Thank you, Southern California Edison, for hosting ACC-OC’s recent Better Learning Opportunity at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). Attendees experienced an informative and behind-the-scenes look at the decommissioning process, led by experts who shared key insights about the process involved in safely decommissioning the site.
The tour provided a rare opportunity for our members to gain a deeper understanding of nuclear energy, environmental stewardship, and the significant efforts that go into ensuring a safe transition during the decommissioning phase.
To learn more about the SONGS decommissioning process, CLICK HERE.
Interested in experiencing the tour for yourself? SONGS offers tours on Saturdays as well! It’s a fantastic way to stay informed about this important project while exploring the complexities of energy management and environmental safety. CLICK HERE.
We look forward to seeing you at our next Better Learning Opportunities!
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ACC-OC Executive Director Kris Murray attended Cal State Fullerton's 3rd Annual Energy & Sustainability Summit, joining leaders across public and private sectors to discuss the future of sustainable energy in Orange County. Keynote speakers included Cody Tubbs, Director of Public Affairs at Southern California Edison; Supervisor Katrina Foley; and Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento. The event fostered collaboration on policies and initiatives advancing energy resilience, community health, and environmental stewardship across the region.
It’s that time of year again! ACC-OC’s Regional Holiday Mixer is just around the corner, mark your calendars for an evening of festive fun, great conversations, and holiday cheer as we bring together local leaders, partners, and friends to celebrate the season in style.
Join ACC-OC and our partners, the League of California Cities Orange County Division, Orange County Business Council, OC Forum, and Orange County Public Affairs Association for this year's Annual Holiday Mixer at the Orange County Museum of Art for a festive evening celebrating our region.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect with colleagues, make new connections, and kick off the holiday season with a bang!
Applications are now open for the 2025 ACC-OC Board of Directors. The ACC-OC Board of Directors plays a pivotal role in guiding the strategic direction of the organization, advocating for local government issues, and ensuring the voice of Orange County cities is effectively represented. Serving on the board provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with fellow civic leaders, contribute to regional initiatives, and help shape policy decisions that impact our cities.
We invite Member City Council Members to apply for a position on the 2025 Board of Directors. The application process is now open, and we encourage all interested councilmembers to submit their applications for eligible positions by Friday, November 8th.
ACC-OC has launched a series of Better Learning Opportunities. These opportunities are designed to be both enjoyable and enriching, providing valuable resources to all.
Don't miss out on any of these opportunities.
Metrolink Briefing
Join ACC-OC Transportation & Infrastructure Committee's Better Learning Opportunity Metrolink Briefing to engage local leaders, stakeholders, and the community in a discussion on Metrolink’s strategic vision for the future, with a focus on its impact on Orange County. The briefing aims to provide attendees with insights into upcoming projects, sustainability efforts, and how Metrolink plans to enhance regional transportation with Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle.
Combatting Veteran's Homelessness with Jamboree Housing
Join ACC-OC's Housing and Homelessness Committee with Jamboree Housing for this Better Learning Opportunity to learn about county efforts on housing solutions for veterans.
To find out more information about these events or to register, visit our upcoming events page!
Equity Profile Listening Session
Orange County Grantmakers, in partnership with the League of California Cities and the Association of California Cities Orange County (ACC-OC), invites local leaders to a roundtable on Wednesday, October 30, from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. at the Orange County Business Council in Irvine. This session will offer a preview of the 2025 Orange County Equity Profile report, and it aims to gather feedback from elected officials and city leaders on key equity issues such as housing, racial health disparities, and income gaps.
Event details:
-Date: Wednesday October 30,2024
-Time: 9:00-10:30 a.m.
- Doors open at 8:40 a.m.
- Location: 2 Park Plaza #100, Irvine, CA
This is an excellent opportunity to shape regional policies and address community concerns about equity.
Congressman Lou Correa
Representative Lou Correa announced $790,000 in federal funds to support Anaheim's "Night Owl" transit service, which will provide late-night transportation for Anaheim Resort and Platinum Triangle workers. The funding will also expand the Anaheim Transportation Network's electric vehicle fleet, enhancing eco-friendly options for local transit. This investment is part of nearly $15 million secured by Correa in the 2024 federal appropriations package to benefit communities in his district.
For more details, visit Correa's press release.
Mesa Water District
The California Court of Appeal upheld the Orange County Water District’s (OCWD) authority in Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) v. OCWD, securing protections for local water customers from potential rate hikes. The ruling supports OCWD’s management of the Orange County Groundwater Basin, which provides drinking water for 19 cities, and prevents IRWD from unfairly increasing its water pumping. Local water agencies praised the decision for maintaining equity and stability in water costs for millions of residents.
For more, visit the Mesa Water press release.
City of Yorba Linda
The 2024 State of the City - Year in Review Video, presented during the live event, highlighted the City’s many accomplishments throughout the year. From major developments to community-driven initiatives, the video illustrated Yorba Linda's dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all its residents.
City of Santa Ana
Santa Ana recently celebrated the opening of ROVE, the city’s first electric vehicle charging center, with 40 charging stations and a ReCharge by Gelson’s market. Located on-site, the market allows customers to shop while charging, with convenient grocery delivery to their cars. Hosted by the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, the event featured a special performance by the Santa Ana High School band. City officials, including Mayor Valerie Amezcua, recognized ROVE for its commitment to sustainability and support for local businesses through its partnerships for security, maintenance, and construction.
For details, visit Santa Ana's press release.
OCTA
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) will soon finalize the purchase of its new headquarters at 2677 North Main St. in Santa Ana. Expected to save about $50 million over 30 years, this move ends OCTA’s decades-long lease at Union Bank Square in Orange. The building, with LEED Gold Certification and solar panels, offers 220,000 square feet and aligns with OCTA’s long-term goals for financial stability and sustainability. Renovations and a new boardroom will enhance operational efficiency, with a full transition planned within three years.
For more, visit OCTA's news release
California Public Utilites Commission
Join the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on November 13, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., for a webinar on new energization timelines aimed at improving wait times for electrical service connections across California. This event, spurred by Senate Bill 410 and Assembly Bill 50, will outline efforts to expedite electrical service for homes, businesses, EV chargers, and other critical loads, while enhancing transparency and accountability in utility services. CPUC staff will explain these timelines and introduce a Customer Engagement Plan designed for better transparency. The session includes a Q&A, and registration is required.
UC Irvine
UC Irvine recently inaugurated a Civil Rights Law Center named after Minoru Yasui, a Japanese American attorney who famously challenged the U.S. government's 1942 internment order against Japanese Americans. This new center, dedicated to civil rights advocacy, aims to provide resources for marginalized communities, advance civil rights protections, and educate the public on significant historical and legal issues. Yasui’s legacy, marked by his courage to stand up for constitutional rights, inspires the center’s mission to promote social justice and equality.
For more details, you can check the full article on OC Register.
Transportation Corridor Agencies
Grant application for the Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF) focuses on restoration and land acquisition in alignment with Agencies’ long-standing environmental commitment.
Orange County Power Authority
Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) – a community energy provider – is now accepting applications for its first Community Benefits Grant. In partnership with Calpine Community Energy, this funding opportunity supports local nonprofits with plans to advance clean energy usage and generation, green job training, environmental education and stewardship, and energy equity efforts in the Buena Park, Fullerton, and Irvine communities.
Join the Conversation on ACC-OC's City Square Podcast
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