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Building sustainable, resilient, and community rich blocks,
one neighborhood at a time in Orange County.
Our Mission
Cool OC is on a mission to educate communities about the pressing challenges of
climate change and empower individuals to make planet-friendly choices.
We inspire Orange County residents to cultivate planet-friendly, disaster-resilient, and vibrant communities. Through our diverse programs, we educate and engage individuals, businesses, NGOs, students, and local governments in collaborative efforts to significantly reduce carbon emissions and combat the escalating challenges of climate change.
In partnership with our community allies, we foster inclusive dialogue and action to address the unique needs of disadvantaged communities, which are disproportionately affected by climate-related impacts. We provide essential services, education, and resources to empower households in these areas to build resilience against extreme weather events and prepare effectively for disasters.
Together, we strive to create a sustainable and equitable future where every individual and neighborhood in Orange County can thrive in harmony with our environment.
2023: End of Year Summary
Show off your projects, features, or clients in this section.
Reflecting on 2023, the Cool Irvine program experienced significant triumphs. The year started with securing a 2-year contract with the City of Irvine, leading to a notable agenda discussion in February. The community's dedication shone through as program participants waited hours to testify, some engaging virtually for the first time. Mayor Farrah Khans placed the item for consideration on the agenda, and it was supported by Councilmembers Larry Agran, Tammy Kim, and Mike Carroll.
As the program was extended, June marked a turning point, enabling the expansion of the 2nd annual Cool Irvine Sustainability Fair. We doubled the number of partners who exhibited at the fair and were able to secure several sponsors, such as OC Power Authority, Irvine Ranch Water District, South Coast AQMD, OC Habitats, We Compost2, and OC Goes Solar, to name a few, with over 200 residents attending the event. Vice Mayor Tammy Kim was able to stop by and speak to attendees.
Being able to fund the program allowed Cool Irvine to transition to a new online platform in August, which enhanced tracking capabilities and engagement. On top of tracking carbon emissions reduced, it tracks water, natural gas (therms), electricity (kWhs), and estimated money saved from sustainable actions performed on the platform.
August brought further recognition as Mayor Farrah Khan featured Cool Irvine as one of several innovative city programs addressing climate change at the Investigative Hearing on Climate Resiliency organized by OC Board of Supervisors Katrina Foley and Vicente Sarmiento. As the county looks to create a county-wide climate action plan, they are looking at successful climate programs that can engage the community, encouraging adaptation and resilience. The Cool Irvine program has received recognition on the global and national stage.
The Cool Irvine program received the 2023 Beacon Leadership & Innovation Award at the League of California Cities Conference in September, a testament to its impactful initiatives. October saw active participation at the Global Village Festival and the Fall Fiesta, connecting with residents and expanding the program's reach.
Cool Irvine stayed active throughout the months, attending various events/workshops. These included the Asian American Business Association of Orange County, Recycling Townhall, Solar Townhall, Solarize Irvine Workshop, Irvine Senior Expo, Global Village Festival, and Fall Fiesta. All while hosting many virtual and in-person socials, info sessions, and training!
As we wrap up 2023, these achievements propel us forward with enthusiasm. The year has been a testament to the community's dedication and the program's commitment to sustainability. With gratitude for the milestones and memories, we eagerly anticipate creating even more positive change in 2024.
COOL NEWS
OCPA: Views from Cool OC & Cool Irvine
Learn more through this article, Views from Cool OC & Cool Irvine. This provides Insights from our Executive Director, Patty Oh, who unveils how pivotal support from OCPA propels Cool OC/ Cool Irvine’s mission to enlighten the community about the benefits of green energy.
The Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) offers three energy plans, each with different levels of renewable energy and cost savings:
1. Basic Choice Plan: 44% renewable energy, 3% cheaper than SCE rates.
2. Smart Choice Plan: Exclusive to OCPA, 72% renewable energy.
3. 100% Renewable Energy Plan: Also exclusive to OCPA, this plan provides 100% renewable energy.
These plans cater to various preferences, from cost savings to environmental impact, allowing Orange County residents to choose their contribution to a sustainable future.
2023 Beacon Leadership & Innovation Award
We proudly announce that the Cool Irvine program received the 2023 Beacon Leadership & Innovation award and the Platinum Level "Spotlight" Award for efforts to reduce natural gas use as an agency by 38% over the past year. The Beacon Program recognizes and supports California local agencies working to build more vibrant and sustainable communities. Beacon honors voluntary efforts by cities, counties, and special districts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy, and adopt policies that promote sustainability.
