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Supervisors Mark Black April, MENA Heritage Month and National Public Health Week
Summary
At the April 8 board meeting, supervisors recognized Black April Memorial Month, National Arab/Middle Eastern/North African Heritage Month and National Public Health Week, highlighting Little Saigon's role and HCA public-health work; no substantive policy changes were taken on the proclamations.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors used the opening portion of its April 8 meeting for ceremonial recognitions and public-health remarks.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen read a Black April Memorial Month resolution commemorating the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, framed her remarks in personal terms and invited veterans and community leaders to the dais. "Today, I stand before you, not just as an Orange County supervisor, but as a Vietnamese refugee who has lived the history we are commemorating," she said as she thanked veterans and community organizations present.
Board members and community representatives also marked National Arab, Middle Eastern and North African Heritage Month. Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento highlighted local MENA communities and said he would ask that the board include AB 91, the MENA Inclusion Act, in materials the board supports. "Little Arabia in Anaheim stretches along the Brookhurst Corridor," he said, and described Little Saigon and Little Arabia as cultural and commercial anchors in Orange County.
The board also observed National Public Health Week. Health Care Agency officials were invited forward and board members and HCA staff reviewed recent public-health work, citing data presented at the dais including outbreak investigations, laboratory specimen volumes, vaccination totals and community nutrition services. Supervisor Katrina Foley used her remarks to emphasize the county’s "toxic‑free" parks and pesticide‑reduction initiatives, citing local city efforts and urging continued emphasis on health equity.
There were no ordinances or formal votes tied to these ceremonial items; the board’s public-health recognition included a request that staff and counsel continue public-health and environmental‑health work.
