Orange County, Calif. (April 9, 2024) – The County of Orange is pleased to announce the selection of Jose A. Serrano as director of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA).

Established by the Board of Supervisors in April 2024, OIRA’s goal is to support Orange County’s immigrant and refugee populations in accordance with requirements of state and federal law and by doing so help them gain stability and self-sufficiency. 

Jose, who started April 5, has spent more than a decade supporting immigrants through his work at World Relief Southern California and the State of California’s Refugee Programs Bureau. In addition to chairing the Arab American Civic Council and leading the Good Neighbor Team Task Force to bring solutions to challenges immigrants face in Orange County, Jose has also helped over 800 refugees from across the world settle into new homes in Southern California. 

“It is essential that we bring together partners from across Orange County to serve our residents. Given his experience, we know that Jose will successfully work with our community partners to create a supportive environment for immigrants and refugees in Orange County,” said Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth District Supervisor. 

Jose has managed direct services for refugees during their first 90 days in the United States, working with community-based organizations to connect newcomers with the resources to establish themselves in a new country. 

“When Vice Chairman Chaffee and I proposed the creation of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs in 2023, we envisioned a central hub for coordinating services, resources, and advocacy efforts to support Orange County’s immigrant and refugee populations. As an immigrant myself, I support centralizing county services that help immigrants and refugees gain stability, become self-sufficient, and financially prosper in our community,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, First District. 

Jose has conducted trainings and webinars on how immigration policies and laws affect communities, such as the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and what benefits individuals might qualify for. 

“There has been a lot of anticipation surrounding the creation of this new office, and I am excited to welcome our new director. There is a real need for the services that he will oversee, as nearly 1 out of 3 residents in Orange County are immigrants. I look forward to working with him closely as he connects our most vulnerable residents with services,” said Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, Second District. 

Jose earned his bachelor’s degrees in political science and Chicana/o studies from the University of California, Los Angeles. He is also fully accredited by the Office of Legal Access Programs, under the Department of Justice, to represent individuals going before immigration court and the Board of Immigration Appeals. 

“We welcome Director Jose Serrano, a fellow Bruin, to join our County family at the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. Many immigrants move or seek refuge here in Orange County to restart their lives in pursuit of safety, opportunity, and the American Dream. Unfortunately, many immigrants and refugees don’t know nor trust that the County offers plenty of services for our most vulnerable communities. Director Serrano will prioritize connecting immigrants and refugees to critical resources, resulting in more trust among immigrant communities and local government, community cultural organizations, and Orange County residents,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley, Fifth District. 

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Celebrate summertime outdoors with 9 free concerts and 12 free movie screenings at OC Parks 
June 7 to August 30, 2024. 

(Orange County, Calif.) – The County of Orange and OC Parks are excited to announce the 2024 lineup for the annual OC Parks Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema film series. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment under the stars at regional parks with free live music and movie screenings all summer long. All events are free to attend with free parking and food and drink options available for purchase. 

OC Parks Summer Concert Series returns with nine free outdoor concerts Thursday evenings, June 20 to Aug. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy live music from exceptional bands and artists at Craig Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Mile Square Regional Park and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach.

The concert series kicks off with The Smiths and Morrissey cover band Sweet and Tender Hooligans June 20 at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, followed by popular local and renowned artists including Mariachi Divas, Flashback Heart Attack, A Thousand Horses, No Duh, Ozomatli, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and The FABBA Show. Jimmy’s Buffet will round out the 2024 OC Parks Summer Concert Series at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach. 

OC Parks Sunset Cinema film series brings the big screen to the great outdoors in your favorite regional parks with 12 free movie screenings Friday nights beginning June 7 to Aug. 30 at Craig Regional Park, Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Yorba Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Laguna Niguel Regional Park and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach. Guests of all ages can enjoy recent blockbusters and popular classic films, complete with dynamic pre-show entertainment such as character interactions, DJ-led games and more. Cinema events begin at 6 p.m. with screenings starting after sundown, at approximately 8 p.m. 

Friday night films kick off June 7 and include Wonka (2023), The Little Rascals (1994), Migration (2023), Men in Black (1997), Trolls Band Together (2023), Barbie (2023), National Treasure (2004), Frozen II (2019), Napoleon Dynamite (2004), The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), 13 Going on 30 (2004) and The Goonies (1985).

“The County of Orange and OC Parks are thrilled to continue this beloved annual community tradition,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “The return of the OC Parks Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema promises yet another season of free, outdoor entertainment, inviting everyone to experience the joy of music and film throughout Orange County’s stunning regional parks."

