THE S UEEZE
& & Community Culture
Director’s Message
As we continue serving our community through Housing and Community Development, Parks, Libraries, Animal Care, and Community Services, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of community and culture in everything we do. OCCR is built on connection, inclusion, and shared experiences values that come to life when we create spaces where people feel they belong.
Community is more than geography; it is the relationships we nurture and the traditions we honor Culture is more than celebration; it is the stories, languages, histories, and perspectives that shape who we are. Every program we host, every service we provide, and every interaction we have is an opportunity to strengthen understanding and foster belonging.
Each day, we help create moments that bring people together whether it’s a family gathering at a park, a cultural heritage event at a library, a neighborhood meeting, an adoption event, or a resource fair These moments matter. They build trust. They create shared memories. They remind residents that they are part of something larger than themselves. By embracing the diversity of our community, we cultivate a culture of respect and collaboration within our teams and throughout the County. When we listen to one another, celebrate traditions, and uplift different voices, we strengthen not only our programs, but also the fabric of our community.
As we move forward, let’s continue to create welcoming spaces, support cultural expression, and look for ways to connect neighbors across generations and backgrounds. Together, our commitment to community becomes the bridge that links resources with relationships, services with stories, and programs with purpose
After all, community is like a park bench it works best when everyone has a seat.
Dylan Wright OCCR Director
Animal Care
OC Animal Care (OCAC) successfully blends community and culture across many programs, including its foster program In 2025, over 2,200 animals participated in the program, and on January 31, OCAC celebrated with its annual Foster Appreciation Event with more than 50 volunteer fosters in attendance.
The foster program buys time and gives a second chance to young or injured pets in need of special one-on-one attention before they are ready to make their adoption debut. By opening their hearts and homes, fosters give these animals a second chance. Their support is vital to OCAC’s mission and directly impacts every team at the shelter
The OCAC Communications team prepared a thank you video featuring OC Community Resources Director Dylan Wright, along with heartfelt messages from various OCAC teams.
The event featured welcoming remarks from OC Animal Care Director, Monica Schmidt, followed by a Year-inReview presentation by Shelter Programs Manager, Alex Su It also included games and activities, raffles, and recognition of each foster with a certificate of appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
See the 2025 Foster Appreciation Video here!
Learn more about joining the OCAC Foster Team at Foster Caretaker Program | OC Animal Care
Services Community
At OCCS, building belonging starts with creating opportunities for connection, both within our teams and across the communities we serve.
Last summer, the Office on Aging partnered with local community centers and farmers markets to expand access to the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program This effort supported the health and well-being of underserved older adults while fostering meaningful interactions between staff and participants, strengthening trust and a sense of community.
The Veterans Service Office builds belonging through strong partnerships with CalVet, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and other organizations serving Veterans and their dependents. By sharing values and understanding the military experience, the team ensures Veterans have equitable access to benefits and resources that help them thrive
At the Workforce & Economic Development Division, belonging begins with access. The Mobile Unit travels countywide to connect job seekers, employers, and community members with no-cost workforce services where they live, work, and play It offers personalized career guidance, job search and application support, and connections to education and training opportunities.
Together, these efforts reflect OCCS’ commitment to creating welcoming spaces where people feel connected, supported, and included
OC &Housing Community Development
OC Housing & Community Development began participating in the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) Housing America campaign last year and will continue this as an annual tradition. The campaign raises awareness about the importance of affordable housing in building strong communities. Each year, children ages 8-15 living in affordable housing submit artwork for NAHRO’s national poster contest, reflecting the theme “What Home Means to Me.”
Their heartfelt messages about their homes underscore the importance of the work that housers and community development professionals do Local entries are reviewed by the OC Housing & Community Development Commission, which selects winners for each age category. These winners advance to state and regional competitions, with national judges choosing finalists from various housing agencies. 12 winners from the regional entries are featured in NAHRO’s “What Home Means to Me” calendar, with one grand prize winner earning a trip to Washington, D C
OCParks
When the most wonderful time of the year rolls around, OC Parks’ honorary Rudolph ranger truck comes to town and brings with it festive fun and some friendly competition.
Each December, OC Parks’ Operation Rudolph campaign invites parks staff to decorate their Park Ranger vehicles using a special Rudolph kit complete with antlers and a bright red nose. Once the vehicles are decked out, staff take scenic, carefully staged photos of Rudolph to be shared on social media, leaving it up to the public to guess the location. The posts that get the most engagement then move onto the next round where the public, including family and friends of park staff, vote for the winning photo.
More than just a fun contest, Operation Rudolph fosters camaraderie among team members and encourages creativity across the department.
2025OperationRudolphWinner, CarbonCanyonRegionalPark
Staff enjoy working together to stage their photos to capture the very best shot, occasionally even featuring a rainbow, while enjoying some friendly competition. It also allows the public to directly engage with OC Parks through social media while learning about OC Parks facilities, offering a simple way to spread holiday spirit beyond the park boundaries. Since its inception in December 2019, Operation Rudolph has reached more than 110,000 users across Facebook and Instagram and earned more than 12,000 social media engagements.
Follow OC Parks on social media to look back on last year ’ s festive entries and join in the fun by voting for OC Parks’ 2026 reigning reindeer next holiday season
Public Libraries OC
At OC Public Libraries, belonging grows through the moments we create together, and this year ’ s Winter Reading Program offered a wonderful example of how shared experiences strengthen our community. Our collaboration with the Anaheim Ducks brought fresh excitement to a program that families already love uniting readers of all ages around the joy of stories, learning, and teamwork. Branches across the county embraced the theme with creativity and enthusiasm Staff decorated spaces, hosted engaging programs, and encouraged children as they reached their reading goals.
