ACC-OC’s annual Sacramento Advocacy Trip was a major success this week. Represented by a delegation of 40 city officials and community members from across Orange County, we engaged in productive meetings with state legislators and agency representatives on key issues affecting our region.
Discussions focused on education, housing, transportation, public safety, economic development, and environmental policy. Specific topics included protecting local revenue, funding for UC Irvine and CSUF, Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), CEQA reform, and advancing multi-modal transportation programs.
A comprehensive report on our advocacy efforts and key outcomes will be shared with our member cities and affiliates.
A special thank you to our sponsors— Jamboree Housing and Faubel Public Affairs —and to all who participated in making this advocacy program a success!
ACC-OC’s Healthcare, Veterans, and Community Services Committee hosted a CalAIM webinar in partnership with CalOptima Health. The webinar provided key insights into CalAIM, covering Enhanced Care Management (ECM), Community Support, Grants and Incentives, and Street Medicine. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the services and opportunities available to CalOptima Health’s members and partners and how the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is transforming Medi-Cal to improve health outcomes across Orange County.
Thank you, especially to the CalOptima Health team, for their partnership and dedication to advancing healthcare
access in our communities.
Presentation
Orange County Women in Leadership Summit is officially SOLD OUT!
This incredible event will unite leaders from elected offices, businesses, and community organizations to empower women and drive meaningful change. We’re excited to continue building on the past two years' success and look forward to an inspiring and impactful summit.
ACC-OC Special Briefing
Join us for this critical ACC-OC Special Briefing - Strengthening Integrity in Public Leadership held in partnership with the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Orange County District Attorney's Office and Orange County Sheriff’s Department. This essential conversation will feature expert insights from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Ahn who will discuss red flag signs of public corruption, practical applications, and resources for ensuring good governance, alongside a vital briefing from the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center (OCIAC) on combating malign foreign influence.
CalOptima Health PACE Center & Street Medicine Tour
Join ACC-OC and CalOptima Health to celebrate the 13th anniversary of Orange County’s first Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in Garden Grove. Experience the PACE center’s modern and spacious location and learn how PACE combines health care and adult day services.
To find out more information about these events or to register, visit our upcoming events page!
At today’s ACC-OC Legislative & Regulatory Committee meeting, we welcomed Dr. Sarah Rees, Deputy Executive Officer for Planning, Rule Development, and Area Sources at the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD). Dr. Rees provided an essential update on Proposed Amended Rules (PARS) 1111 and 1121, which aim to reduce NOx emissions from natural-gas-fired furnaces and water heaters.
While these regulations could bring significant environmental changes, concerns remain about transparency, financial impacts on homeowners and businesses, public awareness, and the readiness of the electrical grid. A coalition of stakeholders urges AQMD to delay implementation until at least 2029 to allow for infrastructure improvements and cost mitigation.
What’s Next?
March 21, 2025 - Stationary Source Committee
May 2, 2025 - Public Hearing (subject to change)
Two New Released Documents
Third Preliminary Proposed Amended Rule 1111 - February 28, 2025
Third Preliminary Proposed Amended Rule 1121 - February 28, 2025
ACC-OC remains committed to advocating a balanced, practical approach supporting environmental goals and economic feasibility.
ACC-OC's Submitted Letter | SAQMD Presentation |
ACC-OC is proud to serve as the SoCalGas Regional Energy Pathways Program Ambassador for Orange County, helping cities and public sector organizations improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.
Benefits of Participating:
✔ No-cost energy assessments to identify saving opportunities
✔ Financial support for energy-efficient equipment upgrades
✔ Expert guidance from energy professionals on best practices
✔ Reduced energy consumption to meet state and local sustainability goals
✔ Project management assistance to streamline implentation
Through programs like the Large Public Sector Program and Public Direct Install Program, eligible organizations can receive:
Whole facility energy audits to create customized energy-saving roadmaps
No-cost efficiency upgrades, including hot water insulation, low-flow fixtures, and commercial kitchen improvements
Rebates and on-bill financing for energy-efficient equipment installations
To learn more about how your city or organization can benefit, contact Marlene Barraza (mbarraza@accoc.org) to schedule a meeting or ask questions!
Large Public Sector Program | Public Direct Install Program |
Supervisor Katrina Foley
The office of OC Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Katrina Foley welcomes you to their Fourth Annual Women Making a Difference brunch.
