In recent months, we have witnessed the violent and inhumane invasion of Ukraine by Russian tyrant, Vladimir Putin.

As refugees flee the crisis in Ukraine, we are reminded of Communist Vietnam’s violent attacks on Saigon 47 years ago.

In 1975, millions of South Vietnamese who were committed to the ideals of freedom, democracy, and human rights, had no choice but to abandon their homeland to escape the totalitarian oppression under Communist Vietnam.

We became refugees searching all over the world for a new life.
Every year for nearly half a century, Vietnamese living overseas have observed April 30 as “Black April” – a day of solemn remembrance.

On this day, we remember the sacrifices of our ancestors and honor those who gave their lives in defense and pursuit of freedom and democracy.

Last week, I had the pleasure of being the primary guest speaker for the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce’s State of the County 2022 virtual presentation.

I was also joined by Rhonda Miller, Business Solutions Manager from the OC Workforce & Economic Development Division, and Dr. Wallace Walrod, Chief Economic Advisor of the Orange County Business Council.

After providing relevant information to the Chamber’s members and guests, I did a Q&A session to ensure everyone had a chance to clearly understand what resources the county has available to assist small businesses.

Our small businesses are the backbone of our economy. I commend the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce for hosting great discussions in order to equip local businesses with the best opportunities to be successful.

My office is also ready to help First District businesses in any way we can. Our office number is 714-834-3110.

Looking for information on Affordable Rental Housing in Orange County?

For general questions on affordable housing options for seniors, or to request a copy of the Orange County Affordable Housing list, please contact:

OC Office on Aging

714-480-6450

areaagencyonaging@occr.ocgov.com

www.officeonaging.ocgov.com

For questions regarding Section 8 and other HUD programs, please contact:

OC Housing Authority

714-480-2991

OCHAContact@occr.ocgov.com

www.ochousing.org

For all other questions, please contact:

2-1-1

At OCTA, our latest effort toward a greener Orange County is the introduction of the first two plug-in battery-electric buses into the county’s fleet of OC Buses. The remaining eight electric buses under this new pilot program are expected to be delivered later this year.

In 2020, we began operating hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses. This year’s pilot program will help determine which technology – or a mix of technologies – will work best for our county moving forward.

This new effort aligns with California’s Innovative Clean Transit Rule, a first-of-its-kind regulation in the U.S. that sets a goal for public transit agencies to gradually transition to 100% zero-emission bus fleets by 2040.

Click here to read the full press release.

Last month, OCTA announced a partnership with Saddleback College to launch a free training course for people interested in developing the skills needed for a career in public transit.

The 40-hour training course was made possible by a $100,000 grant from the Orange County Community Foundation to create a pipeline of qualified bus drivers. The grant pays for the cost of training so there is no-cost to interested participants.

The training course includes learning about:

• Pre-trip inspections
• Safety procedures
• Behind-the-wheel training
• Commercial permit preparation
• Job application guidance

Driver benefits at OCTA include:

• Starting pay of $20.48 per hour (as of 5/01/22)
• Eligible for a raise every six months
• Medical, dental, vision benefits
• Paid leave and retirement benefits, and education reimbursement

For more information or to enroll:

949-582-4548

Jessie Cheng at jcheng64@saddleback.edu

www.ocbus.com/saddleback

The second session will start on May 14.

For more than a decade, the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo is North America’s largest advanced transportation technology and clean fleet event. One of the event’s sponsors is South Coast AQMD.

Last year’s 10th anniversary event offered access to the latest fuels, technologies, and vehicles driving the future of transportation to more than 5,000 industry stakeholders.

This year’s expo will feature numerous product debuts and major announcements from both leading vehicle manufacturers and solution providers.

Event Details:

May 9 – 11

Long Beach Convention Center

Click here for more information.

Click here to view the Agenda.

Attention all high school and college student job seekers!

You can connect with top businesses at OC Workforce & Economic Development Division’s upcoming virtual Orange County High School & College Student Career Fair.

Event Details:

Wednesday, June 1st

10 am - 2 pm

714-480-6500

Click here to register.

OC Parks is hosting their Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema once again this summer!

