FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Jennifer Cabral, Director of Communications
SUBJECT:
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2026
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Public Affairs Update for the month of September 2026.
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BACKGROUND
Included in this report are recent activities of interest, managed by the Public Affairs Office during the month of September 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 increase public understanding of OC San’s essential services and the role the community plays in protecting public health 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 our mission and hinder our effectiveness.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
May 2026 - Received and filed the Public Affairs Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2026-2028.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Activities for this Reporting Period (August 21- September 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 reporting month, there were 16 posts on the employee intranet -The San Box, and four emails were distributed to staff on relevant weekly topics through our Three Things to Know email.
VPP Celebration
On September 15, OC San held a Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Celebration at Plant No. 2 to recognize and acknowledge the collective efforts of all employees who contributed to this achievement. This recognition from Cal/OSHA reinforces OC San’s strong safety culture, employee engagement, and commitment to maintaining a safe workplace.
Public Awareness and Education
Tours and Presentations
During this reporting period OC San staff hosted five tours welcoming various groups including Whittier Christian High School, Cypress High School, a public tour, members of the Grand Jury, and attendees from the State of OC San event. OC San staff joined Orange County Coastkeeper for Coastal Cleanup Day by hosting a booth and coordinating a group of volunteers for the beach cleanup.
Library Program
OC San’s library program continued with its goal of reaching 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 brought the ‘Tools of Trade’ Workshop to the City of Orange Public Library where attendees had the opportunity to learn directly from OC San staff about careers in wastewater.
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 introduction of our new mascot, career opportunities, and other OC San programs and initiatives. Our social media handle is @OCSanDistrict.
• Facebook: 17 posts reaching 8,527 people
• Instagram: 17 posts reaching 23,665 people
• LinkedIn: 4 posts reaching 2,223 people
• X: 13 posts reaching 509 people
Brand Management and Creative Services
Steven the Sewer Pipe
OC San’s mascot continues to be incorporated into educational materials and social media making more appearances to draw interest and helping communicate OC San’s work in an engaging and accessible way.
Government and Legislative Affairs
State of OC San
The annual State of OC San took place on Friday, September 18 at OC San Headquarters. The event featured Troy Edgar, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, as the distinguished guest speaker. It also hosted community members, and local, state, and federal dignitaries to learn about OC San’s recent accomplishments.
Annual Report
OC San’s 2025-2026 Annual Report, Connecting People, Projects, and Purpose highlights the year’s accomplishments including managing more than 80 active Capital Improvement Program projects, two innovative technologies that transform how biosolids are managed - Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) and Deep Well Injection, the Pretreatment Honor Roll Program, our financial standing, outreach efforts, and much more.
Capital Project and Construction Outreach
Community Outreach Update
Outreach efforts for OC San construction activities are ongoing in the cities of Orange, Tustin, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Los Alamitos, La Palma, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach. Project updates were shared during this reporting period through our 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.
General Manager and Executive Support
VIP Tours and Presentations
OC San General Manager Rob Thompson provided a tour to the Grand Jury. A presentation was also given by Director Jamie Valenica and staff to a group in Fullerton highlighting all of OC San’s efforts to protect public health and the environment.
Activities Planned for the Next Reporting Period:
Presentations & Outreach
During the next reporting period, OC San is scheduled to host seven tours and attend the Orange County Water Summit, the Cypress Community Festival, and the Healthy Living Expo in Irvine. Staff will also participate in a Women in Water Panel for the OC Water Association.
Construction Outreach
Outreach efforts 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.
OC San Connection Newsletter
The fall issue of the Community Newsletter will be published and distributed in late September. Past issues can be found at www.ocsan.gov/newsletter.
Member Agency Outreach Toolkit
This quarter’s toolkit will include our new video library with holiday specific material for the upcoming season. The toolkit will be shared with our member agencies to distribute on their communication channels.
CEQA
N/A
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
All items mentioned are included in OC San’s FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28 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 - September 2026