(Supervisor Sarmiento with Muralist Carlos Aguilar) 

Thank you to all the brave men and women who have served our country and kept our country safe. 

Santa Ana is home to a commemorable mural recognizing Latino-American veterans for their service and sacrifices made for our nation.  On Veterans Day, I was honored to meet Carlos Aguilar, who painted this symbolic mural.

Watch the Video here!

(Supervisor Sarmiento joins colleagues at the Groundbreaking of Be Well's Irvine location) 

I joined my colleagues at the Groundbreaking of Be Well OC's newest campus located in Irvine, which is expected to officially open in early 2025. 

Be Well OC is focused on enhancing mental health and wellness services for all Orange County residents, regardless of their ability to pay for services. This second location includes a mental health urgent care center, sobering center, and residential and outpatient programs.

Be Well OC’s first campus, located in the city of Orange, offers mental health and substance use treatment services to ALL residents of Orange County. The services they provide include the following:

• Crisis Stabilization Services
• Sobering Center
• Residential Substance Use Treatment Services (Coming Soon)
• Withdrawal Management Services (Coming Soon)
• Crisis Residential Services
• Co-Occurring Residential Services for Mental Health and Substance Use (Coming Soon)
• Care Navigation Team

I am thrilled to witness the County’s commitment to bolstering its mental health services. Data reveals a concerning gap, with only 36% of Latinos access mental health services compared to 52% of non-Hispanic whites, highlighting the pressing need for equitable and inclusive mental health support.

Be Well OC is here to support families and individuals with their mental health and substance use needs. If you or someone you know needs would like to access one of the above services, contact Be Well at (949) 749-2500 or on their website here.

(Supervisor Sarmiento delivers a speech at the 6th Annual OCJF Fundraiser event) 

I was honored to speak at the Orange County Justice Fund's (OCJF) 6th Annual Fundraiser to raise awareness for the those in the immigrant community who face detention or deportation. OCJF's efforts have helped many gain successful legal representation. This is critical because as of February 2023, over 22,949 deportation cases were pending at the Santa Ana Immigration Court.  The cities of Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Garden Grove are home to the most residents facing deportation without legal representation.

For more information on how you can get involved or receive additional information, visit OCJF's website here. 

(Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, Congressman Lou Correa and

Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez) 

My office recognized Hispanic Heritage Month, which celebrates the cultures and contributions of the Hispanic community. I want to highlight two Latino leaders who served on the Board of Supervisors before I did. Gaddi Vasquez, was the first Latino to serve on the Board of Supervisors.

In 1987, Gaddi Vasquez was the first Latino Supervisor in Orange County. He went on to serve as the 16th Director of the Peace Corps. Until 2009, Vasquez was the 8th United States Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, nominated by former President George W. Bush. As a trailblazer, Vazquez certainly set the precedent for many other Latino leaders to follow. 

In 2004, Lou Correa was elected to the Board of Supervisors. He was then elected to the Senate to represent the 34th District of the California. Currently, he serves as the Congressman for the House of Representatives under the 46th District. 

I am proud to follow in their footsteps in serving the community and shining a light on diversity. 

(Supervisor Sarmiento speaks to youth about substance abuse at a listening session) 

I had the opportunity to engage with a group of young individuals at The Cambodian Family Center in Santa Ana. We discussed the sad reality of prevalent drug and substance abuse and avenues to combat the issue to make our communities safer. 

Thank you to the youth who participated in the event and shared their ideas and passions for improving our community.  

(Communities gather to celebrate 100 years of flight at John Wayne Airport) 

Congratulations to John Wayne Airport (SNA) for 100 years of flight! In celebration of the centennial anniversary, SNA staff have opened an exhibition, displaying the rich history of aviation. The exhibition covers the beginnings of the Eddie Martin Airport in the 1920s to present-day John Wayne Airport.

The exhibition is located before security on the upper departure level in the walkway gallery between Terminals B and C, open until January 2024. See a virtual walk-through of the exhibit and more information on SNA's website here. 

