Orange County is making life easier for all mothers who work in or visit County facilities.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the Board of Supervisors unanimously passed my item instructing County staff to identify a list of comfortable and private spaces for mothers to breastfeed and develop a countywide lactation policy that supports mothers. Every mom should decide what’s best for their children, and that decision shouldn’t be limited by a lack of access to safe places to breastfeed. For more information, check out my press release. 

Last week, I was humbled to be part of the dedication ceremony of Westminster School District’s office to La Familia Mendez, who won the landmark case: Mendez, et al v. Westminster School District of Orange County, et al. 

In 1946, this case laid the foundation for school desegregation many years ahead of the civil rights movement. Through their advocacy and activism for equitable access, Sylvia Mendez and her family have become pillars of the education community.

Last Friday, the Commission to End Homelessness Data Ad Hoc, held a workshop to discuss how data can be shared across County departments and providers. As Orange County builds the mental health system, adds homeless shelter capacity, and increases permanent supportive housing, it is critical we find a way for all the systems to coordinate.

During CalOptima’s Board of Directors meeting last Friday, we strengthened our community’s safety net by allocating $1 million to expand access to children’s dental health services. Thousands of kids will benefit from the work of the Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers and Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County. 

The 4th Annual International Older Adults Fair at the Santa Ana Senior Center brought together a variety of cultures last week. It was great seeing so many residents in attendance enjoying the music and the live performances. Thank you to Tish Leon, Francine Harris, and the hard-working City staff for organizing this event!

Last Friday’s Experience Fountain Valley event was a huge success! Restaurants and businesses from across Fountain Valley brought out their best food, wines, and brews. Nothing brings a community closer like breaking bread together. And the best part was that 40% of all proceeds went to the City of Fountain Valley Fire Department!

Thank you to the City of Fountain Valley, Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce, Fountain Valley Restaurant Association, and all the businesses who made the event a hit!

Santa Ana Police Department‘s Chaplain, Rupert Vega, goes above and beyond his regular duties every day in service to the community. Last Tuesday I was proud to have my staff recognize his commitment to his community. Chaplain Rupert Vega is pictured below with his wife, Blanca Vega, and sister-in-law, Liz Navarrette.

October 1 (Santa Ana) – The County is working hard to reduce recidivism and ensure that former inmates have the proper support upon release so that they can be successful law-abiding citizens. Residents from the Memorial Park neighborhood and I discussed this and other topics at last week’s coffee. Thanks Mater Dei High School for hosting our event and to the Santa Ana Police Department for stopping by!

September 30 (Santa Ana) – Orange County is addressing mental health and homelessness by increasing access to homeless services and breaking ground on the new Be Well OC Wellness Hub later this month. Residents from the Mar-Les neighborhood and I had a robust conversation last Monday on how the County continues to deliver solutions to address these two priorities. Thank you Gabriela Saucedo Insurance Agency for hosting our event and to everyone who attended!

When: October 15 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Where: Saddleback High School – 2802 S. Flower St., Santa Ana, CA 92707

When: October 19 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Where: Scholarship Prep Charter School – 1010 W. 17th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706

When: October 27 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM  

Where: Freedom Hall at Mile Square Park – 16801 Euclid Street, Fountain Valley, CA 92708