New Santa Ana | Tag Archives: OC Board of Supervisors

Santa Ana College will host a Primary Election Candidates Forum on April 27

Posted on April 26, 2022 by Editor Posted in 2022 Elections, Elections, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana College is hosting a candidates forum on Wednesday, April 27, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. that will include the candidates for District 2 of the Orange County Board of Supervisors and the candidates running for the 68th State Assembly District.

The forum location is the Johnson Student Center, Room 219, at Santa Ana College, which is located at 1530 W. 17th Street.

Who do you support for the O.C. Board of Supervisors in District 2?

This event is free, but attendees are encouraged to register in advance by calling 714-541-5353 or by sending an email to fdelariva@santaanachamber.com.

The District 2 candidates for the O.C. Board of Supervisors include two Democrats – Vicente Sarmiento and Kim Bernice Nguyen; Ceci Iglesias, a Republican; and Juan Villegas, an independent.

The candidates for the 68th Assembly District include Avelino Valencia and Bulmaro Vicente, who are both Democrats, and Mike Tardif and James Wallace who are both Repulicans.

This forum is presented by the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce and the Southern California Gas Company.

Sarmiento caught using non-union political campaign signs

Posted on April 12, 2022 by Editor Posted in 2022 Elections, Democratic Party, Elections, Juan Villegas, Kim Nguyen, Labor, Politics, Santa Ana, Vince Sarmiento 3 Comments

If there is one rule that Democrat candidates in Orange County must follow it is to buy campaign signs made at union print shops. Getting support from labor unions is a very big deal for Democrats in Orange County. So imagine the chagrin of local union members when they are discovering that Santa Ana Mayor Vicente Sarmiento is using campaign signs to promote his campaign for District 2 of the O.C. Board of Supervisors without the “union bug” seal of approval.

Who do you support for the O.C. Board of Supervisors in District 2?

Sarmiento’s leading challenger from within the Democratic Party is Garden Grove City Council Member Kim Bernice Nguyen. Her campaign signs do have the union bug on them.

Juan Villegas campaign sign with the union seal

This is such a big deal that even Decline to State candidate Juan Villegas made sure his campaign signs were made at a union print shop!

This might be why so many of Orange County’s leading Democrats are NOT supporting Sarmiento for District 2. Instead they are jumping on to the Nguyen campaign including these elected officials:

Nelida Mendoza, Santa Ana City Councilmember
David Penaloza, Santa Ana City Councilmember
Thai Viet Phan, Santa Ana City Councilmember
Valerie Amezcua, Santa Ana Unified School Board Trustee
Katie Porter, Congresswoman, 45th District
Dave Min, State Senator, 37th District
Sharon Quirk-Silva, Assemblywoman, 65th District
Tiffany Ackley, Aliso Viejo City Councilmember
Richard Hurt, Aliso Viejo City Councilmember
Mark Lopez, Anaheim Elementary School Boardmember
Andrea Marr, Costa Mesa City Councilmember
Arlis Reynolds, Costa Mesa City Councilmember
Glenn Grandis, Fountain Valley City Councilmember
John O’Neill, Garden Grove City Councilmember
Diedre Thu-Ha Nguyen, Garden Grove Mayor Pro-Tem
Dan Kalmick, Huntington Beach City Councilmember
Natalie Moser, Huntington Beach City Councilmember
Rhonda Bolton, Huntington Beach City Councilmember
Farrah Khan, Irvine Mayor
Tammy Kim, Irvine City Councilmember
Ana Page, Orange Unified School Board Trustee
Kris Erickson, Orange Unified School Board Vice President
Letitia Clark, Tustin Mayor

Nguyen was also recently endorsed by State Senator Tom Umberg and Congressman Alan Lowenthal.

Note that THREE members of the Santa Ana City Council are NOT supporting Sarmiento. Instead these Council Members, which include David Penaloza, Thai Viet Phan and Nelida Mendoza, are all backing Nguyen. What does that tell you?

