Helping animals in need

We held our annual Free Pet Adoption last weekend in Huntington Beach and it was a huge success: 24 dogs and 31 cats were adopted and 69 animals received discounted veterinarian services.

Many of you know that I’m a huge animal lover and have used my ability as a California Senator and Orange County Supervisor to improve the lives of shelter pets. I have a saying, “Animals have no voice. I will be their voice.”

The pet expo was something I started to help place shelter animals in good homes.  By offering free adoption fees and inviting local pet businesses to have booths at the event, I wanted to attract a large crowd for a better chance of placing animals who are passed over at shelters.

Shelter partners OC Animal Care and WAGS Pet Adoption made this possible. One happy story is Hickie, a husky mix who had been at WAGS for 271 days. She was a sweet dog who happily posed in a promo video I filmed. Hickie’s new family owns another dog that they brought to the event to see if the new dog would get along and it was a successful match!

Thank you to the OC Animal Shelter, City of Huntington Beach, Huntington Beach Mayor Casey McKeon and Councilwoman Gracey Van Der Mark, VetCare Pet Clinic and all our other vendors. I will continue working on behalf of animals.

Investing in Garden Grove youth

The Board approved a $7.5 million contract with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove to expand youth diversion and efficient justice pathways across Orange County. The two-year program, renewable for three additional years, gives at-risk young people in our community access to mentorship, counseling, and structured alternatives to the juvenile justice system, helping more kids stay in school and on track.

Strengthening children’s mental health services

Mental health support for our youngest residents got a major boost this month. The Board approved a $5.2 million contract renewal with Waymakers for children’s specialized services in Districts 1 and 2, along with new funding for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove (in addition to the above contract) and Charitable Ventures of Orange County. This will deliver early childhood mental health consultations, giving families faster, more local access to the care their children need.

Federal housing funds for our communities

Following an April 28 public hearing, the Board approved Orange County’s FY 2026-27 Annual Action Plan, allocating nearly $6 million in federal HUD funding for affordable housing rehabilitation, public facility improvements, and community services across the county. The plan also renews the agreement with Abrazar, Inc. to continue operating the Midway City Community Center, a vital hub of services for residents in our district.

Adopting a local road safety plan

The Board adopted Orange County’s first comprehensive Local Road Safety Plan, a data-driven roadmap for reducing serious injuries and fatalities on county roads. The plan unlocks federal Safe Streets and Roads for All funding and prioritizes targeted improvements at the intersections and corridors where they’re needed most—making everyday trips safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians in our communities.

Click here for more information

Grants approved

In recent weeks, the Board approved significant grant funding to support behavioral health, senior services, public health, and homelessness response efforts across Orange County. This included $4,837,204 from the California Department of Health Care Services to expand Crisis Care Mobile Units and $450,000 through the Behavioral Health Student Services Act to enhance mental health and substance use disorder support for students and families.

We also approved $17,740,495 from the California Department of Aging for senior services, along with $898,736 for job training opportunities through the Senior Community Service Employment Program. To address homelessness, the Board accepted over $17.2 million in HHAP Round 6 funding to support regional coordination and housing solutions. Additionally, $70,000 was approved to modernize Public Health Laboratory data systems, and we renewed a performance contract to continue providing critical behavioral health services for vulnerable populations.

Children unite under the flag

Students across the country are invited to take part in the My America Youth Flag Mosaic, a nationwide project encouraging young people to design a flag that reflects their vision for America’s future. Inspired by a powerful youth-led flag mural created after 9/11, this new mosaic will be unveiled in Boston in December 2026, with select designs featured in a digital exhibit. Schools and groups can register to receive a free classroom kit, and completed tiles must be returned by October 1, 2026.

Click here to sign up

The idea and the journey

America was founded on the principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence—equality, individual rights, and government by the people—ideas later reaffirmed by President Calvin Coolidge during the nation’s 150th anniversary. Thomas Jefferson also recognized that the United States is a work in progress, continually shaped by generations striving to fulfill those ideals.

