Orange County is taking a data-driven approach to addressing inequality and resource disparities. On July 14, the County launched a new mapping tool, with the help of Advance OC, that monitors Orange County’s health and social gaps.

COVID-19 has exacerbated several health and social inequities, which many municipalities and local organizations were unprepared to meet at the height of the pandemic. The OC Equity Map tool provides actionable benchmarks to allocate resources and reduce disparities in our communities.

To test and explore this new analytic capability, the OC Health Care Agency has been utilizing the OC Equity Map platform in its COVID-19 responses, including testing, vaccine allocation and distribution, and other mitigation strategies. The platform also provides a roadmap for private and public partnerships to fund initiatives that seek collaborative approaches to addressing complex social circumstances at the root of inequities in health and well-being.

Click here for more information on the OC Equity Map.

Click here to access the OC Equity Map.

In 2015, Supervisor Lisa Bartlett and I formed the OC Mental Ad Hoc Committee to examine behavioral health services in Orange County. Since then, my colleagues on the Orange County Board of Supervisors and I have worked tirelessly to help build a better System of Care. 

We’ve made substantial progress with the opening of the first of three Be Well OC campuses in the City of Orange earlier this year. A second campus is in the works and will expand our ability to provide much needed mental health services for our residents.

But our work is far from over.

Last month, the Orange County Health Care agency and Mind OC hosted a two-day forum for elected officials, community organizations, and health systems, to look at the County’s current Crisis Response Systems and build consensus around a single response solution for persons experiencing a mental health crisis by looking at the strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results that we want as a community. 

Thank you to all staff for putting these events together and to all community leaders who participated.

On July 27, the Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved item S40A, brought forward by Supervisor Don Wagner and I, allocating $20 million from the county’s general fund towards a Veterans cemetery site in Anaheim Hills.

Our brave service members deserve our utmost honor and respect. Their selfless devotion and sacrifice in the service of our country represents one of the greatest virtues that exist in our society. We don’t have a lot of time, so we must act swiftly to give Orange County veterans a proper place to rest.

Click here to read the full press release.

Throughout the past year and a half, our ability to fight the novel coronavirus and regain our normal lives depended on our ability to first, test, and then, vaccinate a large number of Orange County residents and workers.

In collaboration with our partners at the Orange County Fire Authority, as well as many host cities in Orange County, the County formed the COVID-19 Incident Management Team.

From our Points of Dispensing vaccine sites to local mobile vaccination events in low equity communities, members worked around the clock and truly demonstrated unparalleled efforts and resolve to protect our residents’ lives.

I want to acknowledge the perseverance, sacrifice, and heart of all critical workers throughout Orange County, and particularly members of the COVID-19 Incident Management Team, who got us here.

Thank you, to all our staff, volunteers, and community partners for your commitment. It’s truly inspirational. 

To find a COVID-19 vaccine clinic near you, please call the Orange County COVID-19 Hotline at 714-834-2000 or visit www.covidvaccinefacts.com.

Redistricting workshops are coming up in a city near you. You are welcome to join as we share and discuss what this means for your community.

Starting this week, The County of Orange will host a workshop in each of the five supervisorial districts for the public to learn more about the County’s 2021 Redistricting Process. Each workshop will include a brief presentation and an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on redistricting including communities of interest. Free parking is available at all locations.

In tribute to Probation Services Week, from July 19 to July 25, I presented a resolution to Steven Sentman, Chief Probation Officer, on behalf of the Board of Supervisors this week.

Special thanks to the Orange County Probation for your tireless dedication to making our community a safe, healthy and fulfilling place to live, work, and play!

Calling all small businesses!

Orange County is partnering with Entertainment to help local businesses gain exposure by featuring them on the Entertainment Mobile App. Through this free and easy app, customers will be able to find your business via GPS, map, and search features.

To learn more about the perks of registering your small business on the Entertainment Mobile App, please visit www.entertainment.com or check out the flyer below.

Congratulations to the Santa Ana High School speech team for winning the 2020-2021 National Speech and Debate Championship!

Kudos to Advisors Ms. Corin Serrano and Sal Tinajero for leading these young women through a remarkable season. 

Click here to read the full OC Register story for more information.

On July 22, the First District Team had the honor of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Moon Goat Coffee in Garden Grove. This small business offers a variety of coffees, sweet toasts, and more! It was voted the #1 coffee in Orange County by the OC Register in 2021. 

Stop by and enjoy some home-brewed coffee and handmade pastries from this Orange County shop!

📍 7200 Acacia Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92841

OC Parks is inviting the community to learn about monarch butterflies in their natural habitat for the 11th Annual Monarch Butterfly Day Experience at Mile Square Park on August 14!

The First District Team is excited to welcome visitors back to celebrate these magnificent creatures through fun, educational activities. Park visitors can explore a netted butterfly enclosure and learn how to plant their very own butterfly garden!

📍 16801 Euclid St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708

⏰ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

In honor of National Hot Dog Day on July 21, the First District Team visited the Riros Hot Dogs vending cart located outside the Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana. They’ve been serving hot dogs, chips, fresh fruit, and more for 30 years! 

Remember to support local businesses or street vendors every day!

In honor of National Cheesecake Day on July 30, the First District Team stopped by Bakery 101 in Santa Ana for some delicious cheesecakes. Stop by this local business to enjoy delicious cheesecakes, baked goods, and more!

📍 3386 S Bristol St, Santa Ana

In honor of National Intern Day on July 29, I want to highlight our three summer interns: Rodrigo, Mylee, and Kasra.

Thank you for all the contributions you’ve made to Orange County! It has been a pleasure to have you all on the First District Team.

In honor of National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day on August 4, the First District Team celebrated by ordering freshly baked chocolate chip cookies from @mommaluesbakery! Momma Lue bakes anything from cookies to cupcakes to decorative event cakes.

Follow and send a Direct Message to this local business to enjoy your favorite dessert!