I ask the residents and visitors of Orange County to please wear a face covering when you are in a public place and unable to properly social distance, as well as following hygiene and social distancing guidance. This is of the utmost importance to stop the spread of the virus.

We must also remember that we must protect public health while allowing people to go to work safely and responsibly, so they can pay their bills and feed their families. We don’t have to sacrifice public health for the economy, or vice versa, when we can focus on ensuring both are protected.

On Tuesday, August 18th, I had the honor of attending the ribbon cutting ceremony for UCI Health- Newport Beach and presenting them with a certificate of recognition from the county. I also had the opportunity  to tour the new location's facilities afterwards. I am so happy that UCI health will be able to expand its services to the residents of the Second District. 

I'm happy to announce a grant program for eligible non-profits in the Second Supervisorial District that are dedicated to serving children in Orange County.

We must ensure that non-profits, which do so much for those in need, make it through this pandemic. In this time of great uncertainty the well being of children must be one of our highest priorities.

Second District nonprofits can review the application below to see if they qualify:

I am happy to announce the OC Healthcare Agency's campaign to raise awareness for mental health resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. The "What You Feel is Real" campaign is designed to encourage Orange County residents who are emotionally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to reach out and seek support during this time of great stress and uncertainty. 

For more information about mental health or substance abuse disorder resources, visit: https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/mental-health-support.

On August 13th, in recognition of National Health Center Week, I visited the OC Health Clinic in Santa Ana on 17th Street with Health Care Agency Director Dr. Clayton Chau and staff from all HCA departments to commend all the hard work they do to protect the health of our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On August 12th, I spoke with PCTA at the Stanton branch of OC Public Libraries about Orange County’s contactless curbside pickup service. Until our libraries reopen in person services, OC Public Libraries is offering a number of alternative services to serve our community. This includes our contactless curbside pickup service, where library card holders can borrow books Tuesday through Friday from 12-6pm and Saturday from 10am-4pm.

Additionally, OC Public Libraries offers digital services including 24/7 access to E-books, audiobooks, magazines, movies and resources. Virtual programming is also offered with hundreds of options of storytimes, craft projects, cooking demonstrations, games and more.

http://www.ocpl.org/curbsidefaq

On Tuesday August 11th, introduced a resolution to designate August 24th as Kobe Bryant Day, which was unanimously supported. As we all remember, this January, Kobe Bryant tragically lost his life along with his daughter, Gianna, and seven other beloved members of our Orange County community.

A treasured member of our Orange County community, Kobe Bryant was a basketball legend that inspired so many young men and women to pursue their dreams and never give up.  In honor of his jersey numbers during his career, 8 and 24, August 24th will be dedicated to the memory of Kobe Bryant and all that he brought to the Orange County Community.

We should strive to live by his words of encouraging those around us to never give up on their dreams: “The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.”

First Annual Orange County Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

August 11th, 2020 marked the first annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in Orange County. On July 14th, 2020, the Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed my resolution recognizing August 11th as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

In the face of radical calls for defunding and dismantling our local law enforcement, I introduced a resolution to the Board of Supervisors in support of our men and women that protect our communities by creating a Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, which was held on August 11th.

At the August 6, 2020 CalOptima Board of Directors meeting, I made the motion to change CalOptima’s PACE program to better serve Orange County’s elderly population amid the COVID-19 pandemic. PACE is Orange County’s alternative healthcare delivery model for individuals who qualify for nursing home level of care but are able to continue living safely at home.

One of the most important objectives of this Board is to ensure access to health care, which can be very difficult during a pandemic and a quarantine. But these changes are crucial for our seniors to receive the care they would otherwise receive at the PACE center, or at least as close to the kind of care they would receive at the PACE center

Because regular services are severely limited at PACE centers as a result of the pandemic, these changes allow for qualified CalOptima PACE employees to  provide skilled health services to clients in their homes.

At a time when the health of our seniors is at great risk, and PACE clients are one of the most vulnerable populations, reinventing the PACE model as best we can to an at-home model is good policy. 

At the August 11, 2020 Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting Board voted to approve of fixed base operators to operate in the general aviation area at John Wayne Airport.

“I want to thank all the community members, organizations, stakeholders and everyone who has provided their unique perspectives and insights throughout this process,” said Chairwoman Steel. “It is because of everyone’s contributions that we have been able to come to these conclusions for 35-year leases that will shape the future of John Wayne Airport in a positive manner.”

Consistent with community and airport commission recommendations, Clay Lacy Aviation was selected for the North West Full Service FBO, ACI Jet was selected for the North East Full Service FBO, and Jay’s Aviation was selected for the Southwest Limited Service FBO.

All leases will be restricted to Chairwoman Steel’s directive, passed by the Board in 2019, and will – for the first time at John Wayne Airport – restrict the majority of the General Aviation Area to small planes and light general aviation. With these restrictions, 34.6 acres of the total 60.2 acre general aviation area will be solely for planes under a 49-foot wingspan or not exceeding 12,500 pounds, based on FAA regulations which define these sizes of planes as “Aircraft Design Group 1” and “small aircraft,” respectively. The leases before the Board will not open the door to larger planes. They will – for the first time – limit the size of planes in the majority of the general aviation area.

Chairwoman Steel introduced a motion to adopt City of Newport Beach and community group recommendations on operating hours, hanger space utilization, and public accountability. The board ultimately decided to delay discussion on this motion and fold it into the lease negotiation process.

“I am dedicated to achieving our community’s goals to reduce noise and pollution, limit operation hours, and build out the light general aviation area with individual hangars consistent with the existing mix of planes.” added Chairwoman Steel.

Saturday, August 15th was the 75th anniversary of Korean Independence from Japan and the 72nd anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Korea. This day is a joyus day for Korean people and is a reminder of their strength and fortitude during the 35 year occupation of Korea by the Japanese Empire from 1910-1945. Since independence, Korea has struggled through a horrific war that split the nation in two. Since then, South Korea has grown into a prosperous, developed, first world nation that I am proud to call my nation of origin. Happy Independence Day! 

On Monday August 17th, I joined Supervisor Don Wagner in the celebration of the 73rd anniversary of Indian Independence. We were joined by Dr. Surendar Sharma who made a moving speech about the Indian people's struggle for independence. Members of the Orange County Indian community joined to celebrate this great occasion. Happy Independence Day, India!