OC Parks Summer Concert Series and OC Parks Sunset Cinema film series are open to the public of all ages and free to attend with free parking. Food trucks will serve a variety of tasty food options at each event and a beer and wine garden will be available to those 21 and older. Gather your chairs, blankets, friends and family and enjoy free concerts and movie screenings this summer with OC Parks.

Read this release in:

• Chinese-Traditional
• Korean
• Spanish
• Vietnamese 

OC Parks Summer Concert Series

Thursday nights, 5 p.m. (Event starts at 5 p.m., live music begins at 6 p.m.) 
*Translation services available upon request*

Date: June 20
Concert: Sweet and Tender Hooligans @ Craig Regional Park

Date: June 27
Concert: Mariachi Divas @ Craig Regional Park

*No summer concert July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Date: July 11
Concert: Flashback Heart Attack @ Mason Regional Park

Date: July 18
Concert: A Thousand Horses @ Irvine Regional Park

Date: July 25
Concert: No Duh: The Ultimate Tribute to No Doubt & Gwen Stefani @ Irvine Regional Park

Date: August 1
Concert: Ozomatli @ Mile Square Regional Park

Date: August 8
Concert: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy @ Mile Square Regional Park

Date: August 15
Concert: The FABBA Show @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach

Date: August 22
Concert: Jimmy’s Buffet @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach

OC Parks Sunset Cinema

Friday nights, 6 p.m. (Event starts at 6 p.m., movie begins at sunset) 
*All movies will be shown in English*

Date: June 7
Movie: Wonka (2023) @ Craig Regional Park

Date: June 14
Movie: The Little Rascals (1994) @ Craig Regional Park

Date: June 21
Movie: Migration (2023) @ Carbon Canyon Regional Park

Date: June 28
Movie: Men in Black (1997) @ Carbon Canyon Regional Park

*No cinema event July 5 in observance of Independence Day weekend.

Date: July 12
Movie: Trolls Band Together (2023) @ Mason Regional Park

Date: July 19
Movie: Barbie (2023) @ Yorba Regional Park

Date: July 26
Movie: National Treasure (2004) @ Yorba Regional Park

Date: August 2
Movie: Frozen II (2019) @ Irvine Regional Park

Date: August 9
Movie: Napoleon Dynamite (2004) @ Irvine Regional Park

Date: August 16
Movie: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) @ Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Date: August 23
Movie: 13 Going on 30 (2004) @ Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Date: August 30
Movie: The Goonies (1985) @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach

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OC Parks

OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com

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(SANTA ANA, CA) – From March 1 through April 1, 2024, the solo exhibition Find Your Wild by Orange County artist Sharon Frances transforms the Community Focus Space gallery into a vibrant showcase of mosaic masterpieces.

Sharon Frances is a mixed-media mosaic artist and writer, boasting 25 years of experience as an elementary and middle school educator.  She  also co-founded and directed Well Beings Studio, a project dedicated to supporting families affected by cancer through literature and the arts. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Sharon loves to be at the ocean or on a hike with her daughter and partner.

Working with cut glass, pottery shards, and found objects, Sharon builds imaginative scenes of flora and fauna in unique ways. Typically, mosaic works are grouted, filling in between the pieces of glass and ceramic; however in several of Sharon’s works she forgoes this step, allowing her to create a more three-dimensional relief sculpture. 

Sharon’s artistic practice is built on her belief that being in nature, moving our bodies, and approaching ourselves with unconditional love brings us closer to ourselves, one another, and the world around us. 

Regarding her work, Sharon says, “Mosaics changed my view of myself from being broken to being transformed. Each art piece helps me build new worlds - a new me. I hope as you interact with these art pieces, you feel moved to be creative and to take action in your own natural environments. Find your wild!”

The exhibition will also feature a unique display of materials from Sharon’s studio that she utilizes to create her works of art. This ‘studio table’ view will allow visitors to get an in-depth interpretation of what goes into creating her works of art on view. 

Learn more about Sharon’s artistic practice, and see more of her work by following her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/sharonfrancesme/.

The exhibition can be found pre-security on the lower Arrivals Level in the Terminals A & B Baggage Areas.

For more information about the John Wayne Airport Arts Program,
visit www.ocair.com/terminal/artexhibits

Translations

• 「尋找你的野性」展覽在約翰·韋恩機場開幕
• 존 웨인 공항에서 "내 안의 야생을 찾아서(Find Your Wild)" 전시회가 개최됩니다
• Se inaugura la exposición de “Find Your Wild” en el Aeropuerto John Wayne
• Triển Lãm “Find Your Wild” Khai Mạc tại Phi Trường John Wayne Airport

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John Wayne Airport (SNA) is owned by the County of Orange and is operated as a self-supporting enterprise that receives no general fund tax revenue. The Airport serves more than 11.3 million passengers annually and reaches more than 40 nonstop destinations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. More information can be found at www.ocair.com. Like us on facebook.com/johnwayneairport, or follow us on Twitter @johnwayneair and Instagram @johnwayneair.

