Congratulations to the class of 2023! As summer rolls in and the school year comes to an end, June brings many accomplishments to celebrate but also important struggles to reflect upon. To me, June represents a time for joyous reflections, inclusivity, and love. I am disheartened and disappointed about the new County policy that was passed at the Board of Supervisors meeting, June 6, 2023, which essentially restricts the County from flying the Pride Flag on County buildings to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month.
Pride Month symbolizes acceptance, hope, and the continued struggle for equal justice. During Pride month, we should all think about the challenges, victories, and journey of the LGBTQ+ community. That's why I'll keep working to create a safe space for our community to celebrate Pride in OC.
Statistics tell us that half of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide last year. Flying a flag is a small gesture that indicates a safe and inclusive space. When I served as Mayor of Santa Ana, we were the first city to raise the Pride flag. Despite fear from some that Santa Ana would become divided, the flag became a symbol of celebration and support.
I want the LGBTQ+ community to know, I hear you, I see you and I stand with you. You're not alone in this fight.
Thank you for the privilege of serving as your Supervisor. I am truly grateful to work with you to make our community a better place for all of us.
Respectfully,
Vicente Sarmiento Supervisor, Second District Orange County Board of Supervisors
Meet my Chief of Staff, Yasie Goebel! Yasie has been with the County of Orange for 15 years and with the Board of Supervisors for approximately three and a half years. She has been with my office since the start of my inauguration.
Yasie is responsible for leading my team, overseeing daily operations, developing policies and initiatives, preparing budgets, and much more. She is a key factor in my office’s success. She has provided me with a wonderful team and has been an active mentor to strengthen our office and staff morale.
Aside from managing my team and assisting me with executing my initiatives I am passionate about, she is also responsible for specific policy areas, such as real estate, homelessness, and healthcare.
I want to use this section to recognize Yasie’s hard work and dedication to ensure my office runs smoothly and support my staff to ensure we are responsive to our constituents and produce the best work possible.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication, Yasie! It is truly appreciated!
A quote from the Chief of Staff, Yasie Goebel: “Our office is made up of a passionate team who encourages me to continue breaking barriers and love coming to work every day. I strive not only to help achieve the Supervisor’s initiatives but also to be an empowering mentor for the rest of the staff.”
Orange County Water Safety Challenge
To shed light on tragic pediatric drownings, I participated in the Water Safety Challenge. It was an educational, interactive, and comprehensive water safety day designed to teach children and parents important water safety skills: how to perform a safe water rescue, how to properly use life vests, and how to swim to the side.
Swimming Pool Safety Tips
Never leave your child alone
Fence in your pool
Install a secure gate
Invest in rescue gear
Keep your child within arm's reach
Stay above the waterline
Don't rely on floaties
Take swimming and CPR classes
(Supervisor Sarmiento, Water Safety Challenge)
Bolivian Cultural Delegation
Late last month, I was honored to be visited by "Boliva Para El Mundo," a Bolivian cultural delegation, who stopped in Orange County on their way to San Francisco. They were on their way up north to participate in "Carnaval San Francisco", a multicultural festival that cultivates and celebrates the diverse Latin American, Caribbean, and African Diasporic roots of the Mission District and the San Francisco Bay Area. The delegation also brought a certificate of recognition from the Bolivian Senate. I am honored to be recognized for being the highest-elected Bolivian-born politician in the United States of America.
(Bolivia Para El Mundo 2023 in OC)
(Bolivia Para El Mundo 2023 in San Francisco)
Strawberry Festival Parade
I had an incredible time celebrating kindness at the 63rd Annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival. The activities kicked off on Friday, May 26, 2023, and continued through Memorial Day. The festival featured classic carnival rides and a variety of strawberry-themed contests for festivalgoers. The festival is an opportunity for local non-profits to distribute information, raise awareness and money by hosting food and game booths.
Congratulations to the Senior Volunteers of the Year: Strawberry Ball Queen Arlene Martin and Strawberry Ball King Howard Whittaker. It was a true pleasure learning about their amazing volunteer work in the community and meeting some past Strawberry Ball King and Queen recipients.
I am grateful for the welcoming staff and vibrant community of Garden Grove!
(Supervisor Sarmiento with students from Garden Grove)
(Team Sarmiento Staff presenting recognition certificates to Strawberry Ball Queen Arlene Martin and Strawberry Ball King Howard Whittaker)
Radio La Konsentida
A couple of weeks ago, I stopped by Santa Ana's very own local radio station, "La Konsentida 973" where radio host Blanca Avila asked me about the state of affairs in our supervisorial district and accomplishments during our first 100 days in office. Check out her radio show online where many resources are shared with our local communities.
