New Santa Ana | Category Archives: Andrew Do

The O.C. Supervisors will discuss COVID-19 on Tuesday at a live-streamed meeting

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Andrew Do, Disease, Emergencies, Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana, CA – Tomorrow, March 31, 2020, Vice Chairman Andrew Do will be hosting a press conference to address the County’s continuous efforts in response to COVID-19, including mental health services, hospital preparedness, mitigation efforts, and County projections. Vice Chairman Do will also provide an update from the Special Meeting of the Board of Supervisors that will take place earlier that morning.

Also present to answer questions will be OC Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick, Public Health Services Deputy Agency Director David Souleles, Director of Health Care Agency Richard Sanchez, and County Executive Officer Frank Kim.

The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. and can be viewed live online here. This press conference will also be lived streamed on Facebook.

The agenda includes updates from County health officials on efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, as well as related matters including testing for the virus, medical supplies and more.

The agenda is available here.

For more news and updates about COVID-19 from the City of Santa Ana, click here.

The O.C. Supervisors react to the hate-related COVID-19 incident at Bolsa Grande High School

Posted on March 19, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Andrew Do, Asians, Education, Garden Grove, Hate, Orange County, Politics, Racism, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. (March 19, 2020) – A discrimination-related incident in correlation with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was recently reported at a local Orange County high school.

“I am appalled by the racist conduct perpetrated against Vietnamese American students by their classmates at Bolsa Grande High School,” said Vice Chairman Andrew Do, First District. “As a former victim of repeated racist attacks when I was a student at Bolsa Grande, it hurts me deeply to see these same patterns continue decades later. While I condemn those students’ acts, I want to commend the Garden Grove Unified School District on their swift and decisive response to this incident and I am proud that they are working closely with the Orange County Human Relations Commission to address issues of racism and discrimination.”

“The County has zero tolerance for hate of any kind, and we are dedicated to protecting the safety of all Orange County residents,” said Chairwoman Michelle Steel, Second District. “We encourage students experiencing discrimination to reach out to their local counselors, teachers or parents so this inappropriate behavior is properly addressed.”

“It is unacceptable that a few Bolsa Grande High School students added emotional duress to their classmates during our turbulent, emotional climate,” said Supervisor Donald Wagner, Third District. “Our next-generation must learn to unite under challenges and exercise extra grace as much as possible. I want to kindly remind that the public that they should act to rally — and not crush — the courage of those facing the stigma around COVID-19; a healthy future depends on it,” said Supervisor Wagner.

“This is a stressful time for people,” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “I want to thank Garden Grove Unified School District for handling this incident appropriately, and I hope this incident prevents possible discrimination in the future.”

“Discrimination of any kind is never tolerated and misinformation often leads to more issues of concern,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District. “The County will continue to provide our residents the most up to date information and I hope everyone will utilize this service to remain good neighbors for the health and safety of the entire community.”

“Stigma related to COVID-19 can be avoided if we stay educated from reliable sources,” said Michael Reynolds, Chair of the Orange County Human Relations Commission. “The incident at Bolsa Grande High School demonstrates that we must continue to educate and raise awareness of discrimination, and we look forward to working with the Garden Grove Unified School District on this matter.”

Mayor Pulido will not advance to the First District General Election in November

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2020 Elections, Andrew Do, Elections, Miguel Pulido, Orange County, Politics, Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana, Sergio Contreras Leave a comment

The Orange County Voter Registrar has just about tied up the results of this year’s March Primary Election. It is safe to say now that Westminster City Councilman Sergio Contreras will advance to the November Primary to face off against incumbent Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do, in the First District of the O.C. Board of Supervisors.

Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido trails Contreras currently by 2,147 votes. That number has not shifted in some time.

It is a surprise end to Pulido’s political career that few expected. He is terming out this year as Mayor of Santa Ana after over 20 years. In that time he brought a lot of positive change to our city but he antagonized the liberals because he was always a pro-business moderate.

In hindsight perhaps we should have seen this coming as Contreras was assisted from the start by Pulido’s old nemesis, former Santa Ana City Councilman Sal Tinajero. You might recall that Tinajero barely lost to Pulido in the last Santa Ana Mayoral race.

