kindness and sympathy. I would like to leave this quote that I think resembles Steve life and attitude "What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal."

Martin Gardner

[Erin Alfaro]

The original poster could not have said it any better. His words reminded me of how big of a heart Steve had and of his selfless acts of kindness to everyone he came in contact with. He was so generous and thoughtful and he had an amazing love for his family, his friends, and his community.

This post also reminded about a gift Steve gave my husband Bryan, a Marine Corps Reservist, in 2003 when he was called to active duty. He had Bridget bring the gift to Bryan at his going away party. The gift was an Iwo Jima Memorial Medallion and it was accompanied by a personal letter
that read as follows:

“First off, I just wanted to let you know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Secondly, I apologize for not being there tonight, but I had to fulfill my responsibility as a councilmember. However, I just wanted to let you know a little history about the gift you are going to receive.

I purchased this gift in Washington D.C. The gift you will receive was a gift for my father who was a very proud Marine. As you know, my father recently lost his battle to cancer, but he was a true fighter – and had you gotten to know him, you would’ve noticed that and I am sure you two would have shared Marine stories.

Although the gift is small in stature, my father really enjoyed the gift as he kept it next to his favorite chair. This gift was one of his personal belongings that I received upon his passing and therefore I am sure you will understand and appreciate its importance to me.

In closing, I wish you the best and pray for your safe return. We will keep tabs on Erin and make sure she is okay. In addition, we thank you for serving our country to protect the freedoms for which we are forever grateful.

With warmest regards,
Steven Frank Ambriz
Proud Son on a Marine”

Steve’s thoughtfulness meant a lot to my husband and I back then, and it means even more to us now. We will never forget Steve and the admirable man that he was. He will be in our hearts forever. God Bless You Steve.

[Brooke Van Gilder]

Steve had accomplished so much for our city in such a short time. We last saw him opening day of North Sunrise Little League w/ Kaitlyn. After the opening ceremony was concluded Steve took Kaitlyn to Handy Park to play. I remember thinking that he was such a good Dad. I will always appreciate the help he gave our MOMS Club of Orange Northwest, especially for supporting the fence to be built at La Veta Park.
Brooke Van Gilder

[Melissa Murphy]

Oh Steve... We miss you. I can't type through these waves of tears, but I must try.

Your spirit and passion for living a good life and improving your community has touched us all. But, more importantly-- In the most unique way, you remind me of one of my favorite people-- Jesus Christ. You led, not through preaching, but by example. You loved-- unconditionally. You cherished every human being you came in contact with and made that person feel that they had your undivided attention. You motivated those around you to look away from the negative, and turn toward the positive. Children flocked to you like a magnet and you kept them safe- it was your God given passion and priority. And most of all... most of all... you wrapped those big loving arms around Kaitlyn and Bridget and you enveloped them in a shroud of Love and protection. Not many people emulate Jesus the way you did, Steve. The safety net of friends, family, and support from the city, county, and the Nation that you left your family with is a true sign of your gift from God, your gift of love for people and their well-being. I just want you to know that I will take care of Bridget for you. I will tenderly care for Kaitlyn and I take these jobs very serious, Steve. You are forever in my heart. I'm sadly grieving your loss, but am at the same time dumb-founded at the idea that you're the most inspirational man I've ever met, and I never knew that until you were gone.

[Donna L.]

My first thought was that this is not true, this cannot be happening. Not Steve, he is one of the good guys! I am filled with sadness at the loss of such a bright and wonderful friend. When you saw Steve, he instantly brightened your day.With his big hug and bigger smile, he was full of love and positive energy.I cannot seem to stop the tears. But, I know that is not what Steve would have wanted, for us to cry. He would want us to celebrate his life. I graduated from Orange High with Steve. I remember when I would talk to him about a problem or something that I was sad about in high school, he would say "Just play the kazoo! You can't be sad playing the kazoo!" He gave me a kazoo once,I wish I knew where it was now, I need it to cheer me up. Through the years we have kept in touch on and off. We actually wound up living just two blocks away from each other and both have daughters that are 3 years old.One of my most recent and favorite memories of Steve is of last Halloween. Steve,Bridget,and Kaitlyn came over to trick or treat at our house. Beautiful little Kaitlyn was dressed like Belle from "Beauty and the Beast", and Steve was dressed like the Beast, complete with a rose.I remember thinking "WOW!What a dad to do that for his little girl." His face lit up even more whenever he was with Kaitlyn or talking about her. He was a wonderful daddy to Kaitlyn.
My mind cannot comprehend why this happened. So, I am trying to make some sense of it by trying to learn something from this tragedy. Steve was dedicated to helping others. I found this poem and wanted to share it here, I believe it is what Steve was all about.

Making a Difference- by Forrest L. Horn

The one certain thing we can say about an individual human life is that it will eventually end.
Death is certain, and the only thing we have control over is the manner of our lives while we are here.
Never restrain your impulse to express your love.
Be unstinting in your devotion to those around you.
Where you can bring knowledge and reason and light, do not withhold your effort.
Where there is sadness, bring joy.
Where there is hurt, bring healing.
Where there is despair, bring hope.
Never rest, never tire,
Never fail to struggle for the betterment of all.
Then when your time comes, you can say,
"My life made a difference"

Steve- Your life made a difference! Your life will continue to make a difference by inspiring others to make a difference in the world.
You will be missed!
Sincerely,
Donna

[Susan Somerndike]

What I remember most about Steve was how dedicated a father and husband he was. I remember the day I was at their home and I saw a note Steve had left for Kaitlyn. It read "Dear Kaitlyn, Hakuna Matada Love- Dad". I remember thinking what a wonderful message to give a young child to enjoy life and not worry. On another occassion a year or so later Steve had drawn a perfect picture of Flounder from Nemo for Kaitlyn that read, " Dear Kaitlyn, This is this and that is that, Love, Flounder."