The Anaheim Ducks partnership added an extra layer of fun Families were delighted to see team‑themed materials, and children were especially proud to earn Ducks inspired incentives. Behind the scenes, library staff worked closely to coordinate events, distribute supplies, and support one another throughout the program. The Winter Reading Program reminded us that belonging is built through collaboration, shared purpose, and the joy of watching our community come together This year, we did more than promote reading. We helped families feel connected, supported, and part of something meaningful.
The Squeeze | 8
Administrative
At Administrative Services, we strive to build a workplace where community and culture flourish across OCCR, creating an environment where everyone feels connected
Through dynamic virtual engagement initiatives like the Annual Employee Recognition event, we celebrate outstanding contributions and spotlight the individuals who drive our success. The Won by One campaign invites staff to actively nominate colleagues whose efforts exemplify excellence, innovation, and teamwork creating authentic opportunities to acknowledge achievements and strengthen our culture of appreciation and connection.
Holiday traditions such as Dylan’s annual reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas add warmth and joy, reminding us that culture isn’t defined by physical proximity but by shared experiences that make us feel connected, even from afar.
Michelle Aragon
Services
Safety is another pillar of our culture Through ongoing awareness efforts, we help ensure every team member feels protected and informed. Safety isn’t just about rules, it’s about care and responsibility. By prioritizing employee safety and well-being, we build trust and strengthen community, creating an environment where everyone can thrive together
The Supervisor Toolbox for OCCR Leaders also plays a vital role in shaping our culture. With over 200 graduates, this program brings managers and supervisors together to learn, share, and grow. It’s more than training it’s a space where collaboration and belonging take root. Together, these efforts embody Admin Services’ vision: One team supporting our Programs’ success. When people feel part of something meaningful, great things happen!
Service Awards
December 2025 - March 2026
Virginia Ortiz, OC Public Libraries 35
25
20
15
10
5
Erin Suggett, OC Animal Care
Jeff Vosburg, OC Animal Care
Juana Munoz, OC Housing & Comm Dev
Patricia Rosas, OC Housing Authority
Gene Corey, OC Parks
Jennifer Naegele, OC Parks
Rita Abellar, OC Parks
Chike Boykins, OC Parks
Mahshid Baghai, OC Public Libraries
Courtney Kessinger, OC Public Librares
Jared Hilbrands, OC Animal Care
Heatherly Lopez, OC Animal Care
Ignacio Garcia, OC Parks
Jose Navarro, OC Parks
Paul Bangs, OC Animal Care
Edwin Espino, OC Animal Care
Meagan Kaiser Chung, OC Animal Care
Peter Holladay, OC Animal Care
Alex Su, OC Animal Care
Jennifer Cardon, OC Parks
Teresa Claronino, OC Animal Care
Yadhira Garcia, OC Animal Care
Jessica Gonzalez, OC Animal Care
Eric Nguy, OC Community Services
Kevin Carrera, OC Parks
Gregory Avila Bradshaw, OC Parks
Dana Grauer, OC Parks
Sandra Reynaga, OC Parks
Sharon Leung, OC Parks
Stephanie Anson-Higgins, OC Public Libraries
Bonnie Mclaren, OC Public Libraries
Minh Nguyen, OC Public Libraries
Kimmy Pham, OC Public Libraries
Andrea Sepulveda, OC Public Libraries
Tho Vo, OC Public Libraries
Russell Eaton, OC Parks
Brian Kurnow, OC Parks
Katherine Sverapa, OC Parks
Jennifer Kanter, OC Public Libraries
Marketa Ramirezova, OC Public Libraries
Stanley Wang, OC Public Libraries
Marc Cortez, OC Parks
Ivette Gonzalez, OC Parks
Joshua Hestermann, OC Parks
Emily Carta, OC Public Libraries
Yesenia Chavez, OC Public Libraries
DayA Life in the
Meetyour team
LizCaluag NickCastro CarlosRios SafetyAnalyst SafetyManager SafetySpecialist
Safety Series
DidYou Know?
Jr. Ranger Program
The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources
Tiered Incentives:
For more information, visit: https://ocparks.com/jr-ranger
Rita Recommends
Rita Recommends is a service providing reading recommendations designed personally for you by OC Public Libraries’ staff
Fill out a survey of your reading tastes, and our staff will send you 5 personalized recommendations within a week
For more information, visit: https://ocpl.org/rita-recommends
CWhat’soming
Kitten Season is Just Around the Corner!
Spring marks the ever-expanding Kitten Season when OC Animal Care staff sees an increase in the number of cats and kittens entering the shelter and foster programs.
Remember to “Wait, Watch, Win” if you spot a kitten or cat outside Scooping up that cat or kittens might unintentionally orphan the kittens from mom too soon, placing the kittens in a vulnerable situation.
OC Animal Care educates the public about Kitten Season and provides Kitten Kits that are fully equipped with essential care supplies. The kits are used to encourage finders to care for underaged kittens, whether for the night, until the kittens are weaned, or at which point they are ready for adoption.
Did You Find Kittens? See Wait, Watch, Win! for more information on what to do if you spot kittens outside.
Free Hiring Events & Workshops for Job Seekers
OC Workforce Solutions offers a full calendar of free hiring events and workshops for job seekers Connect with employers, sharpen your skills, and take the next step in your career
Explore upcoming events and register here: ocworkforcesolutions com/events
