(Supervisor Sarmiento greeting Mohammad)

(Supervisor Sarmiento with Mohammad and family)

In a heartwarming celebration of hope, 4-year-old Mohammad, who has been bravely fighting leukemia, took a flight from John Wayne Airport to fulfill his dream of visiting Disney World. The event, organized by Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire in collaboration with John Wayne Airport, marked the launch of the Trips That Transform initiative. Supervisor Sarmiento met Mohammad and his family to wish him a farewell.

Trips That Transform initiative's impact goes beyond a simple trip; a recent Wish Impact Study revealed that 90% of medical providers observed increased treatment compliance among children after learning they would receive a wish. The Airline Mile Donation Campaign is crucial in making such life-changing experiences possible for children like Mohammad. By donating unused airline miles and supporting Make-A-Wish, we can brighten the lives of courageous wish kids and provide them with hope and inspiration during their challenging journeys. Together, we can be the change and create a world where hope and compassion make lasting differences in the lives of those who need it most. Donations can be made here.

(Supervisor Sarmiento supporting our community)

In a remarkable display of unity and civic engagement, the Health & Community Resource Fair, hosted by our office this past Saturday, witnessed an astounding turnout, demonstrating the incredible need in our community. Over 4,200 individuals came together to explore various resources and information provided by 60 non-profit organizations. 900 boxes of food and 1,000 boxes of diapers were distributed to families in need.

Our commitment to ensuring quality healthcare to residents in underserved parts of Orange County remains a shared responsibility between our non-profit partners and county departments. By continuing to champion such initiatives, we are one step closer to creating a society where access to health resources is equitable, and the well-being of everyone is valued.

I want to give a special thanks to Cal-Optima, Orange County Social Service Agency, Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Congressman Lou Correa, Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, Anaheim City Councilmember Carlos Leon, Anaheim Union High School Trustee Jessica Guerrero, and Superintendent Chris Downing for their collaborative efforts and dedication; their support was vital in advocating for health equity and improved healthcare accessibility.

(Supervisor Sarmiento with Maritza Bermudez, OCCCO Community Organizer)

(Student artwork)

The "Together We Transform" Community Schools Conference took place at Sunkist Elementary in Anaheim. Organized by the Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO) in collaboration with the Anaheim Elementary School District (AESD), parents, and students, the event aimed to revolutionize education through a more intersectional and community-led approach.

For me, the highlight of the conference was undoubtedly the extraordinary presentations featuring student leaders and parents. Witnessing young minds passionately articulate their vision for a transformed education system was both heartwarming and eye-opening. These young leaders eloquently spoke about their dreams of inclusive learning environments where every child's unique needs are met and diversity is celebrated.

It takes a village to raise the next generation, and this transformative approach holds the potential to shape a brighter future for the younger generation, one where education can truly empower and uplift communities.

(Supervisor Sarmiento speaking at the July 18, 2023, Board of Supervisors Meeting)

I am thrilled to announce that the County's three largest cities are making history by signing their first-ever Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This monumental agreement secures federal funding to support their dedicated efforts in combatting homelessness.

We must remain focused on the core values of HHAP—Homeless, Housing, Assistance, and Prevention. The recent UC San Francisco study revealed that many individuals experiencing homelessness were just $300-$500 away from losing their housing. Prevention is one of the fundamental pillars my office has been advocating for. We urge our partners to recognize the value of prevention and ensure it receives the attention it deserves. 

Together, we can build a comprehensive approach to ensuring that families and individuals on the verge of homelessness can remain safe with a roof over their heads. 

I’m happy to introduce my Senior Policy Advisor, Manuel J. "Manny" Escamilla. Manny is a dedicated longtime public servant, having worked for the City of Santa Ana for 15 years as an archivist at the Santa Ana Public Library, an analyst in the City Manager’s Office, and city planner in the Planning and Building Agency. 

A fellow Berkeley alumnus with two master’s degrees from UCLA, Manny is a policy wonk at his core. He currently reviews and assists with OCTA, OC Public Works, John Wayne Airport, water infrastructure committees, the Assessor’s Office, the Treasurer-Tax Collector, and housing policy. His encyclopedic knowledge of local history and public policy topics has been a great addition to the team.

Manny, thank you for putting your skills in service of the residents of the Second District!

Santa Ana:

Millions of dollars going toward transforming Santa Ana’s public libraries

Anaheim:

Art in the ‘Big A’ — Local artists come out swinging, painting live at Angels game

Tustin:

Pilot programs to show off adoptable pets to more people at OC Animal Care shelter

Garden Grove:

How Orange County’s Indecision Records is celebrating 30 years of hardcore punk

Orange:

Bird watch with OC Parks

Aug. 4, 2023 - OC Public Libraries (Orange County)

The new academic school year is just around the corner! Check out an Orange County Public Library near you for back-to-school events. 

On Aug. 4, 2023, OC Public Library will hold a virtual kick-off event "Transitioning Back into the Classroom' with an interactive presentation to help students, teachers and families adjust going back to school. 

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Aug. 2023, Chicano Heritage Month (Anaheim)

The city of Anaheim has declared August as Chicano Heritage Month! There will be nearly 20 events held at different libraries throughout the month. Events will include art workshops, movies, movies, and more! Check out a list of events on the Anaheim Public Library website.

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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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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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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 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 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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