Last Saturday we celebrated the Moon Festival at Mile Square Park, a tradition that dates back thousands of years.

Hundreds of children and their families came out for incredible entertainment, fun activities, and most importantly, lanterns and moon cakes.

It’s always an honor to be able to provide the community with an opportunity to come together and celebrate with friends and family. Thank you to everyone who came out and to the Orange County Parks staff who made it possible.

It was an honor to ride in this year’s Fiestas Patrias parade in Downtown Santa Ana on Sunday!

The celebration commemorates Mexican Independence Day and highlights the diverse communities that make Orange County such an incredible place to live.

Thank you to all of the fantastic performers, floats, and parade attendees who made this a celebration to remember!

During last week’s board meeting, I voted to extend workers compensation benefits to deputies hurt protecting civilians and aiding local law enforcement during the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting in 2017.

This policy also covers deputies that render aid in any similar incidents of domestic terrorism that occur in the future.

Our officers deserve to be protected while they are out in the field caring and protecting for others.

Last Friday, Jose Sepulveda Elementary School in Santa Ana opened their Wellness Center.

They are among several schools who have recently opened Wellness Centers in an effort to provide students and families a variety of resources and support.

Thank you to all involved in bringing much-needed services to the community!

In an effort to provide equitable resources to the public, the Orange County Clerk of the Board will host an Assessment Appeal Workshop for people interested in learning more about property tax assessment appeals.

What is an assessment appeal?

Property taxes are primarily based on the property’s assessed value as determined by the County Assessor. Owners can challenge the assessed value placed on their property by filing an assessment appeal application. The Assessment Appeals Board, separate and independent from the Assessor’s Office, will make final impartial decisions.  

Join me this Wednesday evening for an informative workshop on some of the many services the County offers.

The deadline to file an appeal is December 2^nd.

WHAT:       Assessment Appeal Workshop

WHEN:      Wednesday, September 18, 2019

                 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

WHERE:   Freedom Hall at Mile Square Park

                16801 Euclid Street, Fountain Valley, CA 92708

WHO:       FREE Admission

For questions concerning the workshop, please call the OC Assessment Appeals Division staff at (714) 834-2331, ext. 1 or visit their website at http://www.ocgov.com/gov/cob/apa.

In an effort to increase awareness and provide resources around mental health, BeWell and the Orange County Health Care Agency are partnering up with St. Joseph and Hoag Hospital to host Cultivating Hope in the Community on September 22^nd at Freedom Hall in Mile Square Park.

Come and bring your family to the park this Sunday afternoon for a free picnic. There will be live music, product giveaways, free parking, and more!

Click here to register for the event!

September 11 (Santa Ana) – During the Morrison Park Neighborhood Coffee, engaged residents came with questions about homelessness, our new County Administration South building, and other local issues. Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts to help make our community stronger!

When: September 25 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM

Where: Kups Italian Ice & Frozen Dessert – 9348 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683

When: September 26 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Where: Garden Grove United Methodist Church – 12741 Main St., Garden Grove, CA 92840

When: September 30 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Where: Farmer’s Insurance Agency – 1745 W. 17^th St., Ste A., Santa Ana, CA 92706

When: October 1 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Where: Mater Dei High School – 1202 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92707