April 30, 2024 marked the 49^th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon – when millions of Vietnamese were forced to flee their homeland to escape the perils of the totalitarian regime of Communist Vietnam. On this day of solemn remembrance, we honor the courage and selflessness of those who gave their lives in the fight for liberty, individual freedom, and basic human rights. 

On May 1, I partnered with the OC Workforce and Economic Development Division to host a Career Fair at the Garden Grove Community Center. More than 230 job seekers and 50 career-leading companies attended. Nearly half of the employers scheduled interviews, or offered employment to attendees.

Thank you to Anna Lisa Lukes, Chairperson of the OC Workforce Development Board, Nancy Cook, Director of Workforce & Economic Development Division, and all OC Workforce staff for putting together this successful Career Fair.

For more information on the services and programs offered by The OC Workforce and any upcoming Career Fairs, visit www.ocworkforcesolutions.com.

Anyone looking to have their records authenticated for international usage will have the opportunity to do so on Wednesday, May 29.

OC Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is hosting this event in partnership with the California Secretary of State. This partnership will provide convenience to Orange County residents from having to travel to Los Angeles or Sacramento. You don't need to make any appointments. Services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Looking for a fun volunteer opportunity?

Join John Wayne Airport’s Volunteer Ambassador Program and help enhance the travel experience. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, commit to serving a 4-hour shift every two weeks or eight hours per month for at least one year, and clear background checks.

Click here for more information.

Did you miss the deadline earlier this month to apply for JWA’s Air Academy? Check out John Wayne Airport’s website and social media accounts in the summer when registration opens for the fall session.

AirACADEMY is an educational outreach initiative that offers residents a comprehensive understanding of the Airport's operations. Participants learn how technical processes, service programs, and business partners work together to implement the successful operation of John Wayne Airport. Classes offer firsthand experiences for attendees, and participants will learn about sustainable aviation practices, community outreach and engagement efforts, operational security practices, and upcoming programs and enhancements taking place at the Airport.

Click here for more information.

In honor of OC Bike Month in May, OCTA will conduct two e-bike safety rodeos and two virtual workshops. Kids of all ages can learn the rules of the road for bicycling, get safety tips for e-bikes, and practice their skills on a safety course. Bike repairs and maintenance will also be available. Remember to bring your e-bikes and helmets to one or both safety rodeos taking place in person.

E-Rodeo

Saturday, May 18 

Niguel Hills Middle School, Laguna Niguel

10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Saturday, June 1

Huntington Beach Pier Plaza, Huntington Beach

 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Zoom:

Tuesday, June 4

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Click here to register.

Thursday, June 13

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Click here to register

The OCTA Youth Ride Free Program provides youth ages 6 to 18 free travel on OC Bus fixed-route service to school, work, or for fun on safe, clean, and reliable buses.

Click here for more information.

Forget parking hassles and gas expenses. Commute to school, work, and fun without breaking the bank. Community college students ride FREE with the OC Bus mobile app.

Click here for more information.

OCTA is recruiting for the 2024–25 Teen Council cohort, which will begin its session in August 2024. Recruitment commenced on March 5, 2024, and will continue through the application deadline on May 31, 2024. A panel of OCTA staff will review and score applicants based on their applications, letters of reference, and essay responses. A maximum of 25 students will be selected.

Click here for more information.

The Angels Express Fan Train is back for the 2024 season, providing service to all Friday, Saturday, and Sunday home games. Angels Express is available from stations in Orange, Los Angeles, and Riverside counties. Return trains depart 30 minutes after the last out or end of the fireworks show.

Click here for more information.

The California Department of Education, under the California Purple Star School Designation Program, recognizes campuses that are committed to meeting the unique needs of military families. McGaugh Elementary in Seal Beach is among 30 campuses in the state to receive the prestigious Purple Star Schools distinction.

According to the Orange County Department of Education, the Los Alamitos Unified School District supports nearly 500 students, with McGaugh Elementary having the highest percentage of students from military families at 13 percent.