To receive John Wayne Airport news releases automatically, go to www.ocair.com and click Subscribe.

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(Santa Ana, CA) - The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is pleased to announce that recruitment is now open for the CalOptima Health Board of Directors. A County-organized health system, CalOptima Health serves nearly 935,000 low-income children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities. CalOptima Health launched in 1995 in response to the local health care system’s difficulty in meeting the needs of vulnerable Orange County residents. Today, CalOptima Health is the single largest health insurer in Orange County and recognized statewide for delivering quality care. CalOptima Health’s mission is to serve member health with excellence and dignity, respecting the value and needs of each person. 

The HCA is seeking applicants who represent the diverse backgrounds, interests and demographics of Orange County residents and have the experience and expertise to operate a public health care system.
 
To apply for a seat on the CalOptima Health Board of Directors, please complete an application by April 26, 2024. Applications can be found on the HCA’s website at ochealthinfo.com/caloptima. We may reopen or extend recruitment. Please send a completed application and resume to: 
 
OC Health Care Agency
Attention: James Kim
405 W. 5th Street, Suite 710
Santa Ana, California 92701
 
Please note all applications are public records. The selected applicants will serve beginning upon appointment by the Orange County Board of Supervisors. CalOptima Health Board meetings are typically held on the first Thursday of each month at 2 p.m. at CalOptima Health, located at 505 City Parkway W. in the City of Orange.

Applications are being accepted for the following seats on the CalOptima Health Board of Directors:   

1. One person who is a current hospital administrator or is a former hospital administrator.
2. One person who is a practicing licensed medical provider who is not an owner or officer or a member of the board of directors of a contracted independent physician’s association or provider network.
3. One person who is a practicing licensed physician and who is also a representative of a contracted independent physician’s association or provider network.
4. One person of a member of the public who is a legal resident of Orange County.
5. One person who is an accounting or public finance professional, or an attorney who is an active member of the State of California bar.
6. One person who is a representative of a community clinic, which may include, but is not limited to, a representative of a federally qualified health center.
7. One person who is a current CalOptima Health member or is a family member of a current CalOptima Health member. For the purposes of this subdivision, “family member” means a parent, sibling, foster parent, or legal guardian of a CalOptima Health member.

For additional information, please contact James Kim at (714) 834-3883 or via email at jameskim@ochca.com.

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Santa Ana, Calif. (March 22, 2024) – Dr. Veronica Kelley, has been selected as the new Director of the OC Health Care Agency (HCA), effective March 22, 2024.

Dr. Kelley has served as the Chief of HCA’s Behavioral Health Services division since December of 2021 and holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in social work. Since joining the HCA, she successfully reorganized the department to help prepare Orange County for the myriad of behavioral health changes on the horizon. This includes preparation and advocacy for significant changes to Medi-Cal via CalAIM which allows for more services to be delivered to those in need. She helped collaboration with local law enforcement partners to divert mental health and homeless calls from 911, and successfully launch a new mobile crisis response. She supported early adoption of the State’s Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act initiative in Orange County, a civil process seeking to serve individuals with untreated schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders.

Additionally, Dr. Kelley has championed multiple efforts in the battle against opioid misuse, launching ongoing educational public townhalls, initiating hard-hitting marketing campaigns to educate diverse families and communities, expanding the distribution of life-saving overdose reversal treatments (naloxone), and being the first county in the state to bring the latest, more potent reversal treatment brand, Kloxxado.

“The County of Orange and I are very excited that Dr. Kelley will be stepping into the Director role at the HCA,” said Frank Kim, CEO.

“Dr. Kelley has demonstrated tremendous leadership strength in her role as Chief of Behavioral Health Services and navigated extraordinary transitional times in the mental health and recovery care landscape.”

Dr. Kelley has more than 33 years’ experience in the field of behavioral health and has been a licensed clinical social worker for nearly 25 years. Dr. Kelley began her career with the HCA in 1999, where she started the Office of Cultural Competency & Multiethnic Services in Behavioral Health and then transitioned to San Bernardino County, where she spent 13 years with the Department of Behavioral Health and was appointed the Behavioral Health Director for six years. During her tenure, she led the county's crisis response and recovery efforts to the 2015 Terrorist Attack.