Contreras was very active in social media and he garnered the endorsement of the Democratic Party of Orange County, which has shifted far left over the past few years. He also got a lot of support from the area’s more liberal unions.

That said it is highly unlikely that Contreras can beat Do. While the First District has shifted to the blue column Contreras is very liberal and the voters in the district tend to be more moderate. Do also will outraise him by a country mile.

Here is Contreras’ bio:

Sergio Contreras, a husband, father, homeowner, and registered Democrat, has served on the Westminster City Council since 2012, where he successfully championed the largest upgrade to Westminster’s park system since 1996, encompassing 22 park facilities and representing a $10.4 million investment in the community. Contreras oversaw the city’s first general plan update in decades. He also placed emergency call boxes in all Westminster parks to enhance public safety, and fought to place outdoor exercise equipment in local parks to improve public health Contreras accomplished all of this at no cost to the city’s General Fund, showing how to do more with less.

Contreras previously served on the Westminster School Board from 2004 to 2012, including serving as president of the board in 2012. On the School Board, Contreras helped pass a $130 million school bond to modernize Westminster’s school facilities and make them safer. In that role, he established an all-day kindergarten system, making Westminster School District the first in Orange County to provide day-long kindergarten at all school sites. Contreras also increased access to music and arts programs districtwide, while expanding afterschool programs.

Contreras works as the Senior Director of Education and Healthy Schools for the Orange County United Way, where he helps oversee dispersal of funds to students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

Born and raised in Orange County, Sergio attended Westminster High School and Orange Coast Community College before transferring to California State University Long Beach, where he received his BA and MPA.

Sergio currently lives in Westminster with his wife Adriana and their daughter and son.

86 affordable housing units coming to Santa Ana

Posted on March 6, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Affordable Housing, Andrew Do, Housing, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The County of Orange continues to look for more opportunities to increase affordable housing for its residents, as part of the concentrated effort to develop the System of Care.

Last Tuesday, Supervisor Andrew Do and his colleagues unanimously approved an affordable housing project in conjunction with the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Ana.

“The Crossroads at Washington Project is a great example of when a city and its county collaborate together,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “Two adjacent lots – vacant for over thirty years – have finally been put to good use.”

The property underlying the Project is comprised of two adjacent parcels, one owned by the County of Orange and the other owned by the City of Santa Ana. Under a Joint Powers Agreement, both parcels will be under a 65-year ground lease for the development of a four-story apartment community comprised of 86 housing units. The Project is located at 1126 and 1146 E. Washington Avenue.

In July 2019, the Board selected Related Companies of California, LLC for the development of the affordable housing project. Since 1989, Related Companies has developed over 11,000 housing units, including over 1,300 units in Orange County.

The Co-Developer and lead service provider, A Community of Friends, is a nonprofit affordable housing developer with over 30 years of experience that has developed 49 multi-family housing developments with over 2,000 units throughout Southern California.

Services Provided at Crossroads at Washington

The 86 affordable housing units will be accompanied by the following on-site services:

Individual case management
Referral services
Life skills classes
Substance abuse recovery assistance
Family support and programming
Childcare assistance
Transportation assistance
Employment services

Orange County Housing Finance Trust

“Orange County has a desperate need for more affordable housing,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, who worked with a broad-based coalition to launch the joint powers authority of the Orange County Housing Finance Trust, comprised of the county and its cities and tasked with fulfilling the county’s desperate need for additional affordable housing units.

“The Orange County Housing Finance Trust allows the county to access additional funding sources available to address the homelessness and affordability crisis,” Supervisor Do added.

The supportive housing units in this Project are part of the 2,700 permanent supportive housing units identified in the Housing Funding Strategy to address housing needs for senior individuals and households experiencing homelessness.

“Orange County’s housing problems are caused by a shortage of housing,” said Supervisor Do. “By joining forces with the Housing Authority of Santa Ana on the Crossroads at Washington project, we can put together a meaningful project to better serve our community.”

identified in the Housing Funding Strategy to address housing needs for senior individuals and households experiencing homelessness.

