(Left to Right: Ernest Mitchell, Rev. Lee de Leon, Mia Verdin, Don Han, Pastor Tommy Cota, Steffanie Belasco, Supervisor Sarmiento, Teresa Alverado, Nati Alverado, Miguel Hernandez, Diego Sarmiento, Kelita Gardner, Leonel Talavera, Rev. Arturo Ferreras) 

In the spirit of welcoming people of all backgrounds, my office proudly hosted an Interfaith Leadership Conference with leaders from eight faith groups. The conference provided a forum for an open exchange of ideas, focusing on critical issues affecting our families and neighborhoods, including food insecurity, support for immigrants, gang intervention, homelessness, and hate crimes. The conference was an essential first step for working with the faith community to address our district's needs. 

(Supervisor Sarmiento participates in a civic engagement roundtable with youth) 

I had the honor of attending a Civic Engagement event to bridge the gap between community members and their elected representatives. The event served as a steppingstone towards increasing civic participation from voters, as only 41.2% of Second District residents participated in the 2022 government elections. By bringing together individuals and families who had not previously engaged with their elected officials, this initiative provided a platform for an advocacy meeting where personal stories were shared, and local issues were championed. Attendees received my feedback, propelling their causes forward and illuminating pathways to effective change.

The Civic Engagement paves the way for a more engaged and informed citizenry, ensuring that the voices of tomorrow's advocates are both heard and impactful. Thank you to BoricuActivatEd for putting together this pivotal initiative and providing civic engagement training. Collaborations with the Latino Coalition for Community Leadership and Underground GRIT further amplified the event's impact, empowering high school students, young adults, and families to actively shape their communities' future.

(Supervisor Sarmiento celebrates healthcare professionals) 

The recent Orange County National Health Center Week provided a platform to honor the dedication of healthcare professionals. This event underscored their invaluable contributions in providing care to our community and ensuring access to preventive services for those who might otherwise lack it.

This event also served as a bridge, bringing together communities and decision-makers to deepen their understanding of health centers. It highlighted the need for collaboration, advocacy, and active participation to ensure that quality healthcare remains accessible to all. Special thanks to the Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers and Children's Hospital Orange County for coming together to host this event. 

Introducing the Mobility-4-All Program: Affordable Journeys with Metrolink! This revamped initiative offers a 50 percent fare discount on all tickets and passes for passengers holding a valid California Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Redefining equity in public transportation, this program reflects the commitment to inclusivity since its inception in September 2022. Simply use your California EBT card at any Metrolink station ticket machine to verify eligibility and enjoy discounted travel. For more information and details visit MetroLinkTrains.com.

Victoria Barrios, an 18-year-old girl, was tragically killed in Santa Ana near Pine Street and Hickory Street on August 30th, 2019.

The murder has since turned cold, with the suspects left uncharged and the case unsolved. Her family, contacted me for support in the fight to get justice and raise awareness for the unsolved murder. 

Her mother, Eva Barrios, has organized the "Who killed my daughter?" campaign and desperately seeks an answer every day. No matter how insignificant it may seem, please get in touch with the Santa Ana Police Department or Victoria's family via their website for any tips or leads about the investigation. Information can be provided anonymously, contributing to Victoria's family move closer to justice.

My office has contributed to this cause since the tragedy. Victoria's family has organized a community outreach fundraiser to spread the word about the case. The fundraiser will be taking place in Santa Ana on August 26th, 2023, at Chapter One Restaurant. The rally will take place from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., and the fundraiser from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. shortly after. Join me in attending this event to show your support for Victoria's case, and please also consider donating to the cause here. 

Your support and care are greatly appreciated, and together, we can achieve justice for Victoria Barrios, making our community a safer place. 

I encourage each and every one of our community members to get involved in your local government. Stay engaged by voting in upcoming elections, support community events, and attend city council and Board of Supervisor meetings. There are also opportunities to serve on vacant positions within Second District boards and commissions. Anyone who is interested and meets the qualifications is encouraged to apply. 

Click here to learn more and apply for one of the following vacant positions: 

Senior Citizenship Advisory Council 

Orange County Veterans Advisory Board 

Campaign Finance and Ethics Committee 

North Tustin Advisory Committee 

OCTA - Accessible Transit Advisory Committee 

Orange County Workforce Development Board 

In general, all applicants must be registered to vote in Orange County and reside within the Second District, which includes the city of Santa Ana, portions of Anaheim, Orange, Tustin, and Garden Grove, as well as portions of unincorporated North Tustin. If interested in any position, please send applications via email to manuel.escamilla@ocgov.com, or call our office at (714) 834-3220 for any questions or concerns. 

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Aug. 26, 2023 - DogFest with Canine Companions

Celebrate National Dog Day with DogFest, hosted by Canine Companions! Canine Companions is a non-profit organization, dedicated to raising awareness for people with disabilities and fundraising to provide expert-trained service dogs. Come spend a day with your furry friend, enjoying food, drinks, vendor booths, and many more!

Location:

SteelCraft Garden Grove

12900 South Euclid Street, 

Garden Grove, CA

92840 

Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023

12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

*** 

Aug. 27, 2023 - Chicano Heritage Festival

Ready for a day full of community, culture and fun? Check out the second annual Chicano Heritage Festival Aug. 27th, 2023. The City of Santa Ana is proud of its Mexican American history and has declared the month of August as Chicano Heritage Month. The event be filled with Chicano cultural performances, car show, food, art, historical exabits and more! 

Location:

El Salvador Park

1825 West Civic Center Drive,

Santa Ana, CA

92702

Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023

11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

***

Aug. 27, 2023 - Orange County Blues Festival

Take in the last moments of summer with the Orange County Blues Festival! OC Blues Festival brings you some of the best blues bands in the SoCal area, whether you are a blues fan or not. Bring family and friends for a starry night of music! 

Location:

Stages Bar

604 E Dyer Rd,

Santa Ana, CA

92705

Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023

3 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. (Doors open at 2:30 p.m)

***

Sept. 1-3, 2023 - Orange International Street Fair

A traditional Old Town Orange event since 1973, the Orange International Street Fair brings its 2023 audience a new array of vendors, selling food, drinks, handmade crafts, live performances, and many more, promoting local small businesses. Join families for a day of fun, sharing and celebrating different cultures. Admission is free. 

Location:

Old Town Orange (Orange Circle)

112 E Chapman Ave,

Orange, CA

92866

Friday, Sept. 1 - Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023

10 a.m. - 10 p.m. (Starts at 5 p.m. on Friday)

***

Sept. 7-10, 2023 - Fiestas Patrias Carnival 2023

Celebrating local Latino and Hispanic communities, the Fiestas Patrias Carnival is back for its annual festivities! Honoring the independence of various Latin American countries and its residents that reside in the local area, Fiestas Patrias brings to you live music, food, carnival rides, and many more! Free admission available inside the Anaheim Marketplace Management office.

Location:

Anaheim Indoor Marketplace

1440 S Anaheim Blvd,

Anaheim, CA

92805

Thursday, Sept. 7 - Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023

5 p.m. - 11 p.m.