(Supervisor Sarmiento speaks at Unite Here Local 11 rally on Labor Day) 

On September 4th, I hope you were able to join us in commemorating the hard work and contributions of our workers on Labor Day. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the hard working people in our society, including parents, underrepresented employees, leaders, and laborers who continue to work on this holiday. Let us also take a moment to recognize the progress in organized labor, acknowledging that the struggle to achieve equal and safe working conditions is a continuous effort.

While Labor Day might be over, continue to thank the laborers in your community and recognize the significant contributions working families and individuals have made in our lives. 

(Supervisor Sarmiento, Congressman Correa, and Board of Supervisors with Professor Gradilla and his student, Carlos Escobedo III) 

I am proud to announce that last month, Orange County became the first county in the United States to recognize Chicano Heritage Month. This marks a historic milestone for our Chicano brothers and Chicana sisters, who have long struggled to express political empowerment, ethnic solidarity, and pride in being of Indigenous descent. 

The movement began with what was known as The Chicano Movement, or El Movimiento, in the 1960s and 1970s. The "Chicano" or "Chicana" terms seek to grant a greater cultural hegemony to a long-marginalized group of individuals. Grassroot leaders like Vickie Castro, Ruben Salazar, Corky Gonzales, Sylvia Mendez, Sergio O'Cadiz, Manuel Hernandez Trujillo, Emigdio Vasquez and Dolores Huerta, encouraged Chicanos to fight not only for equality, but for equity, igniting national conversations and sparking lasting efforts on the social and political world.

Embracing Chicano lineage and traditions helps us instill cultural pride in our younger generation and I am proud that we shed light on the Chicano movement, struggles and accomplishments. 

(Supervisor Sarmiento speaks to public about housing authority) 

In light of the ongoing housing crisis, our office partnered with the cities of the Second District to host a Housing Authority Forum on August 19 at the Garden Grove Community Meeting Center.

The forum was held in collaboration with the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and the Orange County Housing Authority. This forum marked the first time in nearly 20 years that all four Housing Authorities gathered to provide the public with resources regarding the Housing Voucher Program.

Residents can visit the following websites to learn about available applications, waitlist positions, and specific questions about the Section 8 program:

Residents of Anaheim 

Residents of Garden Gove

Residents of Santa Ana

Residents of other OC cities

My office recognizes the need for more affordable housing. This forum was one step in partnering with all local agencies to find meaningful solutions to the housing crisis. The Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA) already provides more than 10,000 monthly vouchers and I am happy to announce that their Housing Voucher waitlist is now open! Please go here to learn more about how to apply for housing support.

(Supervisor Sarmiento speaking at Doss v. Bernal Reenactment event)

On August 26th, I attended a historic reenactment of the 1943 Doss v. Bernal case (Case No. 41466) held at the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana, organized by Honorable Judge Thomas A. Delaney and Honorable Retired Judge Frederick P. Aguirre. 

The case began on February of 1943 when Alex and Esther Bernal moved to a beautiful home in the sunny neighborhood of Fullerton. Following the sale of the home, Ashley and Anna Doss, alongside four other homeowners, filed a lawsuit to void the sale and evict the Bernal Family from their new home. 

The case was decided by Superior Court Judge Albert F. Ross, sided with the Bernal family and ruled to nullify the private housing covenant the plaintiffs wanted to enforce. This racially restrictive housing covenant had prevented any person of Mexican descent or of any other race than of the Caucasian race to become rightful homeowners within this subdivision. Ross claimed that the covenant violated the equal protection clause under the Fourteenth Amendment and was also against public policy. 

This case became a precedent for future civil rights cases to come, as it was the very first case to validate early civil rights movements in Orange County. 

Hosting a reenactment of this case almost 80 years later reaffirmed the important role that Orange County residents played in advancing racial equality in the United States.  As exemplified by this case, we all have the ability to shape a more equal community for our residents. 

(Supervisor Sarmiento with fairgoers at Orange International Street Fair) 

My office sponsored the 51st Orange International Street Fair (OISF) in Old Towne Orange. This year, the theme was "Circle the World," every street leading out of the Old Towne Plaza featured a selection of international foods and drinks.

OISF is a 100% volunteer-led event, with food and beverage purchases benefitting local non-profits in the community.

As a three-day event, OISF hosted 15 ethnic streets with 42 food and drink booths featuring handmade crafts, community booths, and commercial vendors. Live performances were also held, with local bands playing on seven stages. 

Community turnout during the three days was phenomenal. Thank you to the vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and the OISF Committee for organizing a fantastic summer event!

(Supervisor Sarmiento supports the Barrios Family with a donation) 

The Community Outreach Fundraiser, supporting the Justice for Victoria Barrios campaign, was held at Chapter One Restaurant in Santa Ana on August 26. 

I'm proud to support the Barrios family's search for justice by donating $5,000 in hopes of helping the family find those responsible for murdering their beloved Victoria. 

If you would like to support the family, you may donate here. To learn how to help Victoria's family, please visit their website for more information. 

Your support and attention to this tragic case is greatly appreciated. 

(Santa Ana Unified School District unveils the restored Sergio O'Cadiz mural at Fremont Elementary School) 

On August 18th, Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) leaders held an event to celebrate the mural restoration of the very talented Sergio O'Cadiz Moctezuma, one of the most influential Chicano artists from Orange County.

The Santa Ana Community Artist(a) Coalition led the restoration efforts with financial support from SAUSD. They worked with his daughter, Pillar O'Cadiz an grandson, Román O’Cadiz, to faithfully restore the mural at Fremont Elementary School in Santa Ana.

