Summer is officially here! The ASCE Orange County Branch was excited to close out Spring 2026 with some fantastic events, and we are looking forward to the remainder of our 2025/2026 Fiscal Year. Our Annual Awards Night was hosted at The Charleston in Fullerton on May 6. We received many award nominations for individuals and projects and were pleased to get several event sponsors and a sizable turnout of roughly 200 people. A huge thank you to our Past President, Nestor Godin

In April 2026, members attended an informative presentation on the City of Santa Ana Downtown Flood Reduction and Stormwater Infiltration Project, an award-winning infrastructure project that demonstrates how innovative stormwater management can provide flood protection, improve water quality, and enhance community amenities. The presentation was delivered by Craig Foster, EIT, CPSWQ, QSD/P, NPDES Manager for the City of Santa Ana. During his more than nine years with the Cit

The Annual Awards Night is the marquee event for the ASCE Orange County community. It is an event to honor and recognize the outstanding individuals and projects in Orange Country from the past 12 months. The 2026 Awards Night was held on Wednesday, May 6, at The Charleston in Downtown Fullerton. The hosting venue was a historical building from 1927, and it was fitting to have this year’s theme based on the Roaring 20s. Younger Members at the 2027 ASCE Orange County Annual Aw

LBACS Pet Literacy The pet literacy event took place on April 4th, 2026 at the Long Beach Animal Care services facility. Volunteers got to read to all the dogs in the shelter a variety of stories, from Charlotte's web to even a book 'written by a dog'! It was a great opportunity to keep the animals company throughout their day and help some of the dogs who are shy around people more acquainted with visitors, who are looking for a pet. The dogs enjoyed learning to read almost

On Saturday, April 25th, 15 ASCE OC Volunteers picked up McLeod tools and shovels to clear invasive weeds and plant native plants with the Bolsa Chica Land Trust. Working with heavy-duty tools that the US Forest Service also uses to build trails and fire lines, it didn’t take us long to break a sweat and get a great workout. The ASCE volunteers worked together as a coordinated team and had fun. Restoring this rare coastal OC habitat is important for the endangered and threate

At this year’s Children’s Water Education Festival, hosted by the Orange County Water District, EWRI proudly joined dozens of agencies and organizations in inspiring the next generation of water professionals. Held April 15–16 at Oak Canyon Park, the 29th annual event welcomed more than 5,600 elementary students from across Orange County for two days of hands-on learning focused on water science, environmental stewardship, and career exploration. Representing Environmental an

The Spongebob Musical follows the story of all the Spongebob characters as they find out their town is in danger due to an imminent volcanic eruption. The town is in chaos and outrage but it is Spongebob who remains positive to unite Bikini Bottom. ASCE OC YMF JEDI Board Member, Kevin, played Squidward in the musical and was thrilled to have ASCE OC in the audience as he plays one of his dream roles. After the show, he was greeted with a standing ovation and lots of love from

On Saturday, June 13th, ASCE OC YMF hosted the third-annual pickleball tournament at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Long Beach. The event hosted 15 teams, who played doubles with each other, advancing based on scores. In between sets, participants enjoyed refreshments to recharge. Through much friendly competition, the tournament narrowed down to 4 teams, two going for the semifinals and two going for the finals. In the end, the reigning champs came out on top, with Br

Tom Braun chose to stop working for companies whose “metric driving” philosophy did not align with his own. His theory was simple: treat employees well, and success will follow. “I’ve always believed in giving people the freedom to manage their work as they see fit by using their strengths and good judgment. Let people work to the best of their ability, in their style. If they need help, step in to mentor.” Creating an environment of fun and trust is also a key element. A coh

PSWS BBQ Sendoff The PSWS BBQ was a high-energy sendoff that brought the entire chapter together as we geared up for competition. Students came together not only to enjoy good food and great company, but to put in the final push. We packed the U-Haul with all the equipment needed for a successful PSWS. It was a true team effort, with everyone stepping in to help, reflecting the collaboration and dedication that define our chapter. More than just preparation, the BBQ captured

Welcome to the American Society of Civil Engineers! We are happy you joined us in ASCE's Orange County Branch. Remember, there are 101 ways to benefit from your membership with ASCE. Become involved, educate yourself on an engineering topic outside of your expertise, and build relationships with others in the industry - to name a few. Learn More About Your Membership Here: https://www.asce.org/membership Please contact a Board Member if you have questions or a Committee Chair