Update on GKN

GKN will be creating a $100-million fund for residents and businesses impacted by the crisis at their Garden Grove plant. More than 50,000 people were evacuated Memorial Day weekend because of a potential hazmat leak.

I’ve worked continuously to make the community whole from this disaster. I’ve had dozens of conversations and meetings with GKN, community leaders, residents and even the Department of War (formerly Dept. of Defense) assistant secretary. The District Attorney has also been working on this case and is negotiating a safety plan with ongoing independent monitoring signed off by a judge.

The application process is expected to go live this month on GKN’s website here: gkngg.com. I will also keep you up to date on social media and email. You can sign up for my emails here: bos1.oc.gov

In other news, the Board of Supervisors voted last week to sue GKN for the damages incurred to the County. The Board agreed to hire an outside law firm to recover costs and seek penalties totaling more than $4 million. Many County agencies were impacted by this incident including the Sheriff, Public Works, Social Service, OC Health Care and Animal Care.

Forensic audit uncovers serious concerns in County contracts

The second phase of Orange County’s independent forensic audit reviewed 681 high-priority County contracts totaling $1.7 billion and uncovered serious concerns involving conflicts of interest, missing receipts and backdated contracts. The audit focused in part on contracts connected to former Supervisor Andrew Do and former Health Care Agency Director Dr. Clayton Chau, finding that standard bidding procedures were repeatedly bypassed and taxpayer funds were directed to connected vendors.

Taxpayers deserve to know exactly where their money is going, and I have continued pushing for greater accountability and transparency since returning to the Board. We are going to keep looking into these issues until every concern is fully examined and those responsible are held accountable. Following the audit’s findings, the County’s internal auditor referred several individuals and companies to the Orange County District Attorney and County Counsel for further review.

Securing a major air quality rule change

After nearly a year of advocacy on the South Coast AQMD Governing Board, I was proud to help secure an important amendment to Rule 1302 that expands the definition of an “Essential Public Service” to include qualifying composting operations. Working alongside Mayor Carlos Rodriguez, AQMD staff, OC Waste & Recycling, and my other fellow Governing Board members, we were able to address a longstanding regulatory barrier that forced eligible public agencies to purchase costly emission reduction credits on the open market. The change will now allow qualifying composting operations to access credits through AQMD’s priority reserve, helping remove a major financial obstacle to cleaner and more efficient green waste infrastructure.

For Orange County, this change is expected to save approximately $3 to $5 million in permitting and emission reduction credit costs. By bringing AQMD representatives to tour our County facilities, we were able to show firsthand why advanced composting should be considered an essential public service. This rule change will help protect our region’s air quality, save taxpayer dollars and allow Orange County to move forward with innovative composting equipment.

Protecting our youth in Orange County

I voted with my colleagues on the Board to continue the County’s partnership with Olive Crest, providing critical services for youth who have experienced or are at risk of commercial sexual exploitation. The program offers assessments, therapy, care coordination, and other support to help vulnerable youth find safety and stability. This countywide partnership allows eligible young people in the First District and throughout Orange County to continue accessing these services through June 2029, at no cost to the County.

Supporting housing and community development in the First District

I joined the Board in approving the County’s Urban County partnerships, allowing Cypress, Los Alamitos, and Seal Beach to continue accessing federal Community Development Block Grant funding through 2030. These funds support housing rehabilitation, homeless services, community centers, and improvements to public facilities, helping bring important federal resources into First District communities.

You’re invited to observe the Nov. 3 general election

The Orange County Registrar of Voters is inviting the public to observe preparations and operations for the Nov. 3 general election. Election activities will take place at the Registrar of Voters office and locations throughout the county beginning Sept. 29, with daily observation schedules available online.

Click here for the full schedule and more information

Veterans Service Office hiring opportunity

The Orange County Veterans Service Office is hiring a Supervising Veterans Claims Representative to help lead staff and support veterans navigating claims and benefits. The position includes overseeing complex claims, providing technical guidance, reviewing legislative changes, and representing the office at community events. 

Applications are due Monday, Sept. 14.

View the full job posting and apply here

Parks and Recreation Month recognition

I’m proud to have recognized OC Parks in celebration of Parks and Recreation Month. Thank you to Director Pam Passow and the dedicated OC Parks team for keeping our parks, trails, beaches, and open spaces safe and welcoming for all.

OCFA Asst. Chief Baryic Hunter retirement

OCFA Asst. Chief Baryic Hunter is retiring after 30 years as a firefighter, 18 with OCFA. He was indispensable during all of our major fires and disasters over 3 decades, including the GKN crisis. Thank you Chief, we will miss you!

Recognizing National Health Center Week

We recognized National Health Center Week and the valuable professionals, clinics, and hospitals that positively impact so many lives across Orange County. Thank you to the dedicated health care professionals who make this essential work possible.

Waves Market & Spirits grand opening & ribbon cutting

A welcome to Waves Market & Spirits from our Surf City community! This new small business is an exciting addition, offering grab-and-go food and drink options, daily provisions, and carefully curated selections from local Huntington Beach businesses. Congratulations to owner Sal, his family, and his team on this exciting milestone.

Backpack giveaways in Garden Grove and Huntington Beach

It was a wonderful day helping local students in Garden Grove and Huntington Beach start the new school year prepared for success. 

I was proud to join GG Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein &  Councilmember Cindy Tran, HB  Councilwoman Gracey Van Der Mark, community leaders, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove to provide backpacks to local children.

