The Orange County Hall of Fame is an official County of Orange program honoring athletes, entertainers, business leaders, philanthropists and civic leaders who have made significant contributions to Orange County. The Board of Supervisors established the Hall of Fame on November 28, 2023.
The Hall of Fame is displayed at County Administration North in Santa Ana. This guide covers how to visit, how inductees are selected and the official classes from 2023 through 2025.
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Visit the Orange County Hall of Fame
The plaques are displayed at County Administration North (CAN), in the lobby outside the Board Hearing Room.
- Address: 400 W. Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92701
- County Administration North: 714-834-2345
- County Directory Assistance: 855-886-5400
- Viewing: Check current building access and hours with the County before visiting.
- Parking: Use current OC Civic Center visitor parking information when planning your visit.
- Official website: Orange County Hall of Fame
How the Orange County Hall of Fame Works
Inductees are recognized in five categories: Music, Arts & Entertainment; Sports; Business; Philanthropy; and Civics.
Nominees must meet at least one of the County’s qualifying criteria:
- At least 10 years as an Orange County resident or business;
- A major life experience in Orange County, such as birth or school graduation;
- A major award or recognition while living in Orange County; or
- Service as an Orange County civic leader.
Each County Supervisor may nominate up to five qualifying individuals or businesses. An annual Hall of Fame Ad Hoc Committee reviews up to 25 nominations and selects a maximum of 10 inductees.
Orange County Hall of Fame Inductees at a Glance
The Hall of Fame uses class years. The most recent Class of 2025 was inducted on December 9, 2025. The inaugural Class of 2023 was inducted at a ceremony held January 12, 2024.
Orange County Hall of Fame Class of 2023
The inaugural class was announced in 2023 and inducted on January 12, 2024 at County Administration North.
Amanda Beard — Sports
Born in Newport Beach and developed as a swimmer in Irvine, Beard won seven Olympic medals across four Games, including two golds.
Kobe Bryant — Sports
The longtime Orange County resident spent 20 seasons with the Lakers, winning five NBA championships, the 2008 MVP award and two Olympic gold medals.
Walt Disney — Music, Arts & Entertainment
Disney transformed Orange County tourism and entertainment when Disneyland opened in Anaheim in 1955.
Frank Jao — Business
Jao helped shape Little Saigon’s commercial development in Westminster and is closely associated with Asian Garden Mall and community philanthropy.
Greg Louganis — Sports
Louganis won four Olympic diving gold medals and five Olympic medals overall, becoming one of the most accomplished divers in the sport.
General William Lyon — Civics
Lyon combined a distinguished U.S. Air Force career with Orange County homebuilding, aviation and philanthropy, including founding the Lyon Air Museum near John Wayne Airport.
Bill Medley — Music, Arts & Entertainment
The Orange County-raised singer became one half of the Righteous Brothers and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Henry Segerstrom — Philanthropy
Segerstrom helped develop South Coast Plaza and was a driving force behind Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.
Gwen Stefani — Music, Arts & Entertainment
Raised in Anaheim, Stefani rose to international fame as the lead singer of No Doubt before building a Grammy-winning solo career.
Tiger Woods — Sports
Born in Cypress and raised in Orange County, Woods won 15 major championships and 82 PGA Tour events. See more famous Orange County athletes.
Class of 2023 Induction Ceremony
Orange County Hall of Fame Class of 2024
Nick Berardino — Civics
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and longtime Orange County labor and veterans advocate, Berardino has led efforts supporting local veterans and their families.
Clarence “Leo” Fender — Music, Arts & Entertainment
The Fullerton innovator created instruments including the Telecaster, Stratocaster and Precision Bass, helping reshape popular music worldwide.
Carl N. Karcher — Business
Karcher built an Anaheim-based food business into Carl’s Jr., one of Orange County’s best-known homegrown restaurant brands.
Wing Lam and the Lee Family — Business
The family co-founded Wahoo’s Fish Taco in Orange County, blending surf culture with a distinctive restaurant concept that expanded well beyond the county.
