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OCTA in the Community in 2024

People are at the heart of every project and service we provide. Throughout the year, we reach out to the community to educate, engage, celebrate and collaborate to move transportation forward.

September Outreach Highlights

Cypress College Welcome Back Event
Cypress College Welcome Back Event
Wednesday, September 4
Students returning to school for the Fall semester were informed about the Free OC Bus College Pass available to them.
LSTV’s Moon Lantern Festival
LSTV’s Moon Lantern Festival
Saturday, September 7
LSTV’s Moon Lantern Festival on Saturday, Sept. 7 at Asian Garden Mall in Westminster with 1,600 booth visitors including OCTA Chair Tam T. Nguyen. OCTA’s kid zone was full of families making lanterns and coloring.
Mid-Autumn Festival
Mid-Autumn Festival
Saturday, September 14
The Mid-Autumn festival was celebrated with OCTA on Saturday, Sept. 14 in Fountain Valley with 2,300 booth visitors. Teen Council volunteers assisted in running the kid zone and helped families make lanterns.
Irvine Valley College
Irvine Valley College
Wednesday, September 4
OCTA handed out information about the free OC Bus College Pass available to junior college students in Orange County. Many of them were excited to learn they could ride at no cost.
Fullerton College
Fullerton College
Tuesday, September 10
OCTA gave out information about the free OC Bus College Pass and the Metrolink Student Adventure Pass, offering students multiple modes of transportation to and from work, school and fun, at no cost.
Mobility 21
Mobility 21
Friday, September 20
OCTA hosted a table at the Mobility 21 conference, where they shared information with attendees about all the exciting transit program and capital projects OCTA is currently working on.
Tustin PD Open House Sept 2024
Tustin Police Department Open House
Saturday, September 7
The SR-55 Improvement Project outreach team provided project information to attendees at the Tustin Police Department Open House event.
Supervisor Chaffee's 2024 Fall Fishing Derby
Supervisor Chaffee's 2024 Fall Fishing Derby
Saturday, September 7
OCTA hosted a booth at the Fall Fishing Derby to give parents and families information about the OC Bus Youth Ride Free pass, as well as some fun giveaways.
Santa Ana’s Fiestas Patrias
Santa Ana’s Fiestas Patrias
Saturday, September 14
The Diversity Outreach teamed celebrated with OCTA’s Cultural Ambassador Humberto Luna at Santa Ana’s Fiestas Patrias. They had 2,308 booth visitors who had the opportunity to visit the kid zone to color and get customized stickers.

August Outreach Highlights

Tustin Kiwanis Club
Tustin Kiwanis Club
Friday, August 2
The SR-55 Improvement Project outreach team presented to members of the Tustin Kiwanis Club, providing project information and upcoming construction activities.
Anaheim National Night Out
Anaheim National Night Out
Tuesday, August 6
Received approximately 400 visitors at the OCTA booth and provided information to community members with questions regarding general SR-91 Improvement Project information.
San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project Booth
San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project Booth
Thursday, August 29
Pedestrians and bicyclists along the San Juan Creek Trail at Descanso Park stopped by the outreach team’s project booth to learn more about the project.
Back-to-School Giveaway
Back-to-School Giveaway
Friday, August 2
OCTA’s Diversity Outreach team participated in City of Santa Ana’s back-to-school event on Friday, Aug. 2 at the Santa Ana Zoo with 300 booth visitors including O.C. Supervisor and OCTA Director Vicente Sarmiento.
Santa Ana Police Department National Night Out
Santa Ana Police Department National Night Out
Tuesday, August 6
The outreach team hosted a booth at the Santa Ana Police Department National Night Out event where attendees stopped by to learn more about the SR-55 Improvement Project.
Newport-Mesa Unified School District Family Resource Fair
Newport-Mesa Unified School District Family Resource Fair
Saturday, August 3
OCTA’s Diversity Outreach team attended the Newport-Mesa Unified School District Family Resource Fair on Saturday, Aug. 3 with 4,000 event participants including O.C. Supervisor and OCTA Director Katrina Foley.
Iranian Chamber of Commerce’s International Summer Event
Iranian Chamber of Commerce’s International Summer Event
Wednesday, August 14
International Summer Business event hosted by O.C. Iranian American Chamber on Wednesday, Aug. 14. The OCTA Diversity Outreach team and more than 400 business, community and civic leaders, including OCTA Chair Tam T. Nguyễn were invited to attend the event.

