Adios Putin – Orange County to divest from Russia

Bipartisan Support for Supervisor Andrew Do’s Divestment Resolution

On Tuesday, the Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Supervisor Andrew Do’s divesture resolution, which severs all ties with Russian brokerage firms, banks, and investment companies.

“Orange County stands firmly against Vladimir Putin’s violent aggression and illegal attack on Ukraine,” said Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do. “We are united in supporting the people of Ukraine.”

Divestment from Russia

The divestment resolution, which formally condemns Russia’s illegal and violent invasion of Ukraine, is expected to have minimal negative impact on the County’s financial position. Currently, the County of Orange has no direct investments in Russia, but has some minimal indirect investments through the California Local Agency Investment Pool.

“This is one small step that the County can take to show our solidarity with the people of Ukraine and join the world in fighting against Putin,” said Supervisor Do.

The resolution also calls on the Orange County Employees Retirement System and other public agencies to follow the County’s lead.

Orange County Businesses Collect Donations

The County’s formal action comes as local businesses and residents have begun raising money, supplies, and donations to support Ukrainian refugees.

Lisa Harvey, the owner of European Delights Gourmet Foods from Supervisor Do’s district, is leading a donation drive for medical supplies, formula, diapers, and other essentials.

“In these harrowing times, our community is stepping up,” said Supervisor Do. “I’m incredibly proud to see our residents take action.”

Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do represents the First District communities of Cypress, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Los Alamitos, La Palma, Seal Beach, Westminster, and the Unincorporated Communities of Midway City and Rossmoor. As Supervisor, Andrew Do has reformed Orange County’s mental health services, expanded access to health care, and led efforts to combat homelessness.