“Orange County’s housing problems are caused by a shortage of housing,” said Supervisor Do. “By joining forces with the Housing Authority of Santa Ana on the Crossroads at Washington project, we can put together a meaningful project to better serve our community.”

Supervisor Andrew Do leads with decisive primary win

Posted on March 4, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2020 Elections, Andrew Do, Elections, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Do’s Progress Towards Solving Homelessness, Fighting For Affordable Healthcare And Keeping Orange County Safe Earns Public Trust Once More

ORANGE COUNTY – MARCH 4 – Today, Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do leads with a decisive primary win. Supervisor Do will run a tough and robust campaign through November to deliver four more years to the people of Orange County of real accomplishments.

Supervisor Do gave the following statement:

“I’m so honored to receive widespread support from my constituents. I’m proud of all our accomplishments but we still have work to do. We’re fighting for every family who deserves safe schools and streets; every veteran who deserves better access to health care and making sure that our homeless aren’t left behind.”

A former prosecutor, educator, businessman and judge pro tem, Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do is fighting for Orange County taxpayers and working families in the First District communities of Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, Midway City, Santa Ana and Westminster.

As Orange County Supervisor, Andrew Do has increased funding for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and expanded access to vital health care services for seniors and working families. He has cut taxes on small businesses, eliminated regulatory obstacles that impede innovation and defended Prop. 13 by expanding OC taxpayers’ rights to appeal their property tax bills.

During the Fall of Saigon, Andrew Do and his family fled Vietnam with just the clothes on their back and a suitcase full of dictionaries. Thanks to supportive teachers and faculty at Garden Grove’s Jordan Intermediate and Bolsa Grande High School, Andrew developed the educational foundation to earn his bachelor’s degree from University of California, Davis.

His education continued at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where he volunteered with the public interest law project to address homelessness and aid marginalized communities. After law school, he taught as an Adjunct Professor at Cal State University, Fullerton and then served as a Judge Pro Tem at Orange County West Municipal Court.

After several years providing legal representation to poor and indigent defendants, Andrew Do joined the Orange County District Attorney’s office – with his last assignment prosecuting sexually violent predators as a member of the D.A.’s Sexual Assault Unit. His skills in the courtroom earned him national recognition from the U.S. Department of Justice, when he was chosen to represent Orange County at the National District Attorney Association Advocacy College at the University of South Carolina.

Andrew Do previously served as a Councilmember for the City of Garden Grove and as Chief of Staff to an Orange County Supervisor. His lifetime of community involvement includes service as President of the Asian Bar of California and President of the Vietnamese-American Bar Association of Southern California as well as service on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Bar Association.

O.C. Supervisors Do and Steel propose training and resources to address the Coronavirus

Posted on February 28, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Andrew Do, Disease, Michelle Steel, Orange County Leave a comment

Orange County Supervisors Andrew Do and Michelle Steel are proposing an emergency training and resource program for frontline healthcare workers and first responders to better prepare Orange County to respond to COVID-19 and avoid mistakes and delays, experienced by other jurisdictions in the worldwide response to coronavirus.

“Orange County will take every step to prepare and protect our community from Coronavirus,” said Michelle Steel, Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “We want all frontline health care workers and first responders to know exactly what to do, how to interact with suspected coronavirus cases, when to notify federal health authorities, and the proper ways to protect themselves from exposure to the virus.”

The proposal comes amid new reports that up to 100 healthcare workers in Solano County have been exposed to the Coronavirus.

“It only takes one mistake to go from containment to outbreak,” said Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do, Vice Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors. “We want to learn from other jurisdictions now – while Orange County still has no active cases.”

The county-sponsored training program will be considered at an emergency board meeting on Monday, March 2nd, following Orange County’s state of emergency declaration issued on Wednesday, February 26.

VIDEO: Doctors in Republic of Georgia Drag Patient Back into Hospital

New video from the Republic of Georgia shows medical personnel dragging a suspected Coronavirus patient back into the hospital – without any personal protective equipment covering their hands or face. Reporters at the press conference are also seen improperly wearing face masks.

