Policy Pulse: October 3, 2025
- ACC-OC
- Oct 3
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 6
On October 2, 2025, ACC-OC hosted a BOLD Program with Southern California Edison at their Westminster Fenwick facility. Attendees toured the Grid Technology Development (GTD) labs, which support demonstrations and testing of cutting-edge grid innovations. The program highlighted advanced simulation tools for wildfire mitigation, new substation equipment that lowers costs, enhanced communication technologies that strengthen grid resilience, and next-generation meters that empower customers with better energy insights.
A special thank you to Southern California Edison and the engineers who guided the tour:
Maziar Isapour, Senior Engineer
Nicole Rexwinkel, Senior Engineer
Ernesto Cortez, Senior Engineer
Anthony Pineda, Engineer
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) held a public hearing on Wednesday, October 1, at Yorba Linda City Hall to consider granting supplemental toll authority for the 241/91 Express Connector Project, led by the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA).
The hearing was part of TCA’s formal application process to the CTC and offered the public an opportunity to learn more and provide input on the project.
ACC-OC Executive Director Kris Murray testified in support of the project, highlighting its importance for regional mobility, traffic relief on local streets and roads, as well as improving air quality.
On October 1, 2025, ACC-OC Director of Member Services, Kathryn Morrison, attended the Elevate Women’s Conference hosted by the City of Los Alamitos. The event brought together women from across the region for a dynamic and empowering experience focused on personal growth, professional development, and community building.
We’re proud to have ACC-OC represented at events like this that celebrate leadership, connection, and empowerment in our communities.
Join OC Forum and ACC-OC for a data-driven, non-partisan discussion on California’s Proposition 50 and its proposed impacts to Orange County.
Our Featured speakers are Dr. Douglas Johnson and Dr. Justin Levitt of National Demographics Corporation (NDC), two of the nation’s leading experts on redistricting. This program will provide local elected officials and community leaders with a clear, nonpartisan overview of Governor Newsom’s proposed changes to California’s Congressional maps. Attendees will gain practical insight into the legal framework, regulatory requirements, and potential local impacts of the proposal.
NDC, ACC-OC, and OC-Forum are committed to providing fact-based, impartial analysis to help Orange County officials navigate this complex and timely issue.
ACC-OC Legislative Alert
SB 79, currently on the Governor’s desk for consideration, would require housing development projects within ¼ to ½ mile of existing or proposed transit-oriented developments in cities with populations over 35,000 to be automatically allowable on sites zoned for residential, mixed-use, or commercial purposes—provided the project meets certain requirements.
While ACC-OC supports city housing goals, we believe these goals are best achieved through collaborative partnerships between state and local governments—not top-down mandates that ignore unique community needs and characteristics.
We encourage cities to notify the Governor of their opposition to SB 79.
SB 79 Oppose ACC-OC City Template
ACC-OC Broadband 101
Join ACC-OC and Charter Communications for an insightful Broadband 101 discussion as part of our Better Opportunities for Learning and Development (BOLD) Program. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of Charter Communications and its ongoing investment in Orange County communities.
Stay Tuned for the Following:
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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!
Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)
We’re excited about updating the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), and we want to hear from you. Join us for a community webinar and learn about the process and plan forward. Save the link below to your calendar for quick access on meeting day, and be sure to tell a friend.
Details:
Date: October 8, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
OC Goodwill
Taking place on Tuesday, October 14, at the beautiful Newport Beach Country Club, The Good Lunch will bring together passionate community and business leaders for an afternoon of connection, inspiration, and purpose.
Whether you're a first-time supporter, a Goodwill OC Champion, or a community partner, you're invited to be part of this meaningful event.
Your support will not only help create brighter futures for individuals across Orange County, but also spotlight your commitment to making a lasting impact in our community.
Here are the details:
Event: The Good Lunch, benefiting Goodwill of Orange County’s Career Pathways program
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Venue: Newport Beach Country Club – One Clubhouse Dr., Newport Beach, CA
Time: 11:00 AM Reception | 12:00–1:30 PM Lunch Program
Attire: Business Casual
Parking: Complimentary valet provided for all guests
Contact OC Goodwill with any questions at CommunityDevelopment@OCGoodwill.org
Or for assistance please call Heather Marshall at 714-547-6308 ext 3006
Orange County Board of Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento
Supervisor Sarmiento is hosting a Small-Scale Summit that will bring together manufacturers, non-profits, developers, municipal landowners, and funders to explore innovative housing solutions for Orange County.
This gathering will provide a valuable opportunity to engage in discussions about successful housing projects from other counties, explore funding opportunities, and connect with municipalities interested in adopting this model.
The event aims to bring together development sector professionals like yourself to share insights, learn from proven approaches, and foster collaboration to advance small-scale housing solutions in our communities.
Details:
Date: November 5, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: County Conference Room, 630 N. Broadway Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701
To register please email Vicente.Sarmiento@ocgov.com
California Sober Living and Recovery Task Force
In case you missed it, the Orange County Register recently published an in-depth article examining how addiction fraud cases are investigated. Capt. Vlad Milkulich of the California Department of Insurance, who briefed the Task Force at the meeting on August 14th, is featured in the article.
OC Sanitation District
Join the Orange County Sanitation District for the State of OC San on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at OC San Headquarters in Fountain Valley. Hear from Joaquin Esquivel, Chair of the State Water Resources Control Board, as the distinguished guest speaker. An optional plant tour will follow the program.
City of Placentia
The community is invited to visit our Fire Stations on Saturday, October 4th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to learn more about this year's theme: "Charge Into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home." Meet your Placentia Firefighters at both of our Stations, ask questions, tour the Stations, and see the equipment and apparatus we use when responding to calls.
Sustain SoCal
Sustain SoCal and its network of over 4,000 regional stakeholders proudly presents their 16th Annual Energy Conference: Energy in Perspective.
This year’s program will take a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities in delivering clean, reliable, and affordable energy—both today and into the future.
50% off Discount Code: ACCOC16ON16
City of Laguna Niguel
Come by the Sea Country Senior and Community Center on October 9 for the Senior Resource Fair. The fair will include local non-profits, agencies, community partners, giveaways, and more!
Orange County Grantmakers
At the Orange County Grantmakers’ 2025 Annual Summit, we provide an opportunity for leaders from the philanthropic, nonprofit, business, government, and academic sectors to come together to learn, collaborate, and grow. Our lineup of Learning Labs is an event highlight, offering interactive spaces for dialogue that will shape the future of social impact across all sectors.
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
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
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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