The Community Legal Aid SoCal is now offering free legal services to make an impact on low-income families and individuals. 

In just 2023 alone, Community Legal Aid SoCal has provided over $26,000 in economic benefits for their clients, impacting almost 2,000 households, closing 800 cases, and servicing about 4,000 hours in our Second District communities.

Now, for qualifying residents in Orange and Los Angeles counties, individuals can request free eviction defense services, free expungement services and hire an attorney to help with dismissals, arrest record sealings, reductions, juvenile record sealings, certificates of rehabilitation/pardons, and many more. Community Legal Aid SoCal is also offering free debt collection workshops at the Orange County Law Library, in partnership with the Public Law Center, funded by the State Bar of California Equal Access Fund and the Legal Service Corporation, with support from the Orange County Superior Court. 

For free legal advice, contact the Community Legal Aid SoCal via their hotline at (800) 843-5001 or online on their website.

I would like to introduce my Policy Advisor, Vasila Ahmad, who oversees a variety of pivotal policy areas, such as healthcare and homelessness. She embarked on her journey with the County of Orange two years ago while pursuing her Master of Public Policy degree at the University of California, Irvine. Vasila is an Orange County native who from a young age harbored a deep passion for public service.

Vasila plays an integral role in analyzing initiatives within entities like CalOptima Health, the Health Care Agency, Behavioral Health Advisory Board, the Commission to End Homelessness, and the Animal Care Community Outreach. 

Vasila, thank you for your hard work and the care you put into the communities within the Second District!

The Morales family asks for support for their incredibly strong and brave 3-year-old son, Matthew. He has been enduring an unimaginable struggle – chronic pancreatitis, a battle he's been fighting since birth due to a rare condition called pancreas divisum. They have received a ray of hope through an evaluation at Cincinnati Children's Hospital for a Total pancreatectomy with Islet Autotransplantation (TPIAT) procedure. This procedure offers Matthew the chance at a pain-free life and mitigates the high risk of pancreatic cancer that he faces. The evaluation is scheduled for December, and the procedure, if recommended, will keep him in Cincinnati for approximately 3 1/2 months, with ongoing follow-up care. 

The financial burden for the Morales family threatens to compromise Matthew's best chance for a pain-free life. We are helping them spread the word to find help supporting their son's journey towards health and happiness.

Please consider supporting them by donating to their Matthew's GoFundMe page. Even a small donation could help the Morales family reach their fundraising goal. 

OC WARMLine 

At no cost, NAMI OC is offering confidential, peer-based emotional support and resource phone line: OC WARMLine. The line is available 24/7 and can be reached via phone, text, email, or live chat. Peers can advise callers on mental health concerns, substance use issues, loneliness, worry about a loved one, or guidance to resources. 

Toll Free: (877) 910-WARM

Call/Text: (714) 991-6412

Email: WL@NAMIOC.org

Live chat: namioc.org

Family Support Groups

NAMI OC is now hosting peer-led support groups for any adult with a loved one living with a mental condition. Support groups require the active participation of each individual and are not open for observation at this time. Conversations encourage healing through productive discussion with community members and promote empathy for each other. More information about locations, dates, and times can be found on NAMI OC's website.

Connection Support Groups

Are you looking for a non-judgmental space to discover your inner strength and share your experiences with others? Look no further than NAMI OC's peer-led Connection Support Groups. Support groups are offered hybrid and in-person and require active participation as they are not open for observation at this time. More information about locations, dates, and times can be found on NAMI OC's website. (Please note that Wellness Centers require a membership to enter. Membership is free)

The Orange County Workforce and Economic Development Department is proud to present new resources and programs available for residents to help them get a boost in the job market.

Mobile Unit

OC Workforce Solutions introduces its Mobile Unit, traveling around Orange County to various communities to help connect jobseekers and employers to resources. Services include both business and individual resources. The Mobile Unit requires appointments. You can find the full calendar and list of locations here. 

