Policy Pulse: August 8, 2025
- ACC-OC
- Aug 8
- 6 min read
We are proud to share that the City of San Clemente has officially rejoined ACC-OC as a member city. As one of our founding members, San Clemente has played a pivotal role in shaping our region’s collective voice, and we are delighted to welcome them back.
This week’s unanimous City Council vote to rejoin underscores our shared commitment to collaboration, regional strength, and effective governance. We look forward to working alongside San Clemente’s leaders and community to advance innovation, sound policy, and a stronger Orange County.
Welcome back, San Clemente — together, we’ll build a bright future.
Honoring Our Nation’s Heroes at the Happiest Place on Earth
On Thursday, ACC-OC Director of Member Services Kathryn Morrison joined Councilmember Melinda Lou (City of Irvine), Evette Kim, Chief of Staff Kalvin Alvarez (City of Irvine), Bobby McDonald (CEO & President, Black Chamber of Commerce Orange County), and Nick Berardino (CEO, VALOR) at Disneyland’s National Purple Heart Day celebration.
Attendees took part in a moving flag retreat ceremony and watched as Purple Heart recipients were presented with honorary American flags in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Thank you to the Disneyland Resort for honoring the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of America’s Purple Heart recipients.
Webinar: Understanding The Impact of Medi-Cal Changes on Orange County's Health Care Landscape
Join us for an exclusive deep dive into how Medi-Cal changes are reshaping Orange County’s health care landscape — where policy meets public impact.
ACC-OC BOLD Program: OCTA Express Lanes Tour
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes BOLD program tour of the OCTA Express Lanes – where innovation meets mobility.
ACC-OC 2025 Washington DC Advocacy Trip
Be part of the ACC-OC 2025 Washington D.C. Advocacy Trip, where Orange County leaders come together to champion regional priorities at our Nation’s Capital.
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 |
The Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) is currently seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as its next Executive Director. This part-time, contract-based role offers a unique opportunity to lead Orange County’s subregional planning agency in shaping policy and advancing critical initiatives in housing, transportation, land use, and sustainability. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of public policy, regional planning, and intergovernmental collaboration—along with the vision to elevate OCCOG’s regional impact.
Apply Now: Open until filled – send cover letter and resume to Clerk of the Board: kathryn@occog.com
For Full Role Description, Compensation and Details, visit www.occog.com
CalOptima Health
CalOptima Health's third annual Back-to-School Health and Wellness event in Westminster welcomed more than 3,600 community members this past Saturday. The event provided essential health services, giveaways and resources to families, including:
2,000 pairs of shoes and socks by H4H Foundation
720 taco meals and 600 food boxes and 25,000 individual diapers from CAP-OC
2,000 backpacks from Karina's Backpack Project
750 bike helmets from Health Bridge Children's Rehabilitation Hospital
90 haircuts by Salon by Spring
32 vision and dental screenings by Serve the People
Vaccines by Mercy Health
Sports physicals and health screenings by Hurtt Family Clinic
The success of this event reflects the dedication of CalOptima Health's Community Relations team and the commitment of 82 staff members who volunteered their Saturday to serve families. Looking ahead, CalOptima Health has three more community events planned for 2024, including a 30th anniversary-themed health fair in October, the second annual Thanksgiving event in November and a holiday celebration in December.
City of Los Alamitos
Join the City of Los Alamitos on October 1st for a day of inspiration, connection, and growth at the 4th Annual Elevate Women's Conference!
Details:
Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Los Alamitos Community Center
National CORE
National CORE’s Santa Angelina senior affordable housing community, built on faith-owned land in the heart of Placentia, has earned a 2025 Award of Merit from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials.
The elite award recognizes innovation in housing – which perfectly describes the unique partnerships, construction and service program that sets Santa Angelina apart.
Goodwill OC
National Thrift Shop Day is August 17!
This year, Goodwill OC making National Thrift Shop Day a MULTI-DAY affair!
A special weekend long pop-up is coming to their Fountain Valley store August 14-17, but there are special surprises happening at ALL Goodwill OC stores Sunday, August 17.
Don’t miss out! Follow them on social media to see what they have in store (literally!), including how you can get exclusive new swag and even some ways to win some gift cards.
Sustain SoCal
Now in its 10th year, our Annual Water Solutions Event will examine solutions in reuse, recycling, distribution, anti-contamination efforts including PFAS mitigation, stormwater capture, hydrogen power, desalination and much more. All solution sessions will include how data application and AI are enhancing progress.
Help us strategize the region’s precious water resources for a more sustainable California.
50% off code: WS10ACCOC50
Orange County Power Authority
The Fair HousinOCPA is reinvesting in its member cities through an initiative designed to help customers take control of their energy use, reduce costs, and ease strain on the electric grid. Our Residential Battery Storage Rebate program offers eligible customers a $1,000 rebate toward the purchase and installation of a home battery storage system.
SoCalGas
With no-cost registration, the 12th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to reconnect and rebuild with innovation at one of the industry's largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates. Attend any day at no-cost!
Details:
Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
For More Information:
Email - ercfoodsvc@socalgas.com
Phone - 562-803-7323
CalHFA
On June 5, Chief Deputy Director Rebecca Franklin announced the CalAssist Mortgage Fund at a press event at the Altadena Library.
Following the successful administration of the COVID-related California Mortgage Relief Program, CalHFA was asked by Governor Newsom to administer a disaster-related program, which resulted in the CalAssist Mortgage Fund.
City of Stanton
City of Stanton is partnering with the American Red Cross on Wednesday, August 13 from 1-7pm for a blood drive at the Stanton Central Park Multipurpose Room (10660 Western Avenue).
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
Samueli Foundation
LFI and Leadership Accelerator Program
The Leading for Impact (LFI) and Leadership Accelerator program, run by the renowned Bridgespan Group, provides scholarship-supported access to strategic coaching, leadership development and peer-learning opportunities for 100 nonprofit executive teams. Through a mix of classroom workshops, team-led projects and executive coaching, LFI equips leaders with the skills and tools to strengthen their organizations, drive long-term sustainability and increase their community impact. Participating organizations contribute a portion of the program cost, ensuring shared investment in their growth and success.
Application Deadline: December 31, 2025
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