The First District team stopped by to present Principal Wendy Wood with a certificate of recognition for the State’s prestigious recognition!

My Chief of Staff, Van Tran, helped welcome Colleen Janssen, the incoming President of the California Federation of Women's Club Orange District, and recognized Sandy Tessier, the outgoing president, for her service. The General Federated Woman's Club of Cypress is a local service group dedicated to improving the community through volunteering and philanthropy. Thank you for all that you do in Cypress and beyond.

Last Month, my District Representative, Jack Du, attended the ribbon cutting of the newly renovated playground at Sigler Park in Westminster. This is the first in a series of park renovations the city is completing this year. Some of the updated features include rubberized playground flooring, swings, a treehouse-themed jungle gym, and monkey bars. It’s also right next door to the Family Resource Center.

Earlier this month my District Representative, Jack Du, attended the ribbon cutting for Athletes First Academy’s Golf Simulator. Located in Fountain Valley, this academy is dedicated to helping athletes optimize their performance through a personalized approach. Owner Michael McClean has combined technology and sports science to help beginners and advanced golf players. This academy offers private lessons and can also be reserved as a venue for business meetings, parties, or weddings.

The First District team attended the ribbon cutting for Goodwill's newest store and donation center in Fountain Valley. This location marks Goodwill's 25th location in Orange County.

For 100 years, Orange County Goodwill locations have helped individuals create life-changing career paths based on their unique roles. Today, Goodwill has taken a whole new marketing approach from the traditional thrift store layout. They have now implemented pop-up store times, a modern design, and higher-quality products.

Thank you to the Fountain Valley Chamber for hosting the event, and congratulations to Goodwill of OC's President and CEO Nicole Suydam.

Did you know that nearly 40% of food goes to waste? Food Finders is trying to mitigate this ongoing issue with its mobile app, which allows users to pick up and drop off food resources at nonprofit shelters, missions, pantries, and centers. These resources are used to feed people who are disadvantaged and food insecure.

Food Finder’s Food Rescue Program is unique from food banking because it rescues everything, including dairy, bakery items, produce, deli meats, canned and packaged goods, and even prepared items. Their program is called “rescue” because it prevents good, edible, perishable food from being lost in a landfill.

In an hour or less, each “food rescue” is completed with the help of staff drivers and a network of volunteers, allowing Food Finders to rescue millions of pounds of food annually.

The app is currently available in Los Angeles and Orange County. Download it today to learn how you can help fight hunger.

Click here for more information.

Click here for a 2022 Fox interview.

As we approach Memorial Day, Working Wardrobes is asking the public to support Operation Employment, a campaign to raise $100,000 to provide career readiness services to the military and their families.

Working Wardrobes provides training and certifications, career coaching, individualized employment plans, critical needs gift cards, access to Veterans’ services, and more.

Click here for more information.

The City of Los Alamitos is hosting the "Party on Pine Concert Series" all month long until June 6 as part of an effort to activate Pine Street.

From 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, groove to live performances and enjoy a dedicated kids zone. Remember to bring your crew, chairs, and blankets, and indulge in delicious bites from nearby eateries. This series will run along Pine Street from Florista Street / Pine Street south toward the center of Pine Street before hitting Katella Avenue. Traffic will be impacted along this route on the dates of the events, but vehicle access will be available along the perimeter of the quadrant surrounding Pine Street.

For more information, please contact the Development Services Department at 562-431-3538 or visit www.cityoflosalamitos.org.

-5/02: Strange Days (The Doors Tribute)

-5/09: Kenny Hall (Music of Neil Diamond)

-5/16: The Trip (Rock from ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s)

-5/23: Kayln + The New Frontier Band (A Tribute to Taylor Swift)

-5/30: Surf City Allstar Band (Beach Boys Tribute)

-6/6: The Emperors (Classic Rock Band)