Voice of OC (https://voiceofoc.org/category/cities/placentia/)
Orange County Fire Authority Chief Jeff Bowman stepped down after a group of managers called for his resignation. It’s unclear what their concerns were, and an effort is underway to bring Bowman back.
As city leaders come to terms with the alleged $4.3-million embezzlement by former Finance Manager Michael M Nguyen, experts say the city administration lacked proper internal controls.
Michael M Nguyen is accused of embezzling $4.3 million from the city and covering up the activity by altering the city’s financial ledgers. He faces 17 counts of misappropriation of public funds and up to 29 years in prison.
Since 2012, nearly $34,000 in contributions to Nguyen’s supervisor and state Senate campaigns have come from five unrelated individuals who list an upscale home in Placentia as their primary residence.
Courtni Laughlin says requirements to install sprinklers have prevented her from opening a much-needed center for adults in Placentia.
The City Council indefinitely postpones plan to erect billboards next to homes after facing a packed chamber of upset constituents.
The consultant who helped the city shape the bidding process was in fact a lobbyist paid by the company poised to win the bid.
Current city laws are ‘much more onerous’ than state requirements, according to city administrator.
Financial pressures will affect public safety, city workers, parks and even sidewalks.
The city needs to trim $3.6 million from next year’s budget, which could translate to 10 police department positions left vacant.