(Supervisor Sarmiento standing in solidarity with hotel workers on strike)

Throughout my two decades as a public servant, I have consistently supported workers' rights. I have been a dedicated advocate for the labor movement and have stood firmly behind union members in their fight for fair wages and benefits. 

On Tuesday, July 11, 2023, I joined workers on strike at the Sheraton Park Hotel in Anaheim to show my solidarity and listen to the challenges they are facing both in the workplace and with housing insecurities. Currently, hundreds of workers in Orange County are on strike, demanding higher wages and an increase in staffing to pre-pandemic levels. 

During the pandemic, hotels received a substantial $15 billion in federal bailouts while cutting jobs and guest services, such as daily room cleaning. Remarkably, in 2023, hotel profits in Orange County have surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Despite this, hospitality workers continue to struggle to afford housing in the cities where they work, forcing them to relocate further away due to wages not keeping pace with the soaring cost of living. 

I am committed to being a strong voice for workers and advocating for their rights. I will continue to uplift their voices so that their demands can be heard and met. It is crucial that a fair contract is ratified, one that truly values the hard work and dedication of our Orange County hotel workers, who are the backbone of our thriving tourism industry. 

Supervisor Sarmiento collaborates with CalOptima Health, OC Social Services and Other Partners to Host a Community Resource Fair in Anaheim on July 29th! 

Need help renewing your government benefits? We are excited to announce an upcoming Community Resource Fair, which aims to support and assist our community. 

We understand that navigating government benefits and renewals can be overwhelming. Join us as we unite as a community to offer support, guidance, and opportunities to thrive.  I would like to extend a special thanks to the Orange County Social Service Agency, CalOptima Health, Anaheim Elementary School District, the City of Anaheim, and 50 nonprofit community-based organizations.  

Our partners will: 

• distribute food and diapers 
• host raffle prizes and 
• provide entertainment, including our special guest, Wild Wing from the Anaheim Ducks, face painters, and a live magician.  

Together, we are working to create a strong and resilient community. 

Location:

Ponderosa Park & Family Resource Center

320 E Orangewood Ave,

Anaheim, CA

Saturday, July 29, 2023

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

(Supervisor Sarmiento with Mayor of Orange, Dan Slater)

(Supervisor Sarmiento with Orange Mayor pro tem Arianna Barrios and Councilmember Ana Gutierrez)

I participated in the 28^th Annual 3^rd of July Celebration and where I had the honor of leading the Pledge of Allegiance of the United States. The American Flag is a symbol that bonds and binds all of us; it is a symbol of freedom, an expression of hope that we have for our county to meet its true potential, and a reminder of the sacrifice that so many gave for us to have these freedoms and liberties.

Special thanks to the vibrant City of Orange, Mayor Slater, and City Council members for inviting me to participate in this celebration.   

(Supervisor Sarmiento presenting County Resolution)

My office has the privilege of participating in the Summer Night Lights event every Friday organized by Neutral Ground, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the well-being and development of youth in Orange County. Summer Night Lights is focused on reducing crime and violence during the summer months by hosting family-friendly events Friday nights from July 13 to August 11, 2023. Our youth are the cornerstone of our county's future, and my office remains committed to supporting and helping them overcome systemic barriers within our community. That's why we are proud to stand alongside Neutral Ground, every Friday, actively engaging with the community, providing valuable information and resources, and offering raffle prizes to encourage community participation.  

During the kickoff of the first event of the year, I was honored to present a County Resolution commemorating the life and legacy of the late Armando Aguinaga, a beloved neighborhood businessman and devoted father. Allen, his son, and Sylvia, his daughter, graciously accepted the resolution on his behalf, and it was a poignant moment of remembrance and tribute to a remarkable individual. 

(Supervisor Sarmiento with Amy Smith from Metro East Senior Living)

(Supervisor Sarmiento with Heroes Landing Program Manager Moises Lopez and Policy Advisor Carlos Valenzuela)

(Supervisor Sarmiento with the Asian American Senior Citizens Center staff)

(Supervisor Sarmiento delivering iPads to the Resource Hub)

Living through isolated times in 2020, we have learned the value of connection, interaction and access to information. I want to ensure our senior population has the technological tools to stay in touch with loved ones and obtain support programs designed to minimize senior isolation. My office has been touring senior centers to distribute iPads and support the Access to Technology program.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Asian American Senior Citizens Center in Tustin and the Metro East Senior Living Center in Santa Ana. I experienced firsthand how the caring staff are providing wonderful programs for our seniors. My office’s donation of 85 iPads to the two centers will help increase programming opportunities that allow seniors connect to live interactive instructional programs and help reduce isolation.