July Outreach Highlights

City of Santa Ana Concert in the Park
City of Santa Ana Concert in the Park
Thursday, July 8
Attendees stopped by the SR-55 Improvement Project booth to learn more about the project, ask questions, and pick up project giveaways.
San Juan Summer Nites
San Juan Summer Nites
Wednesday, July 17
The San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project outreach team hosted a booth at San Juan Summer Nites, where 80 attendees visited to learn more about the project.
Orange Senior Center’s Prom Party
Orange Senior Center’s Prom Party
Friday, July 12
OCTA Diversity Outreach attended the Orange Senior Center’s Prom celebration on Friday, July 12 in Orange with 130 attendees. Diversity Outreach collected 83 O.C. Transit Vision surveys.
Santa Ana Mayor’s Community Resource Fair
Santa Ana Mayor’s Community Resource Fair
Sunday, July 18
OCTA’s Diversity Outreach team had 450 booth visitors including Santa Ana’s Mayor and OCTA Director Valerie Amezcua at the Santa Ana Mayor’s community resource fair on Sunday, July 18.
San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project Booth
San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project Booth
Saturday, July 13 & Monday, July 22
The outreach team hosted two project information booth to inform to pedestrians and bicyclists along the San Juan Creek Trail of upcoming construction activities.
San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club
San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club
Wednesday, July 31
The San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project outreach team presented to over 50 members of the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club.

June Outreach Highlights

OC Sheriff Department Open House and Career Expo
OC Sheriff Department Open House and Career Expo
Saturday, June 1
OCTA showcased its partnership with Transit Police Services by hosting a table with information about the Be the One Campaign, focused on combatting human trafficking, along with information about other OCTA programs and services.
San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project Booth
San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project Booth
Saturday, June 8
The outreach team provided project information to bicyclists and pedestrians along the San Juan Creek Trail at Descanso Park.
Summerfest’s Vietnamese Father’s Day Concert
Summerfest’s Vietnamese Father’s Day Concert
Sunday, June 16
Summerfest’s Vietnamese Father’s Day Concert with 398 booth visitors including OCTA Chair Tam T. Nguyen and collected 167 O.C. Transit Vision surveys.
City of Tustin Concert in the Park
City of Tustin Concert in the Park
Wednesday, June 19
Attendees visited the outreach team’s booth to learn about the SR-55 Improvement Project.
San Juan Mobile Estates
San Juan Mobile Estates
Saturday, June 22
The outreach team presented to residents in the San Juan Mobile Estates community, providing information and construction activities on the San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project.
Small Business Diversity Network’s Recon 2024
Small Business Diversity Network’s Recon 2024
Tuesday, June 25
OCTA’s CAMM and Diversity Outreach departments focused on providing resources and information regarding open procurements and ongoing business opportunities. Diversity Outreach collected 206 O.C. Transit Vision surveys.
Tustin Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off
Tustin Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off
Sunday, June 2
The outreach team provided information on the SR-55 Improvement Project to attendees at the largest one-day chili cook-off in the country.
Southwest Santa Ana Senior Center’s Father’s Day celebration
Southwest Santa Ana Senior Center’s Father’s Day celebration
Wednesday, June 12
OCTA diversity Outreach attended Southwest Santa Ana Senior Center’s Father’s Day celebration on Wednesday, June 12 with more than 150 participants including OCTA Chair Tam T. Nguyen and Director Vicente Sarmiento; 137 O.C. Transit Vision surveys collected.
City of Fountain Valley Senior Expo
City of Fountain Valley Senior Expo
Wednesday, June 19
OCTA hosted a booth with information on OC ACCESS, Senior Mobility Programs and senior fares for OC Bus, to provide Orange County's senior citizens different modes to get around safely and comfortably.
Quarterly Diverse Community Leaders (in-person) Meeting
Quarterly Diverse Community Leaders (in-person) Meeting
Thursday, June 20
OCTA hosted a booth with information on OC ACCESS, Senior Mobility Programs and senior fares for OC Bus, to provide Orange County's senior citizens different modes to get around safely and comfortably.
Philippines Independence Day community celebration
Philippines Independence Day community celebration
Saturday, June 22
The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of O.C. held a community celebration at Irvine Valley College to mark Philippine Independence Day. The event, attended by over 400 people, including OCTA Director Farrah Khan.
Advance Beauty College community celebration
Advance Beauty College community celebration
Wednesday, June 26
OCTA’s Diversity Outreach team attended a community celebration hosted by OCTA Chair Tam T. Nguyen to gather feedback for the O.C. Transit Vision survey, aimed at improving transportation in Orange County.
Mission Viejo Pride
Mission Viejo Pride
Saturday, June 8
OCTA diversity outreach joined consultants from the I-5 improvement project at Mission Viejo Pride, informing participants about ongoing projects and programs and gathering feedback through the OC Transit Vision survey. With a turnout of around 400, OCTA welcomed approximately 100 booth visitors and collected 27 surveys.
Orange County Heritage Council’s Juneteenth Festival
Orange County Heritage Council’s Juneteenth Festival
Saturday, June 15
362 booth visitors and 160 surveys collected
Asian Business Association of O.C.’s BizCon
Asian Business Association of O.C.’s BizCon
Wednesday, June 19
OCTA’s CAMM and Diversity Outreach departments focused on providing resources and information regarding open procurements and ongoing business opportunities.
Transit Training: Fountain Glen Laguna Niguel
Transit Training: Fountain Glen Laguna Niguel
Thursday, June 20
OCTA presented at a senior apartment complex to help residents learn how to ride OC Bus.
San Juan Capistrano Coffee Chat
San Juan Capistrano Coffee Chat
Friday, June 21
Community members learned about the San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project and upcoming construction activities at the local Coffee Chat.
2024 - 2025 OCTA Teen Council Board Recognition
2024 - 2025 OCTA Teen Council Board Recognition
Monday, June 24
This year's cohort of Teen Council members were recognized by the OCTA Board of Directors for their contributions to OCTA as well as their communities, and presented a resolution.
Angels 5k and Fun Run
Angels 5k and Fun Run
Saturday, June 29
OCTA hosted a booth with information about the Angels Express Fan Train, encouraging attendees to save gas and skip traffic when they ride Metrolink to Angels weekend home games.

