Redistricting in our community

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s efforts to redistrict California could impact Orange County, and specifically our district. I am adamantly opposed to this plan to hold a costly special election to do this.

He needs to concentrate on fixing the problems in California instead of focusing on national politics. 

This election will cost Orange County taxpayers $15.6 million and a staggering $200 million statewide, money that could be spent making our communities safer. 

California has been redistricted numerous times, most recently in 2021. California voters enacted the Citizens Redistricting Commission to take this process out of the hands of politicians and allow members of the public to decide. 

This commission has five Republicans, five Democrats and four unaffiliated members. You can’t get fairer than that. 

The Legislature wants this district to be part of LA County. We have our own identity in Orange County and I love it here.

Maps recently produced by the Legislature would place Huntington Beach with a portion of Long Beach. It would also add parts of east Los Angeles to Little Saigon. 

Seal Beach, a town of 25,000 people, would be split into three different congressional districts.

Andrew Do restitution

Convicted ex-Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do has been ordered to pay $878,230 restitution for a conspiracy scheme to misappropriate $10 million in federal COVID relief funds for personal gain. US District Court Judge James Selna handed down the order on Aug. 11.

I’m disappointed in the judge’s ruling, however there is a process to obtain $5 million in funds seized from bank accounts and the sales of homes belonging to Andrew Do’s daughter and businesses associated with his scheme. We will work with the US Attorney to obtain these funds to return back to the residents he stole from.

Cultural Heritage Festival

It was an honor to host the Cultural Heritage Festival in recognition of 50 years of  contributions that have helped shape our community. Local elected officials came together to pay tribute to our military and citizens whose hard work and dedication has  strengthened America. With an estimated 20,000 attendees, this milestone celebration served as a meaningful reminder of the generations who came before us and the legacy they continue to inspire.

Update on Registrar of Voters lawsuit

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating voter fraud and has filed a lawsuit against the County to receive complete voter records on certain individuals.

I authored a Board resolution with Supervisor Don Wagner to direct the Registrar of Voters to take the necessary steps to settle the case and comply with applicable federal law regarding voter records. Unfortunately, the Board rejected the item by a 3-2 vote, continuing an expensive lawsuit.   

The federal government has significant jurisdiction over general elections. We need to work with the DOJ to share data and ensure that elections have integrity.  It’s important to note that the Orange County District Attorney routinely receives confidential data from the Registrar.

I said this during the Board meeting this week:  “You’re showing that there is something to hide. It’s going to go on and on, it’s not going to stop. Either hand it over or go against the federal government for the next several years.”

County grants

I voted to approve more than $14 million in grant funding to benefit Orange County residents at the Aug. 12 Board meeting. This included over $10 million to strengthen public health through HIV prevention, treatment, and emergency relief programs; $2.5 million to expand disease intervention efforts; and $700,000 to protect workers’ rights. 

We also approved nearly $800,000 to support senior services, $250,000 for regional job creation, and more than $500,000 for the Anaheim Collaborative Court. These investments will provide critical resources that improve health, safety, and opportunity for our community.

Kratom ordinance

The Orange County Board of Supervisors has approved an ordinance that I authored prohibiting the sale, distribution, or possession of synthetic kratom products in unincorporated Orange County. Synthetic kratom has been linked to liver damage, seizures, and even death, and the Mayo Clinic has labeled it unsafe and ineffective. By enacting this ordinance, we are taking proactive steps to protect public health and prevent harmful substances from reaching our communities.

This policy specifically targets synthetic kratom products while also requiring clear labeling and age restrictions for natural kratom. As other cities in California and states across the country move to regulate or ban kratom entirely, we are working proactively to safeguard residents from unapproved and potentially dangerous narcotics.

Recently UCI Health has acquired some of our local hospitals. I voted to update County contracts to assign them to UCI Health. This includes Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Los Alamitos Medical Center. The care you and your family count on will keep going strong without skipping a beat. Making sure our hospitals stay ready and able to serve has always been one of my priorities. I’m proud to help keep that promise.

Pet Adoption Expo

Save the date! Our Pet Adoption Expo is Oct. 11 and vaccinations will be just $15. We’re calling on all pet vendors - contact our office if you would like to participate.

SpaceX tour

I toured the SpaceX manufacturing facility in Hawthorne with my two boys and we loved it! Hawthorne designs and builds rockets with over 6,000 employees.

