Policy Pulse: March 28, 2025
- ACC-OC
- Mar 28
- 5 min read
Updated: 14 hours ago
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.
This event is open to Orange County Elected Officials and Senior Staff only. Registration Required.
Please contact Lauren Kline, Director of Programs and Operations at lkline@accoc.org with any questions.
VIP Tour of Republic Services' CVT Processing Facility Grand Opening
As part of ACC-OC's Energy, Environment, and Water Committee, chaired by Laguna Beach Mayor Alex Rounaghi, we invite you to a VIP tour of the Grand Opening of Republic Services’ CVT processing facility in the City of Anaheim. This pre-Grand Opening tour highlights one of the largest and most advanced organics and recycling facilities in the Country, a comprehensive sustainability center that provides safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible diversion solutions to local communities. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity!
Broadband 101 Briefing
Join ACC-OC and Charter Communications for an insightful Broadband 101 discussion. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of Charter Communications and its ongoing investment in Orange County communities.
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.
South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has provided 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 |
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 |
City of Fountain Valley
Join Mayor Ted Bui, City Council Members, and City Officials for a Town Hall on Sober Living and Group Homes in the Community. Representatives from the City Attorney's Office, Fountain Valley Police Department, and Community Development will present to discuss the permitting and enforcement process and answer your questions. State Assembly Member Diane Dixon, as well as representatives from ACC-OC and the California Sober Living and Recovery Task Force (CASLAR) will also be presenting on state reform efforts. All community members are encouraged to attend!
CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County
The 2025 OC Fellows application is now open! Please share this opportunity with young professionals at your organization. The deadline is Friday, May 2nd.
The OC Fellows program was created to help cultivate a skilled community of top early-career talent here in OC. Participants gain access to a two-year leadership development experience focused on skill-building, cross-industry networking, and professional growth. Benefits to their organizations include increased retention, accelerated leadership readiness, and stronger connections and collaboration across Orange County.
City of Huntington Beach
The Huntington Beach Fire Department and the American Red Cross of Orange County are seeking volunteers for the "Sound the Alarm" home fire safety event on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers will install free smoke alarms and provide fire safety education to local families. No prior experience is necessary; training, breakfast, lunch, and a commemorative t-shirt will be provided.
Residents in need of smoke alarms can also schedule a free installation appointment through the same website.
This initiative is part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has saved over 2,320 lives since 2014.
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
City of Laguna Niguel
The Fair Housing Council of Orange County is hosting free tenant workshop to educate residents on housing rights and responsibilities. Topics include housing discrimination, rent control, eviction processes, habitability, repairs, landlord/tenant laws, and pets. The workshop will be approximately 90 minutes long and open to the public. No reservation is necessary!
Workshop Date:
In Person: Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.
For more information, visit www.fairhousingoc.org or call (714) 569-0823 ext. 221.
City of Mission Viejo
The Mission Viejo Library is hosting STEAM Week with First Responders from April 7 to 11, offering daily presentations from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will engage with local agencies, including the Orange County Sheriff's Department, Orange County Fire Authority, and FALCK, to learn about the Crime Lab, Bomb Squad, Motor Patrol, and more. These interactive sessions aim to provide insights into the science and technology used in emergency services.
The event is designed for children in third grade and above. Registration for the entire week is required, and space is limited.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of first responders and the STEAM principles that guide their work.
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
Comentarios