Small businesses, nonprofits, and independent contractors can now apply for the District 1 Grant Program!

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our small businesses were impacted due to falling sales or shutdown of entire industries. The District 1 Grant Program is an opportunity for small businesses within the First District to get the help they need to get things started again. The application is all online and only takes a few minutes to complete. Applications are selected through a randomized computer drawing, broken down by eligible city. Managed Care Solutions (MCS), the County’s Workforce Development provider, will conduct the drawing.

Be sure to submit the application by the July 31 deadline to have an opportunity for economic support.

www.district1grantprogram.com

During yesterday’s press conference, Supervisor Doug Chaffee and I announced the launch of the Latino Health Equity Initiative. The initiative seeks to improve education, outreach, and access to care. The County of Orange, Latino Health Access, and University of California, Irvine are working together to make sure we’re directing resources and attention to the most critically at-risk communities within Orange County. Check out Latino Health Access for future events!

For more information, read my press release: https://d1.ocgov.com/2020-press-releases

Nearly 1,700 families were served today at our Drive-Thru Food Bank with Saddleback Church! The immense needs facing our community are troubling, but witnessing so many people step up to help their neighbors fills me with hope.

Thank you to Rana Muncy from Saddleback for organizing today’s event, President Carmen Blake of the Brockman Institute for your generous donation of milk, and all of the incredible volunteers for selflessly serving the community. Neighbors Helping Neighbors!

Pastor Drew and his congregation from the OC First Assembly is doing great work in these pressing times. Every Tuesday, from 2pm to 4pm, residents who need access to food resources can stop by the First OC Assembly to pick up some groceries. Keep up the great work Pastor Drew!

Address: 1440 E Santa Clara Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705

Our criminal justice system’s focus should be on rehabilitation and preventing recidivism, not indefinite incarceration. Last week, Abraham became the first ever graduate of the OC Young Adult Court (YAC), a 2-year program that allows first-time felons between the ages of 18 and 23 to have their felony conviction reduced or dismissed from their record.

The program, headed by Superior Court Judge Maria Hernandez in collaboration with University of California, Irvine Professor Elizabeth Cauffman, helps participants address the causes of criminal behavior, like getting substance abuse treatment or mental health counseling, in order to prevent it in the future.

Last week, my staff put together over 3,000 certificates of recognition to our graduating 2020 seniors in Santa Ana. Congratulations and best wishes to the seniors at the following schools: Santa Ana High School Segerstrom High School Saddleback IB World High School Santa Ana Valley High School Visual and Performing Arts Godinez Fundamental High School Century High School Cesar E. Chavez High School Middle College High School at Santa Ana College REACH Academy Lorin Griset Academy.

The Orange County Public Libraries has been selected again to host the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read in spring 2021, using the book Lab Girl by Hope Jahren. Program offerings will include Science Technology Engineering Arts Math (S.T.E.A.M.) activities, guest speakers, and other engaging offerings that keep library users connected with Lab Girl. Libraries are a vital resource to our communities. This award aligns with the county’s goal of extending and promoting equal access to every community, including in the arts.

Burgers are always good, especially from local Small Businesses! Last week, my staff and I grabbed some lunch from Kaye's Kitchen in Garden Grove. Don’t forget to shop locally!

By 2040, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) plans to implement a 100% zero emission bus fleet! OCTA has been working with California Climate Investments and other community stakeholders to create a cleaner, greener, future for Orange County.

Check out their website for more information:

http://octa.net/News/Bus/OCTA-Sets-Course-for-All-Zero-Emission-Buses-by-2040/