20 Year Anniversary

My husband Tom and I celebrated 20 years of joy, laughter, tears, many challenges, and unwavering partnership and support for each other.  I’m grateful for the journey we’ve shared and the family we’ve built. I’m excited for what’s still ahead. Happy Anniversary Tom!!

Olympic-size mixer

I loved the Olympic-sized mixer hosted by the Seal Beach Chamber. This gathering united 5 other local Chamber partners honoring hometown Olympians who began their athletic journeys in Seal Beach.

Garden Grove community cleanup day

The Garden Grove Sanitary District and Republic Services invite residents to participate in the Community Cleanup Day program, offering free disposal of bulky items. Residents may bring furniture, mattresses, carpets, non-refrigerant appliances, and electronic waste, such as computers and printers. This will be a self-service event, and unloading will be on a first-come, first-served basis until bins are full.

Items not accepted include hazardous waste, refrigerators, freezers, AC units, concrete, dirt, tires, and more. For a full list of banned items and updates on dates and locations, visit ggcity.org/cleanup-days.

For more information click here

2nd Annual Foods of Garden Grove Live

The City of Garden Grove proudly presents the 2nd Annual Foods of Garden Grove Live! Sample an international variety of the city’s most popular food and drink eateries while enjoying live music, family-friendly activities, and more at the Garden Amp on Historic Main Street. Admission and concerts are free, with tickets required for tastings.

Stay up to date on participating restaurants, activities, and ticket pricing by visiting www.ggcity.org/fogglive.

For more information click here

Westminster Fall Festival

The City of Westminster invites you to the 4th Annual Fall Festival from Sept. 25 – 28. Enjoy a weekend filled with carnival rides, live entertainment, delicious food, and family fun. Don’t miss this vibrant community tradition.

For more information click here

Celebrate Los Al

The City of Los Alamitos is excited to host its annual Celebrate Los Al event on Sept. 13.  This community festival features live entertainment, family activities, food vendors, and a spectacular fireworks show to cap off the night. Join neighbors and friends for a day full of fun and community pride.

For more information click here

La Palma Festival of Nations

Celebrate culture and community at the La Palma Festival of Nations & Parade on Sept. 20. Rescheduled from earlier this year, the event will feature a parade, carnival rides, cultural entertainment, games, and food trucks. This annual celebration highlights the diversity and rich heritage of La Palma and the surrounding region.

For more information click here

Fountain Valley E-waste recycling and paper shredding event

The City of Fountain Valley is hosting a Free E-Waste Recycling and Paper Shredding Event on Sept. 6. This community event allows residents to safely dispose of unwanted electronics and documents while also picking up free compost for their gardens. Hosted by the Fountain Valley Community Foundation in collaboration with the City and Republic Services, it’s a great way to keep our community clean and green. 

For more information click here

47th Annual Seal Beach Lions Arts & Crafts Faire

Join the Seal Beach Lions Club for the 47th Annual Arts & Crafts Faire on Sept. 6 - 7 at Eisenhower Park. This cherished community tradition, will feature over 100 artisans, performances, a Kids Craft Zone, and food prepared and served by the club’s young lions, the LEOs. Don’t miss out on the fun!

For more information click here

Seal Beach Sidewalk Sale

From Sept. 5 – 7, support local small businesses at the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Sidewalk Sale on Main Street, Seal Beach. Shop, Eat, and Play all day while enjoying beautiful downtown Seal Beach!

For more information click here

Surfin' Sundays Summer Concert Series

Presented by the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum, Surfin’ Sundays brings free live music, local artists, and beach vibes to Pier Plaza from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. on select weekends: Sept. 6 – 7 and Oct. 25 – 26. Bring a blanket, browse beachwear booths, and soak up the sun while enjoying classic surf tunes by the ocean.

For more information click here

17th Annual Blessing of the Waves

Join community and faith leaders at the Huntington Beach Pier for the 17th Annual Blessing of the Waves on Sept. 7, beginning at 5:30  p.m. This free event welcomes all ages and all faiths in a celebration of life, water, and spiritual unity—featuring music, reflection, and environmental solidarity.

