Out of the 210 homeless deaths last year, 153 were CalOptima members. In light of this humanitarian crisis, I have called for a Special CalOptima Board of Directors meeting on June 14. This morning, I unveiled a Homeless Health Care Action Plan that can be voted on at this special meeting. 

CalOptima has been reluctant to claim homeless individuals as CalOptima members. Now that the facts are overwhelmingly clear, waiting for more feasibility studies or meetings to discuss what can be done is not an option. Homeless residents are, by definition, indigent. It is CalOptima’s responsibility to find ways to bring health care to them.  

To address this, my CARE plan will use funding already approved for homeless services that CalOptima has yet to allocate:

• Clinic health care services in all homeless shelters - $10 million 
• Authorize mobile health team to respond to all homeless providers - $10 million
• Residential support services and housing navigation - $20 million
• Extend recuperative care for homeless individuals with chronic physical health issue-$20 million

For more details, read the full press release here. 

Memorial Day holds a special place in my heart as a refugee. My family along with tens of thousands of owe so much to our service members. Memorial Day is a day we as the country come together to honor and remember our servicemen and women who answered America's call to service and paid the ultimate price. Memorial Day is the time for Americans as one body to stand up and say “Thank you. We remember you. We are grateful to you.”

 The magnitude of their contributions cannot be understated. It was my humble honor to give thanks and remember at the magnificent Fairhaven Memorial Park. Those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of our collective freedoms deserve reverence and respect, this day and always.

I would also like to give a special thanks to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9557, who hosted their annual memorial in Fountain Valley. We are lucky to have individuals in our communities who take the time to organize these remembrances and help us keep the memory alive of those who gave all. Although Memorial Day has since passed, you can make your gratitude to our brave service members known any day of the year. Take time to thank those who have served and the families of those who sacrificed themselves for you.

Last weekend, I was honored to be a part of the 61st annual Strawberry Parade in Garden Grove!

My wife, Judge Cheri Pham, and I had a great time helping everyone celebrate. Parades like this one are a great way to bring people together around a shared joy.

Thank you to all involved in orchestrating the parade, it truly helps brings our community closer together.

This week, I’ll be hosting four neighborhood coffees in three cities. As the First District Supervisor, I want to ensure I am serving you. By hosting neighborhood coffees it gives me an opportunity to hear from you on our district. 

The following is a list of upcoming coffees we have on schedule. I will continue to share with you where I will be in the community, in hopes that you will be able to attend! I look forward to meeting with you discussing the issues that impact residents across Orange County as I am committed to serving you! I hope to see you soon!

Garden Grove

What: Garden Grove Neighborhood Coffee - Acacia Pkwy Neighborhood

Where: Acacia Adult Day Services

When: 12:30PM to 1:30PM

Visit our Facebook event page here.

Garden Grove

What: Gilbert Neighborhood Coffee - Garden Grove

Where: Paris Baguette

When: 8AM to 9AM

Visit the Facebook event page here.

Santa Ana

What: Santa Ana Neighborhood Coffee - West Grove Valley Neighborhood

Where: St. Barbara School

When: 6PM to 7PM

Visit the Facebook events page here.