Dr. Kelley remains active at the state level, addressing behavioral health issues as a Board Member of NAMI California and as a Past President of the County Behavioral Health Directors Association. She co-chairs the Substance Abuse, Prevention and Treatment Committee and holds numerous positions on statewide committees, including an appointment to the Governor's No Place Like Home Advisory Board.

In addition to her leadership roles, Dr. Kelley is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Loma Linda School of Social Work and Social Ecology and a part time lecturer at California State Fullerton in the Social Work Department.

Prior to certifying the results, Registrar of Voters conducted several post-election voting system tests and audits.  

SANTA ANA, CA – March 22, 2024 – Registrar of Voters Bob Page today certified the official Orange County results of the March 5, 2024 Presidential Primary Election. 

Total voter turnout for the election was 37.7 percent. Of the 685,038 ballots cast by Orange County voters and counted, 84.5 percent cast a vote-by-mail ballot and 15.5 percent cast an in-person ballot at one of 183 Vote Centers throughout the county. 

Prior to certification, two audits were completed to verify the results of the election.  

The legally required One Percent Manual Tally examined and manually tallied 7,585 ballots from 26 precincts chosen at random. The hand count results were then compared with the election results that were produced by the County’s voting system.   

While not legally required, a risk-limiting ballot comparison audit was also conducted. During the audit, ballots among four contests selected by the Registrar of Voters were examined and compared to the original cast vote record. These 523 ballots were randomly selected using a state-approved audit software application to achieve a 95 percent confidence level that the election outcome was accurate. 

Both audits confirmed that the results of the election were correct. Details on the audits can be found at ocvote.gov/rla. 

A post-election logic and accuracy testing of Orange County's voting system equipment and software was also conducted. Test ballots were fed through all ballot scanning devices used in the election, and all the votes on the test ballots were accurately counted. 

The Orange County Registrar of Voters produces detailed reports and maps focusing on overall results and results by precinct, by districts, by cities, and more. These detailed reports can be found by visiting ocvote.gov/detailed-results and ocvote.gov/map-central. 

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About the Registrar of Voters:
The Registrar of Voters is responsible for conducting elections in the County of Orange, the fifth largest voting jurisdiction in the United States with 1.8 million registered voters. We are a County agency, which receives funding from the County's General Fund and periodic reimbursement from the federal government, the State of California and local jurisdictions. Read more >>

Media Contacts:
Enedina Chhim
Community Outreach Manager 
714-567-5197
mediasupport@ocvote.gov

Source:
Orange County Registrar of Voters

NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit the About Us page or call the Registrar of Voters media help line at 714-567-5197.

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How do I obtain my birth certificate? What do I bring for my marriage appointment? These are just a few examples of questions that can be answered on your screen right away! Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is launching a chatbot named CRBot to the Clerk-Recorder website allowing customers to get their questions answered instantly during any hour of the day and seven days a week. Starting on March 21, 2024, customers may use this chatbot to input questions about the department’s services and receive immediate answers. The launch of CRBot is anticipated to reduce the number of calls to the department’s information line and result in quicker wait times for customers who need to speak with staff on more complex questions.

“CRBot will be a convenient tool for customers who need information about our services and want quick responses without waiting on the phone,” said Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen. “I understand our customers have busy schedules, and I am committed to implementing innovative technologies to make accessing information on our services efficient as possible.”

To experience CRBot, visit OCRecorder.com and tap on the chat bubble icon on the lower right of the screen. A chat window will appear allowing the user to type in their intended question and receive an instant response. CRBot is also mobile device compatible for users accessing our website from their smartphones.

Key features:

• CRBot is knowledgeable of customers’ most asked questions regarding department services and is accessible 24/7.

• More complex questions may be directed to a live chat agent who will be available during normal business hours.

For any questions, please call the department’s information line at (714) 834-2500 during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays. For media inquiries, please contact Billy Le at 714-834-2248. 

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(Santa Ana, CA) –The OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) Behavioral Health Services (BHS) has published the Orange County (OC) Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Plan update for FY 2024-25. The draft plan is posted and ready for public review here. It will remain posted through April 15, 2024.
 
The OC’s MHSA Plan update is a layout of current and future programs and funding allocation for the upcoming fiscal year. Mental health programs provided under MHSA are consistent with local county-approved plans developed via broad-based community involvement, including input from both mental health service consumers and their family members.
 
Launched in 2004, with the passing of Proposition 63, MHSA funding is provided by a 1% tax on personal income of more than $1 million. The MHSA creates an opportunity for the State of California to provide increased funding to support county mental health programs that specifically promote recovery, wellness, and resiliency for residents with serious mental health challenges and their families.
 
