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Janet's Journal - December Newsletter
Fr: Supervisor Janet Nguyen
December 1, 2025
San Gabriel River trash crisis
The First District is part of the San Gabriel Valley River Trash Mitigation Initiative, which was formed to find a solution for the trash that floats down river every year to the Seal Beach shoreline.
This committee includes California Assemblymember Diane Dixon, the City of Seal Beach, Los Angeles County, and other local governments. In 2024, more than 400 tons of trash ended up in Seal Beach from cities along the 58-mile river.
I asked news outlets to view the problem first hand:
Recent SoCal rain washes trash onto Seal Beach https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/southern-california/weather/2025/11/18/rain--storms--clean-up--beach--trash-clean-up-
After dry summer, weekend of rain dumps trash on Seal Beach as county explores solutions to stop the cycle https://www.ocregister.com/2025/11/17/after-dry-summer-weekend-of-rain-dumps-trash-on-seal-beach-as-county-explores-solutions-to-stop-the-cycle/
Efforts underway to prevent trash in local streams from reaching ocean https://ktla.com/weather/efforts-underway-to-prevent-trash-in-local-streams-from-reaching-ocean/
Disgraceful Vietnam War
Veterans Memorial
For almost two years, a dilapidated black stone slab has been sitting in Mile Square Park. This is supposed to be a memorial to Vietnam War veterans, but instead it’s a cracked half-finished reminder of the millions that former Supervisor Andrew Do stole from the County.
Now a convicted felon, Do won’t be finishing the wall and neither will his indicted partner Peter Pham who has fled the country. None of the names are completed. Rather, the only permanent etchings are the names of Andrew Do and Peter Pham.
I recently took the media to the site so they could see firsthand what $1 million in taxpayer funds paid for. The County estimates that it will cost over $1.2 million to complete the project, which includes ADA compliance. Demolition will be about $25,000. I recommend demolition.
Read more here:
LA Times: ‘Shameful. It’s a disgrace.” OC Vietnam vets memorial overshadowed by corruption, shoddy work https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-11-17/vietnam-veterans-memorial-orange-county-disgrace-official-says
LAist: OC’s $1m Vietnam War memorial is unfinished – and embroiled in a fraud lawsuit https://laist.com/news/politics/orange-county-vietnam-war-memorial-andrew-do-viet-america-society
OC Register: Unfinished Vietnam War memorial in Mile Square Park raises question of what to do next https://www.ocregister.com/2025/11/11/unfinished-vietnam-war-memorial-in-mile-square-park-raises-question-of-what-to-do-next/
Spectrum News https://x.com/SpecNews1SoCal/status/1988047421860094265
KTLA News https://www.facebook.com/reel/1625291961770929
LAist: OC’s $1M Vietnam War Memorial sits cracked and unfinished while its benefactor serves prison time https://laist.com/news/politics/orange-county-vietnam-war-memorial-andrew-do
Orange County Hall of Fame
Everyone is invited to the Hall of Fame ceremony to honor these great OC residents. Robert August, star of the classic surf film “Endless Summer” and longtime philanthropist Ed Laird are from our First District. The event will be from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Dec. 9 at the Hall of Administration, Orange County Board of Supervisors' meeting room. Join us to celebrate Orange County's 2025 Inductees.
For more information click here
Budget & Books workshop
The County Executive Office’s Budget & Finance team is hosting Budget & Books, a workshop at OC Public Libraries. Learn how the County budget works, tax dollars are managed & what’s included in the 2025 Strategic Financial Plan.
For more information click here
Veterans Day celebrations
I was honored to participate in Veterans Day celebrations sponsored by the cities of Seal Beach, Fountain Valley and La Palma. Thank you to all who served and their families.
Los Cerritos Wetlands groundbreaking
70th Anniversary of La Palma
I attended the groundbreaking for the Southern Los Cerritos Wetlands Restoration Project. Congratulations to the Wetlands Authority, the cities of Seal Beach and Long Beach, along with the many groups that made this milestone possible.
I presented a proclamation to the City of La Palma in celebration of its 70th Anniversary. I’m proud to represent this outstanding community at the county. Congratulations on 70 years of excellence and civic pride.
Board recognition of VALOR
The Board recognized the Veterans Alliance of Orange County for their outstanding work helping to secure our new veterans cemetery. VALOR also presented the supervisors with these beautiful awards.
Champions of Youth award
I’m honored to receive the Champions of Youth award from the Huntington Valley Boys and Girls club. Thank you to Art and the rest of the team for your daily commitment to serving our community’s youth.
