(Supervisor Sarmiento & Anaheim Councilmember Carlos Leon listening to community members)

I joined Anaheim Councilmember Carlos Leon for the second night of the Point in Time (PIT) count in the City of Anaheim. We listened to first-hand accounts from many people experiencing homelessness.

I was grateful for the honesty and bravery of many  unhoused individuals for their willingness to share their stories. High rents and a lack of affordable housing were often discussed as a reason for their lack of housing.

Each count and story is crucial to help us understand and address the complex problem of homelessness. These efforts will improve how we allocate resources to ensure no one is left unseen or unheard.

Thank you to the County Care Coordination Team and all the volunteers who dedicated their time to this year's point-in-time count. Together, we can make a positive impact on our community.

I am happy to announce that the City of Anaheim opened its system of cold weather shelters on February 4^th, 2024, offering vital assistance to unhoused individuals during the cold weather. Last month, my colleagues and I approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Anaheim to fund the operations of a Cold Weather Emergency Shelter Program for individuals experiencing homelessness in the City of Anaheim.

The City of Anaheim is partnering with its faith-based organizations to host various mini shelters, with up to 15 beds each, for a total of up to 50 beds across the City. The County will provide $137,500 in funding to operate cold weather shelter beds which are open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. - the shelters will only be accessible to those with Anaheim ties and activated during cold weather conditions such as:

• Overnight rainstorms
• High winds
• Temperatures below 45 degrees 

Additionally, the County will reduce its entry requirements into its two County shelters, the Yale Navigation Center and Bridges at Kramer Place, and allocate any unoccupied beds to individuals seeking shelter from the cold weather.

Cold weather shelters are vital to providing a safe refuge and essential services for individuals experiencing homelessness during harsh winter conditions. I want to thank Anaheim City Manager, Jim Vanderpool, who also serves with me on the Commission to End Homelessness, and the City of Anaheim for their partnership on this critical project. This model, particularly with our faith-based organizations, serves as an excellent example of that showing. Together, we can work towards a more balanced distribution of extreme weather shelters throughout the County. 

(Supervisor Sarmiento with Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) Board of Trustees President David Crockett at Santa Ana College's Martin Luther King Jr Celebration)

On January 15th, I was honored to speak at Santa Ana College for their Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. 

Thank you, Santa Ana College, Orange County Heritage Council, and OC Ministers' Conference, for commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.'s life as a visionary leader and fostering a discussion on his principles of inclusivity and unity that he advocated for.

As we reflect on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s teachings, I am reminded of the vital importance of not just taking the easy path, but rather, striving to address the pressing needs of our community. Let us be inspired to act with courage and conviction, to champion causes that truly matter and make a positive difference in the lives of others. 

(Supervisor Sarmiento with OC eligibility professionals at NEW PATHS Conference)

I had the pleasure to close out the 34th Annual National Eligibility Workers Association- Professional Associated Through Human Services (NEW PATHS) Training Conference. During this state-wide conference, eligibility professionals from neighboring counties were able to connect and learn from each other.

Social Services Agency currently serves roughly 1 million residents in Orange County. Eligibility professionals connect our most vulnerable residents to critical resources such as food, medical treatment, cash, housing, veterans services, and more. They directly impact the lives of many through programs such as Calfresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKS, and General Relief. In Orange County, eligibility professionals comprise nearly 40% of the Social Services Agency’s more than 4,500 employees.

I am grateful that I had the opportunity to meet many of our eligibility professionals and commend them for their meaningful work. 

Below is a list of new laws in effect in 2024. For more information and the most recent updates, please refer to CapitolTrack. 

