While most job sectors have been hit hard by the pandemic, there has been a high demand for skilled trade jobs. To provide residents an opportunity to learn more about the different trades available and the job training services the County offers, I hosted a free Job Fair at the Asian Garden Mall last Saturday.

🚌 The One-Stop Mobile Unit, powered by the County’s Community Resource Department, provided job seekers with direct contacts to local businesses and employment services.

🥽 The Mobile Unit provided Virtual Reality headsets to give a more authentic experience to exploring job opportunities.

⚒️ Skilled laborers from the LA/OC Building and Construction Trades Council were available to offer information and answer any questions.

📚 And OC Public Libraries provided activities and resources for children and families. 

Stay tuned for future job fairs in the First District!

Earlier this month, I was invited to participate in the LA/OC Regional Broadband Consortia Workshop to address the digital divide that we’re experiencing here in Southern California. 

Without equal access to broadband connectivity, already disadvantaged youth will fall even further behind in their academics. Seniors who are isolated and don’t have family close by – feel even more isolated. Working families struggling with the high cost of living see even bigger bills for more data charges.

Thank you to the Los Angeles County Business Federation and Orange County Business Council for inviting me to be a part of a bigger discussion addressing the digital divide. I look forward to working collectively in the future to address these issues on a much larger scale.

In case you missed the workshop, you can view it here: https://youtu.be/dONR52d2seY 

October 1st marked the 8-year anniversary of CalOptima’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE.

PACE is dedicated to caring for our seniors in Orange County to live as independently as possible. Since opening in 2013, CalOptima PACE has grown to serve more than 400 participants.

They celebrated this anniversary with a drive-thru health and wellness event at the PACE Center in Garden Grove. Congratulations, CalOptima PACE, on your years of success in helping the elderly community in Orange County!

With fall season comes flu season. To help prevent us from getting sick with the flu, health professionals recommend getting our flu vaccine as early as possible every year.

That is why the First District Team partnered with the Orange County Health Department, Mercy Pharmacy, and other local organizations to host free flu shot clinics in the First District. Flu shots will be available for anyone over the age of 3 on a first-come, first-serve basis.  

The next flu shots clinic is:

October 29 – Garden Grove Library

More COVID-19 vaccine clinics are coming to your friendly Northgate Markets in Santa Ana.

Check out the flyers below for dates and times!

On September 30, the Orange County Sheriff’s Advisory Council hosted the 33rd Annual Medal of Valor Ceremony where they recognized 53 members of the Orange County Sheriff's Department who have exhibited exceptional courage in the attempt to save or protect others from harm. Among the honorees, was also one of their patrol K-9. Thank you to all our deputies and public safety officers for your courage and commitment to public safety.

On October 5, I had the pleasure of presenting a board resolution with my fellow colleagues to Dr. Audrey Rivera-Gómez, the new Head of the Mexican Consulate in Santa Ana, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the history and culture of U.S. Latin and Hispanic communities. The month commemorates how these communities influence and contribute to American society at-large.

In Orange County, home to 3.2 million residents, 34% identify as Hispanic or Latino. Here in the county, we are very fortunate to be home to the Mexican Consulate in Santa Ana. On June 21, Dr. Rivera-Gómez was appointed the new Head of the Mexican Consulate. She received her Ph.D. in International Relations and Social Sciences, two master’s degrees in Diplomatic Studies and Business Administration, and an undergraduate degree in International Relations.

On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I joined the Mexican Consulate and our residents in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and the significant contributions of the Latino community.

On September 28, I joined my colleagues in presenting resolutions to the OC Fire Authority for their outstanding dedication and service to Orange County and our residents. Our brave men and women risk their lives every day to help our communities during emergencies and other natural disasters, such as the current wildfires in California. Their unwavering logistical support during the pandemic allowed thousands of Orange County residents and workers to get vaccinated.

Thank you, OCFA, for your dedication to Orange County.

During the September 28 board presentations, my colleagues and I presented a resolution to Stacy Blackwood for her nine years of service to the County of Orange as OC Parks Director.

Stacy has had an invaluable impact on her department, and the millions of County residents who enjoy our Orange County Parks. Thank you, Stacy, for your outstanding and dedicated service. You will be missed.

On October 12, I had the honor of presenting a certificate of recognition to Don Dobmeier, who received the Preservation Award from the Orange County Historical Commission.

Don served for over 47 years on the Orange County Historical Commission. He has made a tremendous impact in the acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of many historic sites throughout Orange County.

In fact, Don’s legacy can be viewed at the Old Orange County Courthouse in downtown Santa Ana where he helped with the preservation of the building, as well as developing the first old courtroom exhibits and museum gallery.

Thank you, Don, for your extensive work in preserving the history of Orange County!

September 21 was World Alzheimer’s Day.

