I had a great time attending CalOptima Health’s and the County Department of Education’s Back-to-School event in Tustin, where over 5,200 community members attended. This event kicked off the new school year, providing students with the resources and support they need as they head back to school.  From school supplies to health check-ups, the event ensured that kids are well-prepared and excited for the year ahead. I want to thank all the nonprofits, departments, and business partners that made this event a success. Their collaboration and support truly strengthen our community. Wishing all students, a successful and fulfilling new school year.

The following resources were provided to attendees:

• 1,500 backpacks/school supplies by Karina’s Backpack Project
• 4,500 shoes by the H4H Foundation
• 14,225 diapers by Community Action Partnership OC
• 1,000 food boxes by Community Action Partnership OC
• 500 bike helmets by Health Bridge
• 200+ haircuts by Cru Institute a Barber School
• Sport physicals by Hurtt Family Health clinic
• Vision exams and eyeglasses by Lestonnac Free Clinic
• Dental services by AltaMed Healthy Smiles

Last week, I joined with Congresswoman Katie Porter to advocate for the passage of Senate Bill 1111. Introduced by California Senator Dave Min, this bill aims to restore the public trust by increasing transparency and accountability in government contracting. Government contracts should serve the public interest, not lead to personal gain or family enrichment. 

This past January, I drafted an ethics reform initiative for the Board’s consideration which  addressed conflicts of interest and increased transparency. Unfortunately, the new Board Rules failed to garner majority support at that time.

In response to the continued speculation of misuse of funds, I am collaborating with members of our Orange County Delegation to support legislative solutions to these issues. This commonsense legislation ensures taxpayers are both protected and informed. Find out more at: sd37.senate.ca.gov.

Senator Min, Congresswoman Porter and Supervisor Sarmiento respond to reporter questions at a press conference held on August 2.

I was honored to host the first-ever Bolivian Independence Day celebration at the County of Orange Civic Center, joined by Consul Gabriela Silva, friends, and families. We celebrated the 199th anniversary with traditional food, raised our glasses in a community toast, and enjoyed Bolivian music and art. The night was beautifully capped off with the building illuminated in the colors of Bolivia. Sending a warm embrace to everyone in the Bolivian community! ¡Es con mucho orgullo y gran esperanza que celebro 199 años de libertad junto a nuestra comunidad!

Supervisor Sarmiento celebrates Bolivian Independence and Culture. 

I joined Supervisor Foley and County staff to celebrate the release of the County’s Draft Preliminary Climate Action Plan. The public meeting offered an initial opportunity to comment on the plan and suggest changes and improvements. This event kicked off the beginning of the comment period, marking the first step in the process. The comment period will be available from now until August 21, 2024. We will need your continued support as the plan evolves and the environmental analysis begins.

For more information and to provide comments please visit ocgov.com/sustainability.

Members of the public provide comments at the meeting On August 6^th.

August is recognized as Chicano Heritage Month, and I had the pleasure of partnering with OC Parks to officially host the grand opening of The Chicano Collection/La Colleción art exhibit at the Old Orange County Courthouse. 

Preserving the cultural heritage within our diverse and historic communities is crucial, especially when it comes to depicting the stories and struggles of Mexican Americans and Latinos in the Southwest. I wanted to bring this exhibit here because many of our residents do not have the opportunity to visit the museum in Riverside, and Orange County has played a vital role in the Chicano movement. Admission is free and The Chicano Collection/ La Colección Chicana exhibition will run through the end of the year and is free to visit.

Supervisor Sarmiento joins the community in celebrating the opening of the exhibit.

Thank you to City of Orange Police Chief Dan Adams for supporting our Gun Buyback Event on June 30^th, 2024, in the City of Anaheim. The Orange Police Department, along with other neighboring police departments, sent officers to support this important event that made our communities safer by providing a safe and legal option for residents who wanted to dispose of some of their guns. Thank you to the City of Anaheim and Anaheim P.D. for partnering with our office to host this event and continue making our communities safer.

Chief Adams recognized for his support. Guns taken off the street during the gun buyback event.

It was a great celebration at the launch of VOTOS LOCOS, a video game created to inspire first time and disenfranchised voters to participate in the electoral process. I was proud to recognize the efforts of Victor Payan and Pocha Peña, and their creative team that was involved. Voting is critical and provides an opportunity for communities to build their own future. VOTOS LOCOS promotes participation via four digital adventures that focus on voter registration, networking, canvasing, and casting ballots. To learn more about the innovative work visit DreamocracyinAmerica.org.

The creative team and Santa Ana Councilmember Hernandez were on hand for the launch.

I am thrilled to be a part of the official launch of construction for these six new homes on West Washington Ave in the City of Santa Ana. These are not just homes; they represent our community and provide six families with a bright future, knowing they now have a place to call home. I want to thank Habitat for Humanity of Orange County for their commitment to making homes affordable for our Santa Ana families and strengthening our communities.

Project staff and supporters break ground on new homes.

I joined the City of Orange for the ceremonial street renaming in honor of Mr. William G. "Bill" Steiner’s, recognizing his years of service and his role in founding the Orangewood Children’s Home and the Orangewood Foundation. Mr. Steiner was the driving force in creating the Orangewood Children's Home. Orangewood Children’s Home provides a safe and nurturing environment for children during vulnerable times. The street renaming symbolizes Bill Steiner’s mission to provide hope, and a safe caring place for children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected.

Supervisor Sarmiento joins with family members in recognizing the contributions of Mr. William G. Steiner.

I am so proud to be able to support the creation of affordable housing in Orange. The recent groundbreaking of the Orion project was a true celebration and marked the culmination of multiple years of work needed to fund the construction of this badly needed quality senior housing. The 166-unit project will incorporate 8 permanent supportive housing units, services, and a true community environment for senior residents. Years of dedication from affordable housing advocates and a mix of public and private funding has made the project a reality. I could not be happier that the County was able to provide some of the funding needed to begin construction. 

Public entities and private partners join in the groundbreaking for the new Orion project.

Together with Vice Chair Chaffee’s office, my District Representative presented a certificate commemorating the launch of the SEMENA (South Asian, Middle Eastern, North African) partnership.  The SAMENA collective is a network of 17 local organizations that seek to advance equity, representation, and governmental partnerships. Over 50 community members, local elected officials, allies, and well-wishers attended. To learn more about how to get involved, visit samenaoc.org.

SAMENA Collective members and supporters celebrate and receive recognition.

Orange County was selected as the next county in California to receive a “detection dog,” which is used to protect the local agricultural industry and the environment by inspecting plant shipments. The program enhances the Agricultural Commissioner team’s effectiveness at intercepting harmful plant pests coming from areas outside of Orange County – pests that could be detrimental to the county’s agricultural industry and economy. More information here.  

Bear, a 2-year-old male Labrador Retriever, and his handler, inspector Vanessa Ochoa, made history as the Agricultural Commissioner office’s first canine team.

Great Art On Display - Free Admission 

August - December

Location:

211 W. Santa Ana Blvd.

Santa Ana

Please Join Us

Saturday, August 17

Location:

816 E. Chestnut Avenue

Santa Ana

Please Join Us For

This Important Event

Thursday, August 22

Location:

500 N. State College Blvd.

Orange

Please Join Us For A Public Meeting

on the County’s 2025 Financial Plan

Wednesday, August 28

Location:

Grijalva Park

368 N, Prospect St.

Orange