OC’s Biggest Civic Headlines as Cities Grapple With Budget Deficits
Orange County’s three largest cities are grappling with budget deficits while county Supervisors were criticized by the OC Grand Jury for unchecked spending – these are some of this week’s top civic news stories.
“Local investigative journalism is critical and in short supply. It’s important and needs to be supported.” -Diana M., Donor
Orange County’s Home-Based Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
A home-based rehabilitation center for injured, sick and abandoned wildlife provides care for squirrels, raccoons, skunks and opossums to help release them into the wild.
Historical Roller Rink in Orange Slated to Shut Down
A 50 year old roller rink in Orange is shutting its doors in August to potentially make way for housing.
OC Judge Orders Huntington Beach to Switch to a New Election System
The shift could make Huntington Beach the first city to use ranked choice voting in Orange County.
State Lawmaker Backs Off Gutting California Public Records Act
A slew of government and press organizations opposed a proposed state bill that would make it harder and more expensive for people to get public records.
Orange County Politics and Public Health Tangle in Sacramento
While Orange County Supervisors are set to keep their board seats on the county’s health plan for the poor, it’s an open question on whether or not they should among some leaders.
Santa Ana Officials Rally Against County’s Quietly Planned Halfway House
Santa Ana officials are pressuring county leaders to relocate a proposed $21 million halfway house for ex-cons outside of their city, arguing they already host too many social service hubs.
Is California’s Public Records Law About to Get Gutted?
AB 1821 would permit government agencies to charge some people $88 per hour as they search for public documents under the state’s public records act.
Irvine Looks to Charge For Parking at Great Park in Face of Budget Deficit
The council is also expected to hold a budget deep dive during a special meeting on Aug. 3.
Anaheim’s Budget Deficit Eats Half of $120 Million in Expected New Tax Revenue
When the 1997 Disneyland Resort expansion bonds are paid off next year, Anaheim’s budget deficit is expected to cut the $120 million in new revenue in half while officials also look to rebuild reserves.
Orange County Supervisors Pick Interim CEO After Failed Search for Permanent Pick
OC Supervisors ran out of time to pick who the next permanent CEO would be, putting their current head of IT in charge of county operations ahead of their summer vacations.
Santa Ana’s Bleak Budget Leads to Commission Purge
Officials are dissolving five resident-run advisory boards to save tens of thousands of dollars in the face of a multi-million dollar budget gap.
INSIDE THE NEWSROOM
Voice of OC Wins Three First Place Awards at OC Press Club
Huntington Beach Airshow Settlement, Food Insecurity in OC and more recognized by the Orange County Press Corp at Gala last week
Voice of OC Welcomes New Summer Interns
Journalism students Sara Leon and Lauren Contreras prepare to join Voice of OC for the summer.
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