OC In Focus

Nearly one million Russians have left the country since the start of the war with Ukraine in 2022. In this episode, Karyn Bower and Armand Sicat are joined by Elena Andreeva and Julia Olivares, Russian immigrants and advocates navigating the war's impact on their families and the local Russian community in Orange County and Los Angeles. Andreeva and Olivares are are part of a group organizing rall...

The PACT Act of 2022 expanded health care and benefits to veterans with presumptive conditions from exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. With more than four billion dollars already distributed, the PACT Act is a significant milestone in supporting veterans and survivors. This episode of OC In Focus covers the PACT Act, Veterans Resource Centers on college campuses, how...

In this episode of OC In Focus, we delve into the critical work of supporting survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking in Orange County. In this episode we sit down with Dr. Nefta Pereda, Chief Programs Officer at Radiant Futures, an organization working to build safer Orange County communities. Learn how and why their organization is evolving its services to encompass all survivors an...

On this episode of OC In Focus, we delve into the complex issue of homelessness in Orange County. Joined by Dr. Pooja Bhalla, CEO of Illumination Foundation, we explore the critical need for a comprehensive system of care. Dr. Bhalla sheds light on shelter clinics providing housing and medical respite for those experiencing homelessness. With more than 5,600 people without shelter in Orange County...

This week on OC In Focus we’re joined by Steve Cederquist, the author of "Get Out Alive: Inspiring Journey from Streets to Success." From a tumultuous past marked by addiction and crime to becoming an HGTV personality, founder of a renovation design company, and a dedicated philanthropist, Cederquist's story is one of resilience and redemption. Cederquist candidly discusses methods for overcoming...

On this episode of OC In Focus we’re joined by Daniel Kim, co-founder of The Dragon Kim Foundation. Kim shares the origins of the foundation, how grief has transformed into a mission to empower youth, providing them with opportunities to pursue passions and make a difference in their communities. We're joined by Foothill High School students Carson Ly and Robert Padilla, winners of the 2023 Dragon...