(Supervisor Sarmiento welcomes volunteers from Latino Health Access who attended to share healthcare-related information)

Last month, I hosted a Medi-Cal Enrollment event at the Delhi Center to raise awareness of the recent law expanding Medi-Cal coverage.

Due to a change in legislation, as of January 2024, undocumented adults aged 26-49 may qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal benefits. This includes access to services such as vision care, dental care, emergency visits, mental health services, and prescription medicine.

Prior to the change in state law, many individuals primarily relied on emergency care, resulting in higher costs both for the individuals and our state. Broadening coverage is a step towards addressing pressing health issues like prevention, early diagnosis, and proper treatment.

It is estimated that 40,000 to 70,000 adults in Orange County will qualify for this coverage expansion.

I want to thank our community partners who participated, provided resources, and donated food to this event:

Social Services Agency, Cal Optima, Delhi Center, Consulate of Mexico, Community Legal Aid SoCal, Hispanic Bar Chamber, Latino Health Access, Coalition of Clinics, CHIOC, CAPOC, Covered California, Santa Ana Unified School District, Tacos El Gringo and Gus's Fried Chicken.

(Mathew Vuong, from my office, sharing information at our booth with residents)

(Supervisor Sarmiento and his wife, Eva Sarmiento, read a story to students at Heroes Elementary School)

I was thrilled to participate in Read Across America Week at Heroes Elementary School. My wife, Eva, and I enjoyed reading "Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!" by Dr. Seuss to a beautiful group of students in the special needs classroom. 

Read Across America celebrates reading, promoting the joy of storytelling and fostering a love for books. Reading aloud enhances early childhood literacy and creates a shared experience that sparks imagination and curiosity in young minds.

We also stopped by Mr. Ruben Acosta's 2nd-grade classroom and heard the students speak about the colleges they hope to attend when they grow up.

Thank you, Heroes Elementary School, for inviting us to your school!

(Chief of Staff, Yasie Goebel, with advocates for positive change, including representatives from Samueli Foundation, Kennedy Commission, OC Grantmakers, Edwards Lifesciences, Wells Fargo, Chase Bank, Kaiser Permanente, Weigngart Foundation, among others)

Adequate housing stands as our foremost priority in the Second District. Stable housing directly impacts access to resources such as education, economic opportunities, community development, and overall social stability. 

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), over 580,000 people experienced homelessness in the U.S. on a single night in January 2020. Approximately 35% of the homeless population in the U.S. were found to be unsheltered.

In Orange County, where approximately 320,000 people live in poverty, the median cost of a home in February was $955,000. 

My Chief of Staff, Yasie Goebel, partnered with philanthropic supporters and non-profit organizations to engage in critical discussions about the housing crisis.

This collaboration includes identifying the immediate needs of those struggling with housing but also exploring sustainable, long-term solutions. The goal is not just to alleviate the symptoms of the crisis but to address its root causes, ensuring a more resilient and inclusive housing infrastructure for the future.

For more information on housing resources, visit your local housing authority or Orange County Housing Authority's website here. 

(Ribbon cutting at Casa Lulo)

My Policy Aide, Andres Romero, joined the Orange Chamber in celebrating Casa Lulo at their ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Casa Lulo, under the passionate leadership of Johana, is a small business specializing in unique hand-printed designs and interactive creative workshops.

Johana passionately expressed her commitment to spreading positive messages during the ceremony through her designs. Believing that these values can make a real difference in our lives and the world, she designs with a purpose. With every design, she aims to inspire others to be good to themselves, the planet, and each other. 

I wish Casa Lulo continued success in making a positive difference in our community, one hand-printed design at a time.

(My District Representative, Joese Hernandez, celebrates with staff at Givo Ice Cream)

My office was honored to be a part of the grand opening of Givo Ice Cream.

It was a celebratory yet emotional moment for the Palomo family as they dedicated the day to their brother, who recently passed away. Their journey in the ice cream business started by Giselle ten years ago in Michoacán, Mexico. With the help of her brother Octavio, and after much hard work and determination, they brought her concept to the city of Santa Ana.

Givo combines their nicknames, Giss and Tavo, showing the unity in their joint venture.

If you're in Santa Ana, visit their store next to the Northgate on Fairview and 17th. Their 100% high-quality fruit ice cream with no artificial flavors will be a delicious snack as warmer days come our way.

(Santa Ana delegates admiring the California State Capital)

I am proud to have sponsored the Santa Ana Youth and Government delegation which allowed them to participate in the esteemed YMCA Youth and Government's Model Legislature and Court program in Sacramento. This opportunity provided an immersive experience in the democratic process, engaging in activities from legislative debates to courtroom simulations.

Providing our youth with platforms and tools is a crucial investment to enhance their skills to become not only active, but also confident in their future involvement with government policies and systems. I am pleased to see these delegates nurturing their interests and emerging as young leaders in their communities, and I await their continued growth in their advocacy.

The County was approved to receive additional California Department of Aging (CDA) funding to continue the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP). HICAP offers free, unbiased, one-on-one counseling, education, and assistance to individuals and families needing guidance on Medicare, Long-Term Care, or other health insurance matters.

