Meet my Operations Manager, Rosemary Contreras! She has been serving the County of Orange for five years. Before joining my team, Rosemary started her career as a Policy and Legislative Affairs intern in 2018. With hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude, Rosemary quickly took on additional responsibilities and was promoted to various roles.

I am proud to say Rosemary was my first hire as I was setting up my office. Rosemary is responsible for overseeing policy matters for Social Service Agency, youth leadership, education, resolving constituent inquiries, and facilitating various Second District events. Rosemary also provides support to our team and ensures the day-to-day operations of the office are running smoothly. Part of that entails running our intern program. Rosemary recruits, onboard, and trains our office interns. Under her guidance and mentorship, our interns have developed new skills and some have been hired on as full-time employees.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication, Rosemary! 

(Supervisor Sarmiento with the faculty and staff of Santa Ana College)

Congratulations, class of 2023! On June 2, 2023, I had the honor of speaking to the Santa Ana College graduating class and recognizing two outstanding students, Emily Rose, and Jovani Rosas. It was a pleasure, and I thank President Annabelle Nery for inviting me.

Emily Rose and Jovani Rosas embody the values of public service, academic excellence, and dedication. Emily Rose was awarded a certificate of recognition in honor of high academic achievement and dedication toward educational excellence. Jovani Rosas was awarded a certificate of recognition in honor of leadership excellence and commitment to making a positive social change in our community. These two students showcase the potential of every single one of Orange County's students, and I hope that their recognition allows them to be role models for the next generation.

Our students are our future and a top priority of my office. Personally, higher education changed the course of my life as an immigrant from Bolivia. Public college allowed me to do the work that I am currently doing, and I am so proud that the 2023 graduating class can do the same.

To the graduating class, you inspire me every day to serve you as best as I can. I hope my office and I can make you proud. My office will always be a resource to you, and fostering more students just like you is my goal for the county.

(Street Vendor Workshop Presentation)

(Supervisor Sarmiento, Mayor Pro Tem Jessie Lopez, and local street vendor)

I was very proud of the work that my team did to bring together the County’s very first Street Vendor Permit Workshop. Recent changes to California street vending laws were supposed to make it easier for local entrepreneurs to set up shop and comply with local rules. However, this largely immigrant community has continued to face difficulties in navigating the regulations needed to safely sell food in the Second District.

Our office worked together with the Orange County Health Care Agency and local elected officials to create and promote this workshop. I want to especially thank Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Jessie Lopez and Santa Ana Councilman Johnathan Hernandez for joining me as we canvassed neighborhoods and spoke directly with these vendors. Listening to their stories, I know that the American dream of working hard for a better future is alive and well.

The workshop was a huge success and a model for how county agencies can help street vendors understand and comply with local laws. My office proudly contributed $20,000 in grants to help these small businesses with their application fees. We will continue to work together with our community partners to help create opportunities for all members of the Second District. 

(Supervisor Sarmiento awarding certificates of recognition to the Orange County Heritage Council with Councilmember Jonathan Hernandez and Ben Vazquez)

On June 17, 2023, I participated in the 2nd Annual Santa Ana Juneteenth Festival. In 2021, as Mayor of Santa Ana, I worked with OC Heritage Council and other pioneers to begin the tradition of celebrating Black culture, music, art and food through this festival. However, as we all know, Juneteenth is not just a celebration, it is also a time to reflect on where we have been as a society. I know the struggles of our Black brothers and sisters continue to be difficult and I recognize justice has been delayed. However, I will continue to work with Black community leaders to fight for liberation, freedom, and justice for all. 

I believe we should stand together to recognize Black Excellence and amplify the voices and achievements of our community and youth. This is why I am honored to have recognized four students with scholarships to aid their pursuit of higher education.

Thank you to Orange County Heritage Council, city of Santa Ana and all the community leaders who helped make this celebration possible!

(Supervisor Sarmiento, Supervisor Foley, and local LGBTQ+ leaders)

(Supervisor Sarmiento and Supervisor Foley unfurling the Pride Flag)

Supervisor Foley and I were honored to host a listening roundtable with local LGBTQ+ leaders and supporting organizations to learn how the County can help support the LGBTQ+ community. The event culminated with the unfurling of the Pride Flag at the Old Orange County Courthouse.

The Pride Flag symbolizes acceptance, hope, and the continued struggle for equal justice. We will continue to recognize the challenges, victories, and journeys of the LGBTQ+ community year-round, not just in the month June. My office is committed to continue working to create a safe space for our community to support year-long Pride in Orange County.