Sylvia Mendez — Civics
Mendez was a central figure in Mendez v. Westminster, the landmark Orange County school-desegregation case that preceded Brown v. Board of Education.
President Richard Nixon — Civics
Born in Yorba Linda, Nixon became the 37th President of the United States. His birthplace and presidential library remain major Orange County historical landmarks.
Edward Paul — Civics
Paul was recognized for decades of veterans advocacy and community leadership in Fullerton and Orange County.
William G. Steiner — Philanthropy
A former Orange County Supervisor, Steiner became a prominent children’s advocate and helped establish organizations serving vulnerable children and families.
Charles Zhang — Business
Zhang founded Pick Up Stix and became a prominent Orange County entrepreneur and philanthropist supporting education, arts and community causes.
Orange County Hall of Fame Class of 2025
The third annual Orange County Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held December 9, 2025. Ten honorees joined the Hall of Fame.
Robert August — Music, Arts & Entertainment
Raised in Seal Beach and a Huntington Beach High graduate, August became an influential surfer, surfboard shaper and star of the landmark film The Endless Summer.
James Cameron — Music, Arts & Entertainment
The filmmaker behind Titanic and Avatar was recognized by Orange County for his creative achievements and connection to the county.
Ed Caruthers — Sports
Caruthers was an elite high jumper who won an Olympic silver medal at the 1968 Mexico City Games and was recognized for his Orange County ties.
James Irvine I — Philanthropy
Irvine’s ranching and land legacy helped shape modern Orange County, and the Irvine name remains deeply connected to the county’s development and philanthropy.
Ed Laird — Philanthropy
Laird was recognized for longstanding Orange County civic, business and philanthropic service across community organizations.
Sammy Lee — Sports
Lee became the first Asian American man to win an Olympic gold medal and the first man to win consecutive Olympic platform-diving titles.
Henry and Susan Samueli — Philanthropy
The Samuelis are major Orange County philanthropists and owners of the Anaheim Ducks. Their local impact includes Honda Center and development of OCVIBE.
Eddie Sheldrake — Sports
Sheldrake was honored for his accomplishments and lasting contributions to Orange County sports.
Carl St. Clair — Music, Arts & Entertainment
St. Clair has led Pacific Symphony for decades, helping build the orchestra into one of Orange County’s most important cultural institutions.
Gaddi Vasquez — Civics
Vasquez built a career in Orange County and national public service, including leadership of the Peace Corps and service as a U.S. ambassador.
2025 Induction Ceremony
The County of Orange provides the 2025 induction ceremony recording on its official Hall of Fame page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Orange County Hall of Fame?
It is an official County of Orange program honoring people and organizations that have made significant contributions in entertainment, sports, business, philanthropy and civics.
Where is the Orange County Hall of Fame?
It is at County Administration North, 400 W. Civic Center Drive in Santa Ana, in the lobby outside the Board Hearing Room.
Can the public visit the Orange County Hall of Fame?
The plaques are displayed in County Administration North. Visitors should confirm current building access and hours with the County before making a special trip.
Who chooses Orange County Hall of Fame inductees?
The Orange County Board of Supervisors oversees nominations, and an annual Hall of Fame Ad Hoc Committee reviews candidates and selects the class.
How many people can be inducted each year?
County guidelines allow a maximum of 10 inductees annually.
What are the Hall of Fame categories?
The five categories are Music, Arts & Entertainment; Sports; Business; Philanthropy; and Civics.
Who was in the first Orange County Hall of Fame class?
The Class of 2023 included Amanda Beard, Kobe Bryant, Walt Disney, Frank Jao, Greg Louganis, General William Lyon, Bill Medley, Henry Segerstrom, Gwen Stefani and Tiger Woods.
Who are the newest Orange County Hall of Fame inductees?
The Class of 2025 includes Robert August, James Cameron, Ed Caruthers, James Irvine I, Ed Laird, Sammy Lee, Henry and Susan Samueli, Eddie Sheldrake, Carl St. Clair and Gaddi Vasquez.
When was the Orange County Hall of Fame established?
The Orange County Board of Supervisors established it by unanimous vote on November 28, 2023.