Sarmiento may have sealed his fate in this race when he veered very far to the left after becoming Santa Ana’s Mayor in a race where he only garnered 33% of the vote. Sarmiento has since resorted to calling police officers murderers and passing a flawed eviction and rent control measure that angered many residents of Santa Ana.

You can learn more about Nguyen at www.votekimnguyen.com.

The Sarmiento Supervisorial campaign lost a court battle today

Posted on March 30, 2022 by Editor Posted in 2022 Elections, Elections, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana, Vince Sarmiento 1 Comment

Santa Ana Mayor Vince Sarmiento lost a court battle today and as a result his candidate statement for the 2nd District of the OC Board of Supervisors won’t be able to note that he was endorsed by the Democratic Party of Orange County, according to the OC Independent.

State law prohibits the mention of political parties in ballot statements for non-partisan offices. Sarmiento should have known this and perhaps he did but he gambled that he might get away with it. However a local resident, Ivana Unger, took him to court and she won.

Ironically Sarmiento was represented in court on this matter by the same bankruptcy and marijuana lawyer, Glenn Calsada, who tried to save Roman Reyna in another lawsuit over a political campaign. Reyna lost that case too and was fined and banned from ever running for public office in Orange County again.

Who do you support for the O.C. Board of Supervisors in District 2?

Sarmiento apparently has a working relationship with Caldada. He noted in his annual financial disclosure that he is paid between $10,000 and $100,000 a year as an employee of Calsada’s law firm.

Sarmiento’s court loss means he will have to spend thousands of dollars to send mail to the voters explaining that he is the candidate endorsed by the Democratic Party of Orange County.

Sarmiento is not the only Democrat running for the 2nd District. Garden Grove City Councilwoman Kim Bernice Nguyen, who is of Vietnamese and Mexican American descent, is also running and has been picking up quite a few endorsements. In fact she is endorsed by three City of Santa Ana Council Members – Nelida Mendoza; Thai Viet Phan and David Penaloza. She also recently was endorsed by State Senator Tom Umberg. Nguyen by the way has far more in common with the 2nd District residents than Sarmiento, who hails from Bolivia.

Other candidates for the 2nd District include two Republicans, former Santa Ana City Councilwoman Ceci Iglesias and Orange City Councilman Jon Dumitru and an independent, Juan Villegas, a former Santa Ana City Councilman and a longtime member of the OC Sheriff’s Department. Villegas is the only candidate for the 2nd District with a background in law enforcement.

Adios Putin – Orange County to divest from Russia

Posted on March 8, 2022 by Editor Posted in Andrew Do, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

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.

Who do you support for the O.C. Board of Supervisors in District 2?

“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.

Sarmiento announces the backing of several liberal endorsers for his race for the OC Board of Supervisors

Posted on February 22, 2022 by Editor Posted in 2022 Elections, Civic Affairs, Elections, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana, Vince Sarmiento 1 Comment

Who do you support for the O.C. Board of Supervisors in District 2?

Santa Ana Mayor Vince Sarmiento has announced a few endorsements for his race for the O.C. Board of Supervisors in the new District 2, which includes parts of Anaheim, Orange, Garden Grove and most of Santa Ana.

Sarmiento’s endorsers appear to be some of the most liberal elected officials in Orange County, including:

Santa Ana City Councilmember Johnathon Ryan Hernandez
Santa Ana City Councilmember Jessie Lopez
Tustin City Councilmember Letitia Clark
Santa Ana Unified School District Trustee Carolyn Torres
Rancho Santiago Community College District Trustee Sal Tinajero
Rancho Santiago Community College District Trustee David Crockett
Anaheim City Councilmember Dr. Jose F. Moreno
Anaheim City Councilmember Avelino Valencia
Anaheim Union High School District President Al Jabbar
Anaheim Elementary School District President Juan Alvarez
Anaheim Elementary School District Trustee Paolo Magcalas
Anaheim Elementary School District Trustee Ryan Ruelas
Garden Grove Unified School District Trustee Walter Muneton
Ocean View School District President Gina Clayton Tarvin

Sarmiento has also been endorsed by the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 324, which represents 23,000 men and women who are employed in the food, dental, financial, health care, optometry, packinghouse, processing, retail drug, cannabis, and merchandise industries throughout Orange and southern Los Angeles Counties.