For more information click here

Oktoberfest in Huntington Beach

Southern California’s best Oktoberfest returns to Old World Village in Huntington Beach from Sept. 7 - Nov. 9, every Wednesday through Sunday. Enjoy bratwurst voted best in California, over 60 beers on tap, Oom pah pah bands, DJs, dancing, competitions, and more in a massive indoor-outdoor Biergarten and Festival Hall. All ages welcome with a guardian; 21+ ID required for entry to adult events.

For more information click here

Surf City 10

Lace up for Surf City 10 on Sept. 13 – 14, at Huntington Beach Pier Plaza. This scenic and fast race weekend includes a Beach Mile, 5K, 10K, and 10-Miler, with ocean views, cool temps, and cheering crowds along Pacific Coast Highway. Packet pick-up and race expo will take place both days at Pier Plaza.

For more information click here

TYR Wodapalooza SoCal

The world-renowned TYR Wodapalooza festival comes to Huntington Beach from Sept. 19 – 21. This multi-day fitness celebration will feature over 1,000 athletes from around the globe, multiple competition stages, brand activations, and wellness experiences including seminars and workshops—all just steps from the sand.

For more information click here

26th Annual Sunset Beach Chili Cook-Off

Spice up your Saturday at the 26th Annual Sunset Beach Chili Cookoff on Sept. 20, from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Sunset Beach Community Center (16861 12th Street). Enjoy award-worthy chili tastings, live classic rock from Cat Reed and the Back Alley, food vendors, beer and wine, raffles, and a live auction featuring incredible prizes—including a Hilton stay and HBPD helicopter ride-along. Proceeds support scholarships and community programs through the Sunset Beach Woman’s Club.

For more information click here

Pacific City’s 10-Year Anniversary Celebration

Celebrate a decade of coastal style at Pacific City’s 10-Year Anniversary on Sept. 20. Enjoy family-friendly activities, lively entertainment, and a festive atmosphere. Plus, enjoy free parking all day during this special celebration!

For more information click here

Huntington Beach Symphony Orchestra

Join the Huntington Beach Symphony Orchestra for its 17th season opener on Sept. 21, featuring the B.M.W. Celebration, a powerful performance of Brahms’ 4th Symphony, Mussorgsky’s “The Old Castle” with saxophone soloist Chris Charbonneau, and selections from Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde performed by a trio of acclaimed vocalists. A night of rich, romantic sound you won’t want to miss.

For more information click here

Tunnel to Towers Foundation 5K

Join the inaugural Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk in Huntington Beach on Sept. 21, to honor the legacy of 9/11 hero FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller and support our nation’s first responders and military. Be part of this moving tribute and help raise funds for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its mission to serve those who serve us.

For more information click here

Surf City Days

Celebrate the end of summer at Surf City Days on Sept. 27, with a weekend full of fun in downtown Huntington Beach. This community event showcases the local lifestyle with paddleboarding, surfboard swaps, sand sculpture contests, and live entertainment—bringing together beach culture and family-friendly fun.

For more information click here

Pacific Air Show

The Pacific Airshow returns to Surf City USA from Oct. 3 – 5, with thrilling aerial performances over Huntington City Beach. Headliners include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Canadian Forces Snowbirds, and the F‑35A Demo Team. Gates open at 9:00  a.m. daily, with aerial action beginning at 10:00  a.m.. Enjoy both free and ticketed viewing options.

For more information click here

Westminster alarm permit guide

The Westminster Police Dept. responded to approximately 9,575 alarms from 2006 – 2009. Of these, only 239 calls (or 2%) were true alarm calls. Studies have consistently shown that 98% of the alarms that police respond to are false. Responding to false alarms consumes valuable police resources and unnecessarily prevents, delays, or diverts police officers from responding to essential calls for service and other needs in the community.

For more information click here

Free mulch for Rossmoor residents

On the 2nd Saturday and 4th Friday of the month at Kempton Park, the Rossmoor Community Services District offers free mulch to residents from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Take advantage of this useful resource for your home garden or landscaping needs. Don’t forget to bring your own containers.

For more information click here

For property in the right of way call (714) 955-0200. For property on private property call Code Enforcement at (866) 552-8120.

Thank you for being an active member in your community.

Please share this newsletter with family and friends.

Stay Connected with Supervisor Janet Nguyen

Copyright 2025 County of Orange, California
You are currently signed up to the First District newsletter. To unsubscribe, click here.