(Supervisor Sarmiento with the youth at Santa Ana Leadership Summit)

I enjoyed speaking with the hard-working students at the Youth Leadership Summit in Santa Ana. The Summit provided workshops and activities focused on personal growth and leadership development.

I want to recognize Santa Ana Youth and Government, Boys and Girls Club of Santa Ana, KidsWorks, Rise Up, and Suavecito volunteers for creating a positive environment for our youth to have open conversations about cultivating empowerment and overcoming systemic barriers within our community.

(Supervisor Sarmiento, speaking at the Jamboree and WISEPlace groundbreaking)

Additional permanent supportive housing is coming to Santa Ana! WISEPlace and Jamboree Housing will create permanent supportive housing for 47 future residents. Each unit will be equipped with a bathroom, shower, and kitchen. There will also be 14 studios designated for clients with mental health diagnoses. The Orange County Housing Authority will provide onsite clinical case management services. 

Over 5,700 Orange County residents experienced homelessness in 2022. WISEPlace has served more than 8,500 vulnerable populations by providing safe transitional and emergency shelters to help rebuild lives. For more than 90 years, WISEPlace has served primarily women and families. Jamboree Housing Corporation is a nonprofit housing development company that develops, acquires, renovates, and manages permanently affordable rental and ownership housing throughout California.

(Supervisor Sarmiento with the seniors of the Delhi Center)

It is important to keep our seniors engaged and cared for. On June 9, 2023, I visited the Delhi Center to speak to seniors in our community about services available to them from their local county government.

My office donated 40 iPads to the center. We hope these iPads will help keep our seniors connected and engaged with software that offers programs with live instructors and other benefits.

Special thanks to the Delhi Center and Renee Ramirez from the Office on Aging for assisting in making this happen.  

(Supervisor Sarmiento with the Latino Youth Leadership Academy participants)

I had the privilege of speaking at the graduation ceremony for young men at the Latino Youth Leadership of Orange County. The students underwent a rigorous five-day program that prepared their development for college-level skills, including public speaking, leadership, and college and career readiness. In addition, the Academy is designed to increase self and cultural identity, heighten confidence, and provide a compass for navigating future barriers. I know these young men will continue to make their families proud and make great strides in their future. Congratulations to the 2023 graduates!

The City of Garden Grove is developing a year-round Central Cities Navigation Center (CCNC) in partnership with Fountain Valley, Westminster, and the County of Orange. The CCNC is a low-barrier transitional emergency facility providing emergency housing and resource services to individuals experiencing homelessness in the Central Service Planning Area in Orange County. The CCNC is being developed to create pathways toward permanent housing, income, healthcare, and stability.

The project is anticipated to be operational in Spring 2024.

Location: 13871 West Street

Garden Grove, CA 92843

Additional veteran services will soon be available through the PACT Act, which is perhaps the largest healthcare benefit expansion in Veterans Affairs history.

The PACT Act will bring these changes:

• Expand and extend eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 era
• Add 20+ more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures
• Add more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation
• Require VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA healthcare
• Help improve research, staff education, and treatment related to toxic exposures

If you’re a Veteran or surviving family member, you can file claims now to apply for PACT Act-related benefits.

File a disability claim online.

Apply for Veteran Affairs health care. 

The Santa Ana Small Business Rent & Debt Relief Grant provides a maximum of $25,000 grants to eligible small businesses to aid in recovery and to address the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The support is targeted to current Santa Ana small businesses that have been in operation as of 2018, have 25 or less employees, sustained a decrease in revenue due to pandemic impacts, and are in need of funds to pay past due rent or for payments to loans or credit cards for debt that was incurred to maintain operations.

This grant program is funded with authorization from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) through the U.S. Department of Treasury Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF).

A total of $1,500,000 is available for this grant. Read and download the grant guidelines here.

Join the YMCA for an endless summer of fun! They offer a safe and healthy atmosphere where youth can enjoy their summer break. Special emphasis is placed on youth choice, achievement, and a sense of belonging.

The 5-day-a-week day camp will offer a full summer of expeditions, including:
Sports, outdoor activities, STEAM activities, field trips, character development, community service projects, & more!

