Our veterans deserve our gratitude every day of the year, but Veterans Day provides us a unique opportunity to raise our voices as a community in support of those who have given so much for our freedom.

As a refugee forced to flee Vietnam during the Fall of Saigon, I am personally grateful for the sacrifices of our Armed Forces in the defense of our freedoms.

It was my distinct honor to recognize our OCTA employees and their family members who have bravely served in our Armed Forces at the OCTA Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11.

Here in Orange County, we are home to more than 130,000 veterans, the fourth-highest community of veterans in California. At OCTA, we are honored to have 78 employed veterans. We also have 14 employees who currently have children or grandchildren serving in the military.

OCTA could not be a success without the dedication of their work and desire to continue their service to the community.

On November 17, the County of Orange, in partnership with the Orange County Workforce Development Board Veterans Employment-Related Assistance Program, will host its first Veterans and Military Family Career Fair.

This free event will be in-person and open to veterans and military members within 180 days of separation from active duty as well as their dependents.

Participating employers will include in-demand employment sector companies ranging from service industries to high-level corporate and technical organizations.

🗓 November 17

⏰ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

🏢 County Operations Center

📍 1300 Grand Avenue, Santa Ana

November 1 to November 5 was designated as National Veterans Small Business Week.

Last October, the Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Preference Policy to grant preference to small businesses owned by disabled veterans when awarding contracts issued by the county government.

The policy, which went into effect on January 1st of this year, makes it easier for disabled veterans to do business with the County.

For more information, and to check if your business qualifies, please visit: https://cpo.ocgov.com/doing-business-oc/preference-policies.

Last month, OCTA received nearly $11 million in federal funds for paving and upkeep of streets across Orange County. These funds will help continue Orange County’s commitment for high-quality pavement conditions that make it possible for our residents, workers, and visitors to travel safely and efficiently.

Click here to read the full press release.

Mark your calendars for upcoming hiking events in November and December!

OCTA is once again hosting a series of hikes and equestrian rides on some of the county’s most pristine landscapes! For more information and to register, visit www.preservingourlegacy.org.

On October 27, I joined the OC Workforce Development Board in celebrating the rebranding of the OC One-Stop Center, now known as the OC Workforce Solutions Center!

The Center has been a resource for our region’s job seekers, young adults, and businesses for several years. The name change and new brand reflect a renewed effort to reach and help more people and businesses learn about the Center and the services offered at no cost. 

In addition to the Center, which is located in Garden Grove, there are several auxiliary locations throughout the County to make it accessible for all Orange County residents. Additionally, the mobile unit makes it even more convenient for everyone to access services. 

Click here to learn more about the rebranding rollout, the services the center offers, and the mobile unit locations.

During the November 4 CalOptima Board of Directors meeting, I presented a retirement Resolution on behalf of the OC Board of Supervisors to Richard Sanchez, former CalOptima CEO and former Director of the OC Health Care Agency.

Richard began his career with the County of Orange in 2005 and has decided to retire after 16 years of service to the County. Thank you, Richard, for your service to the residents of Orange County.

Last month, I was invited to speak at the Building Industry Association of Southern California Inc. Housing Summit at the Lyon Air Museum in Santa Ana.

We discussed the state of housing in the region, challenges that we are facing, and opportunities to meet the housing needs of the community.

I was also honored to present a memorial resolution on behalf of the OC Board of Supervisors to General William Lyon, a Major General of the United States Air Force, a prominent residential developer, a decorated military veteran, and a beloved philanthropist. General Lyon was a pioneer among the last of a generation of Southern California master planners; his combined companies have produced more than 100,000 homes over a nearly seven-decade long career.

Thank you to the Building Industry Association of Southern California for allowing me to participate in this year’s summit.

On November 6, the First District Team attended Delhi Center’s 10th Annual Zocalo Fiesta Fundraiser in Santa Ana.

The word “Zócalo” in many Latin American countries is a place where people gather to share resources and socialize. Similarly, the Delhi Center has been a Zócalo for the Santa Ana community since 1969. The center is a full-service community center that also acts as a gathering place for local residents and organizations. 

I was proud to be one of the sponsors of this year’s event, and I congratulate the center for its many years of service to the residents of Santa Ana.

Click here for more information on the Center’s programs and services.

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a two-day festival that is celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world. On November 1 and 2, family and friends gathered to honor our ancestors and celebrate their lives. Some of the traditions include visiting graves with cempasúchil flowers (marigolds) and ofrendas (offerings), building private altars in their memory, and enjoying their favorite foods and drinks.

💀💐 ¡Feliz Día de los Muertos a todos los que lo celebran!

November is nationally recognized as Native American Heritage Month. This observance commemorates the history, heritage, and culture of Native Americans and Alaskan Natives.

The National Archives holds hundreds of thousands of federal records relating to Native Americans. You can find more information here: https://www.archives.gov/research/native-americans. 

On November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the U.S. Marine Corps. Since then, they have served valiantly in every conflict, distinguishing themselves through their determination and tenacious fighting spirit. Thank you to all Marines and Veterans for your contributions to our great nation.

In honor of National Chocolate Day on October 18, the First District Team enjoyed some delicious chocolate tarts from the Black Market Bakery in downtown Santa Ana. This small business bakery has a variety of sweets, drinks, and sandwiches. Stop by for lunch or for an afternoon pick-me-up.

📍211 N Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92701

November 4 was National Candy Day and the First District Team stopped by Mexi Cali Candy to pick up some sweet and sour handcrafted candies. What began as a snack for some colleagues led to a brand-new small business shop in Garden Grove. Owners Savady and Cesar make all their candies to savory perfection.

📍 112960 Lucille Ave Suite A, Garden Grove

November 6 was National Nachos Day and the First District Team got some nachos from Los Sanchez Restaurant in Garden Grove. Stop by your local Mexican Restaurant any day to support a small business!

📍 11906 Garden Grove Blvd, Garden Grove

On November 8, the First District Team visited Lily’s Bakery And Cafe in Westminster for National Cappuccino Day! Lily’s Bakery has a variety of different coffee and cappuccino drinks as well as baked goods, like their original beignets. For your next morning pick-me-up, visit Lily’s Bakery and order a delicious cappuccino!

10161 Bolsa Ave #109b, Westminster

Need some community hours for school and love nature? Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers on November 21 to enhance the Nature Area habitat for local wildlife at the park. 

Activities include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, trash cleanup, and Butterfly Garden maintenance. 

No experience is necessary, tools will be provided. Just remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks, and water.

Space is limited so pre-register today at: https://letsgooutside.org/activities/2021/11/21/nature-area-clean-up-day-8/ 

🗓 November 21

⏰ 8:00 am - 10:00 am

👻 Mile Square Park

📍 16801 Euclid St. Fountain Valley

Already planning your holiday sightseeing with your friends and family?

The Garden Grove City Hall invites families to their 4th annual Winter in the Grove community event on Saturday, December 4!

For the most updated event information, check out their event page at https://bit.ly/3o1JyQG.

🗓 December 4

⏰ 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

❄️ Village Green Park

📍 12732 Main Street, Garden Grove