At this year’s annual Veterans Day Celebration, the City of Fountain Valley unveiled the newly dedicated Veterans Park. Hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, this year’s keynote speaker was U.S. Army Veteran Kirby Douglas Matter who served in Vietnam. He spoke about sacrifice and how all Veterans deserve our respect for what they do to protect our freedoms at home and abroad. It was my honor to address those in attendance and partake in this special celebration.

On Monday, I helped honor our Veterans at a Vietnam War Veteran pinning ceremony and Veterans Day celebration hosted by the City of Garden Grove and Congressman Lou Correa. It is so important that we recognize the courage and sacrifice of all of our Veterans. Thank you to all who served.

I was proud to be a part of Monday’s Veterans Day Celebration and Dedication of the A-4M Skyhawk memorial at Heroes Hall. Both Heroes Hall and the Skyhawk memorial are testaments to the honor and gratitude we should always have for our Veterans. Thank you to all who have served for your bravery and sacrifice.

On Saturday, team Andrew Do helped recognize Mexican-American Veterans at a special ceremony at the Heritage Museum of Orange County, moderated by retired Superior Court Judge Frederick Aguirre. Thank you to all Veterans that have sacrificed so much to protect our freedom and democracy!

Orange County is stepping up and delivering vital assistance to veterans in need. It is our duty to ensure they are properly honored and supported.

From expanded mental health care to housing support to land for a new Veterans Cemetery, Orange County is delivering meaningful results for its community of veterans. Check out my press release for more information.

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Brains on Broadway Symposium hosted by SARDAA (Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America). World-renowned experts discussed the classification of Schizophrenia Spectrum Illnesses and ways we can work together to improve the lives of those affected, among other topics in mental health. Elinore McCance-Katz, the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Dr. Clayton Chau, the Chief Clinical Strategist for Be Well OC and my appointee to the OC Mental Health Board, were part of this impressive panel. It was truly inspiring to hear what these brilliant and dedicated minds from across the nation had to say about addressing mental health issues.

Orange County employees are hardworking and dedicated to the communities they serve. Last Wednesday, the county celebrated their positive impact in making Orange County an incredible place to live, work, and play.

We shined the spotlight on people like Randy Garcia from Orange County Parks who’s been serving the people of Orange County for 30 years! Congratulations to all the awardees and thank you Orange County Employees Association for serving up some great food!

From AB 109 to Propositions 57 and 47, California has radically altered our state’s approach to crime and punishment. Californians deserve a sensible justice system that protects victims and holds violent felons accountable. Read more about it in my Op-Ed in CalMatters.

Westminster Flu Shot Clinic

When: November 21 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where: County Community Service Center – 15496 Magnolia St., Ste. #111, Westminster, CA 92683

Garden Grove Flu Shot Clinic

When: November 22 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where: Coastline Community College – 12901 Euclid St, Garden Grove, California 92840

When: November 13 from 5:45 PM to 6:45 PM

Where: Garden Grove Library Chapman Branch – 9182 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92841

When: November 14 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Where: Santa Ana Elks Lodge – 1751 S. Lyon Street, Santa Ana, California 92705

When: November 20 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Where: Edward B. Cole, Sr. Academy – 333 E Walnut St, Santa Ana, California 92701

When: November 21 from 5:45 PM to 6:45 PM

Where: Fountain Valley Library – 17635 Los Alamos St, Fountain Valley, California 92708