FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Jennifer Cabral, Director of Communications
SUBJECT:
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF JULY AND AUGUST 2026
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the months of July and August 2026.
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BACKGROUND
Included in this report are recent activities of interest, managed by the Public Affairs Office for the months of July and August 2026.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
• Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and neighboring communities
• Listen to and seriously consider community input on environmental concerns
PROBLEM
The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) is a recognized leader in the water/wastewater industry. Despite industry recognition, awareness among OC San customers may be limited regarding the pivotal role we play in protecting public health and the environment. The absence of direct communication through a billing method may contribute to this gap in knowledge.
It is OC San’s responsibility to ensure that ratepayers understand the vital services we provide. Many customers may not realize that improper waste disposal into the sanitation system can adversely impact OC San sewer lines, reclamation plants, and the quality of water supplied by the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS). By enhancing communication channels and fostering understanding, we aim to bridge this gap and empower OC San ratepayers with the knowledge needed to support and appreciate the essential work we undertake for the well-being of the community and the environment.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
By providing tours, community outreach, education, and general communication via OC San’s website, social media, and direct mailings, we can share information with the community, local agencies, and businesses on key programs such as the What2Flush program, energy production, water recycling, biosolids, and the source control program. This, in turn, helps improve the quality of wastewater that is recycled or released to the ocean, as well as public knowledge and understanding of wastewater treatment.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
Failing to inform the community, local agencies, and businesses about OC San may result in insufficient support for the mission and hinder effectiveness.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
May 2026 - Received and filed the Public Affairs Proposed Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2026-2028.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Activities for this Reporting Period (July 1 - August 20):
Outreach Report
An outreach report that includes tours, website updates, social media posts, construction notifications, speaking engagements, and more is attached to this Agenda Report.
Internal Communication and Employee Engagement
Internal Communication
Over the course of the two months, there were 60 posts on the employee intranet -The San Box, nine emails were distributed to staff on relevant weekly topics through the Three Things to Know email, and the employee newsletter, The Pipeline, which is published every two months was issued in August, highlighting staff efforts, promoting various programs, and sharing information on construction projects around the OC San service area.
Take Your Kid to Work Day
On Wednesday, July 29, OC San held a Take Your Kid to Work Day event welcoming nearly 230 kids to OC San Headquarters and Plant No. 1. The event provided an opportunity for kids to learn about the important work their loved ones do daily, as well as learn more about OC San’s mission. The event included various activities ranging from Story Time and Tours to a Trivia Time activity. Over 130 OC San staff members participated in the event, making this year’s event the largest to date.
Recognizing OC San VIPs
On August 19, OC San celebrated the staff members who volunteer their time to support the educational outreach program as part of the Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP). The program provides employees and retirees an opportunity to engage with the communities we serve while sharing OC San messaging. The VIPs were recognized at an appreciation lunch that highlighted almost 600 hours volunteered in support of 124 tours, 10 community events, and 32 speaking engagements.
Public Awareness and Education
Tours and Presentations
During this reporting period, OC San staff hosted 21 tours, welcoming a variety of groups, including students from a Beijing Middle School, Santiago Canyon College, Cal State Long Beach Nursing, Cal State Fullerton Nursing, Cal Poly Pomona, Newport Mesa High School, Hyperion Water, American Society of Plumbing Engineers, Bluecore Minerals, LA Engineers, and the general public. Overall, we reached approximately 500 people. OC San staff also presented to the American Legion of Huntington Beach, and Director Valencia gave a presentation to the Morningside of Fullerton community.
Library Program
The recently launched library program continued its efforts to reach a younger audience by partnering with local libraries to provide age-appropriate programs that promote environmental awareness and career exploration. During the reporting period, OC San participated in a Library Storytime and Careers in Wastewater Workshop at the Haster Branch Library in the City of Anaheim.
