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This week, I was invited to speak to more than 200 business and economic leaders at the Orange County Business Council’s 2026 Legislative Day Event. I was grateful to address and advocate for improving education and economic opportunities, housing affordability, and health care.
 Education, employment, housing, and health care are the cornerstones of strong communities and economies. So I’m committed to focusing on partnerships, programs, and policy solutions that strengthen our community’s foundation and maximize its full potential.
 Thank you to the Orange County Business Council, event sponsors, and attendees. And a special shout-out to Elva Ruvalcaba, VP at Cal State Fullerton, and Board member of the OC Hispanic Chamber for moderating this increasingly important conversation.
Protecting our neighborhoods from flooding requires cleaning and maintaining our flood channels and infrastructure.
Over the past 12 months, County crews successfully completed more than 2,000 cleanup and maintenance activities in the Second District.
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Cleanup Stats by Community
Santa Ana: 1,501
Orange: 190
Tustin: 171
Garden Grove: 128
Unincorporated areas: 67
Anaheim: 18
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The Santa Ana–Santa Fe Channel and Southwest Tustin Channel remained among the highest-priority locations due to recurring encampment activity, debris removal needs, and operational challenges. Also, below are examples of the ongoing work taking place throughout the district.
I want to thank and recognize OC Public Works crews for their professionalism, productivity and commitment to neighborhood safety.
If you need county services, go to the OC Public Works Service Request Portal.
Before After
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The OC Fair is an Orange County summer classic, and getting to the fair with friends and family has never been safer, easier, and more affordable than on the OCTA’s Fair Express. OCTA’s 2026 Fair Express Returns Through August 16
Last Saturday, I joined OCTA to launch this year’s Fair Express service! For only $2 each way, adults get direct, non-stop service to the OC Fair from seven transit centers, including in Anaheim and Santa Ana.
 Service operates weekends through August 16, and all people under 18 ride free.
Join the festivities and hop on the bus, avoid parking hassles, and save some time and money by starting your summer fun on the OC Fair Express!
Orange County is expanding its behavioral health crisis response to better connect residents with the care they need.
Police departments should not be the sole responders to mental health crisis calls, but too often officers can be placed in these situations and may not be equipped to safely resolve them alone. I have consistently advocated for models that pair licensed mental health clinicians with law enforcement.
Sadly, in recent months, we have seen multiple tragedies during responses to crisis calls and I believe this approach is an excellent solution to de-escalation, appropriate care, and potentially saving lives.
Under this enhanced program, certain behavioral health-related 911 calls will be diverted to a licensed clinician instead of a deputy, helping ensure individuals in crisis receive the most appropriate response while reducing barriers to treatment.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a behavioral health crisis, OC Links can provide support, connect you with services, and, when appropriate, coordinate an in-person response. Depending on the situation, that may include a licensed clinician, the Crisis Assessment Team (CAT), or a Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT), which pair behavioral health professionals with specially trained law enforcement officers to assess individuals, de-escalate crises, and connect people to treatment and community resources whenever possible. Residents can also visit OC Navigator to explore local mental health and wellness resources. |
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The OC Streetcar has entered an important phase of testing as crews work around the clock to ensure the system is safe and ready for passenger service.
Residents can expect to see more streetcars operating throughout the coming months as operators and technicians conduct system testing under a variety of conditions.
 During this period, you may notice more train activity, hear warning bells, and experience temporary traffic adjustments near the tracks.
Please remember:
- Stay alert near the rails.
- Follow all posted signs and traffic signals.
- Never walk or stop on the tracks.
- Avoid distractions while crossing the rail corridor.
Although these streetcars are not carrying passengers, they are actively testing the system to ensure it operates safely and reliably before service begins.
Protecting access to quality healthcare requires ongoing collaboration among providers, community organizations and policymakers.
Earlier this month, I joined members of the Orange County Public Affairs Association and CalOptima Health for a discussion about the future of healthcare in Orange County.
 As Chair of the CalOptima Health Board, I focused on the implementation of HR 1, the challenges facing healthcare providers, and our continued commitment to expanding access to care while strengthening Orange County’s healthcare system.
Together, we remain focused on ensuring residents continue to receive high-quality, affordable healthcare close to home.
Good news: Residents receiving full-scope Medi-Cal dental benefits have additional time to use these important services.
The State has delayed implementation of changes to Medi-Cal dental eligibility until July 1, 2027.
Eligible residents now have until June 30, 2027, to schedule appointments and use their full dental benefits before the new eligibility rules take effect.
 Beginning July 1, 2027, certain Medi-Cal recipients will no longer qualify for full-scope dental coverage. Emergency dental services, including treatment for serious pain, infections and tooth extractions, will continue to be covered.
If you or someone you know may be affected, I encourage reviewing the available information and schedule dental care well before the deadline.
This week, Exer Urgent Care held a grand opening for their new location in Orange. This facility is the 64th opened by the company and will serve as another resource for Second District residents to obtain care.
 Hannah Byng, an intern from our office, was on hand to present a certificate from our office marking the occasion. The community welcomed the new facility and staff, and the company CEO, Rob Mohan, and COO, Shamim Wu.
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