Voice of OC (https://voiceofoc.org/category/involvement/community-opinion/)
During a lifetime of living among streets, highways and buildings named for (mostly) dead fellow Americans, I rarely stopped to consider their deeds or misdeeds. Now all over the country, that’s happening, so I’ve revisited my most notable, as well as my college mascot who was, well, incorrect. Politically? Maybe.
During this time of Covid-19 the survival of small businesses has moved to the forefront of economic recovery. All government, whether it be federal, state, or local has made it a priority to try and save these independent businesses.
However, at the OC Fairgrounds, we have a standoff with hundreds of small Mom and Pop businesses caught in the crossfire.
Concerned with protecting the environment and California’s outdoor spaces. Neighbors kept complaining about new ankle-biting mosquitoes but didn’t seem to be getting good information. Meetings with Vector Control Districts in OC and LA gave more answers. New Aedes aegypti showing up where you don’t expect and they bite during the day. Vector Control only does part of the job. You can do the rest.
My piece is a critique of county officials’ responses to the Coronavirus pandemic. I am disappointed by their inaction and for ignoring science-based evidence to curb the spread of the virus. My hope with this piece is to encourage residents to register to vote.
On June 5th, a group of high school seniors, myself included, organized a protest on what would have been the last day of high school. Inviting Orange County Human Relations to teach de-escalation techniques, contacting the police to ensure our safety amidst gun threats, and encouraging Black students to speak about their experiences, we took initiative to provide a safe and productive environment for students to voice their opinions, and we did so peacefully.
While the demographics in Orange County have drastically changed in the past several years, the Board of Directors of Schools First Federal Credit Union, the largest financial institution in the county has not. The Board of Directors have created an exclusive private club atmosphere making it nearly impossible for anyone to serve.
As coronavirus hospitalizations continue to rise in Orange County, the politics of face coverings continues its downward spiral. If there’s anything more disconcerting than the rise of a vitriolic opposition to commonsense precautions designed to keep us safer, it’s the deafening silence from public servants charged with safeguarding that safety.
John Wayne’s white supremacist views came to light again when a 1971 interview he did with Playboy magazine went viral in early 2019. As symbols of racial intolerance are taken down across the country, the time has come to rename our airport and remove Wayne’s statue. The actor does not represent our diverse, cosmopolitan community.
Orange County is celebrating Supreme Court, state legislative and local school district victories for Black lives, LGBTQ lives, immigrants and public health. DNC Member-Elect and Democratic Party of Orange County Chair Ada Briceño says these victories are crucial, but we’re far from done.
Like many communities, Anaheim is facing a budget shortfall in the wake of Covid closures. Unlike other communities, Anaheim is uniquely positioned to address the challenge. But first, we need your input.