On Monday, January 15, we will commemorate and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior. This observance is a time to remember Dr. King's commitment to the fight for freedom, equality, and civil rights. As a national leader, Dr. King changed history by leading a nonviolent movement in the late 1950's and 60's to achieve legal equality for African Americans. Dr. King's actions paved the way for many communities to fight for equality and justice. As an intergenerational leader, his speeches continue to influence us today. Here is one of my favorite quotes by Dr. King, "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."

I hope you find a moment to reflect on how his legacy has positively impacted our nation. I will be celebrating at the Prayer Breakfast at Newsong Church and at Santa Ana College's Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration.

I want to thank the Anaheim City Council, for supporting new signs celebrating the rich contributions of Arab Americans. Thank you to all the community members who advocated to bring attention to the importance of the new signage.

The dedicated freeway sign is a small investment that will provide significant benefits, signaling inclusivity and preserving our cultural heritage. I excited about the positive impact this will have on our vibrant community.

Last week, we were able to successfully close out the Christmas festivities with four different Dia de los Reyes events that I was honored to be a part of. 

Traditionally, Dia de los Reyes Magos is celebrated throughout Spain, Mexico, and Latin American communities with festivities celebrating the travel and arrival of the Three Wise Men with gifts to Jesus's birth. 

(Anaheim Downtown Youth Center)

First, we stopped by the Rosca de Reyes event held at the Anaheim Downtown Youth Center. Team Sarmiento presented diapers and distributed food items to families.

(Dia de Reyes Santa Ana's Sullivan Community)

On our next stop, we visited Santa Ana's Sullivan neighborhood where we distributed toys for young children. 

(Chicanos Unidos)

We concluded the weekend celebrations with friends and family from Chicano Unidos in Townsend, celebrating the day with food, music, and toys for little ones. 

(Dia de los Reyes, Anaheim)

We wrapped up the festivities with another amazing food and toy distribution alongside Mayor Aitken and United Across Borders at the Downtown Anaheim Community Center Gym.

It was a fantastic week, connecting with community members and loved ones. Each event was truly meaningful, and I enjoyed seeing everyone having fun. 

(Team Sarmiento and OC GRIP celebrate students with community partners)

Carlos, my policy advisor, attended a celebratory event presented by Orange County Gang Prevention and Intervention Partnership (OC GRIP), where students at Fitz Intermediate School in Santa Ana were awarded bicycles, helmets and locks for their achievements. 

OC GRIP is a law enforcement-led partnership, operating in 62 schools in Orange County, including 6 schools in the City of Santa Ana. This partnership encourages students to stay in school, make positive decisions, and discourage involvement in criminal street gangs. Students who meet their individual goals are rewarded and celebrated. 

Generous contributions included bicycles from Saddleback Church, helmets from the Santa Ana Police Department, and locks from OC GRIP. Students gathered with their families, law enforcement, and community leaders to celebrate their achievements. 

Congratulations to all eight students who earned their bikes! Keep up the great work!

The Point in Time Count, conducted every two years during the last ten days in January, is a vital assessment of homelessness in Orange County. The 2024 count is now accepting sign-ups for Volunteer Information Sessions. This community effort, involving diverse groups, provides crucial data for understanding homelessness trends, identifying needed services, and guiding collaborative efforts to address this complex social issue.

These in-person training sessions will inform interested individuals on their role as a volunteer for the Orange County 2024 Point In Time Count. The sessions are as follows:

El Toro Public Library

Wednesday, January 10, 2024 

12 p.m. - 2 p.m. 

Fullerton Public Library

Thursday, January 11, 2024

5 p.m. - 7 p.m. 

Norma Hertzog Community Center

Saturday, January 13, 2024

For more information, please visit the Point in Time website here.

You may have noticed a recent increase in respiratory virus illnesses in Orange County, to address the uptick, OC Health Care Agency Public Health Services recommends residents get vaccinated and be vigilant about preventive measures, including:

• Stay home when you are sick and symptomatic.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Mask in large group settings.
• Wash your hands frequently.

For COVID-19 symptoms or exposure:

• Test before gatherings. Free test kits can be ordered by visiting USPS Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests or visit CDC No-Cost COVID-19 Testing for more options.
• Act fast to seek COVID-19 treatment if confirmed positive, as treatment must begin within 5-7 days of when symptoms start. 
• Follow Isolation and Quarantine Recommendations issued by the California Department of Public Health.

As the winter cold starts to finally kick in, stay warm this first month of the year and welcome the new year with an open mind of how we can better serve the community in 2024. I wish everyone good health so that you can continue to enjoy spending quality time with family and friends this year. Happy New Year everyone and stay safe! 

The Orange County Registrar of Voters is now hiring employees for the 2024 Presidential Primary Election. 

Seasonal positions for the upcoming election include: 

• Election Representatives (Vote Center Employees): To assist with the employee phone bank, help navigate voters, and serve the public. 
• Staff Assistants: Lead training for Vote Center Employees.
• Election Workers: Receive and distribute supplies, ensure all mail is processed correctly, and make certain that all voting equipment is functional and properly delivered.
  
• Data Entry Technicians: To process voter applications.
• Scanning Technicians: To support ballot scanning operations.

To apply for a position, visit ocgov.com/jobs, search the term "Elections".

Join us at OC Animal Care's next drive-thru pet pantry this Saturday. The event includes the free distribution of dog, cat, rabbit, and bird food for pet owners in need. Hurry by with your furry friends while supplies last!

Location: 

1630 Victory Road, 

Tustin, California 

92782 

Saturday, January, 2024

Event Begins at 8 a.m. 

OC Animal Care has updated the adoption and viewing hours for the County’s Animal Shelter.

Beginning January 17, 2024, OC Animal Care will offer:

Daily adoption visits from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Viewing Hours from 2 – 5 p.m.

Location:

1630 Victory Rd. 

Tustin, California 

92782