New Year, New CA Laws
Happy Thursday! The goods news is that we're inching closer to the long weekend. We hope you're having a productive week and have amazing plans ahead.
In today's brief:
- New California Traffic Safety Laws Effective
- OCDE Math Instructional Materials Fair
- Tustin Unified Board Meeting Recap
THE DIGEST
New California Traffic Safety Laws Effective Jan 1st
Several new public safety laws took effect on January 1, 2026, impacting drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians throughout California, including Tustin:
- School Zone Speed Limits (AB 382):
Local authorities may now reduce school zone speed limits from 25 mph to 20 mph through January 1, 2031. The default speed limit in school zones automatically becomes 20 mph statewide when children are present and proper signage is posted after January 31, 2031. - "Slow Down, Move Over" Law Expanded (AB 390):
Drivers must now slow down or change lanes for ANY stationary vehicle displaying hazard lights or warning devices. This previously applied only to emergency and highway service vehicles. - E-Bike and Electric Motorcycle Regulations (AB 544)
Electric bicycle safety requirements now apply during all hours of operation, not just darkness. All electric bicycles must have a red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear. Stricter impoundment rules for unauthorized electric vehicles and Class 3 e-bikes operated by minors.
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OCDE Math Instructional Materials Fair
The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) will host a free Math Instructional Materials Fair on January 22 at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa, giving district teams a chance to review state-approved K–8 and Algebra 1 math programs recently adopted by the California State Board of Education. With many programs and publishers on display, educators can compare materials side by side, speak directly with publisher representatives, and explore tools that support adoption decisions—including guidance tied to the 2023 California Mathematics Framework, state standards, and review resources like the California Department of Education’s evaluation criteria and CalCurriculum. The event is open to district leadership, teachers, TOSAs, and instructional teams, and registration is required.
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[Recap] Tustin Unified Board Meeting, Jan 12th
The Tustin Board of Education met on Monday, January 12, 2026 at the TUSD Board Room. Here's a recap of the things you should know:
- Recognitions: The board celebrated Ladera’s elementary girls volleyball team for winning the district competition, Beckman boys cross country for capturing the 2025 CIF Southern Section Division 1 title, and Beckman varsity football for winning the 2025 CIF Division 4A Southern Regional and Southern Section Division 8 championships. They also honored three longtime classified staff members retiring with 85 combined years of service.
- District updates: The superintendent thanked voters for passing Measure J (66.7%) and shared that Phase 1 modernization plans for O’Kelley (AOY), Loma Vista, and Beswick have been submitted to the Division of the State Architect, with construction expected to begin in June. The district also recognized four Administrators of the Year across business services, special education, elementary leadership, and middle school leadership, and promoted upcoming community events supporting students.
- School and student highlights: Student reports focused on hands-on learning and access—from Tustin High’s winter showcase and student-run media program, to Hillview’s community-building and preparations for the Hawk Games, to Beckman’s STEM and performing arts momentum, Foothill’s academics and showcase night, and Legacy’s award-winning Virtual Enterprise teams and project-based learning. The districtwide update also highlighted strong family engagement, robotics and Hour of Code participation, and student entrepreneurship on multiple campuses.
- Community input + board actions: Public comments centered on expanding girls beach volleyball as a CIF-supported sport in TUSD, arguing it’s low-cost, fast-growing, and tied to increasing college scholarship opportunities. Another speaker raised concerns about workplace culture and alleged misuse of surplus items in maintenance operations. The board approved several routine items, including updated signature authority resolutions, multiple board policy updates, and an agreement supporting employees who set aside income to help cover summer months.
View the meeting here.
Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.LOCAL BUSINESS
Almuerzo Cafe
A modern brunch destination merging traditional and contemporary breakfast and lunch options. Almuerzo Cafe scratch-bakes popular Pan Dulce pastries and serves specialty drinks including their signature Cookie Butter Latte and Snow Flake Margarita. The cafe offers a vibrant atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating.
Instagram: @almuerzocafe
Arvida Book Co.
An independent bookstore featuring new and used books with a coffee counter and free community seed library. Arvida Book Co. has earned recognition for serving the best matcha in Tustin and features a beloved book nook under the staircase that children love. Located in Old Town Tustin.
Instagram: @arvidabookco
Tustin Brewing Company
A local craft brewery and sports bar offering house-brewed beers (award-winning gold medal light beer and bronze medal porter), elevated pub food, and a casual atmosphere with numerous TVs for watching games. Menu highlights include buffalo wings, fish and chips, short rib tacos, and BBQ chicken pizza.
Instagram: @tustinbrewery
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ACTIVITIES
Happenin' This Week 🗓️
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.
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
CIVIC NEWS
MLK Day Closure
We're sure you already knew this but this a friendly reminder that city offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
WEATHER
Friday, January 16
☀️ High 79° | Low 50° | 💧 6% | 💨 ENE 6 mph
Saturday, January 17
⛅ High 81° | Low 53° | 💧 1% | 💨 ENE 7 mph
Sunday, January 18
☀️ High 76° | Low 52° | 💧 1% | 💨 SE 6 mph
Warm, summer-like stretch: mostly sunny and dry with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s and cool nights around 50–53°F. Rain chances stay near zero (1–6%) with light breezes (6–7 mph) shifting from ENE to SE by Sunday.
THANK YOU
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