Our Norberto Santana Jr. details how the $48-million tax grab that Gov. Jerry Brown executed on Orange County last week has its roots in a decision made by local officials in 2005 — and in those not made in the ensuing years.

The OC Register reports that Assemblyman Jim Silva, who was a county supervisor in 2006 when the county bankruptcy debt refinancing issue arose, questions the legislative fix proposed by Assemblyman Jose Solorio to keep the $48 million in Orange County.

Our Tracy Wood examines yet another bad report card brought home by the managers of the state’s high-speed rail program.

An appellate court has delivered what looks like the deathblow to an effort by the private company Facilities Management West to purchase the Orange County Fairgrounds. Here is our story, and here is the Daily Pilot’s take.

In other news …

Our media partner, PBS So Cal, starts construction on a new studio.

San Juan Capistrano city councilman wants to allow unloaded guns at parks.

OC Watchdog Teri Sforza takes apart Orange County water boards for their director pay and perks.

Finalists appear for Costa Mesa police chief job.

— THE EDITORS

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