Garden Grove City Council Member Kim Nguyen is also running for District 2. It is believed that former Westminster City Councilman Sergio Contreras will also be in the race.

Thus far no moderate or conservative candidates have emerged for District 2.

Sarmiento garnered only 35% of the vote when he was elected as Mayor of Santa Ana in a crowded race that included then City Councilman Jose Solorio and former City Council Members Ceci Iglesias as well as Claudia Alvarez.

Be sure to vote in our poll atop this post for your favorite candidate for District 2!

Chaffee elected Chair of the OC Board of Supervisors and Wagner will be the Vice Chair

Posted on January 11, 2022 by Editor Posted in Don Wagner, Doug Chaffee, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana, Calif. (January 11, 2022) – Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth District, has been chosen unanimously by his Board colleagues to serve as Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors for 2022. Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, Third District, will serve as the Board’s Vice Chairman.

Elected as Fourth District Supervisor in 2018, Chairman Chaffee represents the communities which includes the cities of Anaheim (portion of), Brea, Buena Park, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia and Stanton. Prior to serving on the Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Chaffee was elected to the Fullerton City Council in 2012 and was re-elected in 2014. He twice served as Mayor of Fullerton in 2014 and 2018.

“I look forward to working in partnership with Vice Chairman Wagner and our colleagues on the Board of Supervisors. Our first mission is to win our battle against the COVID-19 virus and achieve economic recovery for the benefit of our Orange County residents.”

Chairman Chaffee is a longtime Fullerton resident, graduating from Fullerton Union High School. He earned a B. A . in Economics from the University of Redlands and a JD from the Northwestern University School of Law. He is married to his wife, Paulette, who serves as Ambassador of the Orange County Fourth District. They have two sons and two grandsons.

Supervisor Don Wagner Elected Vice Chairman

Supervisor Do n Wagner was chosen by his fellow board colleagues to be Vice Chairman this year. He represents the residents of the Third District – which includes the cities of Anaheim (portions of), Irvine (portions of), Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Orange (portions of), Rancho Santa Margarita, Tustin (portions of), Villa Park, Yorba Linda and unincorporated areas.

Supervisor Wagner is a practicing attorney, former community college district trustee and six-year state legislator, and past Mayor of Irvine from late 2016 – 2019. Vice Chairman Wagner’s 20 years in public service reflects an impressive commitment to fiscal responsibility, improving public safety, and enhancing the quality of life for Orange County residents.

“It’s an honor to serve as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, representing over 630,000 diverse Orange County residents,” said Vice Chairman Don Wagner. “I look forward to serving with Chairman Chaffee and my colleagues to ensure Orange County is a safe and vibrant place to live.”

Vice Chairman Wagner holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of Law. For over 30 years, Supervisor Wagner’s family has made their home in the Third District.

Garden Grove Councilwoman Nguyen announces her campaign for OC Supervisor

Posted on December 16, 2021 by Editor Posted in 2022 Elections, Elections, Garden Grove, Kim Nguyen, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Garden Grove, CA — Garden Grove Councilwoman Kim Bernice Nguyen today announced her candidacy for the Orange County Board of Supervisors, District 2, as well as a strong and diverse list of endorsements from across Orange County.

At a time when voters are frustrated with the County’s handling of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Councilwoman Nguyen brings a much needed public health background, having formerly worked for CalOptima and now as a Senior Health Care Analyst for a large health plan.