Grow with Google Certificates

Want to get a competitive advantage in the job market? OC Workforce Solutions can provide you with that advantage through the Grow with Google program. Complete diverse courses covering data analytics, digital marketing, IT automation, IT support, project management, and UX design. Certificates are granted upon the completion of a course and scholarships are offered for the first 300 sign-ups. Courses are open to adults and youth. For a complete list of locations, dates, and times, please refer to the website here. 

Adult and Dislocated Worker Programs

The OC Workforce Solutions presents its Adult and Dislocated Worker Programs. All services are free and cover a wide range of resources including, but not limited to: access to technology (computers, copy and fax machines, telephones), paid work experience, on-the-job training, specialized assessments, job leads, and support after program completion. To check for eligibility requirements and other program details, visit the website here. 

Veterans Employment Program (VEP)

For our brave heroes who served our country, let us help you on your journey to your next mission. Receive convenient access to free resources like career coaching, apprentices and other job trainings, workshops, and many more. To check for eligibility requirements and other program details, visit the website here. 

Youth Employment & Training Programs

Calling all youth, ages 15-24 years old! Are you ready to jump into the job market? OC Workforce Solutions has free services that include paid work experience, opportunities to earn your high school diploma, vocational and other job trainings, tutoring, and many more! For more information, please refer to the website here.

Business Solutions

At no-cost to all OC businesses, OC Workforce Solutions provides business solutions and advice via phone call or email at BusinessServices@OCWorkforceSolutions.com. Services include customized recruiting/career fairs/hiring events, on-the-job training, human resource consulting services, hiring assistance, paid work experience/internships, and labor market  information. For more information, visit their website here. 

For further information about employment resources, call OC Workforce Solutions at (714) 480-6500, text (657) 210-1295, or visit their website.

Nov. 18, 2023 - Veterans Day Resource Event

The Veterans Day celebration continues with the Garden Grove Veterans Day Resource Event! Come enjoy activities and special vendors for a night! This event is free for veterans and requires reservations in advance. 

Location: 

Garden Grove Elks Lodge #1952

11551 Trask Ave.,

Garden Grove, California

92843

Saturday, November 18, 2023

3 p.m. - 8 p.m.

***

Nov. 18, 2023 - Plaza Navideña

Happy Holidays! Celebrate the start of the holiday season with a tree lighting event in Plaza Calle Cuatro! Come ice-skate, enjoy live entertainment, and fun with family and friends! 

Location: 

Plaza Calle Cuatro 

325 E 4th St,

Santa Ana, California

92701

Saturday, November 18, 2023

5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

***

Dec. 02, 2023 - Breakfast with Santa

Come join Tustin Parks & Recreation Department in grabbing Breakfast with Santa! Event includes coffee, cocoa, craft stations, movies, carolers, face painting, and many more! Ticket pre-sales begin November 20th, so get them before they sell out!

Location:

Tustin Community Center at The Market Place

2961 El Camino Real, 

Tustin, California

92780

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Event begins at 9 a.m.

***

Dec. 03, 2023 - Tree Lighting Ceremony

Kicking off the start of December, the City of Orange proudly presents the 29th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Candlelight Choir Procession! There will be kid-friendly activities available, like photos with Santa, and all kinds of non-profit booths for everyone to enjoy! This event is open to the public. 

Location: 

Old Towne Orange Plaza

300 E Chapman Ave,

Orange, California

92866

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Festivities begin at 3:30 p.m. 

Official music program begins at 5:15 p.m.

***

Dec. 03, 2023 - Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Village

Anaheim's annual Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Village event is back and at a new location this year! There will be children's holiday entertainment, vendors and crafters, a candy canine costume contest, visit with Santa, Christmas tree lighting, and so much more!

Location:

Anaheim City Hall

200 S Anaheim Blvd,

Anaheim, California

92805

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Event begins at noon (12 p.m.)