Alzheimer’s ranks among the leading causes of death in the United States. Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia that affects memory and impairs daily function. It is responsible for somewhere between 60% and 80% of dementia cases.

To learn more about Alzheimer's, please visit www.alzoc.org.  

The OC Office on Aging partnered with the OC Workforce Development Board to celebrate National Employ Older Workers Week at senior centers across Orange County!

Throughout the week, the OC Workforce Development Board Mobile Unit visited various senior centers throughout Orange County to provide employment services including access to the Mobile Resource Center containing computers, fax machines, copiers, and telephones.

Check out the flyer below for more information on these programs and services.

On October 6, the First District Team celebrated National Walk to School Day by joining students from the McFadden Institute of Technology in #SantaAna on their walk to school.

Students were thrilled about getting the opportunity to be outdoors. Walking to school encourages physical activity, building community, and promotes safety in neighborhoods and schools.

🎀 The month of October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 🎀

This month serves as an important reminder to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or has affected someone personally, almost everyone has been touched by breast cancer in some way. #TeamAndrewDo would like to take this month to spread awareness, provide support, and uplift women who may be in need.

For help getting access to education, screening, or support you can visit https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/ for more information.

The month of October also marks National Bullying Prevention Month, and October 13 marked National Stop Bullying Day.

With technology becoming more prevalent in the lives of our youth, it is important for families and parents to communicate with their kids about what bullying and cyberbullying is and how to stand up to it safely.

Whether online or in-person, bullying is never okay as it can have a huge impact on the self-esteem and mental health of our youth, who are in their most significant stages of growth.

Some ways to combat bullying include modeling how to treat others with respectful behavior, reporting it when it happens, and speaking up against it. Some sports like karate may help kids to learn self-defense techniques that will give them more confidence to stand up against bullying.

The First District Team has enjoyed past partnerships with Toyama Karate-Do "SideKicks4Life" Youth Mentorship in Santa Ana to promote youth empowerment in learning self-defense, safety awareness, and discipline through non-contact workshops!

To learn more about what you can do, visit www.stopbullying.gov.

The pandemic has had a major impact on people’s mental health. Our frontline workers, students, and individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions have been particularly affected.

In honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10, we must remember to spread awareness, educate, and advocate against the mental health social stigma.

Be Well OC is a community-based organization seeking optimal mental health for its patients. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 949-749-2500 or visit www.bewelloc.org.

And if you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

September 29 was National Women’s Health and Fitness Day, and the First District Team visited La Purisima Naturista in Santa Ana to celebrate.

The owner, Sara, started this business in 1994 inside the Bristol Swapmall and she has expanded her business ever since.

This small business has endless options of vitamins and supplements that promote overall health and fitness. Stop by for any of your wellness needs!

🌿 La Purisima Naturista

📍 1227 W. Edinger Ave, Santa Ana

October 1 was international coffee day and the First District Team stopped by MAZ Cafe Con Leche in Santa Ana for a cup of coffee and some treats! We indulged in their delicious Abuelita Frappe and Coco de Leche Latte. They even have a signature MAZ latte with Mazapan candy! Stop by MAZ Café Con Leche for your next coffee craving!

☕ MAZ Cafe Con Leche

📍 608 N Lacy St, Santa Ana

In honor of National Dessert Day on October 14, the First District Team enjoyed some delicious gansitos and conchas from Soy Concha Bakery, formerly known as Victoria Bakery, in Santa Ana. This panaderia has a variety of vegan desserts, smoothies, and cakes for every occasion. Next time you’re looking for something sweet, stop by this small business!

Soy Concha Bakery

📍709 N Bristol St, Santa Ana, CA 92703

On October 9, the First District Team helped recognize volunteers from the Power of One Foundation at the 2020 Presidential Awards Ceremony at Magnolia Science Academy Santa Ana.

The efforts and commitment these individuals have contributed to better the lives of residents in our communities is truly admirable. Thank you all for your dedication!

📚 On October 16, the Santa Ana Zoo hosted the unveiling of their second Little Lending Library project! 📚

This wonderful project was a collaborative effort by Dynamite Book Club, Bristol Swapmall, Open Hands of Hope, and the Blue Lot Galler.

Next time you visit the Santa Ana Zoo, make sure to stop by the Little Lending Libraries.

Please visit the Santa Ana Zoo website at https://www.santaanazoo.org/ or call for admission pricing.

🐒 Santa Ana Zoo

📍 1801 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana

Last weekend, friends and families grabbed their costumes and attended the Santa Ana Zoo for the annual “merry not scary” Boo at the Zoo, OC’s Premier Halloween Event for Kids! Stop on by this weekend!

Boo at the Zoo featured “Boofari” Express Train, Conservation Carrousel, and Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel rides.

👻 Santa Ana Zoo

📍 1801 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana