Whether it’s Angel Stadium or underage drinking, this week is set to be a lively one for Orange County politics and policy.
Here are the top issues we’re tracking:
1. New Crime for Underage Drinking?
Adults could face new criminal penalties for allowing underage drinking in their homes if a new ordinance by county Supervisor Todd Spitzer is approved on Tuesday.
It got major pushback from his colleagues the last time around, who argued it would violate civil liberties and criminalize 20 year-old soldiers home from war who want to toss back a couple beers with each other.
This time, the ordinance stipulates that it doesn’t give police any additional power to enter homes.
Background: Officials Clash Over Underage Drinking Law
When: Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Orange County Hall of Administration in Santa Ana.
Would it be an effective tool to battle underage drinking and driving? Or does it go too far? Comment below and Tweet your thoughts with the hashtag #SocialHost!
2. New Downtown Business Tax?
Chapter OneThe controversial debate over Santa Ana’s downtown promotion tax is set for another round, with a proposed tax set for a council vote this week.
Background: New Tax District Approved for Downtown
When: Monday at 5:45 p.m.
Where: Santa Ana City Hall
What do you think of the new tax? Comment below and Tweet your thoughts with the hashtag #SantaAna!
3. Angel Stadium Negotiations
Activist groups are pushing back against the proposed lease framework, calling it a taxpayer giveaway worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Others strongly dispute that, cautioning that the Angels could pack up and leave Anaheim.
The latest debate is set for this week’s council meeting, where outreach efforts are on the agenda.
Background: How to Keep the Angels in Anaheim
When: Tuesday at 5 p.m.
Where: Anaheim City Hall
What do you think of the lease debate? Comment below and Tweet your thoughts with the hashtag #Anaheim!
4. Runoff Elections for Mayor?
In an effort that could curb 10-term Mayor Miguel Pulido’s chances at re-election, the Santa Ana council majority has been talking about requiring a primary election for the position.
The top two vote-getters would compete for the mayor’s spot during the general election.
The council is set to discuss that effort this week and could set in motion a voter referendum on the issue.
Background: Council Might Require Primary Election for Mayor
When: Monday at 5:45 p.m.
Where: Santa Ana City Hall
What do you think? Comment below and Tweet your thoughts with the hashtag #SantaAna!
5. Report on Mayor’s Property Swap?
Santa Ana’s city attorney has been probing the controversial deal and has said she’ll report to council members this week.
But it’s a wait-and-see at this point, since the council agenda doesn’t list it.
Background: Report Pending on Santa Ana Mayor’s Property Swap
When: Monday at 5:45 p.m. (possibly)
Where: Santa Ana City Hall
What do you think about the mayor’s property swap? Comment below and Tweet your thoughts with the hashtag #SantaAna!
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This Week’s Major Meetings:
Orange County Board of Supervisors (Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.) – Agenda Changes
- Appointing Chairman Shawn Nelson to the Orange County Commission to End Homelessness.
- Reassigning a $500,000-per year contract from Faubel Public Affairs to Barrios & Associates, which is set to buy FPA’s assets in March.
- Canceling contract negotiations with Navex Global Inc. to provide online equal employment opportunity training, because the firm is “refusing to accept the County’s scope of work or model contract language.”
- Approving new criminal penalties for allowing underage drinking at a home, with a stipulation that it doesn’t allow any extra authority for law enforcement to enter homes.
- Finalizing changes to the definition of “vicious” and “potentially dangerous” dogs that can be impounded and killed by the county.
- Approving an affordable housing plan for new housing development by Rancho Mission Viejo, with an unclear number of units.
- Preparing for the county’s 125th anniversary party on August 1, 2014, including a special commemorative county logo.
- Approving a $3.5-million per year contract for sample ballot printing services with Merrill Communications LLC.
- Supervisors aren’t scheduled to meet for another four weeks until Jan. 14.
Anaheim City Council (Tuesday at 5 p.m.)
- Study session on “short-term rental” at 3 p.m.
- Appointing interim Police Chief Raul Quezada to the permanent post.
- Discussing public outreach about the Angel Stadium lease negotiations.
- Selecting a property manager (LPC Transit Management) for the ARTIC transit depot.
- A resolution stating the city’s position that special districts and other government agencies go through the city planning process when considering land use issues.
- Choosing a mayor pro tem for 2014.
Santa Ana City Council (Monday at 5:45 p.m.)
- Discussing a potential charter amendment requiring primary elections for council members and/or the mayor.
- Setting up an additional tax for downtown businesses that would go to organizations that promote the downtown area.
Huntington Beach City Council (Monday at 6 p.m.)
- Study session on Central Park senior center project at 4 p.m.
Fullerton City Council (Tuesday at 6:30)
Lake Forest City Council (Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.)
Tustin City Council (Tuesday at 7 p.m.)
Yorba Linda City Council (Tuesday at 7 p.m.)
San Clemente City Council (Tuesday at 6 p.m.)
Laguna Niguel City Council (Tuesday at 7 p.m.)
La Habra City Council (Monday at 6:30 p.m.)
Fountain Valley City Council (Tuesday at 6 p.m.)
Placentia City Council (Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.)
Aliso Viejo City Council (Wednesday at 7 p.m.)
Brea City Council (Tuesday at 7 p.m.)
San Juan Capistrano City Council (Tuesday at 6 p.m.)
Laguna Woods City Council (Wednesday at 2 p.m.)
La Palma City Council (Tuesday at 7 p.m.)
Los Alamitos City Council (Monday at 6 p.m.)
- Special meeting at 5 p.m. for interviewing applicants for city commissions (parks, recreation, cultural arts, planning and traffic) and making appointments.
Villa Park City Council (Tuesday at 7 p.m.)
Rossmoor Community Services District (Tuesday at 5 p.m.)
- Special meeting to approve a contract with The Orange County Advocacy Group Inc.
Surfside Colony Community Services District (Monday at 6:30 p.m.)
Ladera Ranch Civic Council (Monday at 7 p.m.)
See something interesting in the agendas? Comment below or shoot us an email!
Adam Elmahrek contributed to this post.
You can reach Nick Gerda at ngerda@gmail.com, and follow him on Twitter: @nicholasgerda.