May Outreach Highlights

OC Indigo Ball
OC Indigo Ball
Saturday, May 4
The LGBTQ Center's OC Indigo Ball on Saturday, May 4 in Newport Beach celebrated OCTA Directors and O.C. Supervisors Katrina Foley and Vicente Sarmiento's work in the LGBTQ+ Community. The event brought together advocates and allies for a night of recognition and solidarity.
UCI Whimcycle
UCI Whimcycle
Thursday, May 9
To celebrate Bike Months, OCTA handed out Orange County bike maps to students and encouraged other forms of transportation, such as the discounted OC Bus U-Pass available to University of California, Irvine students.
Teen Council Meeting
Teen Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 14
Students had their last meeting of the 2023–2024 OCTA Teen Council cohort, where they learned about Active Transportation, and concluded by sharing their positive experiences while serving on the Teen Council.
Small Business Diversity Network's commemoration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Small Business Diversity Network's commemoration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Wednesday, May 29
Small Business Diversity Network’s commemoration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month on Wednesday, May 29 welcomed 135 attendees including OCTA Chair Tam T. Nguyen and OCTA Director Farrah Khan.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Saturday, May 4
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta's community celebration took place on Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5, in Anaheim, attracting over 2,000 booth visitors. Among the attendees were OCTA Directors Ashleigh Aitken and Vicente Sarmiento. The OCTA's Diversity Outreach team was joined by cultural ambassadors Humberto Luna, a radio host, and Mariachi Las Colibrí.
Southwest Senior Center's Mother Day Celebration
Southwest Senior Center's Mother Day Celebration
Friday, May 10
At the Southwest Senior Center in Santa Ana, OCTA connected with the community to celebrate O.C. mothers. OCTA cultural ambassadors delivered a memorable performance, while staff gifted special Mother's Day prizes and promoted the OC Transit Vision Survey.
San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project Booth
San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project Booth
Saturday, May 18
Bicyclists and pedestrians along the San Juan Creek Trail learned more about upcoming construction activities for the San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project.
CicloIRVINE Open Streets
CicloIRVINE Open Streets
Saturday, May 4
OCTA promoted alternative forms of transportatoion at the CicloIrvine Open Streets events, where the public was encouraged to walk or bike down roadways temporarily closed to vehicle traffic.
Coffee with the Mayor
Coffee with the Mayor
Saturday, May 11
OCTA joined Santa Ana Mayor and OCTA Director, Valerie Amezcua, for the monthly “Coffee with the Mayor” at the Southwest Senior Center, discussing public transit with seniors in the community.
Irvine Pride
Irvine Pride
Wednesday, May 22
To kick-off pride in Orange County, OCTA attended Irvine Pride, promoting the OC Transit Vision to the LGBTQ+ community and other community members including Irvine Mayor, Farrah Khan.