Join our 2nd Annual Cool Irvine Sustainability Fair, June 24th, 10am - 1pm
EVENTS
2023 LCOY Youth Conference
Cool OC had an amazing time helping Edward Huang from Youngo, the youth constituency of the UN, organize the annual Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) event!
We had an wonderful turnout and were so inspired to see so many youth show up to learn about climate action!
Join our 2nd Annual Cool Irvine Sustainability Fair, June 24th, 10am - 1pm
Cool Irvine Sustainability Fair
June 24 2023
The Cool Irvine Sustainability Fair was a huge success! This event provided information on energy efficiency, disaster preparedness, plant-based diets, rebates/tax credits, water conservation, and solar/battery storage! Our volunteers were excellent and we deeply appreciate all the support from the community and partners! We are so grateful for those who joined us!
SIGN UP TO JOIN OUR NEXT COHORT OF BLOCK LEADERS
Cool Block Leaders- it's time to make it official!
When picking your start time, please note that the program is meant to last about 4 months, with your block meeting twice a month for a total of nine times. If your team gets delayed a few weeks with vacation breaks, etc., no problem. We are flexible and our Program Managers will be there to help you along the way.
Please take 2 minutes to complete the form below to reserve your spot.
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Help Us Grow Cool OC!
Whether you would like to volunteer a few hours a week or at special events, we have a task for you!
As a non-profit organization, we rely on the help of volunteers to better service the OC community.
Students, we are happy to write letters of recommendations for a job well done and certify your volunteer hours.
Please take two minutes to complete the form below.
This will help us understand your availability and areas of interest.
MEET THE TEAM
Patty Oh
Executive Director
From a seasoned business professional navigating the corporate landscape to a passionate advocate for meaningful change, Patty Oh's journey is one of transformation. Fueled by a desire to move beyond disillusion with the business world's impact on the Environment, Patty immersed herself in community activism. Her narrative unfolds through roles in Asian Americans in Action, climate change advocacy, and pioneering programs like Cool Irvine and Cool O.C. Patty's story is a testament to the power of reinvention and commitment to a purpose-driven life. Patty Oh's journey spans a dynamic shift from a 20-year career as a sales and brand director for Harley-Davidson to a dedicated advocate for change. She immersed herself in community activism, co-founding Asian Americans in Action in 2019. In 2022, she led the successful Cool Irvine pilot program, training block leaders in sustainable living and disaster preparedness. Capitalizing on this success, Patty expanded the initiative in the fall of 2022, creating Cool O.C. to address climate change in disadvantaged Orange County communities.
Margo Finlayson
Program Manager
A lifelong environmentalist, Margo Allen Finlayson, MBA, attended the August 2018 multi-day Climate Reality training in L.A. led by former Vice President Al Gore. As a retired public health and nonprofit manager and Climate Reality O.C. founding member, Margo served as Co-Chair (2019-22). She is also an active member of the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter, Orange County Group, O.C. Clean Power, and O.C. Interfaith Coalition for the Environment. She has moderated climate panels and presented to numerous community groups, faith groups, environmental groups, and classrooms since 2018. She serves as Climate Reality O.C. Cool Cities Chair and sits on the Irvine Cool Cities Program Community Stakeholder Committee. In this capacity, she has served as a volunteer coach for the Cool Block Program.
Advisory Council Members
Alexander Kim
Alexander Kim is the Founder and Principal of Three Kings Public Affairs, Co-Principal of Windfall Strategics LLC. He has over 20 years of experience in government affairs, including pivotal roles in the City of Los Angeles and State of California. Holding an MBA from Pepperdine University and is a frequent guest lecturer on government/public affairs. He is a Network of Korean Americans (NetKAL) Fellow at the University of Southern California (USC) School of Social Work. Alexander obtained a B.S. in Biology/Minor in Political Science at U.C. Irvine, where he co-founded the University of California at Irvine (UCI) Korean American Alumni Chapter as its first president and remains active as an alumni in the Anteater community.
Alan Woo
Dr. Alan H. Woo, a passionate advocate for anti-poverty initiatives and affordable housing, has dedicated his life to community development. Born in Toisan, China, he faced discrimination in South Central Los Angeles, sparking a commitment to combat inadequate education and racial disparities. Currently serving as Deputy Director of Santa Ana Unidos and a board member for the Affordable Housing Clearinghouse, Woo's influence extends through various roles, including Planning Commissioner for the City of Santa Ana. With a public policy and social transformation background, he has impacted communities in Southern California and beyond, creating housing and economic opportunities and advocating for minority businesses. Woo's extensive recognition underscores his profound contributions to community building and poverty alleviation.
PARTNERS
We are grateful for all of our wonderful partners!
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Headquarters: Tustin, CA
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