“The video is a great example of why we need a local training program,” said Supervisor Andrew Do. “Frontline healthcare workers and first responders are the backbone of our emergency response plan, and this training program is about giving them the resources they need to keep us safe.”

In responding to coronavirus patients quarantined to the Diamond Princess cruise ship, Japanese health officials were exposed to and later diagnosed with the virus after wearing masks, but not full protective suits.

Chinese health workers responding to the coronavirus have suffered a heavy toll and experienced high rates of exposure to COVID-19. As many as 3,400 health workers in China have reportedly been infected with the Coronavirus. Other outbreaks, such as the Ebola outbreak, have shown that “health workers were up to 32 times more likely to be infected with Ebola than adults in the general population,” according to a 2015 World Health Organization report.

Under the proposal, the training and resource program will be available to all frontline health workers and first responders, including firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, nurses, doctors, and all other relevant personnel, to provide proper training for identifying the first signs and symptoms of Coronavirus, educate personnel on proper response protocols for handling suspected coronavirus cases, and ensure that every first responder and health care work has access to proper protective equipment.

“Orange County needs to develop an immediate training program to implement the best practices for responding to Coronavirus,” said Supervisor Michelle Steel. “We want to learn from other jurisdictions.”

In addition to their proposal for a training program, County Supervisors Andrew Do and Michelle Steel are also proposing immediate action to develop a plan to secure John Wayne Airport from spreading the disease as well as a full assessment of the County’s protective health equipment.

Report Supports County Lawsuit to Block Patients in Costa Mesa

A new whistleblower report also alleges that U.S. health officials were sent to Travis Air Force Base and March Air Reserve Base without proper equipment and training of safety protocols. That report adds credibility to the County of Orange’s decision to join a legal case challenging the state and federal plan to house coronavirus patients at a dilapidated facility in Costa Mesa.

Last Friday, the City of Costa Mesa received a temporary restraining order from a federal judge after learning about the State’s plan to send individuals affected with coronavirus from the Travis Airforce Base in Solano County to the Fairview Developmental Center in Costa Mesa.

Supervisor Andrew Do seeks volunteers for the First 5 O.C. Children and Families Commission

Posted on February 22, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Andrew Do, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do is seeking volunteers to help promote early childhood education and health programs by serving on the First 5 Orange County Children and Families Commission.

“By providing early access to proper health and education, we can have a profound and meaningful impact on a child’s life,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “We’re looking for leaders in early childhood development to join First 5 Orange County to help us develop the most effective early childhood programs.”

Established in 1998 through Proposition 10, First 5 Orange County funds education, health care, and child development programs that support children from the prenatal stage up to age five. The nine-member Commission is appointed by the Orange County Board of Supervisors and includes six at-large members of the public.

Commission members will help advance First 5 Orange County’s Strategic Plan by serving a two-year term, meet six times per year, serve on ad-hoc committees, and represent First 5 Orange County at community events.

“Orange County residents now have the opportunity to part of a team that helps ensure children have access to quality early learning experiences and environments,” said Supervisor Do.

First 5 Orange County Commissioner Requirements

Do you have experience in education and early child intervention? Want to make a positive impact in your community?

To qualify for the First 5 Orange County Board of Directors, candidates must be Orange County residents with relevant expertise in one of the following two categories:

Education and early intervention, such as teachers, educators, and other representatives of schools.
Healthy children and early intervention, such as nurses, doctors, dentists, and other medical professionals.

VisiVisit First 5 Orange County’s website for more information on the commission and to view the application. Applications will be accepted until 3:00 PM on March 6, 2020.

For more information, please contact Lisa Burke at First5OC@cfcoc.ocgov.com.

Supervisor Do selected as the new Vice Chair of the O.C. Board of Supervisors

Posted on January 15, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Andrew Do, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do has been unanimously selected by his colleagues to serve as Vice Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

During the upcoming year, Vice Chair Do vows to work closely with Chairwoman Michele Steel to expand access to mental health care services and enhance the county’s system of care for combatting homelessness.

“I am honored to serve as Vice Chair and humbled to receive the unanimous support of our Board,” said Supervisor Andrew Do. “By working together, Orange County can continue to keep our neighborhoods safe as we work to address our community’s homeless crisis.”

