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I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the residents who joined us for a Budget Townhall meeting to discuss the County’s FY 2025-26 Budget. We met in the City of Orange, and the county finance staff (Orange County Budget and Finance Office) presented on the budget and responded to questions from attendees.
 We were glad to share some important resources with the public, including the Citizens' Guide to the Budget. This guide offers key details to help residents better understand the budget process and its impact. Though this marks the end of this budget cycle and the approval of a balanced budget for this year, it is the beginning of next year's budget cycle planning.
Next year promises to be even more challenging for our county. As we approach the Financial Strategic Plan process in the Fall, I will be providing additional opportunities for community input as we face possible funding cuts from the Federal and State levels, as well as challenges from settling Airport Fire claims. The budget was voted on and passed by the Board on June 24.
 I want to give a special thanks to Yorba Middle School, their principal, Dr. Monica Luther, and the Orange Unified School District for hosting us at their school.
On June 19, we celebrate Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or America’s Second Independence Day. The holiday marks the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned that slavery had been abolished in the United States.
The holiday recognizes the resilience of the Black community and marks the continuous fight against systemic injustices. Although much work remains to be done in the fight towards total equality, Juneteenth is a reminder that freedom cannot be denied.
I had the pleasure of joining the community in celebration of this year’s holiday, here in Santa Ana. The occasion was festive and brought together people from all walks of life to learn about the significance of Juneteenth and experience music, food, and community.
 Despite the Emancipation Proclamation being issued on January 1, 1863, the news took 2.5 years to reach the final enslaved people in Galveston, Texas. Celebrating July 4, 1776, can feel conflicting for many in the Black community since Black Americans could not experience the freedoms promised by the Constitution for 89 years.
As June draws to a close, we celebrated Pride Month—a time to honor the LGBTQ+ community, their history, and the ongoing fight for equality.
Pride traces its roots to the Stonewall Uprising in June 1969, when LGBTQ+ people in New York City stood up against harassment and discrimination in a defining in the movement. Their courage galvanized generations of advocacy and progress that continue today.
 It’s important to remember: Pride began as protest. It was an act of resistance against violence, injustice, and systemic oppression. Even now, in the face of renewed challenges, the LGBTQ+ community continues to lead with strength, resilience, and love.
To all those who advocate for justice, inclusion, and dignity for all—thank you. Your voices matter more than ever.
In this difficult time for our immigrant communities, it was inspiring and uplifting to see our county’s community and religious leaders gathered to show support for immigrants, regardless of legal status or origin. I was proud to join in the conversation and highlight that attacks on members of our immigrant community are attacks on all of us and undermine the rights of all.
 Hosted by the Islamic Center of Orange County, the event brought together community and faith leaders from a range of backgrounds with a unity of purpose.
In Orange County, we are proud to be home to a vibrant refugee community and a network of nonprofits working tirelessly to create meaningful, inclusive spaces where all people can thrive.
Refugees are not only fleeing crisis—they are striving to rebuild their lives, contribute to our communities, and deserve the fundamental rights of safety, dignity, and opportunity.
We were joined at the presentation by community members and organizations working each day to support refugees in our community as well as recognize the role that the county, we have the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs that has worked diligently to expand access, build partnerships, and ensure that refugees from all walks of life can find safety, support, and a sense of belonging.
 But we must also recognize the challenges that remain. To our partners, advocates, and community members, thank you for standing up, speaking out, and making a difference when we need you most. Let us continue to uplift refugee voices, invest in their futures, and reaffirm our shared belief that everyone deserves a place to call home and a community that welcomes them.
With so much going on in our community, it remains vitally important that we celebrate the achievements of the youth in our county. May and June featured many of these celebrations, and I was proud to provide certificates to recognize students in all our schools.
I had the pleasure of attending the Godinez High School graduation and celebrating the achievements with the students and their families. I encouraged them to keep working hard as they go on to school and work, but to not forget the community that has supported them, and I believe that young people can make their voices heard and create a difference in the future of our county and our nation.
 It is always so inspiring to see the hard work of our students rewarded and have the opportunity to see families gather to uplift their students as they complete this milestone and are set to move into their futures.
At the June 24 Board of Supervisors meeting, we recognized the critical work of our Orange County Adult Protective Services (APS) social workers, who act swiftly and compassionately to protect vulnerable adults, often under difficult and emotionally complex circumstances. I also had the opportunity to thank our mandated reporters—from health care workers and first responders to clergy and financial institution employees—whose vigilance is essential in identifying and reporting suspected abuse.
Adult Protective Services is a state-mandated program that prioritizes the safety and well-being of elders (ages 60+) and dependent adults (ages 18–59 with disabilities). APS social workers investigate allegations of abuse and neglect, assess client needs, and provide short-term case management along with connections to essential services and resources.
This year, we are reminded that protecting our elders is not just a responsibility—it’s a moral imperative. Every elder deserves to live with dignity, free from harm, and supported by a compassionate community.
 Anyone who suspects, observes, or knows that an elder or dependent adult is being abused is encouraged to call Orange County Adult Protective Services for help 1-800-451-5155. Victims live throughout the County and come from all income levels and the most frequently reported abuse by others is financial.
The County of Orange is looking for passionate individuals to serve on a variety of County Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Anyone who is interested and meets the qualifications is encouraged to apply.
Please visit our webpage where you can find descriptions of each vacant position. Some have specific qualifications, but in general, all applicants must be registered to vote in Orange County and reside in the Second District, which includes the city of Santa Ana and portions of Anaheim, Orange, Tustin, and Garden Grove, as well as portions of unincorporated North Tustin.
Open positions as of June 24.
Assessment Appeals Board #5
Development Processing Review Committee
North Tustin Advisory Committee
OCTA - Accessible Transit Advisory Committee
OC Emergency Medical Care Committee
IHSS Advisory Committee
OC Veterans Advisory Council
North Tustin Advisory Committee – Seats 1 and 2
Orange County Historical Commission
Orange County Older Adults Advisory
The Orange County’s Office of Care Coordination is seeking applications from Orange County residents to serve on the Commission to Address Homelessness. Recruitment is being conducted to fill six seats on the Commission to Address Homelessness. Openings include;
- Business Representative
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Central Service Planning Area Representative, Elected official or a City Manager who served or serves in the cities of Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Tustin or Westminster
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South Service Planning Area Representative, Elected official or a City Manager who served or serves in the cities of Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, or County Unincorporated
- Faith-Based Community Representative
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Philanthropic Leader, leader funding solutions to address homelessness
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Lived Experience Representative, individual who has current or past lived experience of homelessness
The Orange County Registrar of Voters will host a series of public workshops starting in July 2025. Information about the workshops and additional opportunities to participate are posted on an updated EAP webpage.
The EAP is the guiding document for how voting in elections is administered under the Voter’s Choice Act (VCA). It addresses the Registrar of Voters’ voter education and outreach program, operation of Vote Centers and Ballot Drop Boxes, provision of language and accessibility services, security measures, and contingency plans.
Members of the public interested in providing feedback on these topics have several ways to provide their input. Details about all of the following opportunities have been posted on an updated EAP webpage. Visit ocvote.gov/eap.
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 also wanted to share some of the latest before-and-after images of that ongoing work. Thank you to the Public Works for this great work. Click here to request services.
Before After
 Before After
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