My office also donated iPads to the Hub Resource Center, an organization in the city of Orange that helps people get back on their feet by offering resources and programs to the unhoused. We were also proud to help Veterans at Heroes Landing. Heroes Landing, located in Santa Ana, provides affordable housing and services to our local veterans.

I want to send a special thank you to Kylee Simonton of the Hub Resource Center, Amy Smith from Metro East Senior Living, Jennifer Wang from the Asian American Senior Citizens Service Centers in, Moises Lopez from Heroes Landing, and our County’s Office on Aging department for the continued support of our seniors.

(Supervisor Sarmiento speaking with the Orange County Employee Association)

In a remarkable display of unity and determination, my colleagues and I unanimously approved a groundbreaking 3-year agreement with the Orange County Employees Association. This contract serves as a testament to our commitment to the well-being of our community. At the heart of this agreement are the dedicated individuals who form the backbone of our public services—the public health nurses, social workers, dispatchers, and countless others who work tirelessly to keep our neighborhoods safe and our communities healthy. These unsung heroes play an invaluable role in the daily lives of our citizens, often working behind the scenes without recognition. 

This new contract marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to provide possible support for our public servants. Not only does it offer much-needed wage increases that reflect the value of their work, but it also serves as a vital tool in our mission to attract and retain the most talented and dedicated workers in Orange County. We recognize that by investing in our workforce, we are ultimately investing in the future of our community.

Are you an Orange County resident trying to dispose of bulky items like old refrigerators and appliances but unsure how? Start by checking with your local waste hauler. Many haulers offer free bulky item pickups. For information on local haulers and recycling coordinators, visit https://oclandfills.com/quick-links.

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Time for yard work? OC Waste and Recycling offers free compost and mulch by appointment to OC Residents! Schedule a pickup appointment in Irvine or San Juan Capistrano (free compost coming to Brea soon).

Capistrano Greenery in San Juan Capistrano is expanding its hours - compost is now available six days a week, Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment.

Free compost is also available at the Bee Canyon Greenery in Irvine, Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment. 

For more information on Capistrano Greenery in San Juan Capistrano, Bee Canyon Greenery in Irvine, and Valencia Greenery in Brea, along with details on small and large quantities of compost, visit https://oclandfills.com/compost.

Are you looking for new opportunities? Look no further; visit the Government Job Fair at the Santa Ana Work Center.

Location: 

801 W. Civic Center Dr., Suite 200

Santa Ana, Ca 92701

July 31, 2023

Noon - 2 p.m.

Free entry and parking validation offered.  

Allow me to introduce Fernando Zamora, our Communications Advisor! Fernando brings a diverse background and experience to Team Sarmiento. Prior to joining us, he worked with the city of Anaheim for six years serving in various community service roles to support our youth, schools, and families. Fernando began his government career in Washington DC at the U.S. Department of State, in the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau. During this time, he was assigned a critical role overseeing Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) operating in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Fernando is responsible for managing and coordinating media inquiries and implementing social media communication. Additionally, Fernando arranges communications for upcoming events and projects the office is working on to ensure community reach across various social media platforms. He works closely with both government and non-profit organizations, actively contributing to the improvement of our community in the Second District.

We appreciate your hard work and commitment to the Second District, Fernando!

July 14 - Aug. 13, 2023, OC Fair

The OC Fair has arrived! Gather your friends and family and head out to the OC Fair to enjoy family-friendly rides, games, food and more. 

Count on the OC Bus to take you to the OC Fair now through August 13. OC Bus offers four bus routes – Route 47, 55, 71 & 178 – that will deliver you safely and efficiently to and from the OC Fair. Relax and let someone else drive by taking OC Bus.

To learn more about schedules and routes, visit ocbus.com/ocfair.