• Fast Food Workers Minimum Wage Increase (AB 1228)
  • The minimum wage for fast food workers will be $20 per hour beginning April 1, 2024. 
• Statewide Five Days of Paid Sick Leave (SB 616)
  • Beginning January 1, 2024, paid sick leave was raised from three to five days.
• Changes to Medicare Access for Undocumented Californians (SB 184)
  • Beginning January 1, 2024, undocumented immigrants aged 26 to 49 became eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal.
  • Medi-Cal is now available to every eligible Californian, regardless of immigration status. 
• Streamlined Financial Aid Application for Undocumented Students (AB 1540)
  • Beginning January 1, 2024, the California Student Aid Commission exempts undocumented students from paying out-of-state tuition while they apply for state financial aid through the California Dream Act Application. 
• Peace Officer Traffic/Pedestrian Stop Changes (AB 2773)
  • Started in 2022 by Governor Gavin Newsom, some sections did not become operational until January 1, 2024.
  • Peace officers making a traffic or pedestrian stop must state the reason for the stop before engaging in questioning related to a criminal investigation or traffic violation. 
• Repeal of Anti-Cruising Laws (AB 436)
  • Beginning January 1, 2024, a statewide ban on cruising and lowriding was lifted.
  • Cruising is the custom of leisurely driving on urban boulevards, and lowriders are cars modified to drive close to the ground. 
• Judge-Initiated Resentencing (AB 600)
  • Beginning January 1, 2024, existing state recall and resentencing law was modified to allow the courts to initiate the procedure under specified circumstances. 
  • Courts may now initiate if the applicable sentencing laws have changed since the time of the original sentence. 
  • In most cases, they can do so at any time without input from the prosecuting attorney.

(Furst Drive-Thru Volunteers)

Thank you to everyone who participated in our first Family Furst Drive-Thru Pet Pantry of 2024. It was the largest pantry event to date! 496 cars came through to receive about 17 tons of pet food to feed 1,921 pets.

Also, I am excited to announce that as of January 17, 2024, in addition to scheduled visits, Animal Care is available for daily drop-in adoption hours from 2 to 5 p.m. 

Visit Supervisor Sarmiento's YouTube Channel for an update on OC Animal Care's new hours of service in Spanish.

(Martin Plascenscia presenting OCAC's new video)

Thank you to the entire OCAC staff for their professionalism and support. Together, we helped many families ensure they have the resources they need to feed their pets this month.

(Late Supervisor William Steiner at Orangewood

Children's Foundation Cottages)

I was honored to facilitate the City of Orange's historic street name change from "Justice Center Way" to "Steiner Way" in memory of Late Supervisor William "Bill" Steiner whom passed away on December 15, 2022. 

Mr. Steiner was a passionate and dedicated child welfare activist who spent most of his adulthood fighting to combat child abuse and neglect. He had a tremendous impact on Orange County. He held several public offices, including serving as part of the Board of Trustees for Orange Unified School District in 1983, Orange City Council in 1988, and on the Orange County Board of Supervisors in 1994 after being appointed the year prior. 

The location of this street is significant because it is right next to the Orangewood Children's Home, which he was instrumental in founding. Opening its doors in 1985, Orangewood continues to help children to this day. 

Thank you to Orange Mayor Dan Slater, Councilmember Jon Dumitru, City Manager Tom Kisela, Assistant City Manager Susan Galvan, and Senior Assistant to the City Manager Jack Morgan for bringing this project to commemorate Mr. Steiner forward. 

(OC Grantmakers hosted a discussion between funders and non-profits, supported by my Chief of Staff, Yasie Goebel)

I am grateful to OC Grantmakers for fostering a crucial dialogue between impactful non-profits and potential funders to help address challenges within the immigrant community. My Chief of Staff, Yasie Goebel, attended the event to listen to the needs of local non-profits and offer support. 

In our ongoing effort to understand the community, Yasie will participate in the OC Equity Profile Advisory Committee next week through OC Grantmakers, advancing equity and strengthening community collaboration in OC. Learn more about OC Grantmakers' work in the field of equity by reviewing their report. 

(Cell dogs “Waldo” and “Buster”)

Cell Dogs Inc. was founded by Executive Director Janette Thomas and Concept Dog Trainer Lynn Middleton. The program pairs youth housed at Orange County Probation facilities with selected dogs from various shelters. The youth are a part of a four- week instructional program on how to train dogs before being entrusted with the dog for eight weeks. 