“We need a bold voice at the County that understands the issues of working families,” Nguyen said in a statement. “I know the struggle of working multiple jobs to make ends meet while attending school and the frustrations of high rent and skyrocketing housing costs. As a lifelong resident of District 2, I’ve watched as the County failed to address our housing crisis, leaving many, especially in my generation, priced out of a home. At the same time, the County has turned a blind eye to our homelessness crisis, creating a public health and safety emergency. I’ve never shied from a fight and will work toward solutions to our toughest problems, it’s what I’ve done as a Councilwoman, it’s what I do everyday as a health care analyst, and it’s what I will continue to do as your Supervisor.”

Re-elected in 2020 with over 70% of the vote, Kim Nguyen is a first-generation Vietnamese and Mexican-American Councilmember in Garden Grove and was the first Latina and youngest person ever elected to the city in 2016. She has already secured endorsements from a diverse coalition of elected officials throughout Orange County. Endorsements from representatives within the Supervisorial District include: Garden Grove Councilmember John R. O’Neill, Garden Grove Councilmember Diedre Thu Ha Nguyen, Santa Ana Councilmember Thai Viet Phan Santa Councilmember David Penaloza, Tustin Councilwoman Letitia Clark, Santa Ana Unified School Board Member Valerie Amezcua, and Orange Unified School Board Members Ana Page and Kris Erickson, among others.

A lifelong resident of District 2, Councilwoman Nguyen attended Clinton-Mendenhall Elementary, Doig Intermediate, and Santiago High School. She graduated from the University of California Santa Cruz with a degree in politics and a minor in legal studies. She is the first in her family to graduate high school and receive a college degree.

The 2nd Supervisorial District includes the cities of Santa Ana, portions of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Orange and Tustin. Voters 18-35 comprise the largest age bloc, with over 41% of the district’s registered voters. Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly 20 points — making it one of the most competitive local races in California.

Endorsements

Tiffany Ackley, Aliso Viejo City Councilmember
Richard Hurt, Aliso Viejo City Councilmember
Andrea Marr, Costa Mesa City Councilmember
Arlis Reynolds, Costa Mesa City Councilmember
Glenn Grandis, Fountain Valley City Councilmember
John O’Neill, Garden Grove City Councilmember
Diedre Thu-Ha Nguyen, Garden Grove City Councilmember
Dan Kalmick, Huntington Beach City Councilmember
Kim Carr, Huntington Beach City Councilmember
Rhonda Bolton, Huntington Beach City Councilmember
Farrah Khan, Irvine Mayor
Tammy Kim, Irvine City Councilmember
Ana Page, Orange Unified School Board Trustee
Kris Erickson, Orange Unified School Board Trustee
David Penaloza, Santa Ana City Councilmember
Thai Viet Phan, Santa Ana City Councilmember
Valerie Amezcua, Santa Ana Unified School Board Trustee
Letitia Clark, Tustin Mayor

(Alphabetical order by jurisdiction, titles for identification purposes only)

Racist hate speech directed at Supervisor Do and New H.B. City Councilwoman Rhonda Bolton condemned

Posted on August 16, 2021 by Editor Posted in Andrew Do, Hate, Huntington Beach, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. (August 13, 2021) – Last week, our community bore witness to a torrent of racist and xenophobic rhetoric directed towards Chairman Andrew Do, who is of Vietnamese descent, at the Board of Supervisors meeting. The speaker’s tirade was filled with anti-Asian tropes a true picture of the too commonplace hate activity taking place in our country today. Similarly, the first Black woman to be appointed to the Huntington Beach City Council, Rhonda Bolton, was welcomed by jeers and hateful comments by members of the public.

In a recent Statement of Solidarity, the OC Human Relations Commission committed to continuing its mission to “seek out causes of tension and conflict, discrimination and intolerance and attempt to eliminate those causes.” To do the difficult work of promoting respect, equity, and tolerance – the Commission believes it too must condemn and denounce all types of hate speech and racism. When an individual is a victim of hate, it is not only an attack on that one person but an entire community. No one should have to experience this type of vitriol regardless of who you are, skin color, language you speak, where you are from, who you love, or your religious beliefs.

