Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Annual Holiday Open House. It was truly a heartwarming opportunity to open our doors to the community and welcome so many friends, partners, and community leaders join us. The support and collaboration from our community throughout the year means so much. I enjoyed sharing some holiday cheer with my family, my office team, and with our dedicated County staff.

Staff, family, and friends enjoyed the festivities. 

It was a pleasure partnering with community-based organizations to provide residents with mental health, emotional wellness, and other resources. In partnership with OMID Multicultural Institute for Development, Lifting Humanity, and The Cambodian Family, the event focused on the resources needed to find pathways to success and wellness.

The event in Santa Ana was open to all community members and attracted many individuals from the Afghan and Latino communities, including refugees and recent arrivals. Thank you to the OC Health Care Agency, OC Social Services, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, and other partners for their support of the event and to 1st Point Apartments for the use of the facility.

Great to work with non-profit partners and staff to serve the community.

It was an honor to attend the recent re-enactment of the 1947 Mendez, et al. v. Westminster case, organized by the Appellate Court. The case was all about families and their fight to provide a better life for their children, but it paved the way in the battle for desegregation across our country. I was proud to join Judge Frederick Aguirre, and members of the Estrada, Guzman, and Palomino families to recognize this important event in Orange County’s and the nation’s history.

Members of the Estrada, Guzman, and Palomino families at the re-enactment.

This month marked the fifth year for Tamalfest in Downtown Santa Ana. I was proud to support this great event and join our community for an incredible evening celebrating one of our favorite traditions — tamales!

With 12 amazing local vendors, live entertainment, and a kids’ village, families came together to share food, fun, and community.

The community and vendors that participated made the event a delicious success.

I had the honor of breaking bread with incredible young people who were recognized for their resilience and transformation. I listened to their stories of growth at Neutral Ground’s Thanksgiving Dinner, which was truly inspiring and memorable. I am especially grateful to Nati Alvarado, founder of Neutral Ground, for his dedication and support. Moments like these remind us of the power of support and second chances, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful event.

It was great to share the evening with intervention specialists, principals from Santa Ana, Anaheim, and Tustin Unified, Santa Ana Council Member Ben Vazquez, and the amazing Dr. Adela Cruz, whose mentorship continues to change lives.

On Thanksgiving Day, Team Sarmiento had the honor of delivering meals to 14 families in need. A huge thank you to CambaLache Grill for preparing such an incredible holiday feast! Your generosity and culinary talents brought warmth and joy to so many tables.

Most importantly, a heartfelt thank you to Lisa Solomon from SAUSD FACE for organizing this effort and making it all possible. Your hard work turned a vision into a reality, and we are so grateful for your leadership. It’s never too late to pay it forward, there’s always more we can do for our community.

We want to acknowledge the amazing volunteers who worked to make sure these families received a festive holiday meal.

I had the opportunity to recognize the public service and commitment to the City of Tustin of two outgoing council members, Letitia Clark and Becky Gomez. It was a special occasion to highlight their years of dedication on the council and the many ways they have contributed to our community over the years.

We are deeply grateful for their hard work in making our community a better place. Their leadership, vision, and tireless efforts will be greatly missed. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors and hope they continue to inspire others with their commitment to public service.

Outgoing Tustin City Council members Becky Gomez and Letitia Clark.

The application window opened this week for e-bike incentives for income-eligible Californians. To see if you qualify and to apply, visit the CA E-bike incentive page. 

As part of its ongoing effort to transition its bus fleet to 100% zero-emission technology by 2040, the Orange County Transportation Authority will purchase 40 hydrogen fuel-cell electric buses and 10 battery-electric buses, which will replace buses at the end of their useful lifespan that run on compressed natural gas. The new buses are expected to hit the streets of Orange County in late 2026. All the buses will be equipped with technology and safety features including video surveillance systems, reverse-motion cameras, fire and hydrogen detection systems, driver barriers, and electronic fare transaction devices.

Santa Ana: Holiday Toy Giveaway

Monday, December 23

Location:

931 Highland Street

Santa Ana

Santa Ana: Downtown Holiday Celebration

Tuesday, December 24

Please join us for a FREE holiday meal with the family and a toy giveaway for the children.

Location:

220 E. Third Street

Santa Ana