April Outreach Highlights

Angels Red Carpet Home Opener
Angels Red Carpet Home Opener
Friday, April 5
OCTA shared the return of the Angels Express Fan Train with fans in attendance at Angels Stadium. To kick-off the season, OCTA booth visitors could spin to win Angels Express swag.
Diverse Destinations
Diverse Destinations
Tuesday, April 16
The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of O.C., the Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce of O.C., and the Small Business Diversity Network’s Iconic Diversity Destinations were hosted by Genesis Bank on Tuesday, April 16, in Newport Beach, with more than 500 event participants embracing cuisine from several O.C. small businesses.
Minority Business Summit
Minority Business Summit
Thursday, April 25
The Small Business Development Center's 3rd Orange County Minority Business Summit took place on Thursday, April 25, in Irvine, with more than 450 small business owners gathering to learn more about procurement and business licensing opportunities.
Norooz Clinic
Norooz Clinic
Saturday, April 27
Norooz Clinic’s Unlocking the Stigma resource fair Saturday, April 27 in Newport Beach with more than 200 event participants receiving resourceful information on OCTA’s Youth Ride Free program and senior transit.
CalOptima and Supervisor Sarmiento’s Community Resource Fair
CalOptima and Supervisor Sarmiento’s Community Resource Fair
Saturday, April 13
CalOptima and Supervisor Sarmiento’s Community Resource and Health Fair on Saturday, April 13 in Santa Ana with more than 600 OCTA booth visitors completing community surveys in Spanish and Vietnamese.
Fullerton College Earth Week
Fullerton College: Earth Week
Tuesday, April 23
Fullerton College held its annual Earth Week event, and OCTA participated by sharing information with students about the free College Pass Program. Many students were excited about the program, and already have their pass.
Angels Express Rally
Angels Express Rally
Friday, April 26
Angels baseball fans had the opportunity to participate in some fun activities before departing on the Angels Express Fan Train to the Angels home game. With autographs from Angels Alumnus, Adam Kennedy, prize giveaways, a photo booth and free snacks, there was fun for everyone.
Eid Al-Fitr Celebration
Eid Al-Fitr Celebration
Wednesday April 10
Islamic Society of O.C.’s community Eid Al-Fitr celebration on Wednesday, April 10 in Huntington Beach with 4,000 event participants.
Santiago Canyon College College Earth Day
Santiago Canyon College College: Earth Day
Thursday, April 25
The Santiago Canyon College Earth Day event encouraged students to use alternative forms of transportation that are healthier for the environment. OCTA informed students that instead of driving, they could use their free OC Bus College Pass.
Dia del Niño Event
Dia del Niño Event
Saturday, April 27
Outreach engaged in the UNIDOS South OC Dia del Niño event, informing more than 120 attendees about the San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project.

