VOLUME I, NO. 3 • August 24, 2020 |
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Students all over Orange headed back to school last week, and a more different school year would be have been hard to imagine. Concerns about student and staff safety, the strain of having children at home and navigating online learning are putting additional stresses on families and our community.
For me, the start of a new academic year is also a time of reflection and an opportunity to honor a proud family legacy. It was not that long ago that Latino families across the county struggled against blatant racism that was epitomized in the operation of segregated "Mexican" schools - including here, in Orange. (To learn more about the heroes of Orange history, click here.)
Brave families from different districts fought nobly to end such practices, but it wasn't until they banded together in what would become Mendez vs. Westminster, et al. that justice would be found. The Mendez case ended school segregation in California and would set the precedent for the better known Brown vs. The Board of Education.
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My Father, Russell Barrios, being sworn in as a Trustee at the Orange Unified School District and the first Latino to be elected to that board. |
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Arianna Barrios, Rancho Santiago Community College District Trustee (Area 7) and only the second Latina elected to that body. |
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My grandfather, Cruz G. Barrios, pictured in the top photo (3rd from the right), was a proud small businessowner in Santa Ana and founder of LULAC Santa Ana (the first branch in California) to help organize the community and raise funds to support the families in their pursuit of justice. His efforts are a legacy that lives on in my father and myself as we have worked tirelessly to promote fair educational access and opportunity for decades. My father was the first Latino elected to the Orange Unified School District and I have served on the Rancho Santiago Community College District for the past 10 years - and only the second Latina in that District's history.
What this teaches us, even in the extraordinary times we are living through now, is that when a community stands together, they can overcome any challenge. And I am a proud product of that legacy.
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Chamber Hosts Candidate's Forum
The Orange Chamber of Commerce will host a Virtual Candidate's Forum for all District and the Mayoral Candidates over two nights beginning this week. For information about this event and viewing options, click here.
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Library Offers Curbside Service
Pick up your library holds through our Curbside Service at the Orange Public Library & History Center, Monday – Friday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. For more a list of FAQs about our Curbside Service, visit the Library's webpage by clicking here.
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CU Staying Healthy
Chapman University begins their fall semester on August 31 and there is a webpage dedicated to new procedures to keep students, and our community, safe and healthy. Click here to learn more.
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Women's Equality Day
August 26 is National Women's Equality Day and our friends at The Enchanted Florist remind you to honor a wonderful woman in your life by ordering a special arrangement. Click here to learn more.
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Changes to Orange's DRC
The Orange Design Review Committee (DRC) has been in place since the 1970's and are responsible for insuring that new development projects, especially those that concern Orange's historic buildings, meet design standards. Last week, the Orange Planning Commission quietly began to dismantle the DRC's current responsibilities and oversight role. A strong DRC can have many benefits to a City and these changes ahead of an election and without proper public input are concerning. To read the redline version of the changes being proposed, click here. More about this issue is sure to be forthcoming so stay tuned!
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Orange Fire On Front Lines
With fires raging across California, our own Orange Fire Department is deploying resources to help communities in desperate need. Orange Fire currently have 30 firefighters at major fires across the state while keeping close tabs on things here at home. Take moment to say thank you to our hometown heroes by leaving a message for them on Facebook by clicking here.
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OPD Catches A Predator
On August 12, an Orange resident was attacked in the 4700 block of East Walnut. The victim called 911 and Orange Police responded and located the suspect and connected him to four other sexual assaults along Santiago Creek. For more information, or to leave comment thanking our Orange Police Department on Facebook, click here.
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Latest Video Released
Last Friday I released my latest video in which I discuss the Old Towne treasure that is Pitcher Park and why public-private partnerships are so important to our City. Click here, or the image to watch.
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Virtual Candidate Coffee
On Saturday, August 29th from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM I will be having an informal, virtual meet-up to discuss community issues and to answer any questions you have. To join me on this live event, visit my website here.
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Special Announcement!
To help fund our community-based campaign, I have designed an exclusive Orange pin and tote bag that celebrates our beloved Sweet, Sweet Orange. If you are interested in grabbing one of these limited edition items, click here to reserve yours now.
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www.VoteBarrios.com
Paid for by Arianna Barrios for Orange Council 2020 • FPPC ID# 1416295
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