From June 23 to August 25, enjoy live music and movie screenings under the summer sky at county regional parks.

Entrance to each park and parking is free. Food trucks will be serving at each location and a beer and wine garden will be available to those 21 and over.

Click here for more information.

OC Public Libraries offers a wide range of electronic and digitized resources for its patrons.

Parents can check out the libraries’ early learning and homework help databases for their children. Most resources require a library card.

Click here to get your library card today.

The City of Garden Grove is recognizing college graduates for their outstanding accomplishments in higher education.

The city is seeking names and information from Garden Grove residents who will receive an undergraduate or post-graduate academic degree from any college or university in 2022. Graduates who submit their information will be invited to a free recognition on Thursday, June 2.

Each graduate will have the opportunity to win cash and prizes, as well as receive city, county, state, and federal congratulatory certificates.

For more information:

Office of Community Relations

714-741-5280

Email communityrelations@ggcity.org

Last month, the Bolsa Chica Conservancy celebrated its long-anticipated grand reopening of the Interpretive Center at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. This is a huge milestone that engages young and old alike in the Conservancy’s mission to inspire environmental stewardship.

For the next thirty years or more, the new Interpretive Center will provide a fitting place for visitors to begin their exploration of the Bolsa Chica area. With herpetology exhibits featuring live snakes, lizards, and turtles along with a greatly expanded aquarium wall supporting the widest array of native marine life ever presented at the Interpretive Center, there is surely something for everyone.

Address: 3842 Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach

Click here for more information.

Last month, the Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce honored seventeen outstanding businesses and sixteen outstanding business professionals at their 2022 Business & Leadership Awards. A big shout out to Memory Bartlett and her Chamber for hosting a great event!

Calling all Orange County business owners and taxpayers!

The Low-Value Exemption has been raised to $10,000. What does this mean?

This means there will no longer be a charge for unsecured property taxes on business property, boats, and aircraft valued at $10,000 or less.

What to do next?

Business owners simply need to complete their annual Property Statement (Form 571-L) and the Orange County Assessor will automatically adjust accounts as necessary and the Orange County Tax Collector will remove those accounts from any collection activity.

For questions related to assessed values and exemptions:

OC Assessor Claude Parrish

714-834-2734

For questions related to property tax bills and tax bill payments:

OC Treasurer-Tax Collector Shari Freidenrich

714-834-3411

Scammers are back at it, pretending to be from the Federal Trade Commission.

Here are a few things to know:

1. The FTC won’t email, call, text, or message you to ask for money or information. Not your bank account, credit card, Social Security number, birthdate. And never, ever money.
2. The FTC doesn’t give awards or funds related to COVID-19. Anybody who says the FTC has a prize or award for you or has a benefit related to COVID-19 — that’s a scammer.
3. Only scammers will demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, or money transfer because it’s easy for them to disappear with your money and hard for you to get it back.

If you get an email from anyone asking for personal information or money, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Last month, MexiCali celebrated its one-year anniversary of doing business in Garden Grove. The First District stopped by to present the owners with a certificate of recognition.

What started with a few handcrafted sweet and sour candies for some co-workers, led to a successful business for owners, Savady and Ceasar.

Address: 12960 Lucille Ave Suite A, Garden Grove

Click here to check out their unique and savory handcrafted snacks.

Last month, the Los Alamitos Chamber Of Commerce, the Los Alamitos Police Department, and other City officials congratulated Mark Hernandez, Subway’s newest franchise owner in the city of Los Alamitos.

Mark’s life and work experience has given him a unique set of skills that will help his business succeed. Mark grew up helping his parents with their family restaurant while teaching math to special needs children for 10 years, before going into the food industry as a consultant. He spent the last 18 years as a manager at Subway, saving his money so that he could open his own franchise one day.

Address: 10535 Los Alamitos Blvd, Los Alamitos

In honor of National Grilled Cheese Day last month, the First District team stopped by Paul’s Coffee Shop in Fountain Valley. This iconic local favorite establishment honors our Military and our Veterans while serving great food every day.

Address: 16947 Bushard Street, Fountain Valley

Click here to check out their menu.