Our country is reeling from the devastating effects of a pandemic that surges on. Our communities of color continue to survive the social and racial injustice and inequities that the pandemic uncovered and exposed. If there was ever a time for unity, it is now. If there ever was a time for respect and empathy, it is today. Orange County Human Relations Commission challenges all residents to look beyond our differences and celebrate the diversity that exists in Orange County. And next time hate knocks at our door – let us rally together and loudly shut it out with a resounding, “Not here, not today, not ever.”

If you have been a victim or know someone who has been a victim of a hate crime or hate incident, please call your local law enforcement agency. Additional ways to report, call our confidential hotline 714-480-6580 or report via our online portal at https://www.ochumanrelations.org/hatecrime/report/.

The OC Board of Supervisors vote to ignore the state’s COVID-19 orders

Posted on December 9, 2020 by Editor Posted in Michelle Steel, Orange County, Santa Ana 3 Comments

On Tuesday, Dc. 8, 2020, Michelle Steel, Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted alongside her colleagues to adopt the Healthy Communities Resolution, which recognizes that California is geographically diverse and ill-suited to region-wide restrictions and that Orange County is best suited to respond locally to the COVID-19 virus.

The resolution would also commit to the principle that school districts be able to safely open and that in person instruction be allowed to the greatest extent possible without further delay.

“Governor Newsom keeps moving the goalpost. The lumping of more than 22 million people out of the state’s population of 40 million in one region, from San Luis Obispo and Mono Counties in Central California down to the border makes no sense,” said Chairwoman Steel. “The Governor’s top down actions have been an inconsistent mess. He started with deaths and hospitalizations, then positivity rates, then moved the bar to the to the colored tier system, then added health equity and now another lockdown. These moves haven’t stopped the spread of the virus but have severely harmed families ability to make a living.”

“Young, healthy people need to go back to work while we take care of our vulnerable population,” added Chairwoman Steel. “Instead of these top-down orders, I support local control. We know our county better than the Governor. We must be able to protect the most vulnerable and keep residents safe, while also protecting residents’ ability to work and feed their families.”

First elected to the Orange County Board of Supervisors in 2014, Michelle Steel represents the residents of the Second District, which includes, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Huntington Beach, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Stanton, the unincorporated area of Rossmoor, and portions of Buena Park and Fountain Valley. Steel, a successful businesswoman and renowned taxpayer advocate, previously served as Vice Chair of the State Board of Equalization where she represented more than eight million people in Southern California, including all of Orange County, as one of the state’s 12 constitutional officers.

SAUSD school employees endorse Contreras for Supervisor

Posted on August 2, 2020 by Editor Posted in 2020 Elections, Democratic Party, Elections, Labor, Orange County, Politics, SAUSD, Sergio Contreras Leave a comment

WESTMINSTER, CA — Exemplifying the wide-ranging support from students, teachers, and faculty for his campaign for the Orange County Board of Supervisors First District, today Westminster City Councilmember Sergio Contreras garnered the endorsement of the California School Employees Association (CSEA) Santa Ana Chapter 41.

In a statement released with the announced endorsement, CSEA Chapter 41 President Eddie Leon remarked:

“As a former School Board member, Sergio has key insight into the importance of a quality education and understands that providing such an education also requires addressing the needs of faculty and school employees. Throughout his career, Sergio has fought to ensure that school employees have fair wages and the benefits they were promised, and his work to update facilities and improve safety made it easier for our members to do their jobs. We know he will be a champion for students, teachers, and faculty on the Board of Supervisors, and are excited to support him.”

In response to the announced endorsement, Contreras commented:

“I am honored to receive this support from CSEA Chapter 41. From my work on the Westminster School Board, I learned that in order for schools to succeed and students to thrive, we must support school employees. Their contributions are immeasurable and crucial. I am grateful to have their support.”

Last week, Contreras earned powerful endorsements from the Coast Federation of Educators, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 1911 and Santa Ana Unified School District Board Member John Palacio.