(Supervisor Sarmiento with host Blanca Avila)
Father's Day
June is full of commemorative dates. Let us celebrate all our fathers and father figures this upcoming Sunday. As we celebrate Father's Day, I am reminded of my incredible journey as a father for over 20 years. Being a father to three exceptional children has been one of my life’s greatest honors and privileges. I have witnessed the growth and development of three remarkable young adults. On this day, I extend my deepest gratitude to all fathers across our county who devote their hearts and souls to their children. Being a father is not merely a title but a lifelong commitment to nurturing, guiding, and loving unconditionally. We are aiding in shaping the future, inspiring the next generation, and embracing the values of empathy, integrity, and resilience.
(Supervisor Sarmiento with his wife & children)
Free Summer Food Service Program in the Second District
Approximately one in five kids in California has limited/uncertain access to nutritious food. The Summer Food Service Program ensures children have access to healthy food during summer months.
While school is out, all children ages 18 and under can enjoy free lunches through the Summer Food Service Program. No applications are necessary and all children and teens are welcome.
The program will be serving meals at playgrounds, campuses, and community centers in a safe manner that follows current health guidelines.
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Santa Ana Unified School District
The Santa Ana Unified School District will be offering free breakfast and lunch meals to all children ages 18 and under, from June 7 - July 20, 2023. For more information regarding the location nearest you and meals service times, please call 714-431-1900.
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Garden Grove Unified School District
Dates/Times
Locations
June 5 - July 14 from 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
 Rancho Alamitos and Santiago high schools
June 5 - July 14 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Garden Grove Main Library  Garden Grove Chapman Library (closed on Fridays)
June 12 - July 7 from 10:20 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
Anthony, Evans, Gilbert, Hazard, Newhope, Peters K-3, Wakeham and Woodbury elementary school
June 12 - July 7 from 9:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Alamitos, Doig, Fitz and Irvine intermediate schools
The Garden Grove Unified School District will be offering free breakfast and lunch meals to all children ages 18 and under. Meals will be provided at 14 school campuses and two library sites. There will be no meal service on June 19, 2023, or July 4, 2023, due to the holiday.
Call the Food Services Department at (714) 663-6155 for additional information.
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Anaheim Union High School District
The Anaheim Union High School District will be offering free breakfast and lunch meals to all children ages 18 and under.
For more information on the food services at Anaheim Union High School District contact 714-999-1356.
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Anaheim Elementary School District
Locations
Date
Times
Barton, Edison, Gauer, Guinn, Henry, Jefferson, Madison, Mann, J. Marshall, Orange Grove, Ponderosa, Price, Revere, Stoddard, Sunkist
Nutritious free meals are available for all children ages 18 and under, throughout the summer while school is out of session. For more information on the food services in the Savanna Elementary School District text “Summer Meals” to 914-342-7744 or call 1-866-348-6479 to find a site near you.
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Tustin Unified School District
The Tustin Unified School District will be offering free lunch meals to all children ages 18 and under. The date and time will vary by location. The meals do not require enrollment, paperwork, or income of any kind.
For more information, please call 714-730-7301.
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Orange County Waste & Recycling
Orange County Waste & Recycling is now accepting smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at any of their four County-operated Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers.
The safe disposal of household smoke detectors is important, but often limited. OCWR’s new service provides a convenient option for OC residents. Smoke detectors removed from businesses will not be accepted due to permit regulations.
Take your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to any of the locations below Tuesdays - Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for free disposal.
Anaheim Collection Center - 1071 N. Blue Gum Street, 92806
San Juan Capistrano Collection Center - 32250 Avenida La Pata, 92675
Searching for Justice: Unsolved Investigations in our Community
(18-year-old Victoria Barrios, killed August 30, 2019, Santa Ana, Calif.)
Victoria Barrios was with two friends when she was shot and killed during a drive-by shooting just after midnight on Aug. 30, 2019, near 500 E. Pine St. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Video footage showed that the perpetrator was inside a four-door, red Chevrolet car, possibly a Tahoe. There were at least three suspects in the vehicle. The shooter fired the gun several times, and a man was also shot in the area.
UP TO $60,000 REWARD, the Santa Ana Police Department is currently offering up to $50,000 through their Homicide Reward Program, and the Justice for Victoria Barrios Campaign has added an additional $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for Victoria's death.
If you or someone you know has any information that could help Santa Ana police catch the killers of Victoria Barrios, please call SAPD at 714-245-8390, submit a tip to OC Crime Stoppers here, or reach out to the Barrios family directly at justiceforvictoriabarrios.com.
Upcoming Events
Enjoy family-friendly events in our district!
May 30 - August 6, 2023 - Summer Reading Program (Anaheim)
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June 13 - August 8, 2023 - Free Bicycle Maintenance and Safety Classes (Santa Ana)
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June 14 - August 2, 2023 - Summer Concerts (Tustin)
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June 14 - August 9, 2023 - Concerts In The Park (Orange)
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June 17, 2023 - Juneteenth Festival (Santa Ana)
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June 22 - August 3, 2023 - Summer Concert Series (Garden Grove)
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June 24, 2023 - Pride Festival & Parade (Santa Ana)
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Copyright 2023 County of Orange, California
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