In 2020, Supervisor Do will also serve as Vice Chair of the OC Housing Finance Trust, Vice Chair of the Orange County Transportation Authority, Vice Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee at Metrolink, and Chairman of the OC Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.

Supervisor Do started working for the County more than 30 years ago, serving in various County departments. He previously served as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors in 2018 and Vice Chair in 2017.

In addition to keeping Orange County safe and providing care to the homeless, Supervisor Do plans to focus on creating more affordable housing, investing in Orange County’s public infrastructure, increasing access to vital health care services for seniors and low-income families, and alleviating financial burdens on students and recent graduates.

“Orange County is a wonderful place to live,” said Supervisor Do. “Our county must find new ways to deliver that same high-quality of life to everyone in our community. We must create more opportunities for students, recent graduates, and young families to afford Orange County.”

Supervisor Andrew Do hosts annual Lunar New Year Festival at Mile Square Park

Posted on January 3, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Andrew Do, Entertainment, Family, Fountain Valley, Santa Ana, Vietnamese, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do is sponsoring the annual OC Tet Festival at Mile Square Park on January 24, 25, and 26.

The OC Tet Festival marks the beginning of the new year and is the most important celebration in the Vietnamese-American community. This Lunar New Year marks a time of renewal, rejuvenation, and a time to remember our loved ones and our ancestors.

“Little Saigon in Orange County has become a destination for thousands of visitors from around the world who come each year to celebrate the Lunar New Year,” said Supervisor Andrew Do. “The OC Tet Festival is a wonderful cultural and entertainment event for families to celebrate new beginnings together.”

Each Lunar New Year is associated with one of twelve Zodiac animals, which are commonly associated with certain personality traits. 2020 is the year of the rat. The rat is associated with prosperity, optimism, and good luck.

“At the Tet Festival, visitors will have an opportunity to experience the Vietnamese Cultural Center, where they will be transported to some of the most iconic landscapes from different regions of Vietnam,” said Supervisor Do. “Everyone is welcomed to attend this free event.”

This FREE event will feature:

• Live entertainment
• Captivating lion dances
• Exciting carnival rides
• Games for visitors of all ages
• Excellent beer and wine selection
• An exciting firecracker lighting ceremony
• Authentic Vietnamese cultural performances
• A bountiful variety of Vietnamese food

Tet Festival at Mile Square Park Days and Times:

Friday, January 24
Festival: 2 PM to 10 PM

Saturday, January 25
Opening Ceremony: 1 PM
Festival:10 AM to 10 PM

Sunday, January 26
Festival:10 AM to 10 PM

Mile Square Park is located in 16801 Euclid Street in Fountain Valley.

For more information, please call 714-834-3110 or email Joyce.Rivero@ocgov.com.

Supervisor Andrew Do represents Orange County’s First District, which includes the Central Orange County Cities of Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Westminster, a portion of the City of Fountain Valley, and the unincorporated community of Midway City. In his second term, Supervisor Do has reformed Orange County’s mental health services, expanded access to health care, and led efforts to combat homelessness.

Supervisor Andrew Do launches his reelection campaign

Posted on January 3, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2020 Elections, Andrew Do, Civic Affairs, Elections, homeless, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY – January 3 – The Andrew Do for Supervisor campaign has launched a new ad titled “For Every Family” that began airing January 1 on cable throughout Orange County, backed by a six-figure ad buy.

Homelessness has become rampant throughout Orange County and California, though under Supervisor Do’s leadership and hard work, the county has seen tremendous improvement on eliminating homelessness, thanks to significant investment and action from the county.

“It was a crisis, so we got to work and made a difference,” Do said. “The homeless are our family–no family deserves to live on the street. We’re ending homelessness one at a time, until no family is left behind.”

Chief Strategist for the Andrew Do for Supervisor campaign, John Thomas, said: “Very rarely do we see a politician keep his or her word and make good on campaign promises, but Andrew Do is doing just that. He’s laid the foundation for ending homelessness and it’s exciting to dream about what he can accomplish with four more years.”

