As of April 15, all Californians over the age of 16 are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.  

Please visit www.Othena.com to register for an appointment.

And if you need more assistance, please call the County’s COVID-19 Hotline at (714) 834-2000.

Last Saturday, I stopped by Our Lady of Guadalupe in Santa Ana to visit OC Health Care Agency’s mobile vaccine site, in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Orange County.

Thank you to all the community and faith leaders for encouraging vaccinations and building trust in our diverse communities.

Special thanks to Armando Cervantes, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry from the Catholic Diocese, and Father Jesús Mena, OAR, for opening your churches and sending a unified message of support.

The OC Diocese has a message for you: Get Vaccinated!

Watch Auxiliary Bishop Kevin Fryer talk about how Catholics in Orange County should get their vaccines.

Click here to view the video.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program applications are being accepted now until funding is exhausted.

For more information, and to apply, visit http://ERA.211OC.org or text ERA to 898211.

The cities of Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Irvine serve their residents with city-run programs, as they received direct allocations from the Federal Government.

The month of April is nationally recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Child abuse affects children from every part of society, crossing all cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines. Ensuring the safety of our children is the role of our entire community.

If you would like to discuss or report suspected child abuse or neglect, you can call the Child Abuse Registry Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-207-4464.

Last Saturday, I was invited by the City of Westminster to attend the ‘Stop the Hate Rally & Concert’ event in Little Saigon. I stood alongside community and faith leaders to fight anti-Asian hate rhetoric and crimes.

The events of 2020 and 2021 have elevated a national dialogue on the many ways racism can spread in our communities. We at the County have a duty to ensure we do not provide disparate benefit or harm related to race, or any other identity. We will not allow racism to perpetuate through inaction.

Orange County residents who witness any incident of hate crimes or social discrimination are encouraged to report it to the Orange County Human Relations at 714-480-6580 and local law enforcement so justice can be served.

Earlier this month, I visited the Santa Ana Zoo to personally thank Zoo Director, Ethan Fisher, and his staff for their assistance during the recent wildfires.

During the crisis, the zoo cared for 150 evacuated animals from the Orange County Zoo.

I encourage everyone to visit their local zoo and support the conservation efforts that save animals.

Running low on reading material? The Orange County Public Libraries offers magazines on a myriad of topics in multiple languages on the Libby App.

Click here to learn more!

Earlier this week, I was happy to provide certificates of recognition to the Westminster School District for the 2022 Teachers of the Year – including the District Teacher of the Year, Dr. David Hubbard.

Congrats to all the teachers for your selfless dedication to the education and well-being of our kids.

Through a virtual ceremony, yesterday I presented certificates of recognition to three outstanding girls from the Girls Scouts of Orange County in honor of receiving a Gold Award. Congratulations Hannah Dinh, Katrina Sam, and Vy Nguyen! You have all demonstrated leadership at a time when our world needs you.

Last weekend, Saddleback Church and the First District team hosted a food distribution at Magnolia Science Academy in Santa Ana, serving 500 families with nutritious food.

Thank you to Principal Steven Keskinturk, Saddleback volunteers, and all who made the event possible.

And stay tuned for future food distributions in the First District!

Last month, the Orange County Department of Child Support Services celebrated the retirement of Steven Eldred, who has been with the County since 2004 and served as Child Support Services Director since 2013.

Thank you, Steven, for your seventeen years of service to the people of Orange County! Wishing you a happy and fulfilling retirement.

Last month Toyama Karate-Do celebrated their 30th Anniversary here in Santa Ana! Team Andrew Do recognized Toyama for their contributions to the community such as anti-bullying seminars and keeping kids engaged virtually throughout the pandemic. Congratulations!