After each program's completion, the dogs are put up for adoption, and a leash exchange ceremony/graduation is conducted where youth can pass on their dog's leashes to their new owners. 

The program benefits the unsheltered dogs by providing them training and companionship before adoption while teaching the youth about responsibility, caring for a dog, putting in hard work, and seeing their efforts pay off when their dogs get adopted. It provides dogs with a "new leash on life" and the youth a "new lease on life." 

To learn more about the program, visit their website here.

(Team Sarmiento, Suavecito Pomade, & Bandito Taqueria owners)

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and drive economic growth. Operating a business is no easy feat, it is vital that we recognize the contributions small businesses make to our communities.

I proudly presented a certificate of recognition to the owners of Bandito Taqueria for their outstanding efforts in opening their business within the heart of Santa Ana.

Their journey encapsulates the American Dream and is a true “Santanero” success story. They are commended for serving our community with delicious 100% al carbo, and Tijuana-style tacos in signature pink tortillas.

Congratulations, Bandito Taqueria, for your grand opening and I wish you continued success.

The Registrar of Voters started mailing Vote-By-Mail ballots to registered voters for the 2024 Presidential Primary Election on Monday, February 5.

In this election, you can vote to nominate candidates for the offices of President of the United States, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, and California Assembly Member. You can also vote to approve or reject State Proposition 1 and elect three candidates to the Superior Court bench.

Based on where you live, you may be eligible to vote for a candidate seeking a seat in the California Senate and on the County Board of Education and County Board of Supervisors. The ballot also contains local measures for Huntington Beach, Irvine, and Westminster cities and an effort to recall two members of the Orange Unified School District Board of Education.

Finally, the Orange County Democratic and Republican parties are electing members to their central committees.

To track your vote-by-mail ballot every step of the way, sign up for OC Ballot Express to receive email or text notices at ocvote.gov/track.

Feb 9, 10 & 11, 2024 - Friendship & Valentine Market

Love is in the Air at STC GardenWalk! Looking for a gift to celebrate Valentine and or a friendship. You will find many vendors with gifts ranging from candles, jewelry, and more! 

Location:

400 W. Disney Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Feb 9, 2024 - Feb 11, 2024

Free Entry

Feb 10, 2024 - Lunar New Year 2024

Ready to celebrate the Lunar New Year, grab friends and family and head out to the SteelCraft's Annual Lunar New Year Festival! There will be pop-up shops, lion dancers, live music and more. 

Location:

SteelCraft Garden Grove 

12900 S Euclid St Garden Grove, CA 92840 

Saturday 1 p.m. - 10 p.m.

FREE Admission 

Feb 10th & 11th, 2024 - Flower Street Festival

Historic Main Street in Garden Grove will come alive with song, dance, and vibrant floral displays with the second annual Flower Street festival. The free two-day celebration will feature lion dances, folk games, a flower fashion show, and more.

Location:

12911 Main St, Garden Grove, CA 92840

Saturday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Every Tuesday from Feb 6th-April 9th, 2024 - Free Tax Preparation Services

Tax season is here! AASCSC will be offering free tax preparation services at their center,  (Parking is free at the designated lot). If your household income was less than $64,000 in 2023, you may be eligible to file your taxes for free!

Location:

844 N. Birch Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Every Tuesday, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Feb 16th, 2024 - Orange County Job Fair

There will be around 80 Orange County employers present, and job seekers will be able to connect with top business leaders from diverse industries by directly submitting their resumes and streamlining the job hunt. Dress to impress in professional attire and bring multiple copies of resumes to distribute to employers. Registration is required for this event and can be completed by scanning the QR code. 

Location:

12911 Main St, Garden Grove, CA 92840

Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

FREE Admission

Feb 23rd, 2024 - Medi-Cal Enrollment Event

Location:

505 E. Central Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92707

Friday 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Feb 10th & 11th, 2024 - Flower Street Festival

Location:

2802 S. Flower St., Santa Ana, CA 92707

Friday 2:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Chapman Fowler School of Law Diversity Day

Location: Chapman University

Saturday, February 17, 2024

9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.