Details:
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Time: 10 AM – 12 PM
Location: Strawberry Farms Golf Club, 11 Strawberry Farms Road, Irvine, CA 92612
Enjoy a morning of recognition, networking, and inspiration as we spotlight women making a difference in Orange County. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the incredible women in our community!
Orange County Water District
The Orange County Water District (OCWD), in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), has secured approval for a five-year minor deviation to the Water Control Plan at Prado Dam, effective February 28, 2025. This initiative aims to bolster the drinking water supply for 2.5 million residents by enhancing stormwater capture strategies.
🔹 Increased Storage: Raising water levels to 508 feet allows for 2 billion more gallons of captured stormwater, saving $6 million in imported water costs.
🔹 Forecast-Informed Operations (FIRO): Using advanced weather tracking to optimize stormwater collection, adding 6,000 acre-feet annually.
This effort strengthens local water supplies while maintaining flood protection.
Chrysalis
A recent C-CREW training cohort has successfully completed their PPE gear training and earned their HAZWOPER 40 certification, preparing them to assist with cleanup efforts in areas impacted by the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires.
This certification equips them with vital skills for handling hazardous materials, benefiting industries like construction, environmental services, and disaster response.
Hiring partners: Connect with them to explore how these skilled workers can support your team! Learn more.
Support the program: Donations help expand opportunities for local workers. Donate here.
Republic Services
Join Republic Services as they celebrate the expansion of their recycling and food waste organics processing operations at the Anaheim Recycling Facility (CVT).
Details:
Location: 2775 E. Gretta Lane, Anaheim, CA 92806
Arrivals: 9:30 – 9:45 a.m.
Program: 10:00 a.m.
Optional Facility Tours: 10:30 a.m. – Noon
This facility serves as a sustainability hub, offering safe and environmentally responsible waste diversion solutions for local communities.
RSVP by April 8
Sustain SoCal
Sustain SoCal is hosting its "Agriculture & Food Systems" event on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM at The Cove, UCI Beall Applied Innovation, located at 5270 California Avenue, Irvine, CA. This gathering aims to bring together regional leaders to explore sustainable practices and technological innovations in agriculture and food systems.
Event Details:
Date & Time: Thursday, April 3, 2025, 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: The Cove, UCI Beall Applied Innovation, 5270 California Avenue, Irvine, CA
Agenda Highlights:
Registration & Networking: 1:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Welcome Remarks: 1:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Scott Kitcher, President & CEO, Sustain SoCal
Chris Karr, Project Lead, Climate Action Business Incubator (CABI)
Juan Carrillo, Hub Director, RevHubOC
Kiran Manchikanti, CEO, MAPSOL GEO
Keynote Address: 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM
Jose Arriaga, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures, County of Orange
Roundtable Discussions: 1:50 PM – 4:50 PM
Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable Food Systems
Eliminating and Diverting Food Waste
Reception: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Get discounted tickets prior to
Thursday, March 20th at 11:59pm.
City of Placentia
The Placentia Police Department has introduced the 'You Are Not Alone' (Y.A.N.A.) program to support older adults who may feel isolated. Coordinated through Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS), the program offers regular check-ins via phone calls or home visits, providing participants and their families with added peace of mind. While VIPS do not offer medical assistance, they ensure consistent attention and security for participants.
California Public Utilities Commission
Join the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for an in-depth webinar on wildfire oversight and mitigation. This session will provide valuable insights into the CPUC’s role in wildfire safety, enforcement, and regulatory actions.
CPUC's Safety and Enforcement Division (SED) will review its collaboration with other state agencies, wildfire investigations, wildfire oversight, and the process of conducting a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). SED will also review enforcement actions and present a real-life case study of a PSPS/wildfire investigation. The CPUC Safety Policy Division (SPD) will discuss wildfire mitigation plans, tracking the implementation of these plans, and CPUC's oversight role.
Details:
Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
California Energy Commission
National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program – Solicitation 2
This program supports expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, contributing to the national EV network under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The funding aims to boost EV infrastructure across California.
Application Deadline: March 25, 2025
Department of Housing and Community Development
Permanent Local Housing Allocation/ 2023 PLHA NOFA
This program provides long-term funding to support affordable housing, homeless prevention programs, and other housing-related projects. Funds are allocated based on California jurisdictions’ housing needs.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2027
Department of Interior
Fish and Wildlife Service
This program provides technical and financial support to conserve priority coastal ecosystems. Through cooperative agreements with conservation partners and landowners, including state and Tribal agencies, the Coastal Program aims to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitats on both public and private lands.
Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
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