Policy Pulse: July 24, 2026
- ACC-OC

- 2 hours ago
- 6 min read




Last chance to register—today! Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring the Orange County Non-Profit Expo and Live Music by 90's cover band Diego's Garage, featuring OCTA's CEO Darrell Johnson. Splash into summer with local leaders, community changemakers, and nonprofit champions - all at Orange County's favorite waterpark!
This event is open to ACC-OC Members Only and includes complimentary full day park access for members and their families. Registration is required.
Details and additional information is as follows:
Date: Thursday, July 30th
Location: Wild Rivers Irvine
Program and Time:
10:30 am – Park opens, all guests can access the park at anytime during the day to enjoy with their families
4:30 pm – Event Check-In and Networking
5:00 pm – Welcome and Orange County Non-Profit Expo
5:30 - 7:30 – Hosted Reception Featuring 90's Cover Band Diego's Garage
*7:00-7:30 Park will be kept open an extra 30 minutes for ACC-OC guests’ exclusive access with some ride options available.
Attire: Resort/Casual (this is an outdoor, family friendly event). Please note, shoes and cover-ups required for Reception Area. A Splash Zone Area will be designated for families.
Parking: Upon arrival, please present your ticket received with registration to the Wild Rivers Parking Attendants for complimentary parking and share that you are with the ACC-OC Event. If you registered for multiple people, please share your ticket with everyone in your party if there are multiple vehicles to ensure that all receive complimentary parking. If you need your ticket resent to you, please email Lauren.
Check-In: Please check in with ACC-OC staff near the ticket area before entering the park. All guests will receive a colored wristband and lanyard badge to be identified as ACC-OC guests for complimentary park admission. Staff will be there to direct you along with directional signage throughout the park to the event space. Please indicate in your registration how many in your party will be attending under your name.
Park Access: As a reminder, guests are able to access the park as early as 10:30 am when Wild Rivers opens. If you’d like to drop off your age-appropriate children, or have a family member/caregiver attend with them, please have them check in under your name. You are welcome to come and go from the park as well leading up to the event. Families are welcome to enjoy the Park or Splash Zone during the Reception as this portion of the event is business related. Please also note that all ACC-OC guests and family members will be asked to join the reception area while the park closes at 7pm before enjoying the exclusive after hours access while the general public exits the park.

We’re kicking off Q2 with a full lineup of programs designed to keep our members informed, connected, and ahead of the curve. Explore upcoming sessions covering key policy topics, industry insights, and unique learning opportunities.

ACC-OC BOLD Program: Understanding the Role of Housing Authorities in Solving Homelessness
ACC-OC is proud to partner with United to End Homelessness for our upcoming Webinar: Understanding the Role of Housing Authorities in Solving Homelessness. This Webinar will be held on July 29th from 12:00-1:00 PM as a BOLD Program (Better Opportunity for Learning and Development) as part of the ACC-OC Housing and Homelessness Committee, chaired by Mayor Gene Johns, City of Laguna Niguel.
July 29, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Transportation Corridor Agencies: Executive Briefing
Join our Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for our upcoming Better Opportunity for Learning and Development (BOLD) Program for an exclusive Executive Briefing with the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA).
August 20, 11:15 AM - 1:30 PM


ACC-OC 2026 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 Capitol.

ACC-OC is proud to be the Regional Energy Pathways Program Ambassador for Orange County, connecting cities and public sector organizations with energy-saving opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Large Public Sector Program | Public Direct Install Program |
Statewide WISE Program
Want to learn more about how your city or organization can benefit?
Contact Marlene Barraza at (mbarraza@accoc.org) to schedule a meeting or ask questions! |


