For years, local political leaders largely ignored Orange County’s severe shortage of psychiatric beds, which has contributed to, among other things, the current homelessness crisis. But they are beginning to direct their policymaking to the problem.
Tag: County Government
Posted inCountywide, Government, Investigative, Top Stories
With Death Sentence Looming, Judge Keeps Defense Motion Sealed in Wozniak Case
For nearly two weeks, Superior Court Judge John D. Conley has refused to unseal a motion filed by the public defender for Daniel Patrick Wozniak, which represents the double murderer’s last-ditch effort to avoid the death penalty.
Posted inCountywide, Government, Investigative, Top Stories
Donations on Behalf of Supervisors Topped $100k This Summer
County supervisors are increasingly taking advantage of a state law that allows lobbyists and wealthy contributors to give money and in-kind donations requested by elected officials for their favored charities or government-sponsored events.
Posted inCountywide, Government, Housing & Homelessness, Santa Ana, Top Stories, Transportation
Santa Ana Council Responds to Criticism, Declares Civic Center Homeless Crisis
With the population of homeless people at the Civic Center ballooning to more than 450 and heavy criticism coming from the media and county officials, the Santa Ana City Council Tuesday declared a public health and safety crisis.
Posted inCountywide, Government, Health & Wellness, Housing & Homelessness, News Briefs, Santa Ana, Top Stories
Supervisors to Santa Ana: ‘Put Up or Shut Up’ on Civic Center Homeless Crisis
The county Board of Supervisors during a special meeting Tuesday challenged Santa Ana leaders to decide before Election Day whether they will join with the county in an effort to address the homelessness crisis at the downtown Civic Center.
Posted inCountywide, Economy, Government, News Briefs, Top Stories
County Supervisors Approve New Contract for Deputy Sheriffs
The three-year contract, approved by board members unanimously and without discussion, will cost taxpayers an additional $62.2 million between now and 2019.
Posted inCountywide, Government, Housing & Homelessness, Santa Ana, Top Stories
People of the Riverbed
On any given day, as many as 500 souls call the bed of the Santa Ana River home. While the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California has been sounding alarm bells about the situation, little has been done. Here is a glimpse into life in the riverbed.
Posted inCountywide, Norberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Lack of Warning on Civic Center Gun Threat Is Symptom of a Larger Problem
The delay in alerting county employees of a shooting at Santa Ana’s Civic Center grounds this month is connected to county supervisors’ politicking and fundraising and lack of effectiveness on issues like IT and homelessness.
Posted inEconomy, Government, Investigative, Top Stories
County Gets $26 Million Settlement From Software Company in Fraud Case
Tata Consultancy Services has paid $26 million to settle a lawsuit alleging the company defrauded taxpayers through a failed software project, according to Orange County officials.
Posted inCountywide, Government, Investigative, Top Stories
Judge: More Jail Informant Records Hidden by O.C. Sheriff’s Deputies
Superior Court Judge Thomas M. Goethals said Friday that a “significant amount” of recently uncovered informant evidence should have been provided years ago to public defenders for convicted mass murderer Scott Evans Dekraai.
