Equality Matters

Fall 2015

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We believe that ALL people should live free of violence and discrimination.

Hate Crime Report Released

This year, we are pleased to share that the reported number of Hate Crimes in Orange County continued its downward trend in 2014. We are encouraged by this trend, but cannot forget the words of Martin Luther King Jr. who said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."

Click here to see the full report.

Take an Inside Look at Our Amazing BRIDGES Program!

Click the video to play.

Creating Change Through Transgender Dialogues

OC Human Relations partnered with the Santa Ana Police Department and members of the transgender community to launch Police-Community Dialogues. This is a four-part series engag ing residents and officers in a joint effort to improve relationships and learn from each other how to more effectively keep our families, friends, and neighbors safe and free from violence and discrimination. T wo Santa Ana police officers and seven transgender community members met over a period of f ive weeks to discuss specific concerns facing the transgender population. This successful program ended with a potluck and a consensus that such dialogues should be held on a quarterly basis with the intent to strengthen partnerships and spread awareness about police-transgender community relations across Orange County. All participants have shared that this was a positive experience and look forward to recommending it to their friends and colleagues.

Read our Transgender Community Listening Session Report

Meet Our New Staff Members!


Kristian Vallée Bookkeeper Kristian first worked with OC Human Relations in the late 2000's as the Camp Director for the BRIDGES program at BearPaw preserve. He worked as a Junior High school teacher in Orange County for six years. Kristian has a Bachelor's Degree from UC Irvine and a degree in Accounting from Irvine Valley College. As the agency's bookkeeper, he is passionate about economic and social justice and in building positive community relations. Kristian welcomes the responsibilities of playing a supporting administrative role in helping OC Human Relations to grow and continue its positive effect on spreading awareness, teaching students to make their voices heard, and fostering a community in Orange County that is inclusive and safe for all its citizens.	Jason Sean Human Relations Specialist Jason graduated from California State University, Long Beach, in 2010, with a Bachelor's Degree and Teaching Credential in School Health Education. Jason works with school staff, parents, and students to improve inter-group relations and create safe and respectful campuses for all. Jason has previously worked with the City of Long Beach and LA County to bring health to the forefront to allow equal resources and opportunities for everyone of all backgrounds. Jason has a passion for educating and empowering youth to provide them with the necessary tools to be successful individuals.	Selva Miranda Human Relations Specialist Selva graduated from Chapman University with a Bachelor's degree in Integrated Educational Studies in 2014. She discovered her passion for social justice issues her freshman year of college, when for the first time she realized she was a "minority". After graduating from college, she served as a Teen Program Coordinator for a nonprofit called Step Up Women's Network. Selva is excited to be a part of the OC Human Relation's family. She hopes that her passion and experience allow her to have an impact in the OC community and provide students with a space to safely express themselves.