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Last week, the Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously supported our effort to continue the Weather Activated RooMs for Families (WARM) program for a second winter.
We initially launched WARM in January 2025 to ensure that unhoused families with children have a safe, warm place to stay during severe storms or extreme cold. As we head into another winter, the need remains urgent, and we are committed to making sure families are not forced to endure dangerous weather in their cars or on the street.
The WARM program will operate from January through April 30 and will cover motel stays, food assistance, and program administration. In addition, Pathways of Hope will work with participating families to connect them to supportive services, helping families move toward greater stability beyond the winter months.
I am grateful for the collaboration of our school districts and Pathways of Hope who help make this program possible. Their partnership ensures we can reach families quickly and respond when it matters most.
I was proud to have the opportunity to nominate two individuals for this year’s Orange County Hall of Fame class. Not only were they great Olympians, but they made a lasting contribution to our County,
We recognized Ed Caruthers for his commitment to civil rights and for his dedication to our youth during his career in education. Dr. Sammy Lee was represented by his family as we celebrated his commitment to the health of our families.
 Both honorees exemplify a personal commitment to athletic excellence and went on to long careers caring for others. They are worthy role models and great examples for all of us to follow.
 Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez was recognized for his work in the area of civics and for his commitment to serving the community, and we thanked him for being a trailblazer for so many in our community.
 It is my hope that their achievements inspire a new generation to greatness, to civil rights leadership, and to serving their communities in their chosen careers.
I was very happy to join with friends and partners for Harbor Institute’s celebration of five years of fighting for immigrant and economic justice in Orange County.
 Thank you to the Harbor Institute for recognizing the work, contributions, and commitment of the awardees.
 Thank you to the awardees: PYM LA/OCIE, Esperanza Unión de Inquilinos, and journalist Nick Gerda for all you do to uplift our communities and pursue justice.
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The resilience and courage of the children and families helped by the staff and volunteers of Make-A-Wish® is truly inspiring. I’m proud to share that our office has contributed $1,500 to Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire to help make a child from the 2nd District’s wish come true.
 This contribution underscores our commitment to supporting this incredible cause that transforms lives!
This month, I attended the Latino Health Access Tamalada Fundraiser. The community came out in force to support this decades-long LHA tradition. It was great to be able to support such a great community-based organization and its continuing work and dedication to advancing health and equity in our community.
 The mood was festive with music, dancing, and of course, delicious food. The community health message was clear: health begins at home, not just during a crisis or when we seek medical care.
I am thankful for the leadership and impact LHA brings to our neighborhoods.
I was so proud to celebrate the holidays with SEIU-USWW members and their families at a toy giveaway, as they support each other and their community during the holidays. The happiness on the faces of the kids said it all.
 I want to thank all the service workers who make our county function and support their efforts as they continue their fight to protect workers, seek safe workplaces, fair wages, and dignity for their members and all workers in our community. Thank you for all you do!
I had the pleasure of visiting Lee Butterfield and her family at her home to celebrate her incredible lifetime of service to the Garden Grove community.
 From decades of civic leadership to her devoted volunteer work with the OC Food Bank and Soroptimist International, Lee has spent her life uplifting others — proving that a community grows strongest when kindness leads the way.
Her compassion, dedication, and community spirit continue to inspire us all.
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.
This November, County Operations and Maintenance completed 319 cleanups along Orange County Flood Control District facilities. Of those, 177 were within District 2, with just over 68% located within the city boundaries of Santa Ana. 21 of the cleanups took place on county facilities within the City of Tustin boundaries.
I also wanted to share some of the latest before-and-after images of those ongoing efforts. Thank you to OC Public Works for this great work. Click here to request services.
Before After
 Before After
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