I invite you to revisit the Declaration of Independence and reflect on the principles that continue to guide our nation.

Click here to read more

Annual Crime Victim’s Rights Ceremony

I was honored to attend the DA’s annual Crime Victims’ Rights Ceremony. We saw dozens of photographs of beloved victims and some family members also spoke. I met several Garden Grove police officers and we stood next to a display honoring Jacob Ramirez, 5, killed by a drunk driver.

It was a huge turnout of prosecutors, police, elected officials, victims and family members and others in the community.

Community Passport Event

It was a pleasure to serve residents from across Orange County at our Community Passport Event. In partnership with OC Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen and Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein, we helped deliver over 250 passport services. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Annual Women of Distinction Ceremony

I honored dozens of Women of Distinction at the Huntington Beach Art Center. These fabulous leaders come from all sectors like business, non-profits and media. Congratulations!

Fountain Valley Pacific Islander Festival

Celebrate American Pacific Islander Heritage Month on May 2 from 1 – 4 p.m. at Fountain Valley Sports Park (16400 Brookhurst St.). Enjoy cultural performances, food, retail vendors, and family-friendly entertainment.

Click here for more information

Westminster State of the City

Hear updates on the City of Westminster’s priorities and accomplishments at the 2026 State of the City on May 6 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Westminster Rose Center (14140 All American Way). Registration is required.

Click here for more information

Garden Grove Mother’s Day Concert in the Park

Celebrate Mother’s Day with live music, food, and family fun on May 9 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Haster Basin Recreation Area (12862 Lampson Ave.). Free admission for all attendees.

Click here for more information

Huntington Beach Public Works Open House at Surf City Nights

Visit the Public Works Open House at Surf City Nights on May 12 beginning at 5 p.m. on Main Street in Huntington Beach. This free event features equipment displays, demonstrations, games, and giveaways.

Click here for more information

Fountain Valley Crawfish Festival

Experience the flavors of New Orleans from May 15 through May 17 at Fountain Valley Sports Park (16400 Brookhurst St.). Enjoy crawfish, beignets, live music, a second line parade, karaoke lounge, and live entertainment for all ages.

Click here for more information and to buy tickets

Garden Grove Community Cleanup Day

Help keep the community clean on May 16 from 9 – 11 a.m. at Garden Grove Park. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to participate.

Click here for more information

Save Our Beach Cleanup

Join the Save Our Beach cleanup on May 16 at the 1st Street beach parking lot in Seal Beach. Supplies will be provided—just bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and help keep the coastline clean.

Click here for more information

Fountain Valley E-Waste Recycling & Paper Shredding Event

Dispose of unwanted items responsibly on May 18 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Fountain Valley Recreation Center and Sports Park (16400 Brookhurst St.). This free event includes electronics recycling, paper shredding (three boxes per car), and ready-to-use compost (three bags per car).

Click here for more information

Seal Beach Senior Resource Fair

Attend the Senior Resource Fair on May 20 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the North Seal Beach Community Center. Connect with local organizations offering information on health care, transportation, caregiving, and more.

Call 562-431-2527 ext. 1390 for more information

49th Annual Strawberry Ball

Kick off Strawberry Festival week on May 21 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Garden Grove Community Meeting Center (11300 Stanford Ave.). Enjoy dinner, dancing, and the unveiling of the Strawberry Queen and Court.

Click here for more information

66th Annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival

One of Orange County’s most beloved traditions returns May 22 through May 25 at Village Green Park (12732 Main St.). Enjoy a parade, carnival rides, live entertainment, food, and the famous strawberry shortcake. Free admission.

Click here for more information

La Palma Memorial Day Ceremony

Honor those who gave their lives in service on May 25 at 9 a.m. in front of the La Palma Civic Center (7822 Walker St.). Parking is available at nearby city lots.

Click here for more information

Fountain Valley Memorial Day Ceremony

Join the City of Fountain Valley and VFW Post 9557 on May 25 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Veterans Park (17635 Los Alamos St.) to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.

Click here for more information

Thank you for being an active member in your community.

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