Recently, Contreras’s campaign announced that he has by far the most net cash-on-hand of anybody in the race, with $78,862 after debts. Incumbent Supervisor Andrew Do has $60,345 more in debt than cash-on-hand, while Contreras’s main Democratic opponents Miguel Pulido and Kim Nguyen have $25,706 and $6,972 cash-on-hand after debts, respectively.

Previously, Councilmember Sergio Contreras announced the following endorsements:

Organizations:
- Democratic Party of Orange County
- Orange County Labor Federation (OCLF)
- California Nurses Association (CNA)
- SEIU – USWW
- SEIU 2015
- SEIU Local 721
- Coast Federation of Educators, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 1911
- California School Employees Association (CSEA) Santa Ana Chapter 41
- American Federation of State, County, Municipal Employees (AFSCME) District Council 36
- American Federation of State, County, Municipal Employees (AFSCME) United Domestic Workers (UDW) Local 3930
- American Federation of State, County, Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 2076
- American Federation of State, County, Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 1734
- Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 652
- International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 12
- International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 501
- National Union of Healthcare Workers
- United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers Local 220
- Painters & Allied Trades District Council 36
- UNITE HERE Local 11
- Ironworkers Local 433
- Ironworkers Local 416
- UFCW Local 324
- Community Action Fund of Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties
Elected Officials:
- U.S. Congressman Alan Lowenthal
- U.S. Congresswoman Linda Sanchez
- U.S. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (Ret.)
- California State Senator Lena Gonzalez
- California State Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva
- California State Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris
- California Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell
- California State Senator Josh Newman (Ret.)
- Garden Grove School Board Trustee Walter Muneton
- Garden Grove School Board Trustee Teri Rocco
- Garden Grove Councilmember Kris Beard (Ret.)
- Westminster School Boardmember Jamison Power
- Westminster School Boardmember Amy Walsh (Ret.)
- Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley
- Costa Mesa Councilman Manuel Chavez
- Rancho Community College Trustee Lawrence Labrado
- Santa Ana Unified School District President Valerie Amezcua
- Santa Ana Unified School District Board Member John Palacio
- Santa Ana Councilmember Sal Tinajero (Ret.)
- Santa Ana Councilmember David Benavides (Ret.)
- Santa Ana School Board Trustee Alfonso Alvarez
- Anaheim Elementary School Boardmember Juan Gabriel Alvarez
- Anaheim Elementary School Boardmember Ryan Ruelas
- Anaheim Elementary School Boardmember Dr. Jose Pablo Magcalas
- Anaheim Elementary School Boardmember D.R. Heywood (Ret.)
- Anaheim Union High School District Clerk of the Board, Annemarie Randle-Trejo
- Huntington Beach Union High School District Trustee Duane Dishno
- Fullerton School Boardmember Aaruni Thakur
- Oceanview School District Vice President Gina Clayton-Tarvin
- Midway City Sanitary District Director Margie L. Rice

The first Supervisorial District includes the cities of Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Westminster, the unincorporated community of Midway City, and parts of Fountain Valley. The first Supervisorial District is 42% Democratic and 24% Republican by registration – making it one of the most flippable major local offices in California.

Sergio Contreras, a husband, father, homeowner, and registered Democrat, has served on the Westminster City Council since 2012, where he successfully championed the largest upgrade to Westminster’s park system since 1996, encompassing 22 park facilities and representing a $10.4 million investment in the community. Contreras oversaw the city’s first general plan update in decades. He also placed emergency call boxes in all Westminster parks to enhance public safety, and fought to place outdoor exercise equipment in local parks to improve public health.

Contreras previously served on the Westminster School Board from 2004 to 2012, including serving as president of the board in 2012. On the School Board, Contreras helped pass a $130 million school bond to modernize Westminster’s school facilities and make them safer. In that role, he established an all-day kindergarten system, making Westminster School District the first in Orange County to provide day-long kindergarten at all school sites. Contreras also increased access to music and arts programs districtwide, while expanding after-school programs.

