Republican elected officials throughout Orange County are increasingly pushing back on Democrat-led efforts to redraw California’s Congressional maps early – typically done at the end of a decade.
Various city councils have condemned the move, saying it goes against the independent commission that typically draws the maps. But Democrats, like Gov. Gavin Newsom, say the move is a response to efforts in Texas, where officials are looking to redistrict their map to gain Republican seats.
In Huntington Beach – where council members condemned the redistricting push – there’s increasing questions over just how up front city leaders were about a controversial legal settlement with the owners of the Pacific Airshow.
When the deal was first signed, officials largely said they could negotiate better points in contracts for the annual air show. But a recently signed agreement shows the settlement was a de facto contract, despite earlier characterizations.
Also, stricter e-bike rules could be coming to Surf City.
There’s increasing concerns over a cat colony at Cypress College, where some local residents are raising concerns of animal abuse after noticing some felines disappear – a claim college officials have denied.
Recreation could get more expensive in Orange as city council members there look to curb budget woes – potentially increasing fees for public amenities like sports fields.
Amid the statewide housing crisis, new apartments have been approved by officials in San Juan Capistrano and Santa Ana in mixed-use developments that see a blend of housing and retail.
San Clemente’s iconic coast is about to look a little different after city council members signed off on a proposed 60-foot hotel featuring up to 130 rooms as city leaders eye revenue generated through hotel bed taxes.
Irvine is exploring a publicly funded child care program for infants and toddlers of people who live or work in the city as council members acknowledged the high cost of day care.
Meanwhile, Costa Mesa’s iconic lakes at Tewinkle Park will be fixed through a $2.5 million maintenance project after some council members publicly questioned the economic wisdom of keeping them.
Spencer Custodio is the civic editor. You can reach him at scustodio@voiceofoc.org. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerCustodio.