Policy Pulse: June 27, 2025
- events5355
- Jun 26
- 6 min read
We proudly recognize a local legend who helped put Mission Viejo on the global map — Council Member Brian Goodell.
Brian has been part of the Mission Viejo Nadadores since its founding in 1968 and became the city’s first Olympic Gold Medalist, winning two golds and setting world records in the 400m and 1500m Freestyle at the 1976 Montreal Games. His swimming career is filled with accolades, including 15 world and American records, 10 US National titles, and multiple Hall of Fame inductions.
Beyond the pool, Brian has continued to serve our community with distinction, first elected to the Mission Viejo City Council in 2016 and re-elected as Mayor in 2023.
From Olympic gold to civic leadership, Brian Goodell embodies the Olympic spirit of excellence, perseverance, and service — and we’re honored to call him one of our own.
Join us this August at UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education for the Public Policymaker’s Academy (PPMA)—an intensive, modular leadership development program designed for public officials at every stage of their civic journey. Held over four consecutive Fridays in August, this program delivers timely, practical, and regionally-focused policy education that helps Orange County leaders lead with confidence and impact.
Whether you're a newly elected city councilmember now six months into your first term, a seasoned public official looking to refresh your expertise, or a City Staff or ACC-OC Affiliate member eager to broaden your understanding of regional issues—this academy is built for you!
Get ready for an evening of fun, connection and celebration at the Annual ACC-OC Summer Legislative Reception:
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.
Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) Project
This July, ACC-OC is partnering with OC Sanitation District (OC San) to spotlight their Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) Project—a next-generation solution for biosolids management that positions Orange County as a national leader in sustainability and innovation. Whether you're exploring biosolids alternatives, looking to build local capacity in sustainability, or simply interested in innovation in the public sector—this is a must-attend
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 |
CalOptima Health
The Eli Home for Abused Children broke ground on Eli Commons, a new permanent supportive housing development in Anaheim. The three-story, 11-unit complex will serve children and mothers experiencing homelessness, offering these families a place to find stability and support. While the project will draw on other funding, CalOptima Health is providing a foundational $5 million grant to support housing for this vulnerable population of Medi-Cal members.
With a planned completion date by the end of 2026, Eli Commons will feature on-site support services, such as counseling, case management and job assistance. The residences will showcase environmentally sustainable furnishings, finishes and building materials; décor that exudes peace and tranquility; and a serene outdoor environment with safe play space for children.
City of San Juan Capistrano
Monday, June 30, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Join them for music, food, giveaways and demos. Bring your board, your friends and your best tricks. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s something for every level at the Skatepark. Parking will be available at the Community Center (25925 Camino Del Avion).
City of Irvine
The City of Irvine, in partnership with the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee, is hosting the annual Field of Valor event July 1–13 at the Irvine Civic Center Lawn. Members of the community are invited to honor veterans, active duty, or fallen service members by either sponsoring a flag or visiting the flag display.
Honor a loved one by sponsoring a Field of Valor display flag :
Each flag is 3 by 5 feet on a 10-foot pole
Each flag is individually illuminated
Sponsors can name a flag in honor of a veteran or active duty service member
Flag sponsorship is $65 per flag, available through June 20, 2025
Sponsorships are available on a first-come, first-served basis at cityofirvine.org/fieldofvalor
Proceeds benefit the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee
City of La Palma
The City of La Palma, SEAACA and Vet Care Pet Clinic will partner to host an affordable pet vaccine clinic on Sunday, July 6, from 9-11 a.m. at Central Park.
This community event will offer residents $12 rabies vaccines and a range of essential services including microchipping, wellness exams, deworming and more!
No appointment is needed — residents are encouraged to stop by and take advantage of these low-cost services that help keep pets healthy and safe.
Orange County Water District
Please join OCWD on July 10 at 12 PM for the next WateReuse California Communications Collaborative Group meeting. We'll discuss strategies for engaging medical professionals in water reuse.
Speakers will include:
• Mike McNutt, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District
• Eric Rosenblum, Envirospectives
• Christina Montoya, El Paso Water
Cal Assist Mortgage
Applications for the CalAssist Mortgage Fund are now open to California homeowners impacted by recent disasters.
The State of California’s new $105 million mortgage relief fund is administered by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) and will provide three months of mortgage payments, up to $20,000, to eligible homeowners.
Low- to middle-income households may qualify if they are currently displaced from their home that was destroyed or left uninhabitable as the result of a qualified disaster that occurred between January 2023 and January 2025, such as the Eaton Fire, Palisades Fire, Park Fire and San Diego floods.
City of Laguna Niguel
Join us on Saturday, June 28, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm at Aliso Niguel High School for a free, drive-through event hosted by the City of Laguna Niguel and CR&R.
What to Bring: Up to 10 Bankers Boxes of paper, old TVs, computers, printers, phones, and other electronic items.
Please Do Not Bring: Binders, plastic folders, and cardboard.
Just place your materials in your vehicle's trunk and event staff will do the rest!
This event is for Laguna Niguel residents only.
Anaheim Ducks
Fly Together Grant Program!
This program supports nonprofit organizations creating positive change across Orange County, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. If your work focuses on education, health and wellbeing, and access to sports don’t miss this opportunity!
Application Deadline: July 25, 2025
Cox Communications
Community Grants – Orange County
Conservation & Sustainability: Funding available for projects or programs that promote positive environmental change in Orange County. Grants will be awarded between $5,000 and $25,000.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
Samueli Foundation
Build OC Fund
Capital Funding: A $5 million Build OC Fund to support Orange County-based nonprofits’ capital projects, consisting of individual grants up to $1M.
Application Deadline: June 27, 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
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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