Now, Contreras works as the Senior Director of Education and Healthy Schools for the Orange County United Way where he creates strategic community partnerships to empower students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. Contreras lives in Westminster with his wife Adriana, where their children Sergio III and Chloe attend local schools.

Recently, Contreras’s upbringing and life’s story was featured in the OC Weekly, which you can find here.

For more information visit: https://www.sergiocontrerasforsupervisor.com

O.C. supervisor Andrew Do’s Statement on Cares Act Funding

Posted on May 26, 2020 by Editor Posted in Andrew Do, Business, Disease, Health and Medical, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

“I’m pleased that the Board of Supervisors approved a plan today that will allocate stimulus funding equally by supervisorial district. This plan ensures that stimulus funds quickly help everyone – not just the rich and well-connected.

Before making funds available, public-private partnerships will be sought after with community organizations, entrepreneurship groups, and small business programs that would provide matching funds or other opportunities for a multiplier effect.

In the First District, real small businesses – the self-employed, sole proprietors, family-owned restaurants, and gig economy workers – will receive first priority. True small businesses will be put first.”

Orange County Vice Chairman Andrew Do represents the First District communities of Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Westminster, Fountain Valley, and Midway City. In his second term, Vice Chairman Do has reformed Orange County’s mental health services, expanded access to health care, and led efforts to combat homelessness.

Declaración del Vicepresidente Andrew Do Sobre la Financiación de la Ley de Cuidados (CARES Act)

Me complace que la Junta de Supervisores haya aprobado un plan hoy que asignará fondos de estímulo por igual por distrito supervisor. Este plan garantiza que los fondos de estímulo ayuden rápidamente a todos, no solo a los ricos y bien conectados.

Antes de poner a disposición fondos, se buscarán asociaciones público-privadas con organizaciones comunitarias, grupos de emprendimiento y programas de pequeñas empresas que proporcionarían fondos equivalentes u otras oportunidades para un efecto multiplicador.

En el primer distrito, las pequeñas empresas reales, como los trabajadores independientes, los propietarios únicos, los restaurantes familiares y los trabajadores de la economía del trabajo, recibirán la primera prioridad. Las pequeñas empresas verdaderas serán las primeras.

El Vicepresidente del condado de Orange, Andrew Do, representa a las comunidades del primer distrito de Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Westminster, Fountain Valley y Midway City. En su segundo termino, el Vicepresidente Do reformó los servicios de salud mental del Condado de Orange, amplió el acceso a la atención médica y dirigió los esfuerzos para combatir la falta de vivienda.

The O.C. Board of Supervisors declares churches to be essential

Posted on May 26, 2020 by Editor Posted in Churches and Religion, Michelle Steel, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Today, The Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Chairwoman Michelle Steel’s resolution declaring houses of worship of all faiths as essential in Orange County. A large number of Orange County residents rely on their houses of worship for spiritual guidance in their lives and communion with those that share their faith. Yet while many businesses have been deemed essential by the state, faith communities have not. This resolution confirms that the Orange County Board of Supervisors stands with Orange County residents of all faiths in support of their First Amendment rights, and that these rights are non-negotiable.

“I believe this resolution is very important,” added Chairwoman Steel. “We begin each of our meetings with an invocation because we understand the importance of joining together in prayer. Orange County residents have gone without communal prayer for Easter, Passover and Ramadan, and our residents of all different faiths have missed their regular communal prayers for more than two months. This resolution is a statement that Orange County supports the right of our residents to practice their faith, and that we believe that right is essential.”

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Posted on April 20, 2020 by Editor Posted in Crime, Domestic Violence, Orange County, Orange County Social Services Agency, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Orange County, Calif. (April 17, 2020) – The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) invites employees and citizens of Orange County to show their support in ending childhood abuse and neglect by wearing blue on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, for National Child Abuse Prevention Month. In addition, residents are encouraged to share photos of themselves while wearing blue and tagging photos using the hashtag #GoBlueForOCKids on social media.