“The vision of the HCA’s BHS team is to provide quality behavioral health services to our community,” said Dr. Veronica Kelley, Director of Behavioral Health Services. “This MHSA Plan update embodies that vision and reflects an integrated pathway to quality behavioral health services in Orange County.”
 
HCA’s BHS team uses a comprehensive stakeholder process to develop local MHSA programs. Central to the development and implementation of all programs is the focus on community collaboration, cultural competence, and consumer- and family-driven services. Prioritization of serving the unserved and underserved is a focus, in addition to wellness, recovery, and resilience.
 
To review the draft MHSA Annual Plan Update, please visit:
https://ochealthinfo.com/services-programs/mental-health-crisis-recovery/quality-services-compliance/mental-health-20
 
The 30-day Public Comment period will close on April 15, 2024 (noon) 
 
Following the 30-day posting, OC’s Behavioral Health Advisory Board (BHAB) will host a Public Hearing on April 24, 2024 at the Westminster Community Center in the Miriam Warne Community Room, 14491 Beach Blvd. Suite B, Westminster 92683.

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(Santa Ana, CA) –  In response to the recent coastal oil sheen off the coast of Huntington Beach this past Thursday, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is issuing precautions for those visiting affected areas. "Contact with crude oil can pose health risks," stated Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer. “Residents and visitors are advised to take caution in affected areas  and to avoid touching visible tar. ”    

According to the HCA’s Environmental Health Division, crude oil poses a risk of skin contact contamination and may emit volatile components into the air, including toxic chemicals. Prolonged exposure to these substances can lead to various health issues. 

Symptoms commonly associated with excessive exposure to oil include skin, eye, nose, and throat irritation, headache, dizziness, upset stomach, vomiting, and coughing or shortness of breath. Those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, the elderly, and children, are particularly vulnerable to adverse effects from inhaling oil vapors. 

The HCA, in collaboration with local, state, and federal authorities, will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates to the public. A Unified Command with representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response, and Orange County Sheriff’s Department is managing the response. Crews recovered product offshore and continue to assess and recover product from the shoreline.  

To report observed tar balls outside of where crews are working, please call the Cal OES State Warning Center at 800-852-7550. 

If members of the public encounter impacted animals, they are asked not to approach them and to contact the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at 1-877-823-6926.  

For further information or updates regarding the oil spill, please visit calspillwatch.wildlife.ca.gov.

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Santa Ana, Calif. – On February 22, 2024, the Orange County Probation Department had the honor of hosting 28 participants of the NACo Federal Fellowship Initiative, a program designed to expose federal workers to the work of counties nationwide. The Fellowship delegation, comprised of staff from the White House, congressional and state department offices, was received by Chief Daniel Hernandez and Chief Deputy Probation Officer Jessica Johnson, along with managers and staff.

Chief Daniel Hernandez presented the delegation with information about the role of the Probation Department in the justice system and how Orange County Probation serves to change the lives of its clients.  Chief Hernandez highlighted the efforts and trauma-informed approach to ensuring services rooted in best practices are delivered to those who come under the department’s care and supervision.

Steven Kim, Director of Project Kinship shared the importance of collaboration between community-based organizations in providing the right resources to meet the goals of the clients and how they employ former system-involved individuals to assist clients.  Steven Kim spoke of how effective partnerships with the Orange County Probation Department is helping his staff to meet the youths and adults where they are, and work effectively through their barriers to positive change.

The delegation also heard directly from youth housed in Juvenile Hall who represented the Youth Council Program.  These youth are selected following an application process to serve as leaders and role models to other youth within the juvenile facilities.  The members elect Youth Council leadership, make recommendations to Probation administration for youths’ needs and the administration also seeks input from the Council on proposed changes in the facilities. 

The participants also toured the new Juvenile Hall Multipurpose Rehabilitation Center (MRC) which has been carefully designed to provide dedicated space for developing educational and vocational skills for youth, along with partnerships with local colleges to provide older youth with opportunities to attend college while in custody.  Further, the visitors were given the opportunity to see the new visiting center that facilitates ongoing family connections between the youth in custody and those supporting their success. 

The Orange County Probation Department was honored to host the NACo delegation and proud to share the work done by its staff and partners to serve the community and effect positive change in those that come under its care.  Chief Hernandez said, “I am so proud that our department has been recognized in this way for the innovative work we do with youth.  We couldn’t do it without the wonderful staff that care so much for the success of these youth.  One of the NACo participants referred to us as the ‘gold standard’ for working with youth in custody and during the tour, one of our youth received a standing ovation when it was announced he was receiving a full scholarship to Cal State Long Beach.  Chief Hernandez added, “That moment just made my day.”

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