The Orange City Council is moving ever closer toward a development deal for one of the last significant tracts of open space in the city, which, as Tracy Wood reports, means that residents opposed to the development are moving toward a referendum.

State Sen. Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana) thinks more cities should be in the rotation for seats on the Orange County Transportation Authority board. OCTA board members, however, think things should stay just as they are.

And tune in this morning between 11:30 and noon to Larry Mantle’s AirTalk on KPCC (89.3) and hear our own Norberto Santana Jr., along with the Register’s Teri Sforza and the Weekly’s Gustavo Arellano, talk about OC’s top stories.

Now for some other news worth noting in local politics and government …

Republican presidential contender heads to OC.

OC grand jury touts sheriff’s jail rehab programs.

Laguna Hills cuts health benefits for elected officials.

Dozen Capistrano Unified School District workers get pink slips.

La Habra resident does his own tribute to fallen military heroes.

Frank Mickadeit talks to Costa Mesa public employee Billy Folsom about outsourcing in Costa Mesa.

Man pleads guilty in threat against Villa Park Councilwoman Deb Pauly.

Costa Mesa budget relies too much on sales taxes, consultant warns.

Newport Beach studies methods for balancing budget.

LA-based gaming machine company sues Garden Grove for confiscated machines.

UCI Muslim students head to court in DA action over interruption of Israeli ambassador.

— THE EDITORS

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