Every April, National Child Abuse Prevention Month works to bring awareness to the warning signs and strategies that help protect our most vulnerable children. Participation in Child Abuse Awareness Month activities helps strengthen community support systems that help keep children safe. The challenge to protect our children has never been greater
as it is now, due to the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis on families.

“With the current closures of our schools and other safe havens that employ mandated reporters, children and families have less access to critical support systems and their community as a whole,” said Second District Supervisor Michelle Steel, Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. She continued, “This year in particular, parents may feel a lack of support and feel more isolated. Now more than ever, it is crucial to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect if you suspect it.”

“The phrase, ‘if you see something, say something’ is especially important and relevant when it comes to the safety of our children. We continue to rely on teachers who are now providing distance learning, as well as doctors and other providers who are currently offering services through telehealth sessions, to be hyper-vigilant when connecting with children through virtual communications platforms,” stated First District Supervisor
Andrew Do, Vice Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

“Every child deserves a nurturing family and a safe environment, free from fear, abuse and neglect,” said Third District Supervisor Donald P. Wagner. He continued, “Today we wear blue in solidarity for child abuse awareness, intervention, and prevention.”

“While April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, ensuring our children grow up in safe and loving homes is important all year long,” said Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee. He added, “As we observe Child Abuse Prevention Month and beyond, think of ways you can safely help families reduce stress, take breaks and stay connected.”

“The safety of children is a shared responsibility – especially during these unprecedented times,” said Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett. She added, “We encourage you to connect with neighbors, relatives and friends by phone, text and/or online video platforms like FaceTime or Skype to check in and let them know you care.”

If you suspect or know of a child being abused, please call the County of Orange Social Services Agency Child Abuse Registry at 714-940-1000 or 800-207-4464, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The County of Orange Social Services Agency (OCSSA) provides Adult Services, Aid Programs, eligibility for public assistance benefits,
Children & Family Services and Family Self-Sufficiency programs to the County’s residents. OCSSA employs over 4,000 staff across
Orange County. For more information, visit us at http://ssa.ocgov.com/.

The O.C. Board of Supervisors is joining the fight against Covid-19 patient quarantining in Costa Mesa

Posted on February 26, 2020 by Editor Posted in Costa Mesa, Disease, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana, Calif. (February 25, 2020) – Today the County of Orange Board of Supervisors unanimously directed the Office of County Counsel to file an Amicus brief with the United States District Court regarding pending federal litigation in the City of Costa Mesa, et. al v. United States of America, et. al. regarding the use of the Fairview Development Center for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Further details including the Amicus brief will be provided at a later time.

Pulido endorsed by the O.C. Attorneys Association

Posted on January 31, 2020 by Editor Posted in 2020 Elections, Elections, Lawyers, Miguel Pulido, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana 1 Comment

Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido announced today that he has been endorsed by the Orange County Attorneys Association for his campaign effort to be elected to the Orange County Board of Supervisors. The organization, which includes Orange County’s Deputy District Attorneys, represents over 500 attorneys employed by the County of Orange, including those employed by the DA, County Counsel, Public Defender, Alternate Defender, Associate Defender, and Child Support Services.

“We are proud to endorse Mayor Pulido for County Supervisor,” said Orange County Attorney Association President Mena Guirguis. “He has an excellent record of achievement as Mayor of Santa Ana and we believe he will add a lot to our County Board of Supervisors.”

“I am excited to add the support of the Orange County Attorneys Association to my effort for County Supervisor,” said Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido. “Their extensive knowledge, expertise, experience, and hard work are vital to our District Attorney, Public Defender, and other county agency offices. I look forward to working with them after my election to the Board.”

Miguel Pulido was first elected to the Santa Ana City Council in 1986 and is presently serving his 13th term as Mayor, a post he has successfully held since 1994. Under his leadership he has made Public Safety the City’s #1 priority, leading the charge to hire more police officers, crack down on gangs, expand community policing, increase the use of crime fighting technology, and help solve the city’s homeless issue. Crime in Santa Ana is now at its lowest level since the early 1960’s.