Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento - 2nd District Newsletter

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OC Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, 2nd District

August 30, 2024

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

As you may know, the County filed a lawsuit against individuals and organizations connected to the non-profits, Viet America Society and Hand2Hand, which received millions of dollars in COVID relief funds under the direction of District 1 Supervisor Andrew Do.

The County alleges that these funds, intended to aid vulnerable seniors, were misappropriated for personal gain. Both county and federal officials are now investigating these claims and warrants have been executed at multiple locations in the county.

I want you to know that my office is dedicated to serving the residents of the Second District and that we will not allow the distraction caused by the litigation and ongoing investigation to take attention from the important work that we must get done as a Board.

Though the Board cannot remove Supervisor Do from office, we must take steps to rebuild the public’s trust and move the County forward.

More information related to the investigations and the lawsuit will come to light over the coming months and this remains a fluid situation.

I want to make clear that I remain committed to increasing accountability and transparency in County contracting and governance, and that is especially true in light of the current issues the County faces.

Supervisor's signature

Vicente Sarmiento
Supervisor, Second District
Orange County Board of Supervisors

Yasie Goebel
Chief of Staff

Rosemary Contreras
Operations Manager

Robert Villegas
Communications Advisor

Richard Santana
Community Outreach Manager

Manuel J. Escamilla
Senior Policy Advisor

Vasila Ahmad
Policy Advisor

Carlos Valenzuela
Policy Advisor

Damiana Armendariz
Executive Assistant

Thank You to Our Part-Time Staff
Joese Hernandez, Jessie Lopez, Jonathan Rivas, Matthew Vuong

Thank You To Our Interns
Leisa Komyo, Briana Olallo, Diego Sanchez, Justin Soto

Stay Updated!

	SupervisorSarmiento.com

	Vicente.Sarmiento@ocgov.com

	714.834.3220

In Community

Supervisor Sarmiento Leads Community Discussion on the Strategic Budget Plan

On the 28^th, residents participated in a discussion on the County's 2025 Budget, during a meeting in the City of Orange. Thank you to all those that participated and voiced their ideas and concerns.

The 2025 Strategic Financial Plan, which sets the priorities for future budgets. The conversation was excellent, and I was very happy to hear from participants their top concerns and priorities for their communities for the upcoming budget cycles.

I want to ensure community priorities are represented and heard in this process and the community meeting marked only the first opportunity for residents to share their feedback. The budget planning process is ongoing, and I look forward to hearing your ideas. Please reach out to me with additional suggestions or comments.

Supervisor Sarmiento opened the budget plan conversation with residents.

Supervisor Sarmiento Leads Board in Recognizing the Historic Contributions of OC Families for Chicano Heritage Month

I truly enjoyed recognizing members of the Latino Community at the August 13 Board of Supervisor’s meeting. I was proud to join in celebrating Chicano Heritage Month. It was an honor to celebrate and focus on the strong Chicano tradition and focus on the many contributions that Chicanos have made to improve conditions for families living, working, and attending school here in Orange County. The impact of their actions and bravery facing discrimination are still felt today and go well beyond our county’s borders.

Honorable Judge Fedrick Aguirre and members of the Estrada, Guzman, Mendez, and Ramirez families participated in the presentation.

Supervisor Sarmiento Partners to Support Families Headed Back to School

I was proud to have collaborated with Mayor Aitken on our Back to School Bash at Orange Grove Elementary! A huge thank you to ICNA, UAB Foundation, and our incredible partners for making this event possible. Over 800 people attended and together, we provided families with backpacks, shoes, food, and essential resources. Special appreciation to Project SAY youth, Principal Valdez, and the Superintendent for their support. Here’s to a strong start to the school year for all our students!

Working alongside staff and volunteers to make this

a great back-to-school event.

Team Sarmiento Joins Anaheim National Night Out Event

We had an amazing time joining the City of Anaheim for National Night Out with the Anaheim Police Department. Our office was happy to provide face painting and see the community come together. It was great to watch officers, cadets, and explorers connect with residents and build stronger ties. Thank you to everyone who came out to make the night unforgettable!

Community and members of law enforcement enjoy the night.

Team Sarmiento Celebrates at Chicano Festival

I was honored to have my staff present Orange County’s first-ever proclamation recognizing Chicano heritage at the Santa Ana Chicano Festival! We celebrated with classic cars, art, music, and powerful expressions of Chicano culture. Together, we honor our history and look forward to the future. Speakers at the event reminded the crowd of the need to vote—it’s crucial to have representation that reflects our community.

Cars, culture, and community support were on display at Chicano Festival.

Team Sarmiento Joins Santa Ana College Family Night Event

We were happy to support the Santa Ana College Family Night event! It was a huge turnout, and we were pleased to see so many members of our community come out to enjoy the festivities. SAC President, Dr. Annebelle Nery, shared an important message: Santa Ana College is here to support YOU! With 100% tuition-free continuing education classes for adults living in California, you can take classes in English, finish high school, or even become a U.S. citizen!

Families enjoy the great atmosphere at Santa Ana College.

Team Sarmiento Recognizes Officers at Responders First Event

My policy advisor, Carlos Valenzuela, was on hand at the Responders First event held at Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana to recognize the efforts of Santa Ana Police officers. Four officers received recognition for their efforts in helping keep the community safe.

Officers Bernardo Camacho, Renald Galstian, Bradley Sharp, and Adam Sattar were recognized at the event. Pictured with Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez.

Supervisor Sarmiento Celebrates the Commitment and Dedication of Rafael Larraenza

On August 11th, we gathered for a truly special event to honor Rafael Larraenza for his tremendous contributions to our community through Desert Angeles. His dedication and selfless work continue to inspire us all, and it was a privilege to celebrate his achievements with so many incredible leaders and supporters. The event also highlighted the amazing pageantry from Grupo Versage NG, who do incredible work in uplifting others and building confidence. I’m proud to support such an amazing group.

Supervisor Sarmiento presents certificate of recognition to Rafael Larraenza.

Team Sarmiento Recognizes Extraordinary Tustin Volunteers

My team attended and helped recognize the remarkable volunteers at the annual Superheroes of Tustin event. Organized by the Tustin Community Foundation, the recognition luncheon is held as a tribute to those who unselfishly volunteer their services to the community. These volunteers work passionately to help others and improve the community. They support schools and houses of worship, local school booster clubs, youth sports organizations, service clubs, and other nonprofits.

Extraordinary volunteers recognized as Tustin Superheroes.

Services and Resources

OCTA Provides Free Youth and Community College Student Passes

With OC Bus, youth can ride free anywhere in Orange County! Whether you're heading to school, your part-time job, or just out for some fun, the Youth Ride Free Pass has you covered. Hop on board and enjoy the ride!

OCTA also provides students enrolled at all nine community colleges in Orange County with free transportation on OC Bus to school, work and new destinations to explore!

Keeping Families Together Program Expanded

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is now accepting applications for its parole-in-place amnesty program, “Keeping Families Together”. This recently expanded program allows undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens to remain in the United States while applying for legal residency. This program is designed to prevent family separation by enabling eligible individuals, who have been in the U.S. for at least 10 years and meet specific criteria, to obtain temporary legal status and work authorization without leaving the country. This is so important to many of our families. https://www.uscis.gov/i-131f.