In a rare win for the city’s activists, the City Council Tuesday night voted to restore a council districts map, known as the “people’s map,” that has broad community support and put a Latino-majority district up for election in 2016.
Author Archives: Adam Elmahrek
Posted inCountywide, Economy, Santa Ana, Top Stories
Rancho Santiago Moves Closer to New Rules on Gifts, Travel
A board committee of the Rancho Santiago Community College District met Monday to discuss stricter rules on gifts and travel in light of a Voice of OC investigation into luxurious travel by trustees and officials.
Posted inAnaheim, Top Stories
Video: Anaheim’s Battle Over ‘The People’s Map’
In a special video report, Voice of OC examines a watershed moment in Anaheim politics, as residents and activists confront the city council majority over a voting districts map that could change the city’s electoral landscape.
Posted inAnaheim, Countywide, Top Stories
Anaheim City Manager Denies Mayor’s Request to Discuss ‘People’s Map’
Based on a technicality, the city manager decided not to agendize Mayor Tom Tait’s request to discuss restoring a widely supported council districts map. Tait and his allies say the denial is “outrageous.”
Posted inCountywide, Santa Ana, Top Stories
Rancho Santiago Chancellor: Official Taking Gifts From Contractors Is ‘Good Networking’
While staying mum publicly, Rancho Santiago Community College District Chancellor Raul Rodriguez said in emails that he approves of a vice chancellor taking thousands of dollars in gifts from district contractors.
Posted inSanta Ana, Top Stories
Harrah Wants to Build Boutique Hotel in Downtown Santa Ana
Local real estate tycoon Mike Harrah wants to tear down a city-owned parking garage at Third and Broadway and build a mixed-use development anchored by a hotel and condominiums.
Posted inCountywide, Government, Top Stories, Transportation
Spotty Bus Service Has OC Riders Fuming
Orange County Transportation Authority buses have failed to show up on dozens of occasions over the last six months, leaving many riders stranded and angry. The failures can be attributed to bus services that have been outsourced to a private contractor.
Posted inCountywide, Investigative, Irvine, Top Stories
An Irvine Corruption Fighter Has Her Own Ethical Issues
Councilwoman Christina Shea has built her political career on rooting out corruption surrounding the Great Park. But what she’s doing behind the scenes for a consulting client is also crossing ethical lines, a government ethics expert says.
Posted inAnaheim, Countywide, Politics & Elections, Top Stories
Jordan Brandman Quits Congressional Race
The Anaheim city councilman, who was among four candidates vying for the seat being vacated by Loretta Sanchez, exits the race after being condemned by the Democratic party and shouted down by Latino residents.
Posted inAnaheim, Countywide, Health & Wellness, Top Stories
Protesters Shut Down Anaheim Council Meeting
The meeting ended in chaos Tuesday night as protesters shouted down the council majority after it became clear it would not reverse a decision to scrap a district elections map that had broad community support.