About Supervisor Andrew Do

Come celebrate Christmas at the annual O.C. free concert event on 12/21

Posted on December 12, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Andrew Do, Entertainment, Family, Fountain Valley, music, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Join Supervisor Andrew Do on Saturday, December 21 for a free Christmas Concert at Mile Square Park!

This family-friendly holiday concert will be accompanied by a face-painting booth hosted by Beauty Glam Academy, reindeer antlers for children, and free cookies and hot cocoa for all guests. Children will also get the opportunity to speak with Santa and get their photo taken!

This annual Christmas celebration is a great opportunity for families to bring their kids and experience an evening together full of music, dance, activities, food, and good company. Everyone is invited to come down and join in the celebration.

This FREE event will feature performances by:

• The All-American Boys Chorus
• Ca Ðoàn Church Choir – St. John the Baptist Church
• Abbey Singers – Westminster High School
• Chamber Singers – Santa Ana High School
Christmas Concert at Mile Square Park – Event Information:

Date: Saturday, December 21
Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Freedom Hall at the Mile Square Park
16801 Euclid St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Please use the entrance located at Edinger and Ward to enter, see map below. Parking is FREE inside the park.

For more information call (714) 834-3110 or email Joyce.Rivero@ocgov.com.

Will you vote for Miguel Pulido for the O.C. Board of Supervisors?

Posted on November 30, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2020 Elections, Andrew Do, Elections, Kim Nguyen, Miguel Pulido, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana, Sergio Contreras, Steve Rocco Leave a comment

Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido first won a seat on the Santa Ana City Council way back in 1986. He has been Mayor now for 13 two-year terms, since 1994. Now he has filed to run for the Orange County Board of Supervisors, in the First District.

Will you vote for Pulido and put him in a position to influence not only what happens in our city but also at the County of Orange?

Pulido won’t have a cake walk in this race. He will have to beat the incumbent, Supervisor Andrew Do, a former Garden Grove City Councilman who has also worked for the O.C. District Attorney’s office.

And Pulido is not the only challenger in this race. Three others have pulled papers, including :

Westminster City Councilman Sergio Contreras
Garden Grove City Councilwoman Kim Bernice Nguyen
and Steve Rocco, a former Orange Unified School District School Board Member who has been a perennial candidate for many years

I don’t see Contreras having much of a chance. He and Nguyen are both Democrats but Westminster doesn’t have nearly the influence that Garden Grove does. Nguyen is also dating Santa Ana City Councilman David Penaloza. He will surely work hard to help her to garner votes in Santa Ana.

Rocco never spends any money on his campaigns. But he is the only non minority candidate in the race and he always gets a chunk of votes for that reason.

There were rumors for a while that former State Senator Janice Nguyen would file against Do but I suspect she will resort to working behind the scenes, most likely to help either Pulido or Nguyen. Her aim is just to make sure Do loses.

Pulido has many detractors but he enjoys the highest name I.D. in this race. He does not have much of a grassroots following. You won’t likely see volunteers walking precincts for him. But he does raise money easily and most likely he will resort to using direct mail to try to win the March Primary election.

Pulido’s major claim to fame is redeveloping the city and fostering the Artists Village in DTSA. He may have overplayed his hand with the Streetcar that is being built now and will ultimately connect DTSA to Downtown Garden Grove. The project is very unpopular and expensive and many doubt it will ever be worth the trouble.

While Pulido is a lifelong Democrat I suspect he will not get the support of his own party. Most likely the liberals who now control the DPOC will back Nguyen (pictured above).

Nguyen is far too liberal to win this seat. But unless Pulido can deal with her the road to victory will be a tough one for him. The good news for Pulido is that Nguyen most likely won’t be able to raise the money that Pulido can raise. The bad news though is that County races are subject to major constraints when it comes to fundraising. Pulido however always gets elected with help from PACs – and they are not subject to the same fundraising limits that will handcuff the actual Supervisorial candidates.

Setting the record straight about the Yale Transitional Center for the homeless

Posted on November 27, 2019 by Editor Posted in Andrew Do, Angie Rosario Cano, homeless, Housing, Orange County, Santa Ana 1 Comment

There has been a lot of misinformation lately about how the County of Orange is handling the homeless crisis in Santa Ana. There is accurate information available online, but the media and the NIMBYs have been ignoring the facts.