Wishing all our students, teachers, and families a successful and exciting year ahead!

OC Parks Summer Concert Series at Mile Square Park

It was a fun evening at the OC Parks’ summer concert at Mile Square Park. I was honored to join fellow electeds on stage to welcome Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, a great band.

Los Alamitos Mayor’s Ball

It was great spending an evening with community leaders and friends while celebrating all that makes Los Alamitos such a special community at the Los Alamitos Mayor's Ball.

Civil War Days

On Sept. 5 & 6, Huntington Beach Historical Society’s Civil War Days returns to Huntington Beach Central Park. This free living-history event features hundreds of reenactors, historical displays, encampments and battle reenactments.

Click here for more information

Garden Grove 68th Annual Labor Day Family Fun Festival

Come out to the Garden Grove Elks Lodge for the 68th Annual Labor Day Family Fun Festival on Sept. 7, from 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m., at 11551 Trask Ave. The community celebration will bring families together for a day of entertainment, food, activities, and Labor Day festivities.

Click here for more information

Huntington Beach State of the City

Join the Huntington Beach community for State of Surf City 2026 on Sept. 10, at Pier Plaza. The event will feature a free public exhibitor showcase from 4 to 5 p.m., followed by the State of the City Address from 5–6:30 p.m., where city leaders will discuss Huntington Beach's priorities, progress, and vision for the year ahead. A VIP and sponsor reception will follow at Sandy's Beach Shack.

Click here for more information

Fountain Valley Lobster Festival

The Original Lobster Festival returns to Fountain Valley Sports Park Sept. 11–13, featuring fresh Maine lobster, live entertainment, food vendors, local artisans, and a beer and wine garden. The weekend will also include karaoke with a live band on Friday and Saturday nights, along with family-friendly activities including magic shows, face painting, carnival rides, games, and more.

Click here for more information

Celebrate Los Al

Join the Los Alamitos community for Celebrate Los Al on Sept. 12, on Pine Street. The annual celebration will feature some of Los Al’s finest restaurants, family activities, entertainment, while recognizing Los Alamitos’ veterans.

Click here for more information

Pine strEATs

Explore the local food scene during Pine strEATs on Sept. 12, as part of Celebrate Los Al. Local restaurants and food businesses will offer taste-sized samples, giving residents an opportunity to discover local favorites while supporting businesses and the Los Alamitos Community Foundation.

Click here for more information

48th Annual Seal Beach Lions Arts & Crafts Faire

Join the Seal Beach Lions Club for the 48th Annual Arts & Crafts Faire on Sept. 12 or Sept. 13 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The two-day event will feature more than 100 artisans and crafters, live performances, and food prepared by the Lions' LEOs, offering a fun opportunity to shop local and enjoy a weekend by the beach. 

Click here for more information

Seal Beach Cleanup

Join volunteers for a Seal Beach Cleanup on Sept. 19, from 9–11:45 a.m. at the 1st Street Beach Parking Lot. The beach cleanup gives residents an opportunity to work together to help keep Seal Beach’s coastline clean and welcoming.

Click here for more information

Westminster 5th Annual Fall Festival

Join the City of Westminster for its 5th Annual Fall Festival from Sept. 24–27 at the Westminster Civic Center. The free four-day celebration will feature carnival rides, live entertainment, food vendors, children’s activities, and more. 12,000 visitors are expected throughout the weekend!

Click here for more information

Foods of Garden Grove Live

Join the City of Garden Grove for Foods of Garden Grove Live on Sept. 25 at Village Green Park, 12732 Main St. The annual tasting brings together local restaurants and food vendors for an evening celebrating the city’s diverse culinary community.

Click here for more information

45th Annual Cypress Community Festival

Celebrate 70 years of the City of Cypress at the 45th Annual Cypress Community Festival on Sept. 26, from 12 to 7 p.m. at Oak Knoll Park. Enjoy a classic car show, chili and salsa contest, local vendors, a free kids area, and more. Admission is free, so bring the family and enjoy a day of fun with the Cypress community!

Click here for more information

Fountain Valley Hyundai Hope On Wheels 5K & Color Fun Run

Join the community for the Hyundai Hope On Wheels 5K & Color Fun Run on Sept. 26, at Fountain Valley Sports Park and Mile Square Regional Park. The event will offer a 5K run/walk and a high-energy Color Fun Run, bringing families and community members together to support pediatric cancer research and local nonprofits. The 5K begins at 8 a.m., followed by the Color Fun Run at 9 a.m.

Click here for more information

Cypress Business Expo

Connect with local businesses and community members at the Cypress Chamber of Commerce Business Expo on Sept. 26 in Cypress. The event will bring local businesses and organizations together to showcase their services, build connections, and provide an opportunity for residents to discover businesses and resources in the community.

Click here for more information

Popups at the Pier

Join the Seal Beach community for Popups at the Pier on Sept. 26, at the Seal Beach Pier. The community event will bring local vendors and businesses together along the waterfront, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to shop local, explore small businesses, and enjoy an afternoon by the beach.

Click here for more information

Huntington Beach Junior Citizens Academy

The City of Huntington Beach is hosting its 5th Annual Junior Citizens Academy, offering students aged 11–14 a behind-the-scenes look at how local government works and how City departments serve the community. The six-week program meets Mondays, Oct. 5 through Nov. 9, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at Huntington Beach City Hall.

Click here for more information

Thank you for being an active member in your community.

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