Supervisor Sarmiento’s Letter Calling for a Ceasefire 

VICENTE SARMIENTO
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
SUPERVISOR, SECOND DISTRICT
COUNTY ADMINISTRATION NORTH
400 W. CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, 6TH FLOOR
SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92701
PHONE (714) 834-3220
HTTP://SUPERVISORSARMIENTO.COM
February 29, 2024
Senator Alex Padilla
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Representative Lou Correa
2301 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Representative Young Kim
1306 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Representative Mike Levin
2352 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Senator Laphonza Butler
112 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
Representative Katie Porter
1223 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Representative Linda Sánchez
2428 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Representative Michelle Steel
1127 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
RE: Call for Immediate Cease-fire in Gaza
Dear Orange County Congressional Delegation Members,
I am writing to express my concern over the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas. Given
the ongoing suffering for those in the Gaza Strip and the families of Israeli hostages, I seek your
support in urging for an immediate cease-fire.
The significant loss of civilian lives and the severe disruption of daily life within the Gaza Strip is
deeply troubling, especially as recent warnings of famine and what is now a public health disaster
add to the gravity of the situation. Over the course of this five-month long war, more than 29,000
Palestinian lives have been lost, with the United Nations reporting that approximately 85% of
Gaza’s population has been displaced, and a BBC analysis showing that between 144,000-175,000
structures have been destroyed or damaged in the ongoing war.
I believe the scale of the humanitarian suffering this conflict has inflicted demands our diplomatic
support for a cease-fire, and that a collective call from our County’s Bipartisan Congressional
VICENTE SARMIENTO
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
SUPERVISOR, SECOND DISTRICT
COUNTY ADMINISTRATION NORTH
400 W. CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, 6TH FLOOR
SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92701
PHONE (714) 834-3220
HTTP://SUPERVISORSARMIENTO.COM
delegation can contribute to the efforts to end the violence. I recognize the complexities of the
situation, however, I firmly believe that prioritizing the safety and well-being of civilians is a
shared value that extends throughout our respective districts and that support for a ceasefire will
help to facilitate the safe return of the remaining Israeli civilian hostages.
I strongly urge that you consider voicing your support for an immediate cease-fire in your capacity
as a representative of Orange County, especially as we witness the rising number of hate-related
incidents directed towards our Jewish and Muslim communities. Your influence can contribute to
positive change, and a peaceful resolution that aligns with our shared commitment to humanitarian
values.”
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to our continued partnership on
issues that impact the well-being of our local community, concerns of our mutual constituents, and
our shared global community at large.
Sincerely,
Vicente Sarmiento
Supervisor, Second District
Orange County Board of Supervisors