After moving to Orange County in 1962, O'Cadiz quickly became a part of the local artist circle, leaving a lasting impact on the art world and the Chicano Movement up until his death in 2002. His mural at Fremont Elementary  was done in collaboration with local architect Ralph Allen in 1973 and was restored as part of the mural's 50th year anniversary. 

Like many other forgotten artists of color, much of O'Cadiz's work was erased or painted over. This restoration marks an important milestone in recognizing the artistic contributions of local artists of color in Orange County. 

(Supervisor Sarmiento with Board of Supervisors and John Wayne Airport aviation staff) 

At Tuesday's Aug. 22, 2023, Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board of Supervisors and I presented a resolution of present investment in the future of aviation to celebrate the historic journey of John Wayne Airport's 100 years of flight.

Originally established on land bought from the Irvine Ranch in the 1920s, aviation pioneer Eddie Martin began running the Eddie Martin Airport. In 1979, the Orange County Board of Supervisors officially renamed the airport John Wayne Airport (SNA). 

John Wayne Airport has continuously been a vital source of commerce and new aviation technology, paying homage to aviation visionaries and providing cleaner, safer, quieter air travel.

In celebration, John Wayne Airport staff have arranged an exhibit tracing the history of aviation. We are organizing a Celebration Day in October and partnering with airlines to provide travelers with memorable souvenirs starting in October. 

Congratulations to John Wayne Airport and aviation staff for 100 years of flight as they soar into another generation of aviation. 

In partnership with Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Orange County Workforce Development Board and Anaheim Workforce Department, I am hosting a Job Fair on Wednesday, September 13, at the Anaheim Downtown Community Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Job seekers will be able to connect with top business leaders from diverse industries by directly submitting their resumes and streamline the job hunt.

It is recommended that job seekers dress to impress with professional attire and bring multiple copies of resumes to distribute to employers. 

Registration is required for this event and can be completed here or by scanning the QR code. Admission and parking are free. 

Youth Ride Free Boardings

OCTA is proud to present that the Youth Ride Free Program has now surpassed over 5 million boardings. The pass allows youth, ages 6-18, to ride any OCTA bus for free, providing safe and easy transportation for work, school, or leisure. Registration for 2023-2024 school year passes are now available. A valid pass along with a parental request form are required to ride for free. 

Water Quality Awards

The OCTA Board of Directors is pleased to announce that they have recently approved $3.4 million to be dedicated for 10 water quality projects throughout Orange County, protecting our water quality and safety. Measure M funding, most known for providing environmental clean-up programs, allows OCTA to initiate these projects, which will include managing litter and debris on roads, preserving ocean health, transportation improvements, and many more. 

Streetcar Construction

Recent streetcar construction has been underway to provide Orange County residents with cleaner, quieter, safer, and reliable transportation throughout Santa Ana's Downtown area. The Street Car project will connect the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center (SARTC) and a new transit hub on Harbor Boulevard and Westminster Avenue in Garden Grove. The OC Streetcar program has now completed several track, platform, and traffic signal installation across its planned 4.15 mile route. Road closures are expected to continue throughout Downtown Santa Ana with detours and limited pedestrian access. 

Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Triennial Review

OCTA recently passed the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Fiscal Year 2023 Triennial Review with zero findings, a perfect score for the second time in a row. The national average findings is eight, making this a rare achievement for an operational size as large as OCTA.

Check out the OCTA website for more updates!

Sept. 16 & 17, 2023 - Fiestas Patrias

Get ready for a full day of festivities as we commemorate the independence of various Latin American countries and the people residing in our city. In addition, the Fiestas Patrias Parade will also be returning on Sunday, September 17

Location:

W. Civic Center Dr. & N. Flower St.

Santa Ana, California

92703

Saturday, September 16, 2023 - 12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 17 from 3:00pm – 5:00pm.

***

Sept. 13, 2023 - Communities Come Together

Families of Garden Grove, I encourage you to attend the "Communities Come Together" event. This will be a family-friendly event full of fun and safety learning, the Garden Grove Police Department will be teaching children and families about dialing 911, crossing the street safely, how to properly check Halloween candy, and more. 

RSVP with Rubi Garcia at (714) 856-4914

or signup online here.

Location:

Community Meeting Center

11300 Stanford Avenue,

Garden Grove, CA

92840

Wednesday, September 13, 2023 - 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

***

Sept. 16-17, 2023 - Camp Creep It Real

Spooky season is quickly approaching and the Heritage Museum of Orange County in Santa Ana is bringing back the annual "Creep It Real OC." There will be over 120 Halloween and horror-themed vendors, music, food and get a chance to meet-and-greet celebrities from Disney's Hocus Pocus. 

Admission is free for children 10 and under.

Costumes are encouraged and the venue is pet friendly.

Purchase tickets online here.

Location:

Heritage Museum of Orange County

3101 West Harvard Street,

Santa Ana, CA

92704

Saturday, September 16, 2023 - 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Sunday, September 17, 2023 - 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

***

Sept. 16, 2023 - Recover Happens Picnic

Join the OC Health Care Agency for the Recover Happens Picnic! A clean and sober event, OC Health Care supports people in recovery and people who support those in recovery. Save the date for a good time with family and friends, food, and games!

Centennial Park

3000 W Edinger Ave.,

Santa Ana, CA

92704

Saturday, September 16, 2023

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

***

Anaheim:

Disney agrees to $9.5 million settlement over Magic Key annual pass dispute

Santa Ana:

 Recall election of Santa Ana Councilmember Jessie Lopez set for Nov. 14

Orange:

 Orange Unified welcomes students back to class

Garden Grove:

High school football 2023: Garden Grove League preview, top players

Tustin:

 Real estate news: KTI Hydraulics buys new manufacturing base in Tustin for $26.5 million