For example did you know that the homeless shelter at the abandoned DTSA bus terminal, known as the Courtyard, was suggested by the City of Santa Ana? So the County bought the land. Now the City of Santa Ana wants to close the Courtyard.

The City then chose a Central Street location. Then the City withdrew from that location. The Santa Ana City Council then suggested the Yale location., as you can read about here.

The City and the County agreed to an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) re the Yale Transitional Center, which you can read here.

Supervisor Andrew Do wanted to ensure the city would not pull out so he asked the city for a financial commitment. They all then went to court and Mayor Miguel Pulido said he would work with the County.

Eventually Supervisor Do became concerned because the City of Santa Ana was not living up to their end of the MOU, specifically they did not do any community outreach, as you can read about here.

In October of this year the City of Santa Ana sent a letter to the County ridiculously indicating that it was the County that breached the MOU. The County responded with their own letter clearly outlining what the City had done.

Currently the City of Santa Ana is not in the settlement agreement. To join it they have to open up an additional 250 beds. That would allow the enforcement of the anti-camping law.

The Yale Transitional Center will provide shelter for up to 425 individuals experiencing homelessness in the Central Service Planning Area, consisting of 275 single men, 100 single women and 25 couples (50 people).

This new shelter will NOT however be anything like the miserable Courtyard. You can read the Yale Transitional Center plan for yourself here.

Here are a few facts about the Yale Transitional Center that you most likely are not aware of:

Clients may stay at the Transitional Center for 180 consecutive days. Extensions on length of stay will be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
The Transitional Center will serve homeless men and women who are living in the Central Service Planning Area only.
The Transitional Center will not allow walk-ups to enter the facility.
Individuals seeking shelter will require a referral to the Transitional Center by designated partners and complete intake and screening for the program prior to their arrival at the Transitional Center. This will ensure a bed is available and determine if the individual is appropriate for the program.
Individuals with active felony warrants will not be allowed at the Transitional Center.
The Yale Transitional Center will provide 24-hour security to enforce strict No Walk-Up, No Walk-Out, and No Loitering policies. The program will support transportation of clients in and out of the Transitional Center.
Referral partners include the OC Health Care Agency Outreach and Engagement, law enforcement, and other designated street outreach and community-based programs. Referral partners are required to follow the intake referral process that includes a bed reservation system.
Clients will receive a Transitional Center ID card which will include a picture and be required for readmission for the duration of their stay.
Meals will only be provided to clients of the Transitional Center.
The OC Health Care Agency, Social Services Agency, and OC Community Resources will integrate supportive services and resource teams to support the Transitional Center delivery of services.

Will there be rules enforced at the Yale Transitional Center? You bet:

Warnings may be issued for the following rule violations, but not limited to:
- Loitering in the surrounding community
- Missed curfew
- Smoking in non-designated areas
- Being in a non-designated area in the facility
- Disrespectful language and/or behavior
- Harassment of staff or other clients
Immediate exit from the program may occur for violations that create an unsafe environment for clients and/or staff including, but not limited to:
- Drugs or weapons in the facility
- Being under the influence of drugs, and/or alcohol
- Physical fighting, physical assault,

Now you may have heard a lot of chatter about the impact on schools and such by the Yale Transitional Center. However if you look at the proposed map of the site you will see that the current Courtyard shelter poses the far greater threat to the community!

There are no less than even schools located within the affected radius of the Courtyard! Only two schools are in the radius of the Yale Transitional Center.
There are three daycare centers near the Courtyard – and none near the Yale Transitional Center.
There are 9 churches located near the Courtyard and only three by the Yale Transitional Center.
There are two libraries near the Courtyard while the only cultural center near the Yale Transitional Center is the O.C. Heritage Museum.

To recap the City of Santa Ana cannot enter into the Settlement Agreement with Judge Carter unless we provide more beds for the homeless. The Courtyard Shelter is going to close down, at the insistence of the City of Santa Ana. The Link Shelter was always a temporary solution too. If we want to get the homeless off our train tracks, out of our creeks and off of our streets then we need to support the Yale Transitional Center.