When I watch Kaitlyn today, I see a happy, fun loving child who truly has that spirit of joy and wonder for the world that Steve gave her. Whenever Steve wasn't working he would be taking Kaitlyn to the park or to the mall or just playing with her at home. Bridget was always worried because Steve would buy her anything she wanted. He wanted so much for her to be happy and have eveything she ever wanted. She was so lucky to have a father who made her feel so special and important because she was the person he wanted to be with when he had free time. I hope more than anything Kaitlyn knows how much her father loved and adored her. I want her to know about the loving and gentle guidance he gave her as he taught her about the world. It was clear that to Steve the sun rose and set around his wonderful daughter and beautiful wife. I am in such awe of Steve who had so much to give to everyone around him. He was an inspirational example of a man who put his family first and yet had so much left to give his community and everyone around him.
Thank you Steve for being the wonderful husband to Bridget and father to Kaitlyn that you were. Thank you for blessing us with your example of love, kindness and dedication to everyone and everything in your life. You will be sorely missed but never ever forgotten.

[Rick Reiff]

Bridget,
Let me add my name to Steve’s long list of admirers. Our acquaintanceship developed from Steve’s work as an elected official and public servant, but we first met as just plain Citizen Does. It was the early ‘90’s and I was an occasional customer at the Island’s on Tustin Ave. where young Steve then bartended.
It didn’t take Steve long, of course, to learn everything about me, and over the years he delighted in handing me new business cards – Hey, I’m with Todd Spitzer now – Hey, I just got elected to the Orange Council – Hey, I’m running this kids’ safety project for the county…
You don’t meet many people with Steve’s enthusiasm, can-do spirit and genuine concern for others. He always had a smile, always had something from the job or your family to report, and he sometimes had a news or column item for me.
And when his friends OC Fire Capt. Stephen Miller and Jennie Reiff gave me a grandson, he always made sure to ask me how young Elias was doing – not so much, I suspect, to hear about Elias, about whom Stephen kept him up to date, but simply to let me share the pleasure of being a grandfather.
One column item I got from Steve involved a study he did last of Orange Counties in the U.S., part of a promotion Steve was working on to get the Orange Counties to have simultaneous car-seat inspections and thus raise awareness of child safety. Steve counted seven other Orange Counties, and provided me not only their locations but population and home-price statistics for each.
It was vintage Steve—doing something a little offbeat to serve a cause and to bring people together (in this case, from around the country). Steve was a driving force behind the annual EMS Week that just concluded. Maybe we can dedicate future EMS Weeks to his memory.
Anyway, let me observe what you already know: Your Steve was a joyful man who made the rest of us better people.

[Connie Benson]

It took me a while to find my way to this blog. I always heard Steve talk about how he would get on the "blogs" to communicate and find out what was going on, but never really knew where to find them. I am so glad that I did as reading all these comments has helped. Steve was and is such an amazing presence. He was such a huge supporter of our program, the Miss City of Orange Pageant. He would call me out of the blue just to ask if I was getting enough help and what could he do and he didn't just ask...if I needed help..he gave it. It is going to be so hard not to see Steve's smiling face at all of our events and not to have that supportive presence. However, reading everything that has been said about Steve since his passing has truly inspired me to live every day the way that Steve did; with a vigor for life and a passion that others can see and feel. I will try my very best to do that and to continue to serve the community that Steve loved so much in his honor. Thank you Steve for everything you did in your lifetime and for the inspiration you will continue to provide us all hereafter. You will not be forgotten.

[Jodi Hardeman]

Bridget,

I also went to Orange High with Steve, and like everyone else, just instantly loved him! I have many memories of art class together and how he was always thinking up ways to make the world a better place. My husband and I got to spend time with Steve at our class reunion and he made the night special and fun. I have run into him time and time again over the years and he always remembered me, my family and details of my life. He really knew how to make people feel important and cared for. He was an inspiration to all that knew him.

I only had the chance to meet you once or twice, but I remember how Steve's eyes sparkled when he spoke of you and your daughter. I am so sorry that he was taken away so young. I will always keep you and Kaitlyn in my prayers. God bless you.

Sincerely,
Jodi Hardeman

[Frank Ambriz]

Hello Bridget,

My name is Frank Ambriz, just like your husband's name. I didn't know Steve Frank Ambriz personally, but I knew of his political work (I'd googled "my name" a few years ago and your husband's name/info popped up -- I was surprised there was another "Frank Ambriz" in this world!). Well, actually, there is another Frank Ambriz, my nephew Matthew Frank Ambriz... he is a soldier serving in Iraq at the moment. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you and your daughter that I am sorry to hear that Steve was killed. I hope you and your family are doing well and have peace in your hearts. Sincerely, Frank Ambriz