We’re proud to announce the launch of CalOptima Health Covered, a new chapter in our mission to provide health coverage for Orange County. Our new and affordable Covered California plan will be available on the state health care exchange for 2027, offering local support and the lowest-cost Silver plan in the county. CalOptima Health Covered is designed to help residents transition smoothly between Medi-Cal and Covered California, ensuring continuity of care and access to trusted providers. Thank you to the CalOptima Health Board, staff and providers who helped us reach this milestone. Together, we look forward to making a positive impact in the community. Stay tuned for more information. Open enrollment runs from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027! | CalOptima Health Awards $3.6 Million to Help Orange County Residents Maintain Medi-Cal Coverage Amid Eligibility Changes. In response to significant federal and state changes affecting Medi-Cal eligibility and the renewal process, the CalOptima Health Board of Directors approved $3.6 million in grant funding to seven Orange County community-based organizations to expand enrollment and retention outreach. Seven organizations selected to help members navigate the challenging enrollment process. |

SoCalGas
SoCalGas is excited to deliver ways to learn about different energy-efficiency enhancements to help benefit your residential, commercial, and industrial facilities. These trainings and events are offered at no cost except where otherwise noted.

City of Los Alamitos
2026 Mayor’s Ball “Capital Chic” with Mayor Doby presented by UWS, benefitting the Los Alamitos Community Foundation.
The City of Los Alamitos invites the community to attend the 2026 Mayor’s Ball, “Capital Chic” with Mayor Tanya Doby, presented by Universal Waste Systems (UWS) on Saturday, August 22 at 5:30 p.m., at the Los Alamitos Community Center. This inaugural event benefits the Los Alamitos Community Foundation and will bring together residents, business leaders, elected officials, and community partners for an unforgettable evening of style, entetainment, and civic celebration.

Santa Margarita Water District
After nearly 30 years of dedicated service, Eric Smith is retiring from Santa Margarita Water District, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of leadership, mentorship, and operational excellence.
Throughout his career, Eric has helped strengthen the systems, teams, and culture that support the reliable delivery of high-quality drinking water and wastewater services to our community. His commitment to continuous learning and developing others has shaped generations of employees and helped position SMWD as a leader in the water industry.
Join us in celebrating Eric’s extraordinary career and lasting impact by reading his Employee Spotlight. Thank you, Eric, for your leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to our community.

City of Mission Viejo
Continuing Mission Viejo’s yearlong celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the City will host its summer ritual Symphony in the Cities and Prelude in the Park on Saturday, August 8.
With a “let freedom ring” theme, the fun begins at 4 pm at Oso Viejo Community Park, 24932 Veterans Way.
During the Prelude in the Park, guests of all ages can enjoy delectable food from a variety of food trucks, live music and dancing, community booths with activities as well as games to play with friends and family. Wine and beer will also be available for purchase.
The Symphony in the Cities concert presented by Pacific Symphony begins at 7 pm. Starting at 1 pm, guests are welcome to set up blankets and chairs.

Sustain SoCal
Join Sustain SoCal for our eleventh annual Water Solutions event: The Water Data Center Nexus.
As data centers surge in demand, their reliance on water for cooling and operational efficiency has become a critical intersection of technology and sustainability. This event will explore the vital nexus between water and energy, bringing together industry and government leaders, technologists, investors, environmental experts, and innovators. Be part of the collaboration that has driven over a decade of solutions in Southern California!
Details:
Date: Thursday, August 13th, 2026
Time: 1pm to 7pm
Location: UCI Beall Applied Innovation
5270 California Ave. #100
Irvine, CA 92617

OC State of the County
The State of the County Luncheon is an annual event bringing together Orange County elected officials, public sector employees, business people and residents.
The goal of the luncheon will be to explore the past, current and future state of the County through presentations made by an esteemed panel of County officials.
The event is open to the public.

California Climate Investments
Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program
Grants to California communities and organizations to support projects that reduce the impacts of extreme heat and build long-term community resilience. Funding is intended for initiatives such as urban greening, cooling centers, heat mitigation strategies, and community-driven planning efforts that prioritize vulnerable populations. Projects should align with climate equity goals and deliver measurable environmental and public health benefits.
Upcoming Funding
Community Resilience Centers Program
California Strategic Growth Council
$55 million available for planning and implementation of neighborhood resilience centers that provide shelter and resources during climate emergencies.
Applications are now Open!
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


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