Unbeknownst to property owners and renters, some property records still contain discriminatory language that promotes racial segregation in our communities.

Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen and I have teamed up to propose a proactive approach to combating discriminatory language in Orange County recorded property documents.

The proposal, which will be brought forth to the Board of Supervisors next Tuesday, creates a program to remove discrimination from property records in Orange County. This is an important step towards removing walls and barriers to immigrant and minority communities in Orange County.

Click here to read more about the program.

Orange County is expanding COVID-19 testing in vulnerable ethnic communities to combat inequities in social determinants of health.

Last week, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the proposal from Supervisor Doug Chaffee and I to focus more resources on the Asian Pacific Islander (API) and Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) communities, many of whom reside in our districts.

This proposal, which builds from the Latino Health Equity Initiative, first calls to identify community-based organizations in the API and MENA communities to administer the testing, as some residents from these groups are hesitant to seek care because they distrust the government.

Click here to read more about it in my press release.

Orange County is making hiring veterans a priority.

Last Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors passed the Veterans Employment Preference Policy, which preferences Veterans for County jobs, including the National Guard and Reserves, and spouses of disabled and deceased Veterans.

I’m proud to help create policies that make it easier for Veterans to transition to civilian life through gainful employment.

At a moment when computer access is more critical than ever, Orange County libraries are getting equipped with free, self-service laptop checkout kiosks.

Last week, the Board approved a contract that will provide OC Public Libraries up to 35 laptop checkout kiosks, with Garden Grove and Westminster branches among the first to receive them.

Click here to read more about the new kiosks.

Orange County Public Libraries are open for the community! Here are some of the many services OC Public Libraries offers its patrons:

Grab & Go Services

Self-service checkout is available to the public as well as physically distanced single patron internet stations.

Contactless Curbside Pickup

Below are the hours of operation for the curbside pickup:

• Tuesday-Thursday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Laguna Woods and Laguna Hills Technology Libraries will continue with curbside pickup service only from Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Back-to-School Events

The Back-to-School events will include free books and crafts provided by OC Public Libraries staff to families while they remain safely in their vehicles.

The Back-to-School events will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the parking lot at the following library locations and dates:

• Westminster Library: Tuesday, September 22
• La Palma Library: Wednesday, September 23
• Stanton Library: Thursday, September 24
• Garden Grove Main Library: Tuesday, September 29
• Garden Grove Chapman Library: Wednesday, September 30
• La Habra Library: Thursday, October 1

Click here to learn more about OC Public Libraries!

Last week, Acacia Adult Day Services celebrated its 41st anniversary by hosting a “Swing By” event for seniors and their families to pick up goodie bags with activities, treats, and masks.

The First District Team donated over 500 masks to include in these goodie bags. Thank you, Acacia Adult Day Services, for your continued service to our community!

Due to the COVID-19 crisis and related economic impacts, so many members of our community are in need. Last week, the First District Team coordinated the donation of blankets to several community institutions that could benefit.

Last week, Senator Ling Ling Chang helped the First District Team facilitate donations of French bread, telera rolls, naan bread, and other baked goods from La Brea Bakery to organizations in need across the First District. Thank you to Team Chang for coordinating to get resources to those in need!

Orange County’s virtual job fair makes it easy to connect with employers, interact with hiring managers, and apply for open positions!

Join the OC Community Investment Division and a host of partner agencies on October, 15 from 10 am to 2 pm, for an opportunity to land a job that’s right for you.

Free registration and free preparation training is available here.

On September 15th, I virtually joined the Consulate of México in Santa Ana to celebrate the 210th Anniversary of México’s independence from Spain. Although we were not able to celebrate Fiestas Patrias this year, I virtually joined all who celebrated this momentous day. Viva México!

Our Constitution, the supreme law of the land, was signed on September 17, 1787. We observe Constitution Day and Citizenship Day as a way of celebrating our rights enshrined in the Constitution and recognizing the efforts of all those who have done the hard work of becoming American Citizens.

Sundown last Friday marked the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. I wish all who observed Rosh Hashanah a blessed celebration and a prosperous New Year!

Last Friday, America lost an icon of the struggle for gender equality and women’s rights. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was both a tenacious fighter for and stalwart defender of equality. Our nation is enormously grateful for the contributions of Justice Ginsburg.

Members of the United States Armed Forces put their lives on the line to protect our most cherished freedoms. On POW MIA Recognition Day, we pay tribute to those missing in action or held as prisoners of war. Thank you to all who have served.

Last week, the First District Team donated 500 Spread Positive Vibes masks to Calvary Chapel Schools to help keep our education professionals safe. Keep up the great work! #MaskUpOC