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As Vice Chair of the CalOptima Health Board of Directors, I supported CalOptima joining Covered California to help the tens of thousands of our members who lose coverage due to slight income fluctuations. This affects families and the continuity of care they need. At the January 14 Board of Supervisors meeting, the board supported this change.
Too often, individuals lose their insurance coverage simply because they worked an extra shift or took on additional hours. This change ensures they now have the option to maintain their insurance, providing stability and peace of mind in managing their healthcare needs, without impacting the service delivery or quality of care to our members.
To read more about the changes visit CalOptima Health.
In 2024 the Orange County Health Care Agency distributed nearly 29,000 units of Naloxone - a medication used to prevent overdose deaths. CalOptima Health has also invested $15 million into purchasing and distributing 250,000 units of Naloxone.
The County invested $5 million and launched the Fentanyl is Forever campaign to combat the deadly impacts of fentanyl misuse, provide education on the dangers, and fight overdose deaths. Through education, awareness, and the use of Naloxone, our county has seen drops in fentanyl-related deaths.
- 2022 - 13% decrease
- 2023 - 7% decrease
- 2024 - preliminary data show continued decreases
Help save lives! Training on the use of Naloxone and distribution is available in Orange Cunty. Visit fentanylisforeveroc.org for additional information and resources.
We continue to address public safety concerns related to people congregating along the riverbed and in flood control channels. We face the dual challenge of expanding access to bike paths while controlling these areas to prevent criminal activity and ensuring we provide services to those in need.
I wanted to share some of the latest before and after images of that ongoing work in Santa Ana.
Before After
 Before After
I was proud to collaborate with SAUSD and bring vital county resources to this important conference, that had such a meaningful impact on District 2 residents. I want to share a heartfelt thank you to the district and to Saddleback High School for opening their campus and creating a space for dialogue and growth.
We were honored to have guest speaker Adan Correa, who graciously shared his high school experience, inspiring parents and students to embrace the beauty of being different. Together, we are helping break barriers and build understanding.
Santiago High School students honored the legacy of service of Martin Luther King Jr. by coming together to clean up Haster Basin Park. I am incredibly proud of these students for their efforts in beautifying their local park and giving back to their community.
It was a pleasure to connect them with resources from Orange County Parks. A special thanks to Garden Grove Councilwoman Yesenia Muneton and Board of EducationTrustee Walter Muneton for organizing this clean up and consistently seeking opportunities to enhance Garden Grove as a beautiful place to live, work, and play.
The fires in Los Angeles have tested the resilience of our region and have shown the importance of supporting each other during times of devastation. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the brave firefighters, first responders, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to protect lives and contain the damage.
I am proud of our county staff and our efforts to support Los Angeles through mutual aid assistance, as they respond to the fires. I am also very proud of the many volunteer efforts to assist those affected.
CalOptima Health has also reached out to offer support to our healthcare counterparts in Los Angeles as they address great needs now and as communities seek to recover.
I was honored to join the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers, recognizing their unwavering support for County residents. For five decades, the Coalition has provided essential care to thousands in our community, pioneering innovative initiatives such as street medicine and supportive housing.
As we look ahead, we’ll continue pushing for expanded access, addressing social needs, and advocating for policies that make quality care accessible to all. I am deeply grateful to all the dedicated professionals who provide these vital services and for their commitment to health equity, making our community healthier and more equitable.
We greatly enjoyed the celebration of history, culture, and community at the 45th Annual Orange County Black History Parade & Unity Festival. A big thank you to the Orange County Heritage Council (OCHC) for putting together such an incredible event that brings all the community together in celebration of culture, history, and unity.
This month we also recognize Rosa Parks, honoring her courage in the fight for civil rights and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his lifelong fight for community and economic justice.
Starting January 1, 2025, transitional rent services will be introduced as an optional Community Supports benefit under CalAIM for Medi-Cal members. This new initiative aims to provide up to six months of rent/temporary housing for eligible members who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and meet specific criteria.
This program is designed to support individuals during critical transitions, such as leaving institutional care, correctional facilities, or homelessness, ensuring they have a stable foundation to improve their health outcomes.
By January 1, 2026, all Medi-Cal managed care plans will be required to offer this benefit. To learn more about Medi-Cal and how to enroll visit CalOptima Health.
I had the honor of joining the community to celebrate Miguel’s Jr.’s 1-year anniversary in Santa Ana. Miguel’s Jr. is more than just a place to eat—it’s a family-run business built on love, tradition, and a commitment to quality. Managed by the Vasquez children, this restaurant captures the essence of everything wonderful about Santa Ana.
It was inspiring to hear from founder Mary Vasquez and her son Javier about the restaurant’s commitment to our community. Javier shared how Miguel’s Jr. is giving back by providing meals to the brave firefighters battling wildfires—a true reflection of their values and generosity.
This year, the family is celebrating 50 years of serving fresh, flavorful California Mexican cuisine. I want to thank the Vasquez family for investing in Santa Ana and for making this location a cornerstone of their legacy. A big thank you to the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce for organizing such a wonderful ribbon-cutting ceremony!
OC Animal Care is launched three exciting new pilot projects on January 25. The pilot projects enable OC Animal Care to evaluate new and creative strategies to manage trends in animal welfare and support our pets in Orange County. The projects include expanded weekend viewing hours, free virtual dog training scholarships through GoodPup, and quarterly adoption events that began with an event on Saturday, January 25.
For more information and details, please visit https://www.ocpetinfo.com.
For many years, Mental Health Association of OC (MHA) operated a walk-in service center to assist unhoused individuals with a mental health diagnosis in Santa Ana. The location of the center, near schools and residences, was ultimately incompatible with the site and created public safety and health concerns for local residents.
In 2023, I opposed the proposed contract extension for MHA at this location and worked with fellow board members to find alternative solutions. Though the board supported a one-year extension, we ultimately required MHA to close the center at the end of 2024, and the location is now closed. Services and referrals for mental health services remain available in Santa Ana at city-operated and county-run facilities.
For assistance seeking immediate shelter, food, clothing or other types of assistance, dial 2-1-1 to reach the 24-hour free information and referral helpline. For additional information on Santa Ana homeless services visit https://www.santa-ana.org/local-homeless-shelters/
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