March Outreach Highlights

CalOptima Resource Fair image 3
CalOptima Resource Fair
Saturday, March 2
As the transportation provider for Orange County, OCTA is a valuable local resource and engaged with more than 400 visitors at the fair.
Fishing Derby
Supervisor Doug Chaffee's Fourth District Kids Fishing Derby
Saturday, March 9
Children and families participated in Vice Chair Chaffee's Fishing Derby and were given information about the the OC Bus Youth Ride Free and the OCTA Teen Council application.
Goldchella
Golden West College: Goldchella
Thursday, March 14
Seniors from local high schools visited the Goldchella involvement fair and were provided information about how to obtain their free OC Bus College Pass as students at the college.
Teen Council Meeting
Teen Council Meeting
Tuesday, March 5
Teens learned about OCTA's initiatives and gave feedback on OC Streetcar. Students asked questions about the OCTA Board and other services offered by the authority.
Vietnamese Cultural Arts Celebration image
Vietnamese Cultural Arts Celebration
Sunday, March 10
OCTA joined in the festivities while providing information about local transportation.
San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project Booth
San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project Booth
Friday, March 15
Bicyclists and pedestrians along the San Juan Creek Trail learned about the new bridge OCTA is building to enhance safety and meet current standards.
Swallows Day
Swallows Day Parade
Saturday, March 23
San Juan Capistrano’s Swallows Day Parade/Mercado Street Faire attracts thousands of visitors and OCTA was there to share project information.
OCTA Career Expo
OCTA Career Expo
Wednesday, March 6
Approximately 200 students from high schools around the county, visited OCTA to learn about potential career paths at OCTA, and steps they can take now to get involved through programs such as Teen Council.
CSUF Bike Check Event
CSUF Bike Check Event
Wednesday, March 13
CSUF students were given more information about alternative travel methods they can take to school, including the discounted OC Bus U-Pass, OC Bike and OC Active.
Transit Ambassadors
OC Bus Rapid: Transit Ambassadors
Monday, March 18
Representatives rode along Route 529 to share information with riders about the OC Bus Bravo rebrand to OC Bus Rapid, offering passengers faster service to their destination.

February Outreach Highlights

transit equity day
Transit Equity Day Outreach
Thursday, February 1
OCTA’s volunteer Transit Ambassadors reminded OC travelers about free bus rides on Transit Equity Day in honor of Rosa Parks.
tet festival
City of Santa Ana Tet Festival
Saturday, February 3
More than 1,000 people celebrated Lunar New Year at Centennial Park. Many stopped by to learn about OCTA and enjoy activities.
metrolink customer appreciation day
Metrolink Customer Appreciation Day
Wednesday, February 14
OCTA and Metrolink staff distributed candy at the Fullerton Station to express gratitude and appreciation to loyal commuters for their support.
small business event
Small Business Development Network Business Event
Friday, February 2
This event focused on highlighting business opportunities available to local and small business owners.
ivc
Irvine Valley College Club Day
Wednesday, February 7
Students engaged in conversations about OCTA’s OC Bus College Pass and explored transportation options.
san juan creek
San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project Booth
Friday, February 16
The outreach team shared project information with bicyclists and pedestrians along the San Juan Creek Trail.
kids' pet parade
Kids’ Pet Parade and Expo
Saturday, February 24
This family-friendly event is just a short 2-minute walk from the Metrolink station. OCTA’s outreach team joined in on the fun and handed out souvenirs.
bhm
Black History Month Parade and Unity Festival
Saturday, February 3
Over 300 attendees visited OCTA’s booth where community members learned about public transportation initiatives.
tet festival
OC Tet Festival at Mile Square Park
Friday, February 9 to Sunday, February 11
More than 300 people enjoyed a Lunar New Year celebration in Garden Grove hosted by OCTA Chair Nguyen.
lunar new year festival
Lunar New Year Event at Metrolink Irvine Station
Saturday, February 17
Nearly 400 visitors gathered to celebrate before taking the train to the Golden Dragon Parade in Los Angeles.

January Outreach Highlights

OCTA Teen Council Meeting
Tuesday, January 9
At this bi-monthly meeting, teens learned about the transportation industry from OCTA’s Chief Operations Officer.
SR-55 Project: McFadden Ave Booth
Wednesday, January 17
Community members learned about construction activities and project resources for the SR-55 Improvement Project.
Martin Luther King Remembrance
Monday, January 15
More than 100 attendees celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.
Anaheim Community Resource Fair
Friday, January 26
Local resource providers collaborated to offer access to services.
San Juan Creek Bridge Replacement Project Booth
Friday, January 26
The event raised awareness about the upcoming trail closure and construction activities.
Gilbert High School Bus Advocacy
Wednesday, January 17
Civic engagement prompted an adjustment to better align bus service with the needs of student riders.
Little Saigon Monument Sign Unveiling Ceremony
Friday, January 26
The City of Santa Ana unveiled its new Little Saigon monument at a ceremony attended by nearly 150 people.
Coffee with the Santa Ana Mayor
Saturday, January 27
The mayor and six resource agencies engaged with approximately 100 people in Spanish, Vietnamese and English.
OCTA’s efforts to engage diverse communities throughout Orange County are ongoing. Check back monthly for the latest outreach highlights.