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Summer Lunch at the Library 

Lunch at the Library provides children and teens 18 and under with free summer meals, reading programs, and other activities that support learning, health, and wellness. No registration is required. Meals are distributed on a first come, first served basis.

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2nd & 4th Saturday of the month Yoga at the Plaza (Santa Ana)

Free yoga classes! Come stop by the Santa Ana Plaza and join a free yoga class brought to you by the Santa Ana Business Council and YogaWithVanesa. All levels of yoga are welcomed. Bring a mat, towel, water, and a friend if you want. 

Location:

Plaza Calle Cuatro

325 E. 4th St

Santa Ana, CA 

Every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month at 11 a.m.

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Saturdays, Anaheim GardenWalk Cars & Coffee (Anaheim)

Come out to the only indoor covered Cars & Coffee event! Get a chance to meet locals, new auto owners, and learn more about the different makes, models and projects featured. 

Location:

STC Anaheim GardenWalk 

400 Disney Way

Anaheim, CA 92802

Every Saturday 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.

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July 31, 2023 - Teen DIY School Supplies (Garden Grove)

Design your own school supplies and make some art! All supplies provided to make your own tote bag, pencil case, watercolor bookmark, washi tape journal, and pins.

Suggested ages 12-18. No registration required. While supplies last.

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Aug. 6, 2023 - American Blues and Jazz Festival (Santa Ana)

Ready for some American blues and jazz? Check out the monthly Bowers Museum free family festival. This month the museum will feature face painting, art projects, live performances and more. 

Location: 

Bowers Museum 

2002 North Main Street

Santa Ana, CA 92706

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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June 13 - August 8, 2023 - Wrench & Ride (Santa Ana)

Sign up for a Summer Wrench and Ride cohort! In this free eight-week program participants will learn about bicycle repair and maintenance, traffic safety, bike security, and more! At the end of the program, participants get to take their bike home, along with a helmet, lock, and lights.

We will have two cohorts that are for youth ages 13-18 years old. Pick one of the time frames you can attend.

Location:

702 W 17th St

Santa Ana, CA 92706 

1 p.m. - 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

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July 12 - Aug. 2, 2023, Free Summer Concerts (Tustin)

Come check out one of the family-friendly summer concerts held in Tustin. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase from local food vendors. 

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July 7 - August 4, 2023, Movies in the Park (Tustin)

Come check out some of the family-friendly summer movie nights held in Tustin. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase from local food vendors. 

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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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July 14 - Aug. 9, 2023, Free Summer Concerts (Orange)

 Family-friendly summer concerts all summer long in the City of Orange! Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. 

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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, activities, and return each week for something new to find!

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June 5 - Aug. 12, 2023 - Santa Ana Public Library Reading Program

The minds of our community are of the upmost importance! Join the Santa Ana Public Library Reading Program this summer. Discover great books, complete challenges, and earn prizes, programs for children, teens and adults. 

Register online with the Santa Ana Public Library.

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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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OC Navigator provides many resources for different areas you may be looking for assistance in. The different areas provide self-assessments, information, or applications that can further help you.

Some of the Areas include:

• Happiness & Gratitude
• Healthiest Self
• Mindful Apps
• When Unhappy Happens
• Support for Parents
• Support for Students

Santa Ana:

Community input needed to name new Santa Ana parks

 Santa Ana to develop volunteer crossing guard program

AbbVie volunteers make new spaces at Edison Elementary in Santa Ana

Anaheim:

 Anaheim offering down payment assistance for 29 affordable homes near Disneyland

 Expelled OUSD student sues district, alleges racial discrimination, violations of due process

Tustin:

A 101-year-old Tustin woman has spent most of her life donating blood

 Rockin’ in Tustin’s Peppertree Park

Garden Grove:

 Around $10 on tolls? OCTA's decision on 405 tolls costs coming soon

Garden Grove district on track with new sports facilities

Homeless man struck and killed by vehicle in Garden Grove; motorist injured

Orange:

Orange starts off Independence Day celebrations with July 3 fireworks

 Orange’s swankiest new restaurant can be found inside a DoubleTree hotel

Tourist filmed defacing Rome’s Colosseum has been identified, police say

Concert in the Park series rocks Orange