Sign up Here

Camp Overview

• Day Camps runs Monday – Friday
• Full-time and part-time options are available
• All kids K-8th grade are welcome
• Inclusion support for children with special needs
• Teen Club with age-appropriate activities
• Service-learning projects
• 50+ locations across Orange County
• Fees vary based on your customized schedule

Financial Assistance

The YMCA is proud of its heritage and commitment to making programs available to everyone. 

Financial Assistance Form

Financial Assistance Form (Spanish)

The County of Orange is hiring full-time, part-time, and internship positions. Click on the image above to browse through job postings.  

Santa Ana:

Pride celebrated in Orange County

Santa Ana Expands Local Hiring for Workers on City Projects (voiceofoc.org)

Artist draws on childhood experience for exhibition at Grand Central Art Center – Orange County Register (ocregister.com)

Differing Ideas of Youth Services Collide in Santa Ana (voiceofoc.org)

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Garden Grove:

New homeless shelter for Garden Grove, Fountain Valley and Westminster underway – Orange County Register (ocregister.com) 

In Garden Grove, Brookhurst Place plans are finally taking shape – Orange County Register (ocregister.com)

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Anaheim:

Anaheim Voters to Decide if Hotel Workers Will Get a $25 Minimum Wage in Special Election (voiceofoc.org)

Anaheim Receives $5 million in Federal Funding for New Bridges, Trails around Honda Center         -Orange County Register (ocregister.com)

Anaheim $25 minimum wage proposal heads to special election – Orange County Register (ocregister.com)

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Orange:

Sisters of St. Joseph’s Motherhouse is becoming new affordable senior housing in Orange – Orange County Register (ocregister.com)

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Tustin:

This Tustin teen started a nonprofit to help unhoused youth. Now she’s heading to UCI – Orange County Register (ocregister.com)

CalOptima Health wants to create a facility to better serve OC’s unhoused, aging population

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July 4, 2023 - 4th of July Parade (Orange)

Start off the 4th of July celebration by enjoying the 56th annual Orange Park Association parade.

Location:

6500 Santiago Cyn Rd,

Orange, CA 92869

10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

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July 8, 2023 - Sweet Street Dessert Festival (Anaheim)

Downtown Anaheim is giving you the chance to step into every dessert lover's dream.

Discover some of the best desserts Southern California has to offer! Indulge in some classic ice cream, chow down on delicious toffee, hand-crafted cookies, and so much more! 

Location:

201 W. Center Street Promenade,

Anaheim, CA 92805

5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

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July 9, 2023 - From Dinosaurs to People (Santa Ana)

It’s Dino time! HMOC is bringing back one of its absolute favorite events! We all know Orange County is amazing, but did you know we can trace it back to prehistoric eras? Together with vendors from all over Orange County, HMOC will be demonstrating the variety of histories and cultures that we have right here in SoCal in a FUN family and pet-friendly event!

Location:
Heritage Museum of OC

3101 W. Harvard St, 

Santa Ana, CA

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July 12 & Aug. 16, 2023, Summer Safety (Santa Ana)

Stay safe this summer and join the Santa Ana Police Department on July 12th and Aug. 16, 2023, for their Summer Safety Event!

Visit Adams Park on July 12, 2023, for summer safety information, giveaways, vehicle displays, and more.

Visit El Salvador Park on August 16, 2023, for summer safety information, giveaways, vehicle displays, and more. 

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July 22, 2023 - Women's Motor Fest (Tustin)

Women's Motor Fest is the only auto show in North America created by women for women. Bring your family to check out the cars featured! 

Location:
Marconi Automotive Museum & Foundation for Kids

1302 Industrial Drive, 

Tustin, CA 92780

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

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June 22 - Aug. 3, 2023, Free Summer Concert Series (Garden Grove)

Come check out one of the family-friendly summer concerts held in Garden Grove.

Food and refreshments will be available for purchase from local food vendors. 

Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. 

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June 12 – July 31, 2023 - Summer Reading Program: Find Your Voice

Orange County Public Libraries are offering reading challenges, in-branch programming, grab & go craft kits, author events, and at select branch locations, Lunch at the Library.

Participate in weekly scavenger hunts and activities, and return each week for something new to find!

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June 9 - Sept. 8, 2023 - Orange County Parks Summer Celebration

Celebrate summertime outdoors with ten free concerts and 14 free movie screenings.

The County of Orange and OC Parks are proud to present the annual OC Parks Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema film series.

Enjoy summer nights under the stars with free live music and movie screenings at regional parks throughout Orange County. All events are family-friendly, with free parking and food and drink options available for purchase.

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