Media and Digital Communications
Social Media
OC San messaging, announcements, and program updates are posted across OC San’s social media platforms, featuring a variety of topics, such as the introduction of OC San’s new mascot, career opportunities, and other OC San programs and initiatives. The social media handle is @OCSanDistrict.
• Facebook: 26 posts reaching 17.5k people
• X: 25 posts reaching 864 people
• Instagram: 28 posts reaching 13.9k people
• LinkedIn: 3 posts reaching 2.6k people
• Nextdoor: 1 post reaching 2.3k people
Brand Management and Creative Services
OC San Mascot
The newly created mascot, Steven the Sewer Pipe, made its debut earlier this summer on social media and on OC San tours. He is now featured in promotional materials, making OC San messaging even more engaging.
Celebratory Banners for America’s 250th Anniversary
To commemorate the 250th anniversary of our country, banners were created and placed throughout the OC San Headquarters parking lot.
US Open of Surfing What 2 Flush Campaign
OC San featured a special surf-themed message on twenty-five trashcans at the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach. These creative barrels promoted What 2 Flush messaging to beachgoers during one of the busiest times of the year.
Government and Legislative Affairs
Grant Management
Efforts are underway to complete the process for the Community Partnering Grant to help support the Supercritical Water Oxidation Project (SCWO). OC San expects to receive $3.45 million thanks to efforts by Congressman Lou Correa.
State of OC San
Planning efforts are underway for the annual State of OC San scheduled for Friday, September 18. Guests from throughout the county and state are invited to join us to learn about OC San’s achievements and future plans.
Capital Project and Construction Outreach
Community Outreach Update
Outreach efforts for OC San construction activities are ongoing in the cities of Orange, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Los Alamitos, La Palma, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach. Project updates have been shared during this reporting period through the website, email alerts, text alerts, and direct notifications reaching over 9,000 members of the public. OC San also worked with the respective cities to share construction updates via city publications. For details on each project, visit www.ocsan.gov/construction.
Crisis and Emergency Communication
Contact Information Verification
As part of OC San’s emergency response preparation, contact information is verified annually for those residing or operating adjacent to the Interplant Gas Line. The intent is to ensure we have current information to promptly and efficiently notify stakeholders regarding any issues with the OC San gas line.
General Manager and Executive Support
VIP Tours and Presentations
General Manager Rob Thompson gave a presentation to the Brea Chamber Government Affairs Committee in July to discuss OC San biosolids management initiatives. He also hosted and provided a tour for a group from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
and Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment.
Activities in September:
Below are a few of the items we are working on:
Presentations & Outreach
In September, OC San has five scheduled tours and will be attending the Orange County Water District's Water Summit, hosting booths for Coastal Clean Up Day, the Cypress Community Festival, and the Healthy Living Expo in Irvine.
Member Agency Outreach Toolkit
In preparation for the holiday season, OC San will develop a holiday-specific toolkit for distribution to Public Affairs Officers and communications staff across OC San member agencies.
OC San Connection Newsletter
The Fall issue of the community newsletter will be published and distributed in September. Past issues can be found at www.ocsan.gov/newsletter.
State of OC San
The annual State of OC San is taking place on Friday, September 18, from 11:30 a.m. - to 1 p.m. at OC San Headquarters.
Annual Report
OC San’s 2025-2026 Annual Report will highlight the year’s accomplishments, including the Pretreatment Honor Roll Program, the Capital Improvement Program, financial standing, and outreach efforts.
Construction Outreach
Communication will continue for various construction projects including: the Bay Bridge Pump Station and Force Mains project in Newport Beach, the Taft Avenue Sewer Improvement Project in Orange, the Cypress Trunk Sewer project in Cypress, Los Alamitos, and La Palma, and the Santa Ana Trunk Sewer project in Santa Ana.
CEQA
N/A
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
All items mentioned are included in OC San’s FY2026-27 and FY2027-28 Budget.
ATTACHMENTS
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package:
• Outreach and Media Report