With 243 years of tradition behind it, the Fourth of July is one of America's most cherished holidays. Like many of you, I will celebrate our nation’s birthday with family and friends. The Fourth of July just doesn’t seem complete without picnics, parades, and fireworks.

As much as we each enjoy the traditions, Independence Day is, most of all, an opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of our citizenship. The Declaration of Independence makes it clear; to be American is about much more than the place we call home. It’s a deeply felt commitment to higher principles: liberty, equality, opportunity, and self-governance. Every year during this time, I am constantly reminded of how lucky we are to be free and am forever grateful to the dedicated service members who fiercely protect it.

I wish you all a safe and Happy Fourth of July!

At last week’s CalOptima special meeting, the Board of Directors passed my proposal to spend $60 million for homeless healthcare services.

Under my C.A.R.E plan, these CalOptima members will benefit from:

• $20 million for recuperative care for patients with chronic conditions
• $20 million for residential support services
• $10 million for clinics at all local homeless shelters
• $10 million for mobile health teams

To read my press release please click here.

Orange County is investing millions of dollars to increase affordable housing for low-income families and the homeless.

The Orange County Housing Finance Trust (Trust), which is comprised of the county and cities, is tasked with fulfilling the county’s desperate need for additional affordable housing units. Orange County has set an ambitious goal to build 2,700 new permanent supportive housing units, which provide medical, mental health and employment services for the homeless.

To learn more about the Trust please read my press release here.

Over the next two weeks, I’ll be hosting six neighborhood coffees and ice pop socials. I want to hear directly from you what your priorities for Orange County are.

I look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events!

If you have any questions or would like to RSVP, please contact me at (714) 834-3110 or First.District@OCgov.com.

Next Week:

What: Monterey Villas Neighborhood Coffee

Where: Calvary Chapel of Santa Ana, Fireside Room

When: July 9, 8 AM to 9 AM  

Visit the Facebook events page here. 

What: Westminster/Beach/Newland Neighborhood Coffee and Ice Pop Social

Where: Hope Community Church

When: July 9, 6 PM to 7 PM 

Visit the Facebook events page here. 

What: North Santa Ana Ice Pop Social with Supervisor Andrew Do 

Where: Samueli Academy 

When: July 10, 6 PM to 7 PM 

Visit the Facebook events page here. 

2 Weeks Out:

What: Candy Ln. Neighborhood Coffee

Where: Carolina’s Italian Restaurant  

When: July 15, 11 AM to 12 PM  

Visit the Facebook events page here. 

What: Portola Park Neighborhood Ice Pop Social

Where: OC First Assembly of God  

When: July 17, 6 PM to 7 PM

Visit the Facebook events page here. 

What: Delhi Neighborhood Ice Pop Social  

Where: Delhi Center, Class #102  

When: July 18, 6 PM to 7 PM

Visit the Facebook events page here. 

Last week, I visited the Artesia Pilar and Nutwood neighborhoods. I had a great time getting to know everyone who attended!

We covered County services, public safety and focused on homelessness. I am working to implement tangible solutions to address these issues such as building the first ever OC Wellness Hub, and establishing of the inaugural OC Housing Finance Trust that will help fund 2,700 permanent supportive and affordable housing units.

If you couldn’t make it last week, I hope to see you in the near future!

Artesia Pilar Neighborhood Coffee and Ice Pop Social

Nutwood Neighborhood Coffee