Recognition of Krishna Patel
I presented a Certificate of Recognition to Krishna Patel at the La Palma City Council meeting. She was honored by the John Locke Institute for writing a global political essay in a competition with 62,000 student participants. Krishna even travelled to Oxford, U.K. to meet her fellow competitors. Congratulations Krishna on this outstanding achievement!
Old World Christmas Market
Transport yourself to a European-style Christmas Market at Old World in Huntington Beach. From now until Dec. 28, explore and shop from artisan vendors and savor European-inspired food and drinks. Enjoy live entertainment, special events, and the Christmas spirit throughout the holiday season.
For more information click here
Westminster Tree
Lighting Ceremony
The City of Westminster is hosting its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 1 in the Westminster Civic Center. This event will feature various entertainment performances, photos with Santa, activities, food vendors, and the lighting of their Christmas tree.
For more information click here
Cypress Holiday Sing
and Tree Lighting
Check out Cypress's Holiday Sing and Tree Lighting on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. This festive holiday event will feature performances from local schools, visits from Santa, train rides, games, and so much more.
For more information click here
La Palma Tree Lighting Ceremony
Join the City of La Palma for its holiday tree-lighting ceremony on Dec. 3. Hosted by the Community Activities & Beautification Committee, the event will feature performances from local schools, arts and crafts, and a letters to Santa station.
For more information click here
Seal Beach Christmas Parade
The Seal Beach Lions Club and the City of Seal Beach are proud to present the 47th annual Seal Beach Christmas Parade on Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. on Main Street. This year’s theme is “Christmas in Toyland” and it will be an evening of community spirit and holiday magic. Join the entire community for this joyous hometown event.
For more information click here
Fountain Valley Winter Dance
Join the City of Fountain Valley for their upcoming Winter Dance, hosted by the Advisory Committee for persons with disabilities. The dance is on Dec. 5, from 7 - 9 p.m. at the Center for Founders Village.
For more information click here
Winter in the Grove
The City of Garden Grove has combined its Winterfest and annual Tree Lighting events into one big party at Village Green Park. It all happens on Dec. 6 from 3 - 7 p.m.
For more information click here
Los Alamitos Winter Wonderland
Join the City of Los Alamitos Dec. 6 from 4 - 7 p.m. for its Winter Wonderland at St. Isidore Historical Plaza. Enjoy ice skating, tree lighting, snow sledding, musical entertainment and more.
For more information click here
Breakfast with Santa in Huntington Beach
The Huntington Beach Community & Library Services Department is excited to present Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 6 at the Senior Center at Central Park. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and photo opportunities with Santa Claus, bounce houses, festive crafts and more! The cost is $20 per person and space is limited! Reserve your spot today!
For more information click here
Good Evening, Los Alamitos!
Join the City of Los Alamitos for “Good Evening, Los Alamitos!” on Dec. 9 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Hear about the city’s highlights from 2025, see what’s ahead, and enjoy free admission, appetizers, and giveaways.
For more information click here
Cypress Holiday Block Party
Woman's Club of Cypress will be hosting its Holiday Block Party on Dec. 12 from 6 - 9 p.m. at Edgemont Circle. The event will feature photos with Santa, a silent auction, great food, and much more.
For more information click here
Rossmoor Winter Festival
Join the Rossmoor Community Services District for a festive evening of holiday fun at the Rossmoor Winter Festival! Happening at Rush Park in Rossmoor on Dec. 13 from 4 - 9 p.m. this cherished holiday event is not to be missed. Activities include live music, performances, a snow play zone, games, food trucks, and of course, Santa!
For more information click here
63rd Annual Huntington Harbour Boat Parade
Celebrate the Holiday Season at the 63rd Annual Huntington Harbour Boat Parade on Dec. 13 - 14. The parade begins at 5:15 p.m. Get ready to be dazzled by the dozens of boats adorned with festive lights and decorations. This event is free to attend but parking and public viewing areas are allowed only in the beach areas, so arrive early to secure your parade spot.
For more information click here
63rd Cruise of Lights
Experience the magic of the season at the 63rd Cruise of Lights from Dec. 19 - 23. Enjoy a 50-minute narrated boat tour through Huntington Harbour to view the many homes, docks, decks, and boats decorated for the holidays. Tickets are available for purchase and don’t miss out on this spectacular holiday tradition!
For more information click here
Thank you for being an active member in your community.
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