Federal Funding Secured for Public Safety
Welcome to the Sunday Brief! We’re hoping your coffee is hot and your NFL team is still alive in the division round. Either way, we’ve got the local rundown to ease you into the day.
In today's Tustin Brief
- Federal Funding Secured for Public Safety
- Southern California Edison (SCE) Rate Changes
- Orange County Department of Education Initiatives
- Tustin Unified Board Meeting
Enjoy your Sunday!
— BV Luong
THE DIGEST
Federal Funding Secured for Public Safety
Rep. Young Kim secured $2.5 million in federal funding for the Tustin Security Improvement Project. This investment will install modern security camera technology throughout the City of Tustin, including at the historic South Hangar, parks, youth centers, and gyms. Following the 2023 North Hangar fire, these upgrades are critical to enhance public safety, deter criminal activity, and provide law enforcement with tools to prevent future disasters.
--
Southern California Edison (SCE) Rate Changes
SCE electricity rates are changing effective January 1, 2026. While the average residential rate shows a slight decrease to 34.5 cents per kWh (from 35.3 cents), customers experienced a significant 12.9% rate increase in 2026 overall due to accumulated rate adjustments throughout 2025. Additionally, California is shifting part of grid costs into a fixed monthly charge (approximately $24.15 for most households) starting in 2026.
--
Orange County Department of Education Initiatives
Innovation Funding Initiative: Applications are open through January 30, 2026 for OCDE's Innovation Funding Initiative. Districts serving grades TK-12 can apply for awards up to $525,000 to support three-year innovative projects. Awardees will be announced in late February 2026, with projects launching July 2026
--
Tustin Unified Board Meeting
The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026 at the TUSD Board Room. Closed session begins at 4:30 PM; open session at 6:00 PM. Livestream available here.
TUSTIN LOCAL BUSINESSES
The District at Tustin Legacy continues to add news tenants. Here are two local businesses that recently opened and another set to open later this year:
Jini Mini
Jini Mini is a plush-focused boutique at The District at Tustin, offering a carefully curated selection of character plushies and cute gifts from brands like Jellycat, Miffy, Peanuts, Pusheen, and Sanrio. Everything is super cute, making it perfect for birthdays—and honestly, for treating yourself too. If you need a gift that guarantees a smile, this is your stop.
Le Macaron French Pastries
Le Macaron French Pastries is a boutique patisserie at The District at Tustin Legacy, offering around two dozen flavors of French macarons, plus pastries, chocolates, gelato, and European-style coffee—all served in a chic, Paris-inspired setting. Everything feels indulgent and beautifully presented, making it perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or an impressive last-minute gift. If you want something that feels thoughtful, stylish, and delicious, this is an easy win.
Activate Games
Activate Games (Activate Tustin) is an active gaming facility where guests move through high-tech, interactive rooms featuring physical and mental challenges like climbing walls, laser mazes, and puzzle-based games. This location is scheduled to open July 2026.
Put your business in front of families who care about where they live, shop, and spend their time. Sponsoring Tustin Brief is a simple way to spotlight what you do and connect directly with the Tustin community—right in their inbox. Interested? Email us at sponsor@tustin.blog to learn more.
ACTIVITIES
Happenin' This Week 🗓️
Bingo Night
Presale tickets for the Tustin Parks & Recreation Bingo Night will be available Monday, January 12, 2026 via the Tustin Today link.
The Wiz at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
The Broadway production of The Wiz runs January 13-25, 2026 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz features updated choreography and music.
Later This Month 🗓️
OCSA Connects Community Arts Festival
Free event at Orange County School of the Arts, 1010 N. Main St., Santa Ana. This festival is designed for children ages 5-11 and families, featuring interactive arts play areas, live performances by OCSA students, and inclusive programming celebrating all cultures. Registration required; space available on first-come, first-served basis.
January 17, 2026, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monster Jam at Angel Stadium
Monster Jam’s biggest tournament roars into Angel Stadium in mid-January. The Stadium Championship Series features top drivers competing in racing, freestyle, and skills challenges over two action-packed days, with pit parties, interactive experiences, and VIP options that bring fans up close to the trucks and drivers.
January 17-18, 2026
WEATHER
Sunday, January 12
⛅ High 78° | Low 51° | 💧 0% | 💨 NNE 9 mph
Monday, January 13
⛅ High 76° | Low 52° | 💧 0% | 💨 N 7 mph
Tuesday, January 14
☀️ High 78° | Low 53° | 💧 1% | 💨 NW 6 mph
Sunny conditions expected throughout the three-day period with low precipitation chances. Temperatures will be mild with highs in the low to upper 70s. Light winds predominantly from the north.
BOXSCORE
Beckman High School
🏀 Boys Basketball
Jan 9: vs. Aliso Niguel — Loss (37-39)
--
🏀 Girls Basketball
Jan 8: vs. San Juan Hills — Win (49-40)
--
⚽ Boys Soccer
Jan 9: vs. Tesoro — Loss (1-4)
--
⚽ Girls Soccer
Jan 7: vs. Capistrano Valley — Draw (1-1)
Foothill High School
🏀 Boys Basketball
Jan 9: vs. Canyon — Loss (52-75)
Jan 9: vs. Dougherty Valley — Loss (30-67)
--
🏀 Girls Basketball
Jan 9: vs. Dougherty Valley — Loss (26-61)
Jan 9: vs. El Modena — Loss (27-61)
--
⚽ Boys Soccer
Jan 9: vs. Villa Park — Loss (2-4)
Tustin High School
🏀 Boys Basketball
Jan 8: vs. Fullerton — Win (45-36)
--
⚽ Boys Soccer
Jan 9: vs. Costa Mesa — Win (2-0)
Jan 7: vs. Ocean View — Win (2-1)
--
⚽ Girls Soccer
Jan 8: vs. Santa Ana — Draw (1-1)
CIVIC NEWS
Housing Element Rezoning Approved
City Council approved the Housing Element Rezone Project on January 7, 2025. This allows:
- Tustin Legacy: Additional 855 residential units in Neighborhoods D South, D North, and G
- Enderle Center: Up to 413 housing units on 7 acres
- The Market Place: Up to 900 housing units on 18 acres
No specific development is proposed yet—these are zoning changes to accommodate the city's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) through 2029.
--
Fiscal Oversight and Investment Policy
While the Planning Commission paused, the city’s fiscal oversight mechanisms remained active. The Investment Sub-Committee convened on January 8, 2026, to review the city’s investment portfolio and financial strategies. This meeting is of particular significance given the city’s current liquidity needs. With over $48 million incurred in costs related to the Hangar fire remediation and only a fraction reimbursed by the Navy to date, the management of the city’s cash flow and investment yields is critical. The Sub-Committee's role in ensuring that the city’s reserves are both secure and performing adequately is vital to bridging the gap between immediate emergency expenditures and long-term federal reimbursements.
THANK YOU
Thanks for reading the Tustin Brief today. If you found something useful, please share it with a friend.