Lastly while it is true that the southern cities in Orange County are not doing enough to deal with the homeless I remind you again that the homeless in question were living in the Plaza of the Flags for years. And the Yale Transitional Center will only be made available to those homeless who are already here.

There is no perfect solution when it comes to dealing with our homeless. But deal with them we must. The NIMBYs will never be pleased by any option. I for one would like to get these people off the streets!

Remember too that it is now getting colder. I still go out and walk every night, but in a parka. I see homeless people freezing all over the place. I thank God I am not in their number. If we can accommodate a few of them why wouldn’t we want to do so?

Lastly there has been a huge ruckus in the wake of Angie Cano’s dismissal from the OC Airport Commission after she spoke out against the Yale Transitional Center at a meeting of the OC Board of Supervisors. I just don’t understand this. Supervisor Do has the right to dismiss any of his Commissioners at any time for any reason! That is not an abridgment of free speech. While Do had other reasons for dismissing Cano it is immaterial. He had the unequivocal right to dismiss her, for any reason. This was not a scandal at all.

Supervisor Do to host free flu shot events in Santa Ana, Westminster, and Garden Grove

Posted on November 1, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Andrew Do, Disease, Garden Grove, Health and Medical, OC Health Care, Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana, Westminster Leave a comment

Next month, Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do – in conjunction with the OC Health Care Agency – will be hosting free flu shot events in Santa Ana, Westminster, and Garden Grove.

“Getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu and its potentially serious complications,” said Supervisor Andrew Do. “You can protect yourself and those around you by getting a flu shot at one of our three clinics.”

OC Supervisor Andrew Do’s Free Flu Shot Clinics
Date: Tuesday, November 12
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Delhi Center
505 E. Central Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92707

Date: Thursday, November 21
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Orange County Community Service Center
15496 Magnolia St. #111, Westminster, CA 92683

Date: Friday, November 22
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Coastline Community College
12901 S. Euclid St., Garden Grove, CA 92840

For more information regarding these events, you can contact Supervisor Andrew Do’s office at (714) 834-3110 or by sending an email to Joyce.Rivero@ocgov.com.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine, however, the vaccines suitable for children under 3 years of age are not available at these events. Vaccines for all others, including pregnant women, will be available at these events. You can learn more about what’s new for the 2019-2020 flu season by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

Please note that you CANNOT receive a flu vaccine if any of the following apply to you:
• You are sick on the day of the vaccination.
• You are allergic to eggs.
• You have previously had a reaction to the flu shot.
• You were diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome within 6 weeks of a previous flu shot.

Free anti-bullying Santa Ana Karate Camp set for Oct. 19

Posted on October 2, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Andrew Do, Santa Ana, Youth Activities 1 Comment

Bullying – both online and off – can have a devastating effect on a child.

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, more than one out of every five students report being bullied. As a parent, it’s not always easy to identify the early warning signs or detect when a child is facing a tormentor at school, in their neighborhood or on social media.

To address the problem of bullying, Supervisor Andrew Do is sponsoring a free Anti-Bullying Karate Camp Day at Scholarship Prep Charter School in Santa Ana on Saturday, October 19th. The event is designed to help children between the ages of 10 to 13 physically protect themselves and gain confidence.

“This is a great opportunity for children to learn about leadership, self-defense, discipline, and most importantly awareness of tolerance and acceptance,” said Supervisor Do.

Instructors from Toyama Karate-Do will be leading three interactive workshops followed by a parent presentation, where students will perform their new karate skills and share some of the lessons learned that day.

“Bullying can threaten a child’s emotional and physical safety and negatively affect their self-esteem,” said Supervisor Do. “We want this event to be an opportunity for parents to start the conversation with their families about bullying.”

Event: Anti-Bullying Karate Camp Day
Age Group: Youth Ages 10-13
Date: Saturday, October 19, 2019
Time: 12 PM to 6 PM
Location: Scholarship Prep Charter School
1010 W. 17th St., Santa Ana, CA 92706
RSVP: Space is limited.
Please RSVP via Facebook or reply to
First.District@ocgov.com