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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.
MEET THE TEAM
Patty Oh
Executive Director
From seasoned business professional to passionate environmental advocate, Patty Oh leads Cool OC in educating the public on climate change and providing resources for sustainable living. With a 20-year career in sales, marketing, and brand management, including six years as a sales and brand director for Harley-Davidson products, Patty transitioned to community activism in 2016.
In 2019, she co-founded Asian Americans in Action to engage the API community in local politics and advocate for progressive policies. As a long-time climate activist, Patty has worked with various organizations to advocate for strong climate action plans, community choice energy and increasing awareness on the pressing challenges of climate change. She is a trained Climate Reality Leader and served as Vice Chair of the OC Chapter of the Climate Reality Project, focusing on public education and local government advocacy.
In 2022, Patty was tapped to lead the Cool Irvine pilot program, which trained block leaders in sustainable living and disaster preparedness. Building on this success, she launched Cool OC to expand these efforts across Orange County, prioritizing disadvantaged communities. Patty is one of the few AAPI leaders to head an environmental nonprofit in the region and the nation.
Under her dynamic leadership, Cool OC continues to be a beacon of hope and action in the fight against climate change. Patty’s work inspires and empowers individuals and communities to make informed, impactful decisions for a sustainable future.
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!
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.
Name *Email *Phone *Message *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 OC © 2023