Eligibility includes individuals aged 65 or older who are eligible for Medicare or soon to be eligible and individuals under 65 who have a disability and are eligible for Medicare.

HICAP counselors can help you:

• Understand your Medicare benefits and options
• Compare and evaluate the right Medicare plan for your needs
• Resolve problems with your Medicare coverage
• Appeal denied claims

Call the OC Office on Aging Information & Assistance Call Center at 1 (800) 510-2020 to learn more. Multilingual customer service assistance is available.

Orange County Emergency Pet Clinic has been a cornerstone of emergency veterinary care in our communities since 1975. Orange County Emergency Pet Clinic is not just another pet clinic, they ensure our fury friends receive crucial attention when traditional clinics are closed.

They provide exclusive emergency care during weeknights, weekends, and holidays, offering seamless collaboration with family veterinarians. Open weeknights, weekends, and 24 hours on major holidays.

Trust Orange County Emergency Pet Clinic for compassionate and skilled emergency care.

Locations:

12750 Garden Grove Blvd.,

Garden Grove, CA 92843

Phone: 714-537-3032.

3920 N. Harbor Blvd.,

Fullerton, CA 92835

Phone: 714-441-2925

For more information visit er4yourpet.com 

Each year, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) takes a moment to honor its exceptional employees, each exemplifying dedication, excellence, and innovation in their respective roles. The OCTA's Employees of the Year program celebrates outstanding individuals in three distinct categories: Coach Operator, Maintenance Employee, and Administrative Employee. As a Board Director with OCTA, I am proud to recognize and celebrate this year's honorees.

Coach Operator of the Year – Manuel Lara

Manny Lara, with tenure since July 1995, exemplifies safety, reliability, and customer service. With 25 years of safe driving and exceptional attendance, he has voluntarily covered shifts during personnel shortages, also serving as a trainer for new operators.

Maintenance Employee of the Year – Carlos Palacios

Since November 2003, Carlos Palacios has shown dedication and excellence as a Journeyman Mechanic. His leadership in the engine repower project, ushering in a new era of near-zero emission buses, and exemplifies OCTA's commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Administrative Employee of the Year – Jeff Mills

Jeff Mills, a Senior Program Manager, played a key role in the I-405 Improvement Project's success, which opened to the public on December 1, 2023. His dedication and leadership drive OCTA's achievements.

Congratulations to these exemplary individuals for their outstanding contributions to OCTA, embodying the values of dedication, innovation, and service excellence.

Attend the OC Procurement's Vendor Information Day, held every first Thursday of the month. This event offers insights on doing business with the County, along with networking opportunities with our procurement team. RSVP here for the next upcoming session. 

For details on current or upcoming county solicitations, register as a vendor/supplier on the vendor registration page.

OC Procurement will also be hosting a free Supplier Outreach Event where you showcase your organization and enhance collaboration amongst community members and across our Supplier community. 

Tables are limited to 1 per entity, but separate RSVPs for as many attendees as possible are allowed. RSVP for the event here or scan the QR code on the flyer for more information! 

March 23, 2024 - WALK4Alz

Location:

Angels Stadium of Anaheim

Start time: 8 a.m. 

March 24, 2024 - Free Museum Day

Free-for-All is BACK! On Saturday, March 23, 2024, over thirty museums—presenting art, cultural heritage, film, natural history, and science—will open their doors and offer free general admission.

This offer is for general museum admission only and does not apply to specially ticketed exhibitions. Regular parking fees apply at each museum. Consult individual museum websites for hours, directions, and other visitor information.

Visit this website for a full list of museums participating in the Annual FREE-FOR-ALL 

March 2024 - Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center’s (AASCSC) Free Tax Preparation Clinics

AASCSC will be offering free tax preparation services every Tuesday from February 6 to April 9.

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.

12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

April 13, 2024 - Community Resource and Health Fair

Are you ready to learn more about your Medi-Cal and CalFresh benefits? Orange County Second District Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento and City of Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Thai Viet Phan are excited to bring you the Community Resource and Health Fair! There will be free health screenings, food distribution, and lots of fun activities for the whole family!

Location: 

Centennial Park

3000 W. Edinger Ave.

Santa Ana, California

92704

Saturday, April 13, 2024

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

May 11, 2024 - Gun Buyback

Save the date to help keep our community safe by anonymously disposing of unwanted guns. In partnership with the City of Anaheim and Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee, I am proud to bring you our first Gun Buyback event. Firearms must be unloaded and in the trunk or bed of the trunk of your car. No questions asked, all buybacks will be anonymous and no IDs or other identification are needed. $100 will be offered for handguns and $200 for riffles. 

Location:

Brookhurst Community Center

2271 Crescent Ave.

Anaheim, California 

92801

Saturday, May 11, 2024

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

May 16, 2024 - Supplier Outreach Event

Are you interested in working with the County to serve the community? The County of Orange is hosting a free Supplier Outreach Event where you showcase your organization and enhance collaboration amongst community members and across our Supplier community. Tables are limited to 1 per entity but separate RSVPs for as many attendees are allowed. RSVP for the event here or scan the QR code for more information! 

Location:

Mile Square Park, Freedom Hall

16801 Euclid St.

Fountain Valley, California

92708

Thursday, May 16, 2024

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.