William O’Connell argues there should be no concerns about his
campaign donations to Harry Sidhu’s 2010 supervisorial campaign.
Not so, says county watchdog Shirley Grindle.
Mayor Tom Tait called a special meeting of the City Council for
Tuesday with hopes that council members will reconsider a deal to
divert $158 million in room tax subsidies to the developers of two
four-star hotels.
Join 23,000 OC residents who rely on the Morning Report.
We’re cranking up the volume on what’s happening behind the scenes in Orange County in our free newsletter. Delivered Monday-Saturday.
Waiving 80 percent of the city’s room tax could amount to a
$158-million savings for the project.
Partnerships controlled by GardenWalk hotel developers William
O’Connell and Ajesh Patel gave Anaheim Councilman Harry Sidhu at
least $6,800 in illegal contributions during his 2010 supervisorial
run, according to finance records.
Council members are set to vote on whether a hotel developer
should get 80 percent of the bed tax revenue that two proposed
high-end hotels would generate.
Sources close to City Hall say Thomas Wood and key members of
the City Council had been at odds for some time before he was asked
to resign last week. The city’s business community, meanwhile, is
shocked and confused.
In 2009 the city contracted with Scott Fazekas to run its
building division. Since he was hired, Fazekas’ firm received more
than 80 percent of the city’s plan review work.
The Shops at Anaheim GardenWalk will replace retail shops with
restaurants and entertainment venues in an effort to boost sagging
revenues.
A look at statements of economic interest filed by Anaheim City
Council members reveals a wide variety of business involvements and
some substantial wealth.
Last year, former Mayor Curt Pringle touted the city’s
partnership with a company he said would revolutionize the power
industry. What Pringle apparently didn’t know was that Anaheim was
partnering with an alleged con artist.
First of two parts. Read part two, “Another Questionable
Business Relationship for Santa Ana Mayor,” here.
Join 23,000 OC residents who rely on the Morning Report.
We’re cranking up the volume on what’s happening behind the scenes in Orange County in our free newsletter. Delivered Monday-Saturday.
The pets in this story may already have homes. These are the animals waiting at the shelter today.
Adoptions at OC Animal Care are by appointment. Give the pet ID when you contact the shelter. Listings come from OC Animal Care and update every two hours.
We'll send a verification code to %EMAIL%.
