Large Mammals will be Housed in a $7.4 Million Enclosure at the OC Zoo

OC Zoo
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Editors’ Note: This dispatch is part of the Voice of OC Youth Media program, working with student journalists to cover public policy issues across Orange County. If you would like to submit your own student media project related to Orange County civics or if you have any response to this work, contact Digital Editor Sonya Quick at squick@voiceofoc.org. A $7.4 million exhibit featuring large mammals is coming to the Orange County Zoo as part of an expansion plan started in 2013. The exhibit will feature rock walls, four display spaces, and a waterfall, as well as secure fencing to protect animals and visitors. Mountain lions and jaguars are expected to inhabit this exhibit, which will be designed to represent the flora and fauna of Orange County.

Newport to Consider New Bridge and Recreation Area Options Near Sunset Ridge Park

Newport Beach
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Editors’ Note: This dispatch is part of the Voice of OC Youth Media program, working with student journalists to cover public policy issues across Orange County. If you would like to submit your own student media project related to Orange County civics or if you have any response to this work, contact Digital Editor Sonya Quick at squick@voiceofoc.org. The Newport Beach City Council on Nov. 19 will discuss possible uses for a future recreational area at West Coast Highway and Superior Avenue, potentially including a dog park. Also under consideration will be plans to build an estimated $2.6 million pedestrian and bicycle bridge across Superior Avenue, connecting Sunset Ridge Park to the recreation area under discussion.

Newport Beach Set to Consider Water Rate Hike

Newport Beach
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Editors’ Note: This dispatch is part of the Voice of OC Youth Media program, working with student journalists to cover public policy issues across Orange County. If you would like to submit your own student media project related to Orange County civics or if you have any response to this work, contact Digital Editor Sonya Quick at squick@voiceofoc.org. The Newport Beach City Council Nov. 19 will consider an initial 7.4% water rate hike, which, if approved, is expected to generate about $1 million in fiscal year 2020. According to a staff report, a recent water rate study found that without the rate increase, the city’s water enterprise fund’s “reserve balances would dip below the minimum target over the next few years.” The funds generated from the water increase would go toward the rising cost of purchasing and pumping water, operational expenses and replacement of aging infrastructure.

Anaheim to Vote on New Public Utilities Facilities

Anaheim
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Editors’ Note: This dispatch is part of the Voice of OC Youth Media program, working with student journalists to cover public policy issues across Orange County. If you would like to submit your own student media project related to Orange County civics or if you have any response to this work, contact Digital Editor Sonya Quick at squick@voiceofoc.org. Anaheim City Council members on Tuesday are expected to consider authorizing construction of two new buildings for the city’s public utility, at a total cost of $13 million. The deal is for Los Angeles-based firm John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects, Inc., to design a utilities crew quarters building along with a $2.2 million sustainability education center. The construction of the two buildings is estimated to cost a total of $13 million.

Blizzard’s Apology Fails to Appease Protesters in Anaheim

Youth Media
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Despite Blizzard’s apology for punishing a video game tournament player who expressed support for Hong Kong protesters, many protesters outside the Anaheim Convention Center and online continued to criticize the gaming company for its lack of action and sincerity.

Newport Studying Potential for Pool at Lower Castaways Park

Youth Media
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According to a city staff report, the proposed new facility would aim to “satisfy [the community’s] needs by allowing for increased lap swim hours, year-round swim lessons, and a variety of aquatic based fitness and therapeutic classes for all ages. The addition of a community pool would also free up the high school pools for increased school, club, and competitive programming.”

Veterans Day Celebration Slated for Monday in Irvine

Youth Media
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Editors’ Note: This dispatch is part of the Voice of OC Youth Media program, working with student journalists to cover public policy issues across Orange County. If you would like to submit your own student media project related to Orange County civics or if you have any response to this work, contact Digital Editor Sonya Quick at squick@voiceofoc.org. Irvine will host a Veterans Day celebration Monday, a tradition that began 14 years ago. Lt. Col. Caleb Hyatt, commander of the city’s adopted